Photo of Life Steps Consulting, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Life Steps Consulting
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LAADC, ICADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Have you or a loved one struggled with alcohol or drug dependency? Allow me to help you on your journey to recovery. At Life Steps Consulting, we know that life is full of different transitions, which can be broken down into a series of steps. When you are struggling with substance abuse, movement through the transitional steps halts, causing you to fall into unhealthy life cycles, which impact your career goals, relationships, physical and mental health. I can help you get back on track. I not only have studied the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, but I have been there and I know how you feel.
Have you or a loved one struggled with alcohol or drug dependency? Allow me to help you on your journey to recovery. At Life Steps Consulting, we know that life is full of different transitions, which can be broken down into a series of steps. When you are struggling with substance abuse, movement through the transitional steps halts, causing you to fall into unhealthy life cycles, which impact your career goals, relationships, physical and mental health. I can help you get back on track. I not only have studied the disease of alcohol and drug addiction, but I have been there and I know how you feel.
(916) 545-9754 View (916) 545-9754
Photo of Bojana Pandurevic in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Bojana Pandurevic
MS, MFT, RTT, CHT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
With my extensive professional training, rich life experience, empathy and powerful intuition, I will help equip you with the tools within your personalized treatment, that will help release debilitating blocks and defragment your energy in order to brighten your light so you may venture out of the darkness, with dignity, confidence and self love.
My focus is on working with youth and adults who carry unique emotional and psychological sensitivities. My style, that embodies more of humanistic and holistic approaches, has proven to be very effective with individuals who are connected to spiritual or creative energies; individuals such as artists, healers and LGBTQ, who struggle with self acceptance, self esteem, anxiety and depression. My aim is to help you find and acknowledge all parts of yourself, heal and embrace them all, in order to create a complete and wholesome you.
With my extensive professional training, rich life experience, empathy and powerful intuition, I will help equip you with the tools within your personalized treatment, that will help release debilitating blocks and defragment your energy in order to brighten your light so you may venture out of the darkness, with dignity, confidence and self love.
My focus is on working with youth and adults who carry unique emotional and psychological sensitivities. My style, that embodies more of humanistic and holistic approaches, has proven to be very effective with individuals who are connected to spiritual or creative energies; individuals such as artists, healers and LGBTQ, who struggle with self acceptance, self esteem, anxiety and depression. My aim is to help you find and acknowledge all parts of yourself, heal and embrace them all, in order to create a complete and wholesome you.
(530) 461-5019 View (530) 461-5019
Photo of Amy J Ahlfeld Psyd, Psychologist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Amy J Ahlfeld Psyd
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Some of my areas of interest include helping clients manage conflict, life transitions, and change negative thought patterns and habits.
I have a clinical and consulting practice in Midtown working with individuals and couples on parenting, women's issues, relationship violence, and anger management. Additionally, I work as an executive coach with professionally successful Women of Color. As a licensed psychologist, my training and life experience have afforded me the opportunity to provide expert consultation, counseling, and evaluation services. I have conducted short and long term therapy as well as comprehensive assessments pertaining to academic, workplace, or medical-related issues. Specific client populations I work with include executives, men and women of color, adolescents (and families), and domestic violence offenders.
Some of my areas of interest include helping clients manage conflict, life transitions, and change negative thought patterns and habits.
I have a clinical and consulting practice in Midtown working with individuals and couples on parenting, women's issues, relationship violence, and anger management. Additionally, I work as an executive coach with professionally successful Women of Color. As a licensed psychologist, my training and life experience have afforded me the opportunity to provide expert consultation, counseling, and evaluation services. I have conducted short and long term therapy as well as comprehensive assessments pertaining to academic, workplace, or medical-related issues. Specific client populations I work with include executives, men and women of color, adolescents (and families), and domestic violence offenders.
(916) 546-4379 View (916) 546-4379
Photo of Maria Turner-Lloveras, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Maria Turner-Lloveras
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
My approach focuses on empowerment through skills, relationship building and self-understanding to regulate emotions and gain a sense of inner strength and self- compassion and through this, a fuller life.
Are you concerned about your child's behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I have experience working with children, adolescents and parents on many issues including loss, attachment, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. I also work with complex families dealing with family conflict. Parents are essential to children’s wellbeing and need support to find new ways of understanding and responding to their children. Therapy provides a safe protected space that nurtures exploration, reflection, growth and change.
My approach focuses on empowerment through skills, relationship building and self-understanding to regulate emotions and gain a sense of inner strength and self- compassion and through this, a fuller life.
Are you concerned about your child's behavior? Are you struggling to understand what is happening for your child? Are you finding parenting overwhelming? I have experience working with children, adolescents and parents on many issues including loss, attachment, anxiety, anger, impulsivity, and low self-esteem. I also work with complex families dealing with family conflict. Parents are essential to children’s wellbeing and need support to find new ways of understanding and responding to their children. Therapy provides a safe protected space that nurtures exploration, reflection, growth and change.
(510) 692-4893 View (510) 692-4893
Photo of Vasily Todoriko, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Vasily Todoriko
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
Relationships move us, give us life, and can even suck the life out of us. We were made for them. That is why I specialize in them - relationships with friends, family, colleagues, ourselves, our higher power. Properly realigning these problematic, strained, estranged relationships transforms your suffering into purposeful, worthwhile living. Ultimately your fullest life is my goal as your therapist. The greatest gift you can bring to your relationships is you. The best gift you can give the world is your relationships. What will you choose to do with these two important aspects of your one life?
Relationships move us, give us life, and can even suck the life out of us. We were made for them. That is why I specialize in them - relationships with friends, family, colleagues, ourselves, our higher power. Properly realigning these problematic, strained, estranged relationships transforms your suffering into purposeful, worthwhile living. Ultimately your fullest life is my goal as your therapist. The greatest gift you can bring to your relationships is you. The best gift you can give the world is your relationships. What will you choose to do with these two important aspects of your one life?
(805) 973-0751 View (805) 973-0751
Photo of Jennifer Greene, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Jennifer Greene
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
If you're navigating life challenges that affect your well-being and seeking effective coping strategies, longing to feel understood, supported, and guided toward a more positive perspective, I'm here to assist! My approach centers on you, prioritizing your needs to bring clarity and tranquility through clinical support tailored to your goals.
If you're navigating life challenges that affect your well-being and seeking effective coping strategies, longing to feel understood, supported, and guided toward a more positive perspective, I'm here to assist! My approach centers on you, prioritizing your needs to bring clarity and tranquility through clinical support tailored to your goals.
(916) 710-8749 View (916) 710-8749
Photo of Sandra A Warne, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Sandra A Warne
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I am interested in meeting you individually or with your partner or spouse if you are not living your life to its fullest potential for joy, growth and connection with others. I specialize in trauma resolution through the utilization of EMDR, which is effective in clearing negative influences from the past so you can flourish in the present. My goal is for you is to live with balance, joy, and fulfillment. I also employ a gentle approach to reduce suffering through mindfulness based psychotherapy. Working with couples and diverse populations are interests, and specialties of mine.
I am interested in meeting you individually or with your partner or spouse if you are not living your life to its fullest potential for joy, growth and connection with others. I specialize in trauma resolution through the utilization of EMDR, which is effective in clearing negative influences from the past so you can flourish in the present. My goal is for you is to live with balance, joy, and fulfillment. I also employ a gentle approach to reduce suffering through mindfulness based psychotherapy. Working with couples and diverse populations are interests, and specialties of mine.
(916) 568-1025 View (916) 568-1025
Photo of Kathleen Oravec, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Kathleen Oravec
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
It is about the ability to help find the answers and chart a new course while figuring out who you are and what you want out of life.
Are you and your partner having trouble communicating without dissolving into conflict that seems to never get resolved? Are you tired of feeling anxious and walking on egeshells? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself and getting your needs met? Do you often end up in the same relationship rut without being able to find a way out of an unsatisfying cycle of blame and regret?
It is about the ability to help find the answers and chart a new course while figuring out who you are and what you want out of life.
Are you and your partner having trouble communicating without dissolving into conflict that seems to never get resolved? Are you tired of feeling anxious and walking on egeshells? Do you have difficulty expressing yourself and getting your needs met? Do you often end up in the same relationship rut without being able to find a way out of an unsatisfying cycle of blame and regret?
(916) 546-1493 View (916) 546-1493
Photo of Jennifer Lara, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Jennifer Lara
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
My primary approach is tailored to reevaluate distorted views, separate parts in your life, such as thoughts, physical feelings, and actions then guiding you to develop a new positive approach.
Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.
My primary approach is tailored to reevaluate distorted views, separate parts in your life, such as thoughts, physical feelings, and actions then guiding you to develop a new positive approach.
Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.
(415) 200-3335 View (415) 200-3335
Photo of Nicole Logan, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Nicole Logan
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.
I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.
(415) 704-6947 View (415) 704-6947
Photo of Melissa Satram, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Melissa Satram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I also specialized in multicultural issues and diversity issues such as identity issues, life transitions, and family issues.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
I also specialized in multicultural issues and diversity issues such as identity issues, life transitions, and family issues.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
(415) 223-2143 View (415) 223-2143
Photo of K-Psych Counseling and Psychology Services, Psychologist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
K-Psych Counseling and Psychology Services
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95811  (Online Only)
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Accepting New Clients! Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed? Do you sleep too much or too little? Is it hard to find the motivation to get things done? Do you feel Stressed Out? We can help! K-Psych is a group practice with clinicians that can help you cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
Accepting New Clients! Are you struggling with feeling overwhelmed? Do you sleep too much or too little? Is it hard to find the motivation to get things done? Do you feel Stressed Out? We can help! K-Psych is a group practice with clinicians that can help you cope with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction.
(951) 309-9219 View (951) 309-9219
Photo of Kacey Truong, Pre-Licensed Professional in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Kacey Truong
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.
Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.
(415) 236-4893 View (415) 236-4893
Photo of Lauren Nicole Lowe, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Lauren Nicole Lowe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
I can help you with the tools to calm your mind, feel lighter, rebuild happiness and successfully achieve a harmonious, balanced life.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with degrees from Princeton University and the American School of Professional Psychology. I help adults who are suffering from issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addiction, car accidents, traumatic experiences, divorce/breakups, personal injuries, codependency and eating disorders. My specialty is EMDR therapy. If you suffer from PTSD, I can help you to reprocess recent or past trauma. Together we will work to get back behind the wheel, resolve that family conflict, overcome problematic relationships, recognize codependency, set boundaries, and heal.
I can help you with the tools to calm your mind, feel lighter, rebuild happiness and successfully achieve a harmonious, balanced life.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with degrees from Princeton University and the American School of Professional Psychology. I help adults who are suffering from issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship problems, addiction, car accidents, traumatic experiences, divorce/breakups, personal injuries, codependency and eating disorders. My specialty is EMDR therapy. If you suffer from PTSD, I can help you to reprocess recent or past trauma. Together we will work to get back behind the wheel, resolve that family conflict, overcome problematic relationships, recognize codependency, set boundaries, and heal.
(415) 212-7074 View (415) 212-7074
Photo of Lee Warren Cowan, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Lee Warren Cowan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I assist people in finding ways to triumph over the difficulties of living in healthy relationships. Having had a Canadian mother and lived in four distinct regions of the United States as well as Germany before coming to California I draw from my multicultural life experiences which also encompass 47 years of marriage, 4 adult children and Hi Tech work for 25 years. Growing up with a loving, but work-obsessed father has prepared me to assist with fathering issues. I am trained in EMDR/trauma therapy and Certified in Addiction Treatment, Prepare & Enrich Counseling and CBT TEAM Therapy.
I assist people in finding ways to triumph over the difficulties of living in healthy relationships. Having had a Canadian mother and lived in four distinct regions of the United States as well as Germany before coming to California I draw from my multicultural life experiences which also encompass 47 years of marriage, 4 adult children and Hi Tech work for 25 years. Growing up with a loving, but work-obsessed father has prepared me to assist with fathering issues. I am trained in EMDR/trauma therapy and Certified in Addiction Treatment, Prepare & Enrich Counseling and CBT TEAM Therapy.
(408) 597-4677 View (408) 597-4677
Photo of Better Life Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Better Life Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94229
Better Life Counseling Center is a practice with multiple therapists with varying experience and expertise. Please visit our website to learn more about each therapist. Kimberly Salmon will be able to get you scheduled and begin your journey to reach your own goals.
Better Life Counseling Center is a practice with multiple therapists with varying experience and expertise. Please visit our website to learn more about each therapist. Kimberly Salmon will be able to get you scheduled and begin your journey to reach your own goals.
(916) 299-8172 View (916) 299-8172
Photo of Sarah Astarte in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Sarah Astarte
PhD
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95814
Spiritual guidance and intuitive counseling includes spirituality with contemporary counseling practices to help with healing, empowerment, and transformation. Understanding of one's spirituality is subjective to each client. My specializations include body image and self-esteem, love and relationships, sacred sexuality, identity formation, self-empowerment, life transitions, grief and loss, death and dying, mind-body connection, archetypes, multiculturalism and GLBT identity and issues, and spirituality and growth. Goddess psychology, creative expression, dream work, Reiki, intuitive readings, and indigenous healing practices.
Spiritual guidance and intuitive counseling includes spirituality with contemporary counseling practices to help with healing, empowerment, and transformation. Understanding of one's spirituality is subjective to each client. My specializations include body image and self-esteem, love and relationships, sacred sexuality, identity formation, self-empowerment, life transitions, grief and loss, death and dying, mind-body connection, archetypes, multiculturalism and GLBT identity and issues, and spirituality and growth. Goddess psychology, creative expression, dream work, Reiki, intuitive readings, and indigenous healing practices.
(916) 520-6292 View (916) 520-6292
Photo of Madison Ale Gomez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Madison Ale Gomez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I have worked with children, teenagers, adults&couples going through life transitions.
Hi there, I am currently booking for March & April of 2024, please email using the link or text (916) 884-3812. My goal is to create safety in vulnerability, inner acceptance & understanding. I work from an emotionally & trauma focused perspective. I assist clients in understanding current conflict while exploring your past trauma. Much of the work is through the battling the unconscious questions & creating inner awareness. My client's work becomes possible by disabling self-sabotaging situations, defensiveness, childhood wounds & trauma. My wish is for you to create a positive self image. In doing so, the work allows for you
I have worked with children, teenagers, adults&couples going through life transitions.
Hi there, I am currently booking for March & April of 2024, please email using the link or text (916) 884-3812. My goal is to create safety in vulnerability, inner acceptance & understanding. I work from an emotionally & trauma focused perspective. I assist clients in understanding current conflict while exploring your past trauma. Much of the work is through the battling the unconscious questions & creating inner awareness. My client's work becomes possible by disabling self-sabotaging situations, defensiveness, childhood wounds & trauma. My wish is for you to create a positive self image. In doing so, the work allows for you
(916) 414-9406 View (916) 414-9406
Photo of Jan Phillips, Psychologist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Jan Phillips
Psychologist, MBA, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95813
I work with individuals who are navigating life's transitions, relationship issues, trauma recovery, work stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and aging.
Being compassionate with our self is important when we undertake personal change. Our internal critic and negative thoughts can leave us feeling defeated. When we're disconnected from our authentic self or from others, we suffer. Disconnection can result from many circumstances, for example living by other's expectations at the expense of pursuing our own goals. Or, the busy pace of life can leave people feeling disconnected and alienated. When we re-connect with our self and other people, we're more able to manage life's stressors using healthy means and live a more peaceful and contented life.
I work with individuals who are navigating life's transitions, relationship issues, trauma recovery, work stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and aging.
Being compassionate with our self is important when we undertake personal change. Our internal critic and negative thoughts can leave us feeling defeated. When we're disconnected from our authentic self or from others, we suffer. Disconnection can result from many circumstances, for example living by other's expectations at the expense of pursuing our own goals. Or, the busy pace of life can leave people feeling disconnected and alienated. When we re-connect with our self and other people, we're more able to manage life's stressors using healthy means and live a more peaceful and contented life.
(916) 945-9219 View (916) 945-9219
Photo of Linda Lee Sessions, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Linda Lee Sessions
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MAHS, LMFT, MAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95811
My approach to therapy is based on integrating theories from a family systems perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, & Attachment Theory. While I enjoy working with all client populations my specialties are LGBTQ issues, relationship issues, chronic illness and pain, terminal illness, grief and loss. I see each client as uniquely special, and deserving of life's best. My goal is to help each client discover who they are meant to be regardless of their experience. I especially like coaching individuals in the corporate setting, helping them to achieve their personal best in the office and at home.
My approach to therapy is based on integrating theories from a family systems perspective, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, & Attachment Theory. While I enjoy working with all client populations my specialties are LGBTQ issues, relationship issues, chronic illness and pain, terminal illness, grief and loss. I see each client as uniquely special, and deserving of life's best. My goal is to help each client discover who they are meant to be regardless of their experience. I especially like coaching individuals in the corporate setting, helping them to achieve their personal best in the office and at home.
(916) 252-5237 View (916) 252-5237

See more therapy options for Midtown, Sacramento

Life Coaching Therapists

What can I expect from life coaching?

Clients and coaches will typically start by identifying the problem area(s) that the client hopes to address—then, the coach will help the client brainstorm potential solutions and explore concrete techniques to help the client attain their goals. Coaching is typically short-term and focused on finding solutions in the here and now, rather than exploring a client’s past. In addition to strategies aimed at the client’s specific concerns, coaches may encourage general stress management techniques such as meditation.

Can a life coach help treat anxiety?

Because the majority of life coaches are not licensed clinicians, they are not qualified to diagnose or treat anxiety. Anyone struggling with anxiety or another mental health condition should seek help from a licensed mental health practitioner. However, some coaching clients who struggle with subclinical anxiety report that working with their coach on other problems—such as career dissatisfaction or unhealthy habits—has a positive effect on their anxiety.

Can life coaching be done online?

Yes. While life coaching often happens in person, many coaches conduct sessions over the phone or via online platforms such as Zoom or Skype. Because life coaches are not subject to local licensing regulations in the same way that therapists are, they are able to see clients who live in other locations.

How long does life coaching last?

Life coaching tends to be a shorter-term process than therapy, though it does not always unfold over a specific period of time and is instead based on the coach’s or the client’s preferences. Coaching often takes place over three to 12 months but may be shorter or longer if necessary.