Therapists in Dana Point, CA
My specialities are Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Infidelity, Divorce Recovery, Stage of life (empty nest and retirement), Grief and loss, Mood Disorders, Adult and Pediatric Bipolar disorder.
For the past 20 years, I have worked in Hospitals, Inpatient and Outpatient, Eating Disorder Clinics, a Women and Children's Domestic Violence Crisis Shelter, non-profit counseling centers for families and in an extremely challenging College setting with ages 17-65.In my private practice I see Individuals, couples, children and families. My experience working in numerous settings with people from diverse backgrounds with mild to severe mental health issues, has helped me develop a level of professional competence to help you and your family members with the highest level of care. Your well-being is my highest priority.
My specialities are Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Infidelity, Divorce Recovery, Stage of life (empty nest and retirement), Grief and loss, Mood Disorders, Adult and Pediatric Bipolar disorder.
For the past 20 years, I have worked in Hospitals, Inpatient and Outpatient, Eating Disorder Clinics, a Women and Children's Domestic Violence Crisis Shelter, non-profit counseling centers for families and in an extremely challenging College setting with ages 17-65.In my private practice I see Individuals, couples, children and families. My experience working in numerous settings with people from diverse backgrounds with mild to severe mental health issues, has helped me develop a level of professional competence to help you and your family members with the highest level of care. Your well-being is my highest priority.
As a therapist my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life you enjoy celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to develop coping skills and resolve behavior patterns and negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I have over 10 years of experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, marital issues, infidelity, career plans, parenting, teen issues, life transitions such as launching into adulthood and redefining relationships in the event of separation or divorce. I look forward to working with you.
As a therapist my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life you enjoy celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to develop coping skills and resolve behavior patterns and negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. I have over 10 years of experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, marital issues, infidelity, career plans, parenting, teen issues, life transitions such as launching into adulthood and redefining relationships in the event of separation or divorce. I look forward to working with you.
Karen M Schadrack
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92624 (Online Only)
I have been a practicing Marriage Family Therapist in privite practice for over 20 years. My specialities include, but not limited to: marriage, pre marital, and restoration of marriage after crises. Individual specialities include depression, anxiety, grief recovery and women's issues.
I have been a practicing Marriage Family Therapist in privite practice for over 20 years. My specialities include, but not limited to: marriage, pre marital, and restoration of marriage after crises. Individual specialities include depression, anxiety, grief recovery and women's issues.
Maureen Aquilina
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92629 (Online Only)
My practice includes working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, aging and bereavement.
I am a firm believer in the integration of holistic approaches that speak to mind, body and spirit. I enjoy integrating modalities such as mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and visualizations with traditional Cognitive Behavioral and Person Centered therapy. The goal is to support emotional growth and a sense of well-being and self-compassion.
My practice includes working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, aging and bereavement.
I am a firm believer in the integration of holistic approaches that speak to mind, body and spirit. I enjoy integrating modalities such as mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and visualizations with traditional Cognitive Behavioral and Person Centered therapy. The goal is to support emotional growth and a sense of well-being and self-compassion.
It is my life calling to facilitate healing and transformation for people who are ready for meaningful change and authentic self-expression. I have over 7 years of experience working as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and before that, I worked in hospice and meditation centers. I bring with me a long love of meditation and wisdom teachings. I have worked with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, identity, sexuality, gender, addiction, OCD, PTSD, and grief and loss. In working together, you will discover my style as a therapist is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental.
It is my life calling to facilitate healing and transformation for people who are ready for meaningful change and authentic self-expression. I have over 7 years of experience working as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and before that, I worked in hospice and meditation centers. I bring with me a long love of meditation and wisdom teachings. I have worked with a variety of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, identity, sexuality, gender, addiction, OCD, PTSD, and grief and loss. In working together, you will discover my style as a therapist is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental.
Change is an inevitable part of life. The lack of change or too much change can overwhelm us and derail our growth. No one escapes hardship and stress. During these times we need the trust, respect, and empathy of an impartial professional especially when family and friends are just too close to the matter. With more than 20 years of clinical practice, I've found that the healthier person reaches out for help beyond their immediate sphere. I see myself as a guide facilitating my patients' healthy risk taking and helping them manifest their visions for a better future.
Change is an inevitable part of life. The lack of change or too much change can overwhelm us and derail our growth. No one escapes hardship and stress. During these times we need the trust, respect, and empathy of an impartial professional especially when family and friends are just too close to the matter. With more than 20 years of clinical practice, I've found that the healthier person reaches out for help beyond their immediate sphere. I see myself as a guide facilitating my patients' healthy risk taking and helping them manifest their visions for a better future.
I have been in practice in the area for over 40 years, working with a very diverse population, including individual's, adults, adolescents, and couples with a wide variety of concerns and complex life challenges. I taught for 28 years, first as an associate professor of psychology at Marymount College, and have taught graduate courses at Loyola Marymount University and Pepperdine University. Twice, I have been the recipient of the Lampert Award from Pacificare Behavioral Health, which quantifies client outcomes. In effect, my therapeutic effectiveness has been ranked in the top one percent of over 10,000 participating therapists.
I have been in practice in the area for over 40 years, working with a very diverse population, including individual's, adults, adolescents, and couples with a wide variety of concerns and complex life challenges. I taught for 28 years, first as an associate professor of psychology at Marymount College, and have taught graduate courses at Loyola Marymount University and Pepperdine University. Twice, I have been the recipient of the Lampert Award from Pacificare Behavioral Health, which quantifies client outcomes. In effect, my therapeutic effectiveness has been ranked in the top one percent of over 10,000 participating therapists.
Sylvia Palda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dana Point, CA 92629 (Online Only)
I can help you identify and meet your deepest needs while transforming your relationship with yourself and others. My goal is to have my clients become successfully independent with life-long tools for success.
I can help you identify and meet your deepest needs while transforming your relationship with yourself and others. My goal is to have my clients become successfully independent with life-long tools for success.
Growing into a better life is done one small step at a time. Change is always possible, and it does not have to be overwhelming. My private practice is focused on individuals and their families impacted by issues related to unique academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Most of my clients are children, teenagers, and adults. My clients commonly struggle to obtain maximum performance and may need a boost of motivation to make it to the finish line. I believe in a team approach and collaborate with other professionals and family members to participate when appropriate.
Growing into a better life is done one small step at a time. Change is always possible, and it does not have to be overwhelming. My private practice is focused on individuals and their families impacted by issues related to unique academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Most of my clients are children, teenagers, and adults. My clients commonly struggle to obtain maximum performance and may need a boost of motivation to make it to the finish line. I believe in a team approach and collaborate with other professionals and family members to participate when appropriate.
Leonard Szymczak
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92629
For the past 40 years, I worked in Australia & America as a therapist and educator. I was Director of the Family Therapy Program in Sydney and later worked with the Family Institute at Northwestern University. Since I am also a writer, I see you as the main character in your personal story called to face & transform adversity into personal happiness. I help individuals overcome anxiety & depression & help couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and increase love & intimacy. I am the co-author of "Power Tools for Men: A Blueprint for Healthy Masculinity" & co-author of "Fighting for Love: Turn Conflict into Intimacy."
For the past 40 years, I worked in Australia & America as a therapist and educator. I was Director of the Family Therapy Program in Sydney and later worked with the Family Institute at Northwestern University. Since I am also a writer, I see you as the main character in your personal story called to face & transform adversity into personal happiness. I help individuals overcome anxiety & depression & help couples improve communication, resolve conflict, and increase love & intimacy. I am the co-author of "Power Tools for Men: A Blueprint for Healthy Masculinity" & co-author of "Fighting for Love: Turn Conflict into Intimacy."
I hold a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I worked for the Department of Children and Family Services (CFS), San Bernardino County, for more than seven years. I have experience in the child welfare and mental health field. I am a trainer for the San Diego University Research Foundation, and I am an adjunct professor for several universities. I am a doctorate student at Barry University. I am pursuing a doctorate degree in social work with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice.
I hold a master’s degree in Social Work and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I worked for the Department of Children and Family Services (CFS), San Bernardino County, for more than seven years. I have experience in the child welfare and mental health field. I am a trainer for the San Diego University Research Foundation, and I am an adjunct professor for several universities. I am a doctorate student at Barry University. I am pursuing a doctorate degree in social work with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice.
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Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92629
Many times people feel they don't have anyone who truly understands them or anyone to show them the compassion they need. I am passionate about providing both understanding and compassion to all of my clients. I really want to hear your own story, understand the dynamics of your specific relationships and help you reach your personal goals and dreams. I've loved and cherished my family relationships, both while growing up, and now with my wife and children. I strive to provide a safe environment to share highs and lows and hopes and fears with clients as they too pursue those cherished relationships.
Many times people feel they don't have anyone who truly understands them or anyone to show them the compassion they need. I am passionate about providing both understanding and compassion to all of my clients. I really want to hear your own story, understand the dynamics of your specific relationships and help you reach your personal goals and dreams. I've loved and cherished my family relationships, both while growing up, and now with my wife and children. I strive to provide a safe environment to share highs and lows and hopes and fears with clients as they too pursue those cherished relationships.
My practice focus is on building, healing and developing strong personal and intimate relationships - which are truly the cornerstone of psychological, physical, and spiritual health. My specialty is working with couples and giving them the skills necessary to maintain a successful relationship. I also have a strong interest in women's issues; especially in the development of improved SELF-ESTEEM though all of their transitions in life. While I am especially interested in helping women, I also have a bulk of experience in helping men through their relationship and proffessional difficulties. I offer unique interactive communication that promotes positive change.
My practice focus is on building, healing and developing strong personal and intimate relationships - which are truly the cornerstone of psychological, physical, and spiritual health. My specialty is working with couples and giving them the skills necessary to maintain a successful relationship. I also have a strong interest in women's issues; especially in the development of improved SELF-ESTEEM though all of their transitions in life. While I am especially interested in helping women, I also have a bulk of experience in helping men through their relationship and proffessional difficulties. I offer unique interactive communication that promotes positive change.
Encompass Counseling & Recovery Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LAADC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dana Point, CA 92629
We believe people today are reacting to an existential emptiness in our culture with negative coping behaviors such as over use of social media, substance addictions, mental health crises, eating disorders, relational failures, even suicides. Treating the cause of these issues as well as symptoms requires a psychological, mental, and spiritual approach in order for us to thrive and attain lasting transformation into wholeness. Encompass takes such an approach, sensitive to the unique needs of our attempts to thrive, and overcome with resilience, hope and optimism for our futures.
We believe people today are reacting to an existential emptiness in our culture with negative coping behaviors such as over use of social media, substance addictions, mental health crises, eating disorders, relational failures, even suicides. Treating the cause of these issues as well as symptoms requires a psychological, mental, and spiritual approach in order for us to thrive and attain lasting transformation into wholeness. Encompass takes such an approach, sensitive to the unique needs of our attempts to thrive, and overcome with resilience, hope and optimism for our futures.
Have you been feeling like you need a change in your life, but are not sure how to go about making that happen? With my emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, the focus of my work includes life transitions, whether it is adjusting to parenthood, considering a change within the family system, or preparing for a career move. Learning methods to make even small changes can lead to positive improvements. I am passionate about helping individuals identify their values so they can move intentionally in a direction that inspires them. In my work with couples, I promote collaboration between them that aligns with their personal values.
Have you been feeling like you need a change in your life, but are not sure how to go about making that happen? With my emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy, the focus of my work includes life transitions, whether it is adjusting to parenthood, considering a change within the family system, or preparing for a career move. Learning methods to make even small changes can lead to positive improvements. I am passionate about helping individuals identify their values so they can move intentionally in a direction that inspires them. In my work with couples, I promote collaboration between them that aligns with their personal values.
Ashley A. Blackett
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dana Point, CA 92629
Change is hard! Isn't the alternative worse? Life can be very challenging and demanding. It can even seem extremely overwhelming. The good news is you don't have to feel alone. Seeking help is a sign of courage and strength, which I foster in practice. I offer assistance in finding ways to manage your stressors in ways that work for you. Improving self-esteem, learning to cope, and managing emotions is all possible. I won’t promise it will be easy (therapy rarely is). But I can promise you, it will be worth it.
Change is hard! Isn't the alternative worse? Life can be very challenging and demanding. It can even seem extremely overwhelming. The good news is you don't have to feel alone. Seeking help is a sign of courage and strength, which I foster in practice. I offer assistance in finding ways to manage your stressors in ways that work for you. Improving self-esteem, learning to cope, and managing emotions is all possible. I won’t promise it will be easy (therapy rarely is). But I can promise you, it will be worth it.
Pamela J. Adams, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92624 (Online Only)
The decision to talk to a counselor can be a challenging one. I offer you a supportive, warm environment in which to explore your personal life issues, family dynamics, couple concerns, and employee challenges. Together we can help you create more satisfaction and joy in your life--no matter the issue!
The decision to talk to a counselor can be a challenging one. I offer you a supportive, warm environment in which to explore your personal life issues, family dynamics, couple concerns, and employee challenges. Together we can help you create more satisfaction and joy in your life--no matter the issue!
Having been a therapist for over thirty years, I love being able to make a difference in people's lives. My mission is to get my patients better as quickly as possible. Although I do long term therapy,the majority of my patients significantly improve in less than ten visits. Treating adults and children, I work with relationships,families,and individuals. As the clinical supervisor of THE HOPE INSTITUTE,I am experienced in treating teens and their families. Typical problems of teens include chemical dependency,Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder,Oppositional Defiant Disorders, Conduct Disorders,Academic Problems,behavior problems.
Having been a therapist for over thirty years, I love being able to make a difference in people's lives. My mission is to get my patients better as quickly as possible. Although I do long term therapy,the majority of my patients significantly improve in less than ten visits. Treating adults and children, I work with relationships,families,and individuals. As the clinical supervisor of THE HOPE INSTITUTE,I am experienced in treating teens and their families. Typical problems of teens include chemical dependency,Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder,Oppositional Defiant Disorders, Conduct Disorders,Academic Problems,behavior problems.
Gail Harris
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dana Point, CA 92629
Are you experiencing some challenges in you life, my goal as your therapist is to help you work through these obstacles. I enjoy and have 15 years of clinical experience helping individuals and families achieve their goals. I work with a variety of issues and accept most insurance plans. I am a results oriented therapist, and the majority of my clients significantly improve in less than 8 visits.
Are you experiencing some challenges in you life, my goal as your therapist is to help you work through these obstacles. I enjoy and have 15 years of clinical experience helping individuals and families achieve their goals. I work with a variety of issues and accept most insurance plans. I am a results oriented therapist, and the majority of my clients significantly improve in less than 8 visits.
Dr. Michael B Ferguson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dana Point, CA 92624 (Online Only)
I have worked in Mental Healthcare for more than 40 years and specialize in Mood Disorders, i.e., Anxiety and Depression, which are frequently pre-existing conditions for more than 50% of patients with Alcohol and/or Drug addiction. I also treat Bipolar Disorders and ADD which are frequently medicated at home with alcohol and illicit drugs. I provide Christian counseling for those who prefer a Scriptural approach to their issues. Individual, couples and family counseling is available for those experiencing Marital Discord, Domestic Abuse and other family related issues. Outpatient Detox and Rehab available.
I have worked in Mental Healthcare for more than 40 years and specialize in Mood Disorders, i.e., Anxiety and Depression, which are frequently pre-existing conditions for more than 50% of patients with Alcohol and/or Drug addiction. I also treat Bipolar Disorders and ADD which are frequently medicated at home with alcohol and illicit drugs. I provide Christian counseling for those who prefer a Scriptural approach to their issues. Individual, couples and family counseling is available for those experiencing Marital Discord, Domestic Abuse and other family related issues. Outpatient Detox and Rehab available.
See more therapy options for Dana Point
Grief Therapists
How long does therapy take for grief?
There is no exact timeline for grief counseling. Some people may start to feel better after just a few sessions, while others may take months or longer to feel relief. Some specific approaches, including some types of CBT, may involve a set number of sessions, or therapy may be open-ended until the patient determines they are ready to wrap up. Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, there is no right or wrong way to seek therapy for grief.
When should you seek therapy for grief?
Many people mistakenly believe that their grief needs to be debilitating or all-encompassing to warrant therapy. This is not the case. While people who experience severe, prolonged grief—particularly those who are considering self-harm or engaging in unhealthy substance use—are especially likely to benefit from therapy, so too are people whose grief is less intense but still interfering with well-being or daily functioning. In practice, almost anyone struggling to process a loss could benefit from grief counseling.
Can grief be managed without therapy?
Oftentimes, yes. Grief is a near-universal part of being human, and many find that their grief, while profound, does not stop them from participating in day-to-day life and steadily eases over time without outside help. For others, however, the harsh pain of early grief persists for months or years or leaves them unable to function. This group is especially likely to benefit from seeing a therapist, who can guide them through their grief and help them reconnect with the world.
What happens if grief is left untreated?
Because grief does not in itself necessitate therapy, untreated grief will often resolve on its own. However, for some people—particularly those who would qualify for a diagnosis of prolonged grief disorder—untreated grief can be a source of seemingly endless pain or lead them to withdraw from the world. In such cases, treatment can be indispensable, as it can help an individual adapt to the loss and start living again.