Experiential Therapy in Kern County, CA
Melissa Kadel
Counselor, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93301
I am an associate professional clinical counselor. I provide therapy to children, adults, couples and families experiencing emotional and relational challenges. While cognitive behavior therapy is most widely used, I focus on the individual needs of each client to meet their needs. I will work with you to strengthen inner health, resolve conflicts and promote positive growth in an open, safe, empathetic environment.
I am an associate professional clinical counselor. I provide therapy to children, adults, couples and families experiencing emotional and relational challenges. While cognitive behavior therapy is most widely used, I focus on the individual needs of each client to meet their needs. I will work with you to strengthen inner health, resolve conflicts and promote positive growth in an open, safe, empathetic environment.
Anisha Holden
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hey there! My name is Anisha Holden, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family therapist. I enjoy working with children/teens, adults, couples and families that are interested in working of differing backgrounds/cultures. Often, clients that are in the process of transitioning to a new stage in life are attracted to working with me. Whether it is becoming a spouse or parent, moving into a new position, graduating, or just simply changing from one state of being to another, my aim is to provide the necessary support to do so successfully. With any change, comes anxiety, depression, indecision, and so on.
Hey there! My name is Anisha Holden, and I am a Licensed Marriage & Family therapist. I enjoy working with children/teens, adults, couples and families that are interested in working of differing backgrounds/cultures. Often, clients that are in the process of transitioning to a new stage in life are attracted to working with me. Whether it is becoming a spouse or parent, moving into a new position, graduating, or just simply changing from one state of being to another, my aim is to provide the necessary support to do so successfully. With any change, comes anxiety, depression, indecision, and so on.
Marsinah Ramirez Buchan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93306
Difficulty Finding A Therapist? Sessions Now Available In Person or Online. When we are stuck in the midst of problems, it is often difficult to have hope. It may feel like things will never change. Being stuck prevents us from seeing our choices, so we may try to resolve a problem by doing something that we have already tried. This is normal, but sometimes normal stops working. So when life gets chaotic - or just plain crazy - and what we have tried has failed, consider therapy to become unstuck. I am here to help you untangle yourself from difficult situations, self-sabotaging behaviors or emotional angst that makes life hard.
Difficulty Finding A Therapist? Sessions Now Available In Person or Online. When we are stuck in the midst of problems, it is often difficult to have hope. It may feel like things will never change. Being stuck prevents us from seeing our choices, so we may try to resolve a problem by doing something that we have already tried. This is normal, but sometimes normal stops working. So when life gets chaotic - or just plain crazy - and what we have tried has failed, consider therapy to become unstuck. I am here to help you untangle yourself from difficult situations, self-sabotaging behaviors or emotional angst that makes life hard.
Amarilys Reyes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308
Hi! Ser padre/madre, mujer, hija/hijo y pareja en esta nueva etapa de tu vida puede ser una tarea muy difícil, pero no tiene que enfrentarla solo. Me alegro que haya llegado hasta mi para poder brindarle mi ayuda. I am a Latinx, mother, educator, Bilingual Spanish Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in the state of California.
Hi! Ser padre/madre, mujer, hija/hijo y pareja en esta nueva etapa de tu vida puede ser una tarea muy difícil, pero no tiene que enfrentarla solo. Me alegro que haya llegado hasta mi para poder brindarle mi ayuda. I am a Latinx, mother, educator, Bilingual Spanish Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor in the state of California.
Ana Zalles
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
I am Ana Zalles, LMFT 137168. I am a multi-dynamic and integrative therapist. I have a background in Trauma, CBT, DBT and multiple other EBP approaches to range ages 3-65+ . I enjoy expanding my treatment expertise and currently training on EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I feel comfortable with clients from all ages and cultural back grounds. I have an extensive training and treatment focus with survivors of trauma, anxiety and depression.
I am Ana Zalles, LMFT 137168. I am a multi-dynamic and integrative therapist. I have a background in Trauma, CBT, DBT and multiple other EBP approaches to range ages 3-65+ . I enjoy expanding my treatment expertise and currently training on EMDR and Psychedelic Assisted Treatment. I feel comfortable with clients from all ages and cultural back grounds. I have an extensive training and treatment focus with survivors of trauma, anxiety and depression.
Athena Byrne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561
I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families through a person-centered and goal-oriented approach. I utilize interventions and modalities aligned with identifying client needs, strengthening their capacity for growth and development, and supporting them in reducing symptoms and increasing progress toward their personal goals.
I am committed to assisting individuals, couples, and families through a person-centered and goal-oriented approach. I utilize interventions and modalities aligned with identifying client needs, strengthening their capacity for growth and development, and supporting them in reducing symptoms and increasing progress toward their personal goals.
John R Navejas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
Steven Hopper
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Delano, CA 93215
I am a Licensed Marriage and family therapist who is committed to helping my clients navigate the issues arising in their lives through the use of therapy. I have nearly 20 years of experience and in my career, I have treated many types of disorders and about 60% of my career has been working with families and children. I feel comfortable treating most challenges from depression, anxiety, depression, bipolar, to psychotic disorders.
I am a Licensed Marriage and family therapist who is committed to helping my clients navigate the issues arising in their lives through the use of therapy. I have nearly 20 years of experience and in my career, I have treated many types of disorders and about 60% of my career has been working with families and children. I feel comfortable treating most challenges from depression, anxiety, depression, bipolar, to psychotic disorders.
Allyssa VanHooser
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
Hi there, I’m Allyssa VanHooser! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about assisting my clients as they transition through life’s challenges. Life can get difficult at times, and I am happy to walk alongside my clients as they heal. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adult women and men, including older teen girls and young women. I find that most of my clients present with anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and most recently I received training in working with cancer patients and their families.
Hi there, I’m Allyssa VanHooser! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about assisting my clients as they transition through life’s challenges. Life can get difficult at times, and I am happy to walk alongside my clients as they heal. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adult women and men, including older teen girls and young women. I find that most of my clients present with anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and most recently I received training in working with cancer patients and their families.
Violet Alcantar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93308 (Online Only)
Hello, I’m Violet, a licensed therapist with 12 years of experience helping individuals to find hope and healing to overcome all of life’s challenges. Whether it be grief, loss, life changes and transitions, anxiety or trauma, relationship concerns, parenting struggles or family conflict, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey. I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, infertility, new parents, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. I also have experience and a heart for working with parents of special needs children.
Hello, I’m Violet, a licensed therapist with 12 years of experience helping individuals to find hope and healing to overcome all of life’s challenges. Whether it be grief, loss, life changes and transitions, anxiety or trauma, relationship concerns, parenting struggles or family conflict, I would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey. I specialize in working with anxiety/trauma, infertility, new parents, and pregnancy/postpartum concerns. I also have experience and a heart for working with parents of special needs children.
Cherie Chavez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
My name is Cherie Chavez, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing integrative psychotherapy via telehealth statewide in California. In 2009 I began counseling adults coping with severe mental illness and complex trauma, to help provide symptom relief and improve their quality of life. Having a diagnosis can feel stigmatizing; reaching out for help so you don't go it alone can be empowering. I am very comfortable and most experienced in working with adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.
My name is Cherie Chavez, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing integrative psychotherapy via telehealth statewide in California. In 2009 I began counseling adults coping with severe mental illness and complex trauma, to help provide symptom relief and improve their quality of life. Having a diagnosis can feel stigmatizing; reaching out for help so you don't go it alone can be empowering. I am very comfortable and most experienced in working with adults diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression.
Porsche Terry
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
I am well rounded, hold a high level of cultural competency, and understand the unique struggles of immigration, victims of crime, racism, discrimination, systemic barriers, lack of resources, and the impact of economic hardships on mental health functioning. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and joining with my clients to help them achieve their goals. Fairly stable clients with desires to prevent potential distress. College students, first-generation graduates, the transition of life worries and bridging the gap of knowledge and rapidly shifting social norms in a highly technological society during the pandemic.
I am well rounded, hold a high level of cultural competency, and understand the unique struggles of immigration, victims of crime, racism, discrimination, systemic barriers, lack of resources, and the impact of economic hardships on mental health functioning. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and joining with my clients to help them achieve their goals. Fairly stable clients with desires to prevent potential distress. College students, first-generation graduates, the transition of life worries and bridging the gap of knowledge and rapidly shifting social norms in a highly technological society during the pandemic.
Jessica Gilligan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Hello, I'm Jessica Gilligan, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults (18-25 yrs. old), and their parents/family members. I value holding a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients, so they can process whatever they need to, and find solutions that work for them. I have the most experience treating teens and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Low Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ topics, Anger Management, and Communication/Social Skill development. I'm comfortable providing individual and/or group therapy.
Hello, I'm Jessica Gilligan, and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults (18-25 yrs. old), and their parents/family members. I value holding a safe, non-judgmental space for my clients, so they can process whatever they need to, and find solutions that work for them. I have the most experience treating teens and young adults with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Low Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ topics, Anger Management, and Communication/Social Skill development. I'm comfortable providing individual and/or group therapy.
Sharon L Stroup
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Tehachapi, CA 93561 (Online Only)
How are you functioning in your life? In your relationships? Are you joyful, confident, optimistic? Or are you feeling stuck, sad, frustrated, or lonely? Relationships are the primary force in our lives; without healthy relationships our lives suffer. Because relationships are so important, the way we attach to others is within those relationships, and how we create healthy attachments is extremely important. What I work toward is healthier relationships for my clients; relationship with self as well as with others. In our work together it will be our relationship that provides a safe place from which to explore change.
How are you functioning in your life? In your relationships? Are you joyful, confident, optimistic? Or are you feeling stuck, sad, frustrated, or lonely? Relationships are the primary force in our lives; without healthy relationships our lives suffer. Because relationships are so important, the way we attach to others is within those relationships, and how we create healthy attachments is extremely important. What I work toward is healthier relationships for my clients; relationship with self as well as with others. In our work together it will be our relationship that provides a safe place from which to explore change.
Dr. Ryan Pritchard
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Ever feel like you're alone and not sure if anyone else is going through what you're going through? Ever want to just feel heard, listened to, or understood without feeling judged or criticized? Want to have a better understanding as to why you feel what you're feeling or why you're feeling a certain way? If you're looking for a better understanding of what's going on in your mind and why, look no further! Together, we'll break down your experiences and help you start to feel better!
Ever feel like you're alone and not sure if anyone else is going through what you're going through? Ever want to just feel heard, listened to, or understood without feeling judged or criticized? Want to have a better understanding as to why you feel what you're feeling or why you're feeling a certain way? If you're looking for a better understanding of what's going on in your mind and why, look no further! Together, we'll break down your experiences and help you start to feel better!
Alexis Bird
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93308
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or trauma, I am committed to helping adults, adolescents, and children learn how to cope and grow from these difficulties. My work focuses on assisting individuals and families to discover their resilience and to nurture their mental health. I believe in taking a client-centered, collaborative approach to assist in achieving goals and overcoming life's obstacles.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, or trauma, I am committed to helping adults, adolescents, and children learn how to cope and grow from these difficulties. My work focuses on assisting individuals and families to discover their resilience and to nurture their mental health. I believe in taking a client-centered, collaborative approach to assist in achieving goals and overcoming life's obstacles.
Denisse Silva
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309 (Online Only)
¡Hola! I'm Denisse and reconnecting to my Latinx culture, ancestors, roots, and motherland in this last year has been an core part of my development as a psychotherapist and the inspiration in creating Ancestral Therapy, a relational, non-pathologizing, liberation centered, and culturally affirming therapeutic lens for first gen, children of immigrants, bicultural identifying folk, and black or brown bodies who need more than just talk therapy but want to reclaim their power, break cycles of generational trauma, access the innate wisdom of their body, and process the impact of colonization and systemic oppression onto their people.
¡Hola! I'm Denisse and reconnecting to my Latinx culture, ancestors, roots, and motherland in this last year has been an core part of my development as a psychotherapist and the inspiration in creating Ancestral Therapy, a relational, non-pathologizing, liberation centered, and culturally affirming therapeutic lens for first gen, children of immigrants, bicultural identifying folk, and black or brown bodies who need more than just talk therapy but want to reclaim their power, break cycles of generational trauma, access the innate wisdom of their body, and process the impact of colonization and systemic oppression onto their people.
Rebecca Schack
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
My name is Rebecca Schack LMFT. I am passionate about healing through a holistic framework. My clinical orientation draws from somatic psychotherapy (Core Energetics), trauma treatment (Comprehensive Resource Model), attachment theory, and depth psychology. . I utilize a blend of contemporary approaches to inform and aid in treatment ranging from body reading, attachment theory, neurobiology, energy tracking, breath work, gestalt techniques, DBT, mindfulness, inner child/parts work, as well as resourcing, regulating, and grounding techniques for the central nervous system.
My name is Rebecca Schack LMFT. I am passionate about healing through a holistic framework. My clinical orientation draws from somatic psychotherapy (Core Energetics), trauma treatment (Comprehensive Resource Model), attachment theory, and depth psychology. . I utilize a blend of contemporary approaches to inform and aid in treatment ranging from body reading, attachment theory, neurobiology, energy tracking, breath work, gestalt techniques, DBT, mindfulness, inner child/parts work, as well as resourcing, regulating, and grounding techniques for the central nervous system.
Nancy Ludwig
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307
My name is Nancy Ludwig and I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Calabasas, Woodland Hills. I treat individuals with Anxiety, Addiction/ Substance Abuse, Panic Disorder, Depression, Relationship conflicts, Adjustment to life stressors, Depression, Prenatal, Post Partum, and Parenting issues. I have a solution-based and warm approach to helping clients achieve their desired goals. I work with adults in individual therapy and provide both short and long-term treatments.
My name is Nancy Ludwig and I am an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Calabasas, Woodland Hills. I treat individuals with Anxiety, Addiction/ Substance Abuse, Panic Disorder, Depression, Relationship conflicts, Adjustment to life stressors, Depression, Prenatal, Post Partum, and Parenting issues. I have a solution-based and warm approach to helping clients achieve their desired goals. I work with adults in individual therapy and provide both short and long-term treatments.
Alisa Flakes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Experiential Therapy
How does experiential therapy work?
Experiential therapy works by allowing an individual to use their creativity to re-imagine themselves and their lives in an effort to process their emotions. Experiential therapy may take many forms, including engaging clients through art, re-enactments, role-playing, music, or forms of physical recreation. By focusing on these activities, experiential therapists help individuals identify the emotions they associate with previous experiences and work together to cope with negative reactions, like fear, anger, or shame.
Is experiential therapy evidence-based?
Experiential therapy incorporates many therapy modalities, some of which have been more closely researched than others. Music therapy, for example, has been shown to help with sleep problems. Some studies find that art therapy can be beneficial for those with eating disorders or personality disorders, while other research suggests that such approaches have little impact.
How long does experiential therapy last?
The duration of experiential therapy will depend on the type of therapy used as well as the severity of the challenges an individual faces. Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Art therapy may comprise 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Music therapy sessions generally last between 30 and 50 minutes and can be scheduled weekly or on an as-needed basis. For each therapy type, clients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
Does experiential therapy help with trauma?
Trauma is one area where experiential therapy may be useful. Traumatic experiences such as combat or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating visual art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. Listening to music can be relaxing, while making music as part of a group provides plenty of opportunities to connect with other people. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, or who have been physically or emotionally abused.