Photo of Julia Richardson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Julia Richardson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
My name is Julia Richardson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California since January 1999. My License number is MFT35516. I work with children from age 10 and up. I also work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. My framework in working with individuals, couples and families is through a relational lens that incorporates brain science, attachment theory and mindsight. I see each (individual, couple dyad and family) as a magnificent portrait that comes to therapy when their life patterns are stuck in rigidity or chaos.
My name is Julia Richardson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California since January 1999. My License number is MFT35516. I work with children from age 10 and up. I also work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. My framework in working with individuals, couples and families is through a relational lens that incorporates brain science, attachment theory and mindsight. I see each (individual, couple dyad and family) as a magnificent portrait that comes to therapy when their life patterns are stuck in rigidity or chaos.
(805) 800-8685 View (805) 800-8685
Photo of Adriana Gutierrez, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Adriana Gutierrez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hi! I am Adriana Gutierrez, Licensed Marriage and family therapist who is passionate about bringing therapy services through an integrative and holistic approach. I want to join you in supporting the work towards finding balance from day-to-day stressors to addressing life-altering events that challenge our sense of self. In my years of experience, I have trained and treated from parent-infant dynamics to children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. I have extensive training and experience in trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Hi! I am Adriana Gutierrez, Licensed Marriage and family therapist who is passionate about bringing therapy services through an integrative and holistic approach. I want to join you in supporting the work towards finding balance from day-to-day stressors to addressing life-altering events that challenge our sense of self. In my years of experience, I have trained and treated from parent-infant dynamics to children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. I have extensive training and experience in trauma, anxiety, and depression.
(714) 497-2160 View (714) 497-2160
Photo of Christopher Canclini, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Christopher Canclini
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405  (Online Only)
Areas of Specialization include Children, Teens, Families, Relationships & Marriage - Parenting with Love & Logic - Teens and Adults struggling with Depression - Anxiety - Stress - Physical/ Sexual Abuse - Drug and Alcohol Abuse / Addiction - Aspergers (Using DBT) and Mood Disorders.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, relationships or family can feel broken or full of tension and fighting. Sometimes in life we can feel disconnected and struggle to find joy, peace, calm and serenity. Sometimes struggles, problems or relationship issues begin to disrupt our thoughts and daily life and damage relationships. If you are looking for hope in your life, family, and/or relationships... If you are tired of the anxiety, depression, fighting and tension with your partner, family or teens... if you feel like you've lost control it's time to seek help and therapy. I offer Tele Health in CA and TN.
Areas of Specialization include Children, Teens, Families, Relationships & Marriage - Parenting with Love & Logic - Teens and Adults struggling with Depression - Anxiety - Stress - Physical/ Sexual Abuse - Drug and Alcohol Abuse / Addiction - Aspergers (Using DBT) and Mood Disorders.
Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, relationships or family can feel broken or full of tension and fighting. Sometimes in life we can feel disconnected and struggle to find joy, peace, calm and serenity. Sometimes struggles, problems or relationship issues begin to disrupt our thoughts and daily life and damage relationships. If you are looking for hope in your life, family, and/or relationships... If you are tired of the anxiety, depression, fighting and tension with your partner, family or teens... if you feel like you've lost control it's time to seek help and therapy. I offer Tele Health in CA and TN.
(805) 395-4375 View (805) 395-4375
Photo of Joshua Javedanfar, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Joshua Javedanfar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hello, and welcome! I'm Josh Javedanfar, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm here to support you on your journey toward improved mental well-being. With a compassionate and personalized approach, I strive to create a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth. I tailor all my therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs. I work with and have had experience working with individuals, families, and couples of diverse backgrounds and ages who may be facing a wide range of mental health concerns.
Hello, and welcome! I'm Josh Javedanfar, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm here to support you on your journey toward improved mental well-being. With a compassionate and personalized approach, I strive to create a safe space for exploration, healing, and growth. I tailor all my therapeutic techniques to meet your unique needs. I work with and have had experience working with individuals, families, and couples of diverse backgrounds and ages who may be facing a wide range of mental health concerns.
(657) 571-4636 View (657) 571-4636
Photo of Anita Sandler, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Anita Sandler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I'm Anita Sandler, a California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. I have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health clinics. I have had great success helping clients overcome symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also provide counseling to couples/families to increase communication skills, and to survivors of domestic violence to help recapture their confidence. The theoretical orientation that I prefer is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, and behavior are interconnected.
I'm Anita Sandler, a California Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. I have worked in a variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, and community mental health clinics. I have had great success helping clients overcome symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also provide counseling to couples/families to increase communication skills, and to survivors of domestic violence to help recapture their confidence. The theoretical orientation that I prefer is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, and behavior are interconnected.
(619) 503-7966 View (619) 503-7966
Photo of Paula Defrisco, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Paula Defrisco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.
(805) 918-4816 View (805) 918-4816
Photo of David C. Lichti, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
David C. Lichti, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
(805) 250-4605 View (805) 250-4605
Photo of Bobby Tehrani, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Bobby Tehrani
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders. The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.
My primary focus in private practice is evaluation and assessment for a variety of psychological conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Mood Disorders, Learning Disabilities and Personality Disorders. The second focus I have is treatment. I have an integrative approach to therapy in which I use multiple modalities that fit my clients’ individual needs. Some of the modalities I use are interpersonal therapy, supportive therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also view other factors that can affect the client, such as cultural, medical, and environmental factors.
(805) 409-8239 View (805) 409-8239
Photo of Tom Buckley, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in San Luis Obispo, CA
Tom Buckley
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCIII
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director of Aspire Counseling San Luis Obispo. Aspire SLO provides Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services for Teens and Adults in an intensive outpatient setting. Do you or a loved one struggle with depression, anxiety, self harm, substances abuse, addiction issues, etc.? If so, call Aspire SLO at 805-329-5595 to speak with a counselor. To schedule an appointment 24/7 call 888-585-7373. Ask about or free weekly family support group!
Tom Buckley is the Executive Director of Aspire Counseling San Luis Obispo. Aspire SLO provides Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services for Teens and Adults in an intensive outpatient setting. Do you or a loved one struggle with depression, anxiety, self harm, substances abuse, addiction issues, etc.? If so, call Aspire SLO at 805-329-5595 to speak with a counselor. To schedule an appointment 24/7 call 888-585-7373. Ask about or free weekly family support group!
(805) 549-5989 View (805) 549-5989
Photo of Family Therapy Solutions, INC., Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Family Therapy Solutions, INC.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, CADC-II, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
You wouldn't go to a shoddy chain restaurant for quality food so why would you do the same for mental health? Here at FTS, We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support you in finding real results towards growth and fulfillment. At FTS, we are dedicated to providing a safe, confidential, and client centered space for you to explore your challenges and aspirations. We are particularly attuned to the unique needs of communities of first responders, perinatal, and trauma-work, (to name a few) and we know you'll walk out knowing exactly what you got out of therapy!
You wouldn't go to a shoddy chain restaurant for quality food so why would you do the same for mental health? Here at FTS, We are thrilled to have the opportunity to support you in finding real results towards growth and fulfillment. At FTS, we are dedicated to providing a safe, confidential, and client centered space for you to explore your challenges and aspirations. We are particularly attuned to the unique needs of communities of first responders, perinatal, and trauma-work, (to name a few) and we know you'll walk out knowing exactly what you got out of therapy!
(805) 590-9154 View (805) 590-9154
Photo of Tim Schenberg, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Tim Schenberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
Many people struggle with finding their way in life. It is very hard to do it on your own. Therapy is one of many tools that people can use to create and sustain change. My practice tends to draw individuals, couples and families who need support with a variety of different challenges and conflicts.
Many people struggle with finding their way in life. It is very hard to do it on your own. Therapy is one of many tools that people can use to create and sustain change. My practice tends to draw individuals, couples and families who need support with a variety of different challenges and conflicts.
(805) 322-8434 View (805) 322-8434
Photo of Meagan Edwards, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Luis Obispo, CA
Meagan Edwards
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hi, I'm Meagan Edwards and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My degree, training, and specialties are centered on repairing and enhancing relationships; both those with ourselves and others. I consider and work with individuals and families with holistic frameworks and consideration of the various systems that impact them. My style is client-centered. I utilize systems frameworks in my practice.
Hi, I'm Meagan Edwards and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My degree, training, and specialties are centered on repairing and enhancing relationships; both those with ourselves and others. I consider and work with individuals and families with holistic frameworks and consideration of the various systems that impact them. My style is client-centered. I utilize systems frameworks in my practice.
(805) 386-9054 View (805) 386-9054
Photo of Matt Traube, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Matt Traube
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My goal as a therapist is to provide a comfortable setting that allows you to get the greatest benefit from our work together. In addition to traditional office sessions, I offer flexible solutions including phone, teletherapy, or home visits. Emotional issues can trigger or make a significant contribution to anxiety, skin conditions, skin picking issues and hair pulling (trichotillomania) issues. Relaxation, visualizations, and a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy and body-focused psychotherapy can make the difference. You can take more control by discovering how to manage your emotional triggers and by developing strategies to alleviate anxiety, skin issues, skin picking, and hair pulling.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a comfortable setting that allows you to get the greatest benefit from our work together. In addition to traditional office sessions, I offer flexible solutions including phone, teletherapy, or home visits. Emotional issues can trigger or make a significant contribution to anxiety, skin conditions, skin picking issues and hair pulling (trichotillomania) issues. Relaxation, visualizations, and a mixture of cognitive behavioral therapy and body-focused psychotherapy can make the difference. You can take more control by discovering how to manage your emotional triggers and by developing strategies to alleviate anxiety, skin issues, skin picking, and hair pulling.
(805) 628-4302 View (805) 628-4302
Photo of The Mindful Lemon, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (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.
(855) 435-4301 View (855) 435-4301
Photo of Edward C. Bischof, Ph.D., Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Edward C. Bischof, Ph.D.
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I have been in private practice, in California for 35 years. The focus of my practice is psychotherapy with adults and adolescents and I also provide couples counseling. My patients come from personal referrals, other professionals, previous patients and internet advertising such as this listing. Through continuing education and consultation with colleagues I maintain a high quailty in the services I provide.
I have been in private practice, in California for 35 years. The focus of my practice is psychotherapy with adults and adolescents and I also provide couples counseling. My patients come from personal referrals, other professionals, previous patients and internet advertising such as this listing. Through continuing education and consultation with colleagues I maintain a high quailty in the services I provide.
(909) 962-7180 View (909) 962-7180
Photo of Susanne Haas-Clark, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Susanne Haas-Clark
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
Sometimes life gets overwhelming and the light at the end of the tunnel gets dim. I've been there and I know that at those times a little help can go a long way to put things back together again, to get a better perspective and/or to make necessary changes to get closer to that light again.
Sometimes life gets overwhelming and the light at the end of the tunnel gets dim. I've been there and I know that at those times a little help can go a long way to put things back together again, to get a better perspective and/or to make necessary changes to get closer to that light again.
(805) 468-4897 View (805) 468-4897
Photo of Alice Lenore Sutton, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Alice Lenore Sutton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I have over 30 years experience in treating children, adults, couples and families undergoing crisis situations requiring urgent intervention. Treatment modalities specifically matched to individual needs. Shorted Treatment Time and Help In Recovering Your Life. NO CHARGE FOR 20 MINUTE "GOODNESS OF FIT SESSION". Psy.D from the Graduate Center for Child Development. Former UCLA Faculty Lecturer teaching family and couples counseling.
I have over 30 years experience in treating children, adults, couples and families undergoing crisis situations requiring urgent intervention. Treatment modalities specifically matched to individual needs. Shorted Treatment Time and Help In Recovering Your Life. NO CHARGE FOR 20 MINUTE "GOODNESS OF FIT SESSION". Psy.D from the Graduate Center for Child Development. Former UCLA Faculty Lecturer teaching family and couples counseling.
(805) 856-6724 View (805) 856-6724
Photo of Elena Vladu, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Elena Vladu
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401  (Online Only)
Even people living in San Luis Obispo county- the "happiest place on Earth" need, on occasion, professional support for life's stresses and emotional challenges.I specialize in professional men and women's issues: How to choose the right life or business partner, balancing work and family, cultivating assertiveness, strengthening self-esteem. Families with sensitive children: Quiet, dreamy, introverted, socially awkward, and easily misunderstood - even by their own parents. Artists' dilemmas: Performance anxiety, blocked creativity, survival as an artist in a tough economy. Immigrants with their feet in two worlds: Redefining the meaning of "home," breaking through the language barrier, developing a bi- cultural identity.
Even people living in San Luis Obispo county- the "happiest place on Earth" need, on occasion, professional support for life's stresses and emotional challenges.I specialize in professional men and women's issues: How to choose the right life or business partner, balancing work and family, cultivating assertiveness, strengthening self-esteem. Families with sensitive children: Quiet, dreamy, introverted, socially awkward, and easily misunderstood - even by their own parents. Artists' dilemmas: Performance anxiety, blocked creativity, survival as an artist in a tough economy. Immigrants with their feet in two worlds: Redefining the meaning of "home," breaking through the language barrier, developing a bi- cultural identity.
(805) 585-5974 View (805) 585-5974
Photo of Halley Marie Moore, Psychologist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Halley Marie Moore
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Need PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING to finally discover what is happening? Would you like to finally resolve issues within yourself/family/family business effectively and permanently? My style/approach is unique; my background lends itself well to families with small and large businesses who are trying to keep ownership a positive dynamic. Consultation in my office does not feel like another "thing to get done." If you put in effort, you'll find that our work together will be life-changing. Time is never wasted; I will listen to you while giving you the feedback you are longing for. You'll find that you grow and get stronger by the minute.
Need PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING to finally discover what is happening? Would you like to finally resolve issues within yourself/family/family business effectively and permanently? My style/approach is unique; my background lends itself well to families with small and large businesses who are trying to keep ownership a positive dynamic. Consultation in my office does not feel like another "thing to get done." If you put in effort, you'll find that our work together will be life-changing. Time is never wasted; I will listen to you while giving you the feedback you are longing for. You'll find that you grow and get stronger by the minute.
(805) 319-7957 View (805) 319-7957
Photo of Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling , Marriage & Family Therapist in San Luis Obispo, CA
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
(805) 876-9092 View (805) 876-9092

See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo

Marriage Counseling Therapists

How does marriage counseling work?

Marriage counseling works by teaching couples concrete skills to communicate with one another and solve disagreements in healthy ways. A trained mental health professional works with both members of a couple to explore difficulties the couple may be having and helps them develop skills to address these matters. Couples who don’t have any difficulties but want to prepare for marriage may develop skills for the future.

How long does marriage counseling typically last?

Marriage counseling is a short-term form of therapy; the process may last between four and eight sessions. Other forms of relationship guidance from mental health professionals, such as couples therapy, are longer lasting, may focus on the past rather than just the present, and are tailored to the individual couple and their emotions, history, and patterns in the relationship. Couples therapy often lasts for 12 weeks or longer.

Is marriage counseling effective?

Marriage counseling helps many couples develop relationship skills that may not have been acquired or tested in a relationship; partners may be better able to communicate and address conflict following counseling. However, there are many different forms of marriage counseling, and this form of counseling does not have as strong an evidence base as other modalities such as couples therapy.

Is marriage counseling effective if only one partner wants to go?

Yes, marriage counseling can still be effective if one partner convinces the other to engage in the process. Of course, whether counseling is effective depends on the couple’s commitment to work on their relationship; however, the short-term, skills-based nature of marriage counseling makes it a relatively easy “ask” of a partner, and the hesitant individual may see its value once counseling begins.