Therapists in Kern County, CA
Tiffany Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Having a hard time navigating life? Feel as though you keep falling back into the same old patterns which don't produce what you intended? Having difficulty with your child, spouse, family or loved ones? Have the thought that addressing your innermost pain means there is "something wrong with you?" Let me help! In my practice I strive to help people access their best selves, lives, and potential. I assist you in navigating through your life. My goal is to spread the word that everyone will need an impartial confidant and that seeking help is normal. I would be honored to assist you on your journey of transformation.
Having a hard time navigating life? Feel as though you keep falling back into the same old patterns which don't produce what you intended? Having difficulty with your child, spouse, family or loved ones? Have the thought that addressing your innermost pain means there is "something wrong with you?" Let me help! In my practice I strive to help people access their best selves, lives, and potential. I assist you in navigating through your life. My goal is to spread the word that everyone will need an impartial confidant and that seeking help is normal. I would be honored to assist you on your journey of transformation.
John R Navejas
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bakersfield, CA 93309
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
John Navejas is registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing services in both substance abuse and mental health treatment modalities. John’s career experience began while volunteering with the Homeless Collaborative. John has worked with many populations including adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, substance abuse, anger, relationship issues, and identifying/controlling emotions and thoughts. He has led groups such as Anger Replacement Training, Strengthening Families, CBT interventions for substance abuse and created the first trauma informed yoga group at a juvenile detention facility.
Bridges Therapy Group of CA
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93311 (Online Only)
At Bridges Therapy Group of California, we’re dedicated to matching you with the perfect therapist for you and ensuring that your insurance will truly pay for your sessions. We are contracted, in-network providers with all the insurers listed below. We verify your benefits before you start so there are no surprises to you.
At Bridges Therapy Group of California, we’re dedicated to matching you with the perfect therapist for you and ensuring that your insurance will truly pay for your sessions. We are contracted, in-network providers with all the insurers listed below. We verify your benefits before you start so there are no surprises to you.
Kristalena Sauls
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93312
My name is Krista and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on Christian counseling utilizing Biblical principles. I am passionate about helping clients learn and apply healthy skills to work through difficult situations. Often thoughts and beliefs are overwhelming, interfering with daily activities and inhibiting positive relationships with others. I integrate scripture and practical tools to help clients work towards freedom from oppressive thinking patterns, improve relationships, and help foster hope.
My name is Krista and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on Christian counseling utilizing Biblical principles. I am passionate about helping clients learn and apply healthy skills to work through difficult situations. Often thoughts and beliefs are overwhelming, interfering with daily activities and inhibiting positive relationships with others. I integrate scripture and practical tools to help clients work towards freedom from oppressive thinking patterns, improve relationships, and help foster hope.
Pravina Lal
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Bakersfield, CA 93307 (Online Only)
I support individuals who seek relief from emotional distress. Difficult life events can challenge our ability to remain hopeful. We might experience loneliness, apathy, and possible conflict within relationships. Traumatic memories, intrusive thoughts, negative self-talk, and unhealthy coping can adversely impact functioning and overall well-being. It is my priority to offer compassionate support while exploring challenges and strengths. I enjoy facilitating the expansion of awareness through emotional processing and building your wellness tools.
I support individuals who seek relief from emotional distress. Difficult life events can challenge our ability to remain hopeful. We might experience loneliness, apathy, and possible conflict within relationships. Traumatic memories, intrusive thoughts, negative self-talk, and unhealthy coping can adversely impact functioning and overall well-being. It is my priority to offer compassionate support while exploring challenges and strengths. I enjoy facilitating the expansion of awareness through emotional processing and building your wellness tools.
Online Therapists
Prof. Isaias J Narvaez
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA, BLS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
As a mixed raced father, adopting father, and mentor with a diverse background, the challenges that life can present in relationships, parenting, partner along with everyday stress, trauma and challenges with substance abuse can easily come up. Some humor, human connection and respect for the therapeutic process are part of my style which include self-empowerment and radical acceptance using a strength based approach with the neuroscience mumbo jumbo. Come reauthor your narrative, laugh and cry while empowering yourself.
As a mixed raced father, adopting father, and mentor with a diverse background, the challenges that life can present in relationships, parenting, partner along with everyday stress, trauma and challenges with substance abuse can easily come up. Some humor, human connection and respect for the therapeutic process are part of my style which include self-empowerment and radical acceptance using a strength based approach with the neuroscience mumbo jumbo. Come reauthor your narrative, laugh and cry while empowering yourself.
Che Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90046
I use a Narrative lens to see the many stories informing your identity.
Your best therapist is a witness to your life. Your hope is that if your pain and struggle is seen by another, so will your desires, resilience, and resourcefulness. My place in your therapy is to see you, hear you, and reflect your power back to you. Sharing your journey lets me witness your transformations, big and small. I see and ask: How has systemic oppression affected you, your family, and your communities? I work with Clients anywhere on the spectrums of gender/sexuality, (non)religion, ability, and cultural & racial identity; who express body and sex positivity everywhere from asexual to kink…monogamous to poly…and beyond.
I use a Narrative lens to see the many stories informing your identity.
Your best therapist is a witness to your life. Your hope is that if your pain and struggle is seen by another, so will your desires, resilience, and resourcefulness. My place in your therapy is to see you, hear you, and reflect your power back to you. Sharing your journey lets me witness your transformations, big and small. I see and ask: How has systemic oppression affected you, your family, and your communities? I work with Clients anywhere on the spectrums of gender/sexuality, (non)religion, ability, and cultural & racial identity; who express body and sex positivity everywhere from asexual to kink…monogamous to poly…and beyond.
Christhmus (Christopher Chu) Presence
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Online Only)
Guiding pillars include Liberation-, Narrative-, Somatic-Psychologies, Trauma Therapy, Ancestral-Spiritual Practices, Expressive Arts, & more.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Guiding pillars include Liberation-, Narrative-, Somatic-Psychologies, Trauma Therapy, Ancestral-Spiritual Practices, Expressive Arts, & more.
Offering CA-based Telehealth ideal for BIPOC: Black, Indigenous, &/or People of Color, including white-passing & mixed-race BIPOC. Also welcoming Families & Partnerships with 1 or more BIPOC in regular attendance. I offer Xychotherapy: psychotherapy that recognizes therapeutic experiences existed long before psychotherapy was invented, and incorporates psychotherapy into global therapeutic wisdoms and practices.
Kathleen Ekins
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
I also work a lot with Cognitive Behavioral therapy; However, I have been trained in Seeking Safety, Narrative therapy, sand tray therapy, and family systems.
Kathleen Acosta Ekins, LCSW. I have been doing therapy with children, families, and adults for over 20 years. I work with clients who are experiencing childhood trauma, adult anxiety, depression, PTSD, life transitions, and grief. I use talk therapy as the main way I work with adults, with children I use play therapy and talk therapy. I use talk therapy (psychodynamic therapy) as the main way I work with adults, with children I use play therapy and talk therapy. I have been trained in many different approaches; trauma-informed therapy is one of the main modalities I use.
I also work a lot with Cognitive Behavioral therapy; However, I have been trained in Seeking Safety, Narrative therapy, sand tray therapy, and family systems.
Kathleen Acosta Ekins, LCSW. I have been doing therapy with children, families, and adults for over 20 years. I work with clients who are experiencing childhood trauma, adult anxiety, depression, PTSD, life transitions, and grief. I use talk therapy as the main way I work with adults, with children I use play therapy and talk therapy. I use talk therapy (psychodynamic therapy) as the main way I work with adults, with children I use play therapy and talk therapy. I have been trained in many different approaches; trauma-informed therapy is one of the main modalities I use.
Jordan Rhodes
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
I draw on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic, art, narrative, solution-focused, and Gestalt therapies to help you face your challenges at the root and experience true freedom.
Everyone experiences challenges, and you do not have to face them alone. My focus is to create a welcoming and healing environment that resonates with your unique qualities to restore balance in your life. With this holistic approach to mental health, you are free to express yourself through the full range of your senses and imagination. If you have never considered yourself a "creative" person, holistic therapy can help you let go of the limits you have placed on your own potential. You have the answers within you, and I am committed to helping you find them.
I draw on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), somatic, art, narrative, solution-focused, and Gestalt therapies to help you face your challenges at the root and experience true freedom.
Everyone experiences challenges, and you do not have to face them alone. My focus is to create a welcoming and healing environment that resonates with your unique qualities to restore balance in your life. With this holistic approach to mental health, you are free to express yourself through the full range of your senses and imagination. If you have never considered yourself a "creative" person, holistic therapy can help you let go of the limits you have placed on your own potential. You have the answers within you, and I am committed to helping you find them.
Alessandra Rizzotti
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW, RYT-200
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Waitlist for new clients
Have you found yourself emotionally, mentally, or physically dysregulated after a crisis, trauma, or change? If you have found difficulty managing OCD, anxiety, depression, grief, BPD, or chronic illness, I can help using therapeutic tools customized to your recovery. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term therapy to transform your narrative from helplessness to self-efficacy, I offer treatment plans utilizing culturally aware care, as well as evidence-based practices such as Exposure Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.
Have you found yourself emotionally, mentally, or physically dysregulated after a crisis, trauma, or change? If you have found difficulty managing OCD, anxiety, depression, grief, BPD, or chronic illness, I can help using therapeutic tools customized to your recovery. Whether you are looking for short-term or long-term therapy to transform your narrative from helplessness to self-efficacy, I offer treatment plans utilizing culturally aware care, as well as evidence-based practices such as Exposure Response Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and EMDR.
Dale L Bolger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, ASW, LLMSW, LGSW
Verified Verified
Victorville, CA 92395 (Online Only)
Discover your authentic self while strengthening & developing your support systems, utilizing gender/sexuality-affirming therapy, trauma-informed interventions, somatic experiencing, narrative, Internal Family Systems (informed) & solution-focused therapies.
As an openly polyamorous-queer-gender nonconforming person, I’ve spent most of my life experiencing microaggressions & unlearning the cisnormative & hetronormative messages that constantly tell us we are defective, broken, or unwanted. They are wrong! We are fabulous, vibrant & deserving, of all the gifts the world has to offer. I became a therapist to share what I’ve learned, bring healing, & advocate for queer/trans youth, young adults & their families while working for social justice & full inclusion into society. Our work will be in a safe, affirming space so we can collaborate to create & implement a road map to your recovery.
Discover your authentic self while strengthening & developing your support systems, utilizing gender/sexuality-affirming therapy, trauma-informed interventions, somatic experiencing, narrative, Internal Family Systems (informed) & solution-focused therapies.
As an openly polyamorous-queer-gender nonconforming person, I’ve spent most of my life experiencing microaggressions & unlearning the cisnormative & hetronormative messages that constantly tell us we are defective, broken, or unwanted. They are wrong! We are fabulous, vibrant & deserving, of all the gifts the world has to offer. I became a therapist to share what I’ve learned, bring healing, & advocate for queer/trans youth, young adults & their families while working for social justice & full inclusion into society. Our work will be in a safe, affirming space so we can collaborate to create & implement a road map to your recovery.
Reina Woods
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90057
With 18 years of social work experience, I walk alongside individuals, offering a warm and collaborative space to explore, learn, and thrive. My focus is on empowering adults to apply their strengths and skills, guiding them towards their goals and happiness. Together, we'll navigate challenges, change perspectives, and find solutions for a fulfilling journey to wellbeing and wholeness.
With 18 years of social work experience, I walk alongside individuals, offering a warm and collaborative space to explore, learn, and thrive. My focus is on empowering adults to apply their strengths and skills, guiding them towards their goals and happiness. Together, we'll navigate challenges, change perspectives, and find solutions for a fulfilling journey to wellbeing and wholeness.
Melissa Ricard-Cruz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Commerce, CA 90040 (Online Only)
There are times in which we experience challenges, unexpected changes in our lives, or other disruptions in our relationships. We may have coped through it all before however sometimes things change and we need a new perspective and a safe place to process these experiences. Reaching out for support can be a difficult step, I am here with my hand out when you are ready for that first step to provide an empathic and compassionate space so that you can develop the appropriate skills to process difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
There are times in which we experience challenges, unexpected changes in our lives, or other disruptions in our relationships. We may have coped through it all before however sometimes things change and we need a new perspective and a safe place to process these experiences. Reaching out for support can be a difficult step, I am here with my hand out when you are ready for that first step to provide an empathic and compassionate space so that you can develop the appropriate skills to process difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
Cheryl Girdner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93004
I am Cheryl Girder, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been in this field for 15 years. My approach to therapy is to assist clients to see themselves and others with a better understanding which will provide a positive outlook on themselves and their surroundings. I am open to working with clients that have personal conflicts, relationship, or family troubles, including working with couples, or conditions such as depression, stress, or anxiety. Those mentioned are what I typically work with and the conditions I'm most comfortable with.
I am Cheryl Girder, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have been in this field for 15 years. My approach to therapy is to assist clients to see themselves and others with a better understanding which will provide a positive outlook on themselves and their surroundings. I am open to working with clients that have personal conflicts, relationship, or family troubles, including working with couples, or conditions such as depression, stress, or anxiety. Those mentioned are what I typically work with and the conditions I'm most comfortable with.
Alexandria Parker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101 (Online Only)
On the outside, you have it all together. But, on the inside, you're falling apart. You're the hero of your family, friend group, community, and/or profession. The person that everyone turns to for help and advice. Yet, the pressure to "have it all together" and "hold it all together" is eating away your confidence and sense of peace. Feelings of panic, fear, and overwhelm are getting harder to hide. You long to live life in a way that feels good, not just looks good. To have relationships that are more balanced and honest. You want to feel whole and at peace with yourself.
On the outside, you have it all together. But, on the inside, you're falling apart. You're the hero of your family, friend group, community, and/or profession. The person that everyone turns to for help and advice. Yet, the pressure to "have it all together" and "hold it all together" is eating away your confidence and sense of peace. Feelings of panic, fear, and overwhelm are getting harder to hide. You long to live life in a way that feels good, not just looks good. To have relationships that are more balanced and honest. You want to feel whole and at peace with yourself.
Natalie Holst
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT , APCC, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Are you tired of feeling like you're merely surviving rather than thriving? Perhaps, on the surface, you appear to have it all together, but internally, you feel like you're falling apart. You've dedicated yourself to work and relationships, yet a sense of inadequacy persists. Do you sometimes feel stressed, exhausted, unfulfilled, or disconnected? When triggered do you shut down, have unexpected emotions, or dissociate? I aim to provide a sanctuary for you to explore your experiences, emotions, and parts of yourself without judgment. My goal is to support you in reclaiming your sense of agency and aligning with your true self.
Are you tired of feeling like you're merely surviving rather than thriving? Perhaps, on the surface, you appear to have it all together, but internally, you feel like you're falling apart. You've dedicated yourself to work and relationships, yet a sense of inadequacy persists. Do you sometimes feel stressed, exhausted, unfulfilled, or disconnected? When triggered do you shut down, have unexpected emotions, or dissociate? I aim to provide a sanctuary for you to explore your experiences, emotions, and parts of yourself without judgment. My goal is to support you in reclaiming your sense of agency and aligning with your true self.
Sara Stevens, MA, MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Tarzana, CA 91356 (Online Only)
In the 20+ years I've been a therapist, I've learned that no two situations are the same. Therefore, I don't profess to have all the answers, but I'm very good at finding answers. I value getting to know people and finding out what has worked and what isn't working and then finding answers together.
In the 20+ years I've been a therapist, I've learned that no two situations are the same. Therefore, I don't profess to have all the answers, but I'm very good at finding answers. I value getting to know people and finding out what has worked and what isn't working and then finding answers together.
Susana N. Ramos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90045 (Online Only)
My passion is supporting clients in moving beyond merely surviving, towards freedom and joy, in order to truly LIVE. My practice centers around working with people of color, marginalized communities, and allies to find healing and growth from depression, trauma, racism-based stress, anxiety and burnout. I bring an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and social justice lens to my work. I have spent my career helping young adults feel safe, empowered, seen, and understood.
My passion is supporting clients in moving beyond merely surviving, towards freedom and joy, in order to truly LIVE. My practice centers around working with people of color, marginalized communities, and allies to find healing and growth from depression, trauma, racism-based stress, anxiety and burnout. I bring an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and social justice lens to my work. I have spent my career helping young adults feel safe, empowered, seen, and understood.
Evelyn Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Huntington Park, CA 90255
Hello! I am grateful you are spending time to find support and move towards change/ in what you want in life. I believe people have the ability to be attuned with themselves emotionally. It is when we are able to connect with ourselves deeply that we can lean in and pay attention to our body’s signals. Learning to be attuned with our body is not a natural process and in doing so we can learn to live a more attuned life. I am extremely passionate about helping individuals with finding ways to grow and coming alongside them to get there.
Hello! I am grateful you are spending time to find support and move towards change/ in what you want in life. I believe people have the ability to be attuned with themselves emotionally. It is when we are able to connect with ourselves deeply that we can lean in and pay attention to our body’s signals. Learning to be attuned with our body is not a natural process and in doing so we can learn to live a more attuned life. I am extremely passionate about helping individuals with finding ways to grow and coming alongside them to get there.
See more therapy options for Kern County
Narrative Therapists
Is narrative therapy evidence-based?
Narrative therapy is not well-studied, and it may not be as effective in treating mental health conditions when compared with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Some small studies do show that depressed and anxious individuals who were treated with narrative therapy reported improvement in anxiety and depression symptoms.
How long does narrative therapy last?
Narrative therapy is less structured when compared with psychoanalysis, for example. Narrative therapy is more open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a few months, and sometimes a year or longer. Patients see their therapist one to two times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a person’s challenges and progress. Individuals can also practice the principles of narrative therapy after treatment has ended.
Does narrative therapy work?
Narrative therapy can help a person manage or reduce symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety. This type of therapy encourages a person to reflect on the moments of their life when their particular problem was not at the forefront of their minds—perhaps life celebrations, achievements, and other successes. The individual is encouraged to rewrite their storyline as if their particular problem was not part of their life. This therapy may offer benefits that are hard to measure.
What are the possible limitations of narrative therapy?
Narrative therapy is person-centered or client-centered, and the health professional pays more attention to the subjective narratives that are constructed by the client, as opposed to other objective measures. The therapist privileges the individual’s perspective over all others. This open form may feel frustrating for individuals seeking a more structured approach; certainly, no one therapy type will work for every individual.