Humanistic Therapists in California
Heather Burns @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oceanside, CA 92054
From a humanistic and strength-based lens I use modalities such as EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Play-based Therapy.
Hello! Are you or a loved one experiencing loss, grief or a major life transition? If so, I would be happy to help! I provide therapy for all ages and love working with children, teens, individual adults, couples, & families. I have a background in helping clients working through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, and major life transitions. I am compassionate and understand it takes courage to seek therapy. I create a safe space for clients to navigate challenges and build a sense of autonomy. No matter what challenges you may be facing, I would be honored to walk alongside you through it.
From a humanistic and strength-based lens I use modalities such as EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Mindfulness, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Play-based Therapy.
Hello! Are you or a loved one experiencing loss, grief or a major life transition? If so, I would be happy to help! I provide therapy for all ages and love working with children, teens, individual adults, couples, & families. I have a background in helping clients working through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, loss, and major life transitions. I am compassionate and understand it takes courage to seek therapy. I create a safe space for clients to navigate challenges and build a sense of autonomy. No matter what challenges you may be facing, I would be honored to walk alongside you through it.
Kelly A. Brainard
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS
Verified Verified
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
I work with clients from a Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic theoretical orientation in a respectful, mindful manner to assist the client in resolving current life challenges.
Psychotherapy may be helpful to you if:
You are experiencing difficulty or conflict/communication problems within a significant relationship. Psychotherapy may also be helpful to you if you are currently experiencing symptoms of depression (feeling hopeless, withdrawal, irritable, etc) or anxiety (excessive worry, obsessive or intrusive thoughts etc.) if you are frequently angry or frequently stressed or you are facing major life challenges or decisions.
Psychotherapy is the process of examining and exploring your thoughts, feelings, behavior and relationships as well as learning how to make necessary changes to achieve better life and relationship satisfaction.
I work with clients from a Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic theoretical orientation in a respectful, mindful manner to assist the client in resolving current life challenges.
Psychotherapy may be helpful to you if:
You are experiencing difficulty or conflict/communication problems within a significant relationship. Psychotherapy may also be helpful to you if you are currently experiencing symptoms of depression (feeling hopeless, withdrawal, irritable, etc) or anxiety (excessive worry, obsessive or intrusive thoughts etc.) if you are frequently angry or frequently stressed or you are facing major life challenges or decisions.
Psychotherapy is the process of examining and exploring your thoughts, feelings, behavior and relationships as well as learning how to make necessary changes to achieve better life and relationship satisfaction.
Stephanie L. Davidson, Psy.D.
Psychologist, PsyD, GC-C
Verified Verified
Westlake Village, CA 91362
I believe that our close collaboration is the key to helping you adjust to difficult experiences and achieve a greater sense of balance and happiness in your life. With a strong emphasis on what is most important to you, my focus is on customizing my approach to best help you meet your individual goals . I am a licensed psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and existential approaches. I have a strong interest in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness-based interventions.
I believe that our close collaboration is the key to helping you adjust to difficult experiences and achieve a greater sense of balance and happiness in your life. With a strong emphasis on what is most important to you, my focus is on customizing my approach to best help you meet your individual goals . I am a licensed psychologist specializing in cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and existential approaches. I have a strong interest in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and other mindfulness-based interventions.
Marie F Piazza
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Rosa, CA 95405
I have a gentle yet direct approach to therapy, incorporating my training/experience in family systems, humanistic and psychodynamic orientations.
Is it easier for you to give than to receive? Are you a nurse, therapist, teacher, or in another "helping profession"? Are you tired of struggling with the daily life grind, while longing for a rich and vibrant life? Do you wonder why you often feel so depleted, while others are enjoying life? Are you in a relationship but are struggling with the same issues and can't find your way to a better way of relating? You are not alone! You deserve to be happy and fulfilled. You can heal and learn new ways of living! I hold the space in which a full and rewarding life is possible for you, even if you cannot yet imagine it for yourself.
I have a gentle yet direct approach to therapy, incorporating my training/experience in family systems, humanistic and psychodynamic orientations.
Is it easier for you to give than to receive? Are you a nurse, therapist, teacher, or in another "helping profession"? Are you tired of struggling with the daily life grind, while longing for a rich and vibrant life? Do you wonder why you often feel so depleted, while others are enjoying life? Are you in a relationship but are struggling with the same issues and can't find your way to a better way of relating? You are not alone! You deserve to be happy and fulfilled. You can heal and learn new ways of living! I hold the space in which a full and rewarding life is possible for you, even if you cannot yet imagine it for yourself.
Celena Martinez
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122
She utilizes a humanistic approach with a Gestalt underlining and evidence-based practices with clients as their partner through their journey of counseling.
Celena Martinez (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional clinical counselor who provides individual, couples, and family therapy for the last 8 years. Celena obtained her Master of Science in Multicultural Counseling with an emphasis in Social Justice from SDSU in 2012. She has experience working with people of color and non- dominant communities in mental health settings. She has worked with clients within residential, intensive outpatient, community clinics, and university settings.
She utilizes a humanistic approach with a Gestalt underlining and evidence-based practices with clients as their partner through their journey of counseling.
Celena Martinez (she/her/hers) is a licensed professional clinical counselor who provides individual, couples, and family therapy for the last 8 years. Celena obtained her Master of Science in Multicultural Counseling with an emphasis in Social Justice from SDSU in 2012. She has experience working with people of color and non- dominant communities in mental health settings. She has worked with clients within residential, intensive outpatient, community clinics, and university settings.
Kellie Jarvie
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bellflower, CA 90706
I follow the teachings of Humanistic Psychology, which looks at the whole person and works with the uniqueness of each individual.
Emotional pain, discomfort, and general dissatisfaction are the greatest motivators for change and generally are what lead people to seek psychotherapy. My primary goal is to help you implement change for improved emotional and relationship health. I strive to help people uncover what is “not working” in their lives and provide them with tools that will assist them in working through difficult situations. My therapeutic style is relatable and down-to-earth, and I believe an excellent client-therapist relationship is a key to the therapeutic process.
I follow the teachings of Humanistic Psychology, which looks at the whole person and works with the uniqueness of each individual.
Emotional pain, discomfort, and general dissatisfaction are the greatest motivators for change and generally are what lead people to seek psychotherapy. My primary goal is to help you implement change for improved emotional and relationship health. I strive to help people uncover what is “not working” in their lives and provide them with tools that will assist them in working through difficult situations. My therapeutic style is relatable and down-to-earth, and I believe an excellent client-therapist relationship is a key to the therapeutic process.
Brittany Vickers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Murrieta, CA 92562
My name is Brittany and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the Bay Area and supporting clients statewide via telehealth. I love working with adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in anxiety, perfectionism, depression, and self-esteem issues through a reflective and humanistic trauma-informed approach. My work is grounded in Anti-Racist and Feminist Scholarship, Polyvagal Theory, Relational Neurobiology, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theories.
My name is Brittany and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the Bay Area and supporting clients statewide via telehealth. I love working with adolescents, and adults, and I specialize in anxiety, perfectionism, depression, and self-esteem issues through a reflective and humanistic trauma-informed approach. My work is grounded in Anti-Racist and Feminist Scholarship, Polyvagal Theory, Relational Neurobiology, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theories.
Yu Shin Chuang
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Campbell, CA 95008
I utilize an eclectic approach combining somatic therapies and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy through the lens of a humanistic approach.
Feeling lost and unsure about how to handle things in your life? We all feel like this at one time or another in our lives and it is helpful to have someone support you while trying to figure things out. I would be honored to assist you in this process. As a therapist, I will work collaboratively with you to help you move towards your life goals and a deeper understanding of self.
I utilize an eclectic approach combining somatic therapies and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy through the lens of a humanistic approach.
Feeling lost and unsure about how to handle things in your life? We all feel like this at one time or another in our lives and it is helpful to have someone support you while trying to figure things out. I would be honored to assist you in this process. As a therapist, I will work collaboratively with you to help you move towards your life goals and a deeper understanding of self.
Deborah S. Scott
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My approach is humanistic, & essentially practical.
I work with clients who are interested in developing their whole selves. When clients are interested, I make use of the Enneagram, a powerful tool for self-understanding & understanding others, promoting deep self-awareness. I work with couples to improve communication & connection. I am thrilled to work with women creating new lives for themselves after launching their kids, newer Moms who are dealing with a shift in their identities, & with single folks who are navigating singledom or the world of relationships. I help people set healthy boundaries & practice better self-care. I offer compassion, insight, humor & feedback.
My approach is humanistic, & essentially practical.
I work with clients who are interested in developing their whole selves. When clients are interested, I make use of the Enneagram, a powerful tool for self-understanding & understanding others, promoting deep self-awareness. I work with couples to improve communication & connection. I am thrilled to work with women creating new lives for themselves after launching their kids, newer Moms who are dealing with a shift in their identities, & with single folks who are navigating singledom or the world of relationships. I help people set healthy boundaries & practice better self-care. I offer compassion, insight, humor & feedback.
Katherine Leahy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Escondido, CA 92025 (Online Only)
I bring empathy, understanding, experience, and perspective to client issues in a humanistic approach which enables clients to see how they influence and are influenced by their relationships with family, friends, co-workers, community, and society.
I specialize in treating issues related to the various life cycle transitions of individuals and families, parenting and child behavioral issues, and families with mental illness by providing a systemic perspective that is non-judgmental and alerts clients to the possibility and potential of creating happier life experiences for themselves.
I bring empathy, understanding, experience, and perspective to client issues in a humanistic approach which enables clients to see how they influence and are influenced by their relationships with family, friends, co-workers, community, and society.
I specialize in treating issues related to the various life cycle transitions of individuals and families, parenting and child behavioral issues, and families with mental illness by providing a systemic perspective that is non-judgmental and alerts clients to the possibility and potential of creating happier life experiences for themselves.
Lisa Marie Maitland
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Stockton, CA 95206
As a therapist/coach I seek to treat the whole person and begin where they are at. Through depth listening, positive regard and an open being, I partner with the you and use approaches from various modalities (cognitive, solution focused, client-centered, mindfulness, somatic, humanistic and positive psychology) to create a path to help you discover your abilities, strengths and most of all resilience to address the issues which are facing you.
As a therapist/coach I seek to treat the whole person and begin where they are at. Through depth listening, positive regard and an open being, I partner with the you and use approaches from various modalities (cognitive, solution focused, client-centered, mindfulness, somatic, humanistic and positive psychology) to create a path to help you discover your abilities, strengths and most of all resilience to address the issues which are facing you.
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Evan K McCrary
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
My theoretical orientation is centered in relational gestalt, humanistic, and feminist theories.
Where trauma and oppressive systems fragment and disconnect, this work offers a reminder and an invitation back to our inherent fullness. In our sessions together, you can get raw, vulnerable, and foster deeper intimacy, connection, compassion, understanding and knowledge of yourself. Together, we will co-create a brave space and collaborate in the healing work. You creating a pleasurable life is a key component to you living your most fulfilled life. This courageous choice to seek your healing is about us both being present to bear witness to the growth and creation of you.
My theoretical orientation is centered in relational gestalt, humanistic, and feminist theories.
Where trauma and oppressive systems fragment and disconnect, this work offers a reminder and an invitation back to our inherent fullness. In our sessions together, you can get raw, vulnerable, and foster deeper intimacy, connection, compassion, understanding and knowledge of yourself. Together, we will co-create a brave space and collaborate in the healing work. You creating a pleasurable life is a key component to you living your most fulfilled life. This courageous choice to seek your healing is about us both being present to bear witness to the growth and creation of you.
Adrine Avetyan Benlian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91206
I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations including cognitive behavioral, family systems, and humanistic/existential theories, according to the situation and the needs of each client.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I have a passion for providing guidance to those facing the stress and struggles of their everyday lives. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the key to creating healthier coping for past conflict and trauma, current stressors, and questions about how to move forward. I am open and sensitive to the lifestyle and cultural background of my clients, and speak Armenian fluently. I strive to encourage growth and positive change in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
I draw from a variety of theoretical orientations including cognitive behavioral, family systems, and humanistic/existential theories, according to the situation and the needs of each client.
As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I have a passion for providing guidance to those facing the stress and struggles of their everyday lives. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is the key to creating healthier coping for past conflict and trauma, current stressors, and questions about how to move forward. I am open and sensitive to the lifestyle and cultural background of my clients, and speak Armenian fluently. I strive to encourage growth and positive change in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Kimberely Bassett
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
Fresno, CA 93711
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space to explore life issues, help you process difficult past experiences, and to provide you with the support and guidance to help you to not just survive the day-to-day, but to heal and thrive. As a therapist, I utilize an integrative, eclectic approach based on each client’s needs. I have experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-focused techniques, humanistic approaches, and some somatic approaches.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe, non-judgmental, and affirming space to explore life issues, help you process difficult past experiences, and to provide you with the support and guidance to help you to not just survive the day-to-day, but to heal and thrive. As a therapist, I utilize an integrative, eclectic approach based on each client’s needs. I have experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-focused techniques, humanistic approaches, and some somatic approaches.
Thasja Hoffman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94117
Hello, my name is Thasja Hoffmann, I am an LMFT & LPCC trauma-focused therapist. I have had over 20 years of experience, and I still feel very passionate about what I do. My main approach to therapy is to slow your experience down and help you notice what you are experiencing through Meta-awareness modalities and Mindfulness. I also find Somatic and EMDR approaches very helpful in processing information. My foundation in how I work comes from Humanistic/ Existential Psychology.
Hello, my name is Thasja Hoffmann, I am an LMFT & LPCC trauma-focused therapist. I have had over 20 years of experience, and I still feel very passionate about what I do. My main approach to therapy is to slow your experience down and help you notice what you are experiencing through Meta-awareness modalities and Mindfulness. I also find Somatic and EMDR approaches very helpful in processing information. My foundation in how I work comes from Humanistic/ Existential Psychology.
Kendall Raymond
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Offering a relaxed and calm space, I utilize a relationally-focused and humanistic approach in my work with mood disorders, divorce, grief, and self-esteem.
Welcome! I celebrate you for being here. Perhaps your childhood was very hard and you’ve noticed things from your past start to resurface or maybe your child is now struggling emotionally for a variety of reasons and you’re at a loss with how to help them. Dealing with life’s complex and ever-changing struggles, healing emotional wounds or overcoming negative thoughts are all things that should not be faced alone. Human beings of all ages and walks of life can experience pain, isolation, fear, feeling lost or uncertain about themselves, and among many other internal challenges.
Offering a relaxed and calm space, I utilize a relationally-focused and humanistic approach in my work with mood disorders, divorce, grief, and self-esteem.
Welcome! I celebrate you for being here. Perhaps your childhood was very hard and you’ve noticed things from your past start to resurface or maybe your child is now struggling emotionally for a variety of reasons and you’re at a loss with how to help them. Dealing with life’s complex and ever-changing struggles, healing emotional wounds or overcoming negative thoughts are all things that should not be faced alone. Human beings of all ages and walks of life can experience pain, isolation, fear, feeling lost or uncertain about themselves, and among many other internal challenges.
Adam Shemper, MFT: Awaken Relationship
Marriage & Family Therapist, MJ, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Healdsburg, CA 95448
Waitlist for new clients
My practice is rooted in Eastern and Western approaches: body-based psychotherapy (Hakomi & AEDP), Zen, Gestalt & voice dialogue, Jungian psychology, family systems and adolescent therapy, cross-cultural perspectives, humanistic, and existential psychology.
I collaborate with individuals and couples to change old, destructive patterns into mutually beneficial ways of relating. With presence, curiosity & humor, I offer a healing relationship as the path toward greater self-acceptance, fulfillment & freedom. I help you ground in your innate capacity to feel more in charge of your life, which includes being able to identify and express your feelings, needs & desires. My practice is oriented toward: emotional experience; people in the midst of life transitions, including new parents and parents of older children; those experiencing grief; & individuals who have previously been in therapy.
My practice is rooted in Eastern and Western approaches: body-based psychotherapy (Hakomi & AEDP), Zen, Gestalt & voice dialogue, Jungian psychology, family systems and adolescent therapy, cross-cultural perspectives, humanistic, and existential psychology.
I collaborate with individuals and couples to change old, destructive patterns into mutually beneficial ways of relating. With presence, curiosity & humor, I offer a healing relationship as the path toward greater self-acceptance, fulfillment & freedom. I help you ground in your innate capacity to feel more in charge of your life, which includes being able to identify and express your feelings, needs & desires. My practice is oriented toward: emotional experience; people in the midst of life transitions, including new parents and parents of older children; those experiencing grief; & individuals who have previously been in therapy.
Shannon Polee
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
La Verne, CA 91750
Hi there! My name is Shannon Polee and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have clinical experience providing CBT, Humanistic therapy, Motivational interviewing, and Solution-focused treatment, which allows me to honor and encourage individuality, authenticity, and self-determination. My specialties include helping adults with difficult life transitions/adjustment, stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, race issues, grief and loss, and building self-esteem.
Hi there! My name is Shannon Polee and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have clinical experience providing CBT, Humanistic therapy, Motivational interviewing, and Solution-focused treatment, which allows me to honor and encourage individuality, authenticity, and self-determination. My specialties include helping adults with difficult life transitions/adjustment, stress management, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, race issues, grief and loss, and building self-esteem.
Shevi Loewinger
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94123
My style as a humanistic relational therapist comes from my warm, eclectic and open personality.
We all experience some level of depression, anxiety and low self esteem at some point in our lives. It can feel lonely and isolating. It affects our desires and aliveness, our ability to feel joy, fulfillment, and connection. We are craving to be understood and seen and have more clarity about our place in the world. We crave to find peace, self love and love from others. Healing starts with our relationship, client and therapist. Together we build a safe and brave space to meet the fears, to rediscover your intuition and creativity and to understand your unique experience, needs and wants.
My style as a humanistic relational therapist comes from my warm, eclectic and open personality.
We all experience some level of depression, anxiety and low self esteem at some point in our lives. It can feel lonely and isolating. It affects our desires and aliveness, our ability to feel joy, fulfillment, and connection. We are craving to be understood and seen and have more clarity about our place in the world. We crave to find peace, self love and love from others. Healing starts with our relationship, client and therapist. Together we build a safe and brave space to meet the fears, to rediscover your intuition and creativity and to understand your unique experience, needs and wants.
Kristen Nurkowski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hanford, CA 93230
As a licensed clinical social worker, I take a humanistic perspective, utilizing both psychodynamic and holistic approaches to support my clients moving toward their valued direction and developing the skills to do so. Only by taking the time to explore your inner-workings, can we begin to identify and eradicate what doesn’t work by developing strategies & moving towards what does, allowing a healthy authentic adult version of you to emerge.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I take a humanistic perspective, utilizing both psychodynamic and holistic approaches to support my clients moving toward their valued direction and developing the skills to do so. Only by taking the time to explore your inner-workings, can we begin to identify and eradicate what doesn’t work by developing strategies & moving towards what does, allowing a healthy authentic adult version of you to emerge.
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Humanistic Therapists
How does humanistic therapy work?
One tenet of humanistic therapy is that people are good. The humanistic approach is concerned with a person’s ability to accept oneself. It likewise encourages a person to overcome self-criticism and self-defeating tendencies, as well as disapproval from others. This approach also emphasizes self-actualization and treating an individual as a whole person. A foundation of this therapy type: The patient is the expert in their life, and treatment often takes the individual’s lead.
Is humanistic therapy evidence-based?
Humanistic therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has found that humanistic therapy can lead to significant improvement, and for some people it can be just as effective as other therapies, such as Cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of humanistic therapy are enduring.
How long does humanistic therapy last?
The goal of humanistic therapy is to understand a person’s day-to-day experiences. While sessions can be short-term and last over a few months, therapy can sometimes continue beyond that and last up to a year or more. And because patients learn the theory behind humanistic therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.
Is humanistic therapy effective?
According to research, many patients find success with humanistic therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in addressing poor self-esteem and self-sabotage, as well as improving conditions including anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can be long standing, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve learned during treatment.