Photo of Julia Garcia, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Julia Garcia
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Hello, I'm Julia Garcia. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years, beginning as a resource outreach counselor, then eventually as a clinical therapist over the years, working with infants, adolescents, families, and women with trauma and SUD issues. I am a trauma-focused therapist who enjoys working with families and individuals. I utilized a trauma-focused approach to CBT, DBT, PCIT, Grief, and Parenting issues. I have found that CBT and DBT approaches work well to assist clients who have extensive trauma-based issues.
Hello, I'm Julia Garcia. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been in the behavioral health field for more than 30 years, beginning as a resource outreach counselor, then eventually as a clinical therapist over the years, working with infants, adolescents, families, and women with trauma and SUD issues. I am a trauma-focused therapist who enjoys working with families and individuals. I utilized a trauma-focused approach to CBT, DBT, PCIT, Grief, and Parenting issues. I have found that CBT and DBT approaches work well to assist clients who have extensive trauma-based issues.
(916) 659-5523 View (916) 659-5523
Photo of Pat Pearson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Pat Pearson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93455
I connect with grief: loss of family, friends, relationships, and pets.
My name is Pat Pearson, RN, LMFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pagosa Springs, CO, and working with clients in CA statewide via telehealth. I work with children, teens, and adults. I specialize in trauma, stress, and grief, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My approach to therapy varies on the needs of each client I work with.
I connect with grief: loss of family, friends, relationships, and pets.
My name is Pat Pearson, RN, LMFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Pagosa Springs, CO, and working with clients in CA statewide via telehealth. I work with children, teens, and adults. I specialize in trauma, stress, and grief, using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. My approach to therapy varies on the needs of each client I work with.
(424) 340-5905 View (424) 340-5905
Photo of Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic, Psychologist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Hosford Counseling & Psychological Services Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106
Our Trauma Recovery and Resilience center helps those who have been impacted by trauma, violence, loss and other adversities.
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
Our Trauma Recovery and Resilience center helps those who have been impacted by trauma, violence, loss and other adversities.
The Hosford Clinic is a university-based community clinic that provides affordable mental health services to people in the Santa Barbara area (including Isla Vista, Goleta and Carpinteria). We offer counseling and treatment services for individuals, couples, adolescents, children, and families. These services are evidence based, culturally-responsive and low-cost. We provide a safe space for you to talk privately about your worries and concerns and can help by: *asking questions that help you see your problem in new ways; *teaching you effective ways to cope; *coaching you in ways to improve your work, school, and home life.
(805) 351-4714 View (805) 351-4714
Photo of Linda D Gallegos, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Linda D Gallegos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Maria, CA 93455
I work with mothers who have experienced infertility and pregnancy loss as well as perinatal and postnatal difficulties.
I believe the issue that brings us to therapy is the desire to heal, to change, to feel content in the way we view ourselves in the world. I help individuals become healthier versions of themselves. Together we can address areas of concern that may include anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, life transitions, grief, and trauma. I teach coping skills to help tolerate the emotions that come with adversity, and help clients make changes through self awareness. I welcome the opportunity to listen to your story, and support you on your journey in managing difficult life circumstances.
I work with mothers who have experienced infertility and pregnancy loss as well as perinatal and postnatal difficulties.
I believe the issue that brings us to therapy is the desire to heal, to change, to feel content in the way we view ourselves in the world. I help individuals become healthier versions of themselves. Together we can address areas of concern that may include anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, life transitions, grief, and trauma. I teach coping skills to help tolerate the emotions that come with adversity, and help clients make changes through self awareness. I welcome the opportunity to listen to your story, and support you on your journey in managing difficult life circumstances.
(805) 429-8924 View (805) 429-8924
Photo of Andrea Miranda, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Andrea Miranda
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93458
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) and I have been in the helping profession for over 10 years. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with clients presenting with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, and a wide range of life events such as grief/loss, trauma, abuse, adjustment issues, and crisis.

I like to focus on using a person-centered/ strength based approach when in a therapeutic relationship with my clients.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT) and I have been in the helping profession for over 10 years. I have worked with individuals, couples, families and groups. I have worked with clients presenting with stress, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting issues, and a wide range of life events such as grief/loss, trauma, abuse, adjustment issues, and crisis.

I like to focus on using a person-centered/ strength based approach when in a therapeutic relationship with my clients.
(442) 219-8162 View (442) 219-8162
Photo of Lilly Tam in Santa Barbara County, CA
Lilly Tam
EdD, CHT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Have a love-hate relationship with your job? Your co-workers? Anxiety and stress with quarterly reviews? Overworked from meeting quotas? Perfectionist tendencies? Difficulty transitioning from work to home? Work-Family Integration, hate to go home, but need to go home? Conflict resolution. Work-life Balance. Imposter syndrome, Limerence, and relationships with colleagues. Work with the voices of your Inner critic, to build confidence to reach your goals and find peace through Inquiry-based Therapeutic Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Self-hypnosis and Coaching. Corporate teams or Private 1x1 with access to office hours.
Have a love-hate relationship with your job? Your co-workers? Anxiety and stress with quarterly reviews? Overworked from meeting quotas? Perfectionist tendencies? Difficulty transitioning from work to home? Work-Family Integration, hate to go home, but need to go home? Conflict resolution. Work-life Balance. Imposter syndrome, Limerence, and relationships with colleagues. Work with the voices of your Inner critic, to build confidence to reach your goals and find peace through Inquiry-based Therapeutic Meditations, Hypnotherapy, Self-hypnosis and Coaching. Corporate teams or Private 1x1 with access to office hours.
(805) 394-3322 View (805) 394-3322
Photo of Ada E Gonzales, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Ada E Gonzales
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Life is complicated and full of unexpected twists and turns. I believe that people can change and that things don't stay the same - forever. It has been my privilege to work with people in all walks of life with chronic medical conditions to complex relationships to children that are struggling with daily functioning issues. Therapy allows for a safe space to express and wrestle with the deepest concerns in one's life.
Life is complicated and full of unexpected twists and turns. I believe that people can change and that things don't stay the same - forever. It has been my privilege to work with people in all walks of life with chronic medical conditions to complex relationships to children that are struggling with daily functioning issues. Therapy allows for a safe space to express and wrestle with the deepest concerns in one's life.
(805) 919-8956 View (805) 919-8956
Photo of Cesar Brijandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Cesar Brijandez Brijandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117  (Online Only)
I have a passion for helping people from all "walks of life." If you are facing challenges in your day-to-day life, I am here to help. I have helped individuals and couples with anxiety, depression, anger management, and marital issues. I work with children from 6 yrs and older, teenagers, and adults, both males, and females. I like to present psychotherapy in the simplest form. My top modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Trauma-Focused CBT for children and teens. Growing up in a city along the US-Mexico border I have the privilege of being bilingual and bicultural.
I have a passion for helping people from all "walks of life." If you are facing challenges in your day-to-day life, I am here to help. I have helped individuals and couples with anxiety, depression, anger management, and marital issues. I work with children from 6 yrs and older, teenagers, and adults, both males, and females. I like to present psychotherapy in the simplest form. My top modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, and Trauma-Focused CBT for children and teens. Growing up in a city along the US-Mexico border I have the privilege of being bilingual and bicultural.
(805) 800-8607 View (805) 800-8607
Photo of Bri Velasquez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Bri Velasquez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
The hope and goal I have for my clients is to assist them in enhancing personal and familial relationships. As a social worker, I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness many positive changes in the lives of my clients. These positive changes include how my clients have relationships with others and how they come to view themselves. These components are an integral part of the therapeutic process and journey.
The hope and goal I have for my clients is to assist them in enhancing personal and familial relationships. As a social worker, I have had the wonderful opportunity to witness many positive changes in the lives of my clients. These positive changes include how my clients have relationships with others and how they come to view themselves. These components are an integral part of the therapeutic process and journey.
(805) 876-9622 View (805) 876-9622
Photo of Riley Ellis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Riley Ellis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Waitlist for new clients
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, stress, or family changes that are making every day life feel difficult or hard to manage? Do you notice your child struggling and you are unsure how to emotionally support them? Have you tried to solve the problems on your own and nothing seems to be working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I'm glad you're here. Seeking help for your child, family struggles, or parenting issues can be difficult. I'm here to help.
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, stress, or family changes that are making every day life feel difficult or hard to manage? Do you notice your child struggling and you are unsure how to emotionally support them? Have you tried to solve the problems on your own and nothing seems to be working? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then I'm glad you're here. Seeking help for your child, family struggles, or parenting issues can be difficult. I'm here to help.
(805) 429-8011 View (805) 429-8011
Photo of Jenna Lane Marsala, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Jenna Lane Marsala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
Do you ever ask yourself, "Why do I keep doing the same things but expect different outcomes?" Or "Do I look at the world differently than all my family and friends?" Life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and out of control at times. I try to help life feel a little bit more manageable and work through issues at your own pace. Psychotherapy is about an exploration of self and the world around you. As a psychotherapist, I am here to provide guidance through this exploration in a safe place and to improve interaction with those you love.
(925) 261-7827 View (925) 261-7827
Photo of Catherine MacGillivray, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Catherine MacGillivray
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Goleta, CA 93117
You may be an artist. You may be an academic. You may be an activist. I have been all three of these, and I speak their languages: of creativity, intellectual enlivenment, and social justice. And right now, in this time of upheaval and unrest, you may be hurting--feeling lost, adrift, burned out, under- or over-stimulated, or simply sad. I am here to connect with you. To listen compassionately. To make space for you to better hear yourself, and to encourage linkages, mentalizations, and trauma metabolizations that will allow you to better listen to the rhythms of your body and use your own mind. I offer you my mind in this pursuit.
You may be an artist. You may be an academic. You may be an activist. I have been all three of these, and I speak their languages: of creativity, intellectual enlivenment, and social justice. And right now, in this time of upheaval and unrest, you may be hurting--feeling lost, adrift, burned out, under- or over-stimulated, or simply sad. I am here to connect with you. To listen compassionately. To make space for you to better hear yourself, and to encourage linkages, mentalizations, and trauma metabolizations that will allow you to better listen to the rhythms of your body and use your own mind. I offer you my mind in this pursuit.
(510) 650-0372 View (510) 650-0372
Photo of Anna Selena Cho, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Anna Selena Cho
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Dr. Anna Selena Cho, was born in Los Angeles and has personal experience living bi-culturally. Dr. Cho was traditionally trained in visual arts in her early developmental years and eventually obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Phillips Graduate University, and her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cho has developed programs with organizations wanting to further expand their learning standards towards socio-emotional integration.
Dr. Anna Selena Cho, was born in Los Angeles and has personal experience living bi-culturally. Dr. Cho was traditionally trained in visual arts in her early developmental years and eventually obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Southern California, M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy at Phillips Graduate University, and her Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Cho has developed programs with organizations wanting to further expand their learning standards towards socio-emotional integration.
(310) 340-2835 View (310) 340-2835
Photo of Tala Hishmeh, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Tala Hishmeh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
You may be finding yourself in a place of time where your life’s situation or way of thinking has exceeded your ability to cope. During these instances, the struggle to connect to yourself or others may feel harder to do. You are not alone in this. In each of our own ways the experience of “feeling off” can exist. All the while, we are connected by the human ability to find resilience and grow through conditions that promote value, care, and acceptance. My hope is that by unpacking these moments, we may strengthen the quality of relationships- with both ourselves and others for a better future.
You may be finding yourself in a place of time where your life’s situation or way of thinking has exceeded your ability to cope. During these instances, the struggle to connect to yourself or others may feel harder to do. You are not alone in this. In each of our own ways the experience of “feeling off” can exist. All the while, we are connected by the human ability to find resilience and grow through conditions that promote value, care, and acceptance. My hope is that by unpacking these moments, we may strengthen the quality of relationships- with both ourselves and others for a better future.
(805) 410-1794 View (805) 410-1794
Photo of The Integrated Clinic, Psychologist in Santa Barbara County, CA
The Integrated Clinic
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
The Integrated Clinic provides client-centered, collaborative, coordinated care to clients, leveraging the latest advances in neuroscience and technology in order to foster health, wellness, and performance. Together, we work synergistically to offer scientifically-informed and seamless care that promotes patient outcomes. Our Clinic team provides interdisciplinary services to foster health/wellness, education, and performance.
(310) 504-1936 View (310) 504-1936
Photo of Julianne Sims, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Julianne Sims
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Hello and welcome! I am Juli Sims, LCSW 28368 (CA). I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 10 years. Throughout this time, I have worked with children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, specifically childhood trauma. I am strength-based and compassionate. I do the work every day for myself, having experienced post-partum depression and anxiety. The bulk of my experience is working with women and women's issues, such as menopause, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, daily stressors, self-esteem, parenting, etc.
Hello and welcome! I am Juli Sims, LCSW 28368 (CA). I have been a licensed clinical social worker for over 10 years. Throughout this time, I have worked with children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, specifically childhood trauma. I am strength-based and compassionate. I do the work every day for myself, having experienced post-partum depression and anxiety. The bulk of my experience is working with women and women's issues, such as menopause, relationship issues, trauma/abuse, daily stressors, self-esteem, parenting, etc.
(707) 267-2486 View (707) 267-2486
Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101  (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
(831) 276-0279 View (831) 276-0279
Photo of Wendy Ferguson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Wendy Ferguson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Maria, CA 93458
Life throws us all curveballs. Are you feeling stuck, unsure of your next steps, depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Taking a step forward in making meaningful changes to make life feel a little less hard can be scary and feel overwhelming, so congratulate yourself on this search. We all face curveballs in life and could use help finding the tools to navigate those.In our time together, we will work to understand why we keep finding ourselves in the same pattern, support in finding some answers that are deep within and have the courage to make changes to do better and be better; for ourselves and our loved ones.
Life throws us all curveballs. Are you feeling stuck, unsure of your next steps, depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Taking a step forward in making meaningful changes to make life feel a little less hard can be scary and feel overwhelming, so congratulate yourself on this search. We all face curveballs in life and could use help finding the tools to navigate those.In our time together, we will work to understand why we keep finding ourselves in the same pattern, support in finding some answers that are deep within and have the courage to make changes to do better and be better; for ourselves and our loved ones.
(626) 618-8194 View (626) 618-8194
Photo of Mersedeh Kaviany, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Mersedeh Kaviany
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
It is my passion to help others live happier, calmer, and more fulfilling lives. Much of our inexplicable behavior and habits that hold us back are rooted in our genes, childhood, family dynamics, traumas, and circumstances. I help my clients to understand what holds them back and move through it. I help them to overcome difficult transitions and parenting challenges. I help them to improve their relationships, change negative lifestyle habits, reduce stress, improve confidence and self-esteem, uncover their passions, and eventually become true selves.
It is my passion to help others live happier, calmer, and more fulfilling lives. Much of our inexplicable behavior and habits that hold us back are rooted in our genes, childhood, family dynamics, traumas, and circumstances. I help my clients to understand what holds them back and move through it. I help them to overcome difficult transitions and parenting challenges. I help them to improve their relationships, change negative lifestyle habits, reduce stress, improve confidence and self-esteem, uncover their passions, and eventually become true selves.
(310) 870-3138 View (310) 870-3138
Photo of Colleen O'Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Barbara County, CA
Colleen O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My practice focuses on trauma, addiction & recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, and relationships. I work with adult women and men. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I have been practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for over 4 years with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California with Phil Wolfson. I also studied under the direction of Jeffrey Becker, MD. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy and by Fluence in Psychedelic Therapy.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. My practice focuses on trauma, addiction & recovery, mood disorders, life transitions, and relationships. I work with adult women and men. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I have been practicing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for over 4 years with an emphasis on treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma. I trained as a KAP therapist at the Ketamine Training Center in San Rafael, California with Phil Wolfson. I also studied under the direction of Jeffrey Becker, MD. I am trained by MAPS in MDMA Assisted Psychotherapy and by Fluence in Psychedelic Therapy.
(805) 608-5593 View (805) 608-5593

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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.