Photo of Jade Waters-Tippo, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Jade Waters-Tippo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001
I provide compassionate support for children, teens, young adults, individuals, and parents. Growing up can be so hard. So can being a grown-up! Especially as the world feels topsy-turvy. Sometimes we are quick to pathologize ourselves and our children. Learning to respond intentionally rather than react out of fear can be a game changer. In my practice I provide a strengths-based holistic approach to therapy, integrating approaches from Trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
I provide compassionate support for children, teens, young adults, individuals, and parents. Growing up can be so hard. So can being a grown-up! Especially as the world feels topsy-turvy. Sometimes we are quick to pathologize ourselves and our children. Learning to respond intentionally rather than react out of fear can be a game changer. In my practice I provide a strengths-based holistic approach to therapy, integrating approaches from Trauma focused CBT, EMDR, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Sand Tray Therapy.
(805) 293-8073 View (805) 293-8073
Photo of Steve Louis Friedlander, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Steve Louis Friedlander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA , LMFT, SEP, CATC IV
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93001
I have a strong orientation in narrative therapy and am trained in somatic experiencing.
Hi, My name is Steve. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and addiction coach living in Los Angeles. I have always been curious about life and people. As I reflect on my lived experiences I have come to understand that connecting with others in a meaningful way has been the thing that has brought me the most fulfillment and joy. A very old friend recently told me that, having known me over the years, they felt that the thing that was most important to me was freedom. This resonated as true to me and I believe it informs my work as a therapist and coach. 
I have a strong orientation in narrative therapy and am trained in somatic experiencing.
Hi, My name is Steve. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and addiction coach living in Los Angeles. I have always been curious about life and people. As I reflect on my lived experiences I have come to understand that connecting with others in a meaningful way has been the thing that has brought me the most fulfillment and joy. A very old friend recently told me that, having known me over the years, they felt that the thing that was most important to me was freedom. This resonated as true to me and I believe it informs my work as a therapist and coach. 
(323) 615-2598 View (323) 615-2598
Photo of Cynthia Howard, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Ventura, CA
Cynthia Howard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93004
I incorporate play and art, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Narrative-based modalities to support your overall needs and goals.
I have been supporting families and their children for over 25 years. Before I completed my MSW, I worked as a peer counselor, lactation consultant, and parent educator. That experience enhances and supports my work as a social worker. My early training in engineering and understanding of research provides a broad understanding of development through childhood into adolescence. I utilize a strength-based, and client centered approach to the therapeutic process, identifying personal strengths and direction from the person receiving support.
I incorporate play and art, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Narrative-based modalities to support your overall needs and goals.
I have been supporting families and their children for over 25 years. Before I completed my MSW, I worked as a peer counselor, lactation consultant, and parent educator. That experience enhances and supports my work as a social worker. My early training in engineering and understanding of research provides a broad understanding of development through childhood into adolescence. I utilize a strength-based, and client centered approach to the therapeutic process, identifying personal strengths and direction from the person receiving support.
(661) 387-2239 View (661) 387-2239
Photo of Cynthia Virene Fredericksen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Cynthia Virene Fredericksen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, , LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93001
I am a certified Ecotherapist, and CBT-I practitioner, my goal is to help you reach a balance with life and nature. You may be struggling with Insomnia, depression, anxiety, loss, negative patterns impacting daily life, or the inability to make time out in nature. My goal is to help you find balance with everyday life and nature. I hope to help you find purpose within yourself by seeing symptoms as symbols of deeper meaning. Within a safe therapeutic container of non-judgement, ecotherapy, dream analysis, narrative therapy, creativity, and direction we can increase your awareness of desires, fears, patterns, and strengths together.
I am a certified Ecotherapist, and CBT-I practitioner, my goal is to help you reach a balance with life and nature. You may be struggling with Insomnia, depression, anxiety, loss, negative patterns impacting daily life, or the inability to make time out in nature. My goal is to help you find balance with everyday life and nature. I hope to help you find purpose within yourself by seeing symptoms as symbols of deeper meaning. Within a safe therapeutic container of non-judgement, ecotherapy, dream analysis, narrative therapy, creativity, and direction we can increase your awareness of desires, fears, patterns, and strengths together.
(805) 335-6947 View (805) 335-6947
Photo of Dahlia Seroussi, Pre-Licensed Professional in Ventura, CA
Dahlia Seroussi
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT-A, MFA
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001  (Online Only)
I combine a warm and direct approach with evidence-based practices (and a splash of humor) to help you unpack, examine, and rewrite the narratives in your life. Drawing from modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, we will work to align your thoughts and actions with your values so that you can lead the life you want. I view relationships and identity development through the lens of attachment theory with the goal of helping you draw clear connections from the past to the present and into an expansive and joyful future.
I combine a warm and direct approach with evidence-based practices (and a splash of humor) to help you unpack, examine, and rewrite the narratives in your life. Drawing from modalities such as Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems, we will work to align your thoughts and actions with your values so that you can lead the life you want. I view relationships and identity development through the lens of attachment theory with the goal of helping you draw clear connections from the past to the present and into an expansive and joyful future.
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Photo of Rowan Octavia Lommel, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Rowan Octavia Lommel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, C-IAYT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001
Through shedding light on your narrative, it allows you to live with lightness and even joy.
I am open to clients with a wide range of backgrounds and challenges. My focus is simply this: to reduce suffering so that the client can lead a more fulfilling life. I love understanding what is holding you back from leading a deeply contented life, and helping you release that. I love working with couple clients because it is so exciting to hold the passion as we work on building harmony and trust. My ideal client wants to grow and change which requires being open to the magic of living beyond habits.
Through shedding light on your narrative, it allows you to live with lightness and even joy.
I am open to clients with a wide range of backgrounds and challenges. My focus is simply this: to reduce suffering so that the client can lead a more fulfilling life. I love understanding what is holding you back from leading a deeply contented life, and helping you release that. I love working with couple clients because it is so exciting to hold the passion as we work on building harmony and trust. My ideal client wants to grow and change which requires being open to the magic of living beyond habits.
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Photo of Kaila Gray, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ventura, CA
Kaila Gray
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93004
My therapy approach includes Narrative Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based & Solutions Focused.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Elementary School Counselor in California. Over the past few years, we have found ourselves in a weird, stressful world that has brought up a lot of struggles for all of us. I want to be the person that helps you overcome those struggles! I believe that we should focus on our mental health just as much as we focus on our physical health. I have worked with children from 5 all the way up to adults in their 60s with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to addiction.
My therapy approach includes Narrative Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths Based & Solutions Focused.
Hi there! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Elementary School Counselor in California. Over the past few years, we have found ourselves in a weird, stressful world that has brought up a lot of struggles for all of us. I want to be the person that helps you overcome those struggles! I believe that we should focus on our mental health just as much as we focus on our physical health. I have worked with children from 5 all the way up to adults in their 60s with issues ranging from anxiety and depression to addiction.
(714) 364-4815 View (714) 364-4815
Photo of Deana Marie Medina, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Deana Marie Medina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
Welcome! I am passionate to work with you, in your quest for freedom and overcome challenges that you, your child, teenager, partner or family may be experiencing. My educational journey focused on all conditions an individual may be experiencing with a concentration in trauma psychology. I am pleased to say my education sought to include social justice and multicultural awareness. Important components of multicultural awareness include explicit awareness of cultural influences. In society we must be aware of psychological, social, economic and political issues associated with culture, race, class, ethnicity, age, and gender.
Welcome! I am passionate to work with you, in your quest for freedom and overcome challenges that you, your child, teenager, partner or family may be experiencing. My educational journey focused on all conditions an individual may be experiencing with a concentration in trauma psychology. I am pleased to say my education sought to include social justice and multicultural awareness. Important components of multicultural awareness include explicit awareness of cultural influences. In society we must be aware of psychological, social, economic and political issues associated with culture, race, class, ethnicity, age, and gender.
(805) 874-5205 View (805) 874-5205
Photo of Demi Shugrue, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ventura, CA
Demi Shugrue
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, RN, BS, MA, LPCC, MFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
The path to mental wellness is a journey through the challenges life has placed in our paths. One cannot live a well-connected life without care and attention to one's own mental wellness. Issues related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, family discord or marital stumbling blocks distract your mind and derail your lives, causing emotional turmoil and decreased quality to the living experience. Each of us is responsible to attend and maintain our Mental Wellness as to stay relationally healthy and emotionally engaged in the experience of living.
The path to mental wellness is a journey through the challenges life has placed in our paths. One cannot live a well-connected life without care and attention to one's own mental wellness. Issues related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, family discord or marital stumbling blocks distract your mind and derail your lives, causing emotional turmoil and decreased quality to the living experience. Each of us is responsible to attend and maintain our Mental Wellness as to stay relationally healthy and emotionally engaged in the experience of living.
(805) 273-5336 View (805) 273-5336
Photo of Cheryl Girdner, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
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.
(805) 624-3819 View (805) 624-3819
Photo of Christopher Monroy, Pre-Licensed Professional in Ventura, CA
Christopher Monroy
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93001  (Online Only)
I am an associate clinical social worker, with 10+ years of experience within the mental health services industry. My clinical experience has focused primarily on helping individuals in the adolescent to young adult age, with more recent work being conducted in middle aged adults. I have a strong trauma-informed approach when working with my clients. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment, and help understand aspects of lived experiences. My extensive clinical training includes working with children, teenagers, and adults, with an array of mental health challenges.
I am an associate clinical social worker, with 10+ years of experience within the mental health services industry. My clinical experience has focused primarily on helping individuals in the adolescent to young adult age, with more recent work being conducted in middle aged adults. I have a strong trauma-informed approach when working with my clients. As a therapist, it is my goal to help validate, create a safe environment, and help understand aspects of lived experiences. My extensive clinical training includes working with children, teenagers, and adults, with an array of mental health challenges.
(805) 273-8147 View (805) 273-8147
Photo of Julie Hernandez, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Julie Hernandez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001
My name is Julie Hernandez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Fresno, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in anxiety, depression, and stress, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based, and Trauma-focused to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who may be dealing with challenges of life stressors and difficult situations. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress.
My name is Julie Hernandez and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Fresno, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals and specialize in anxiety, depression, and stress, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strength Based, and Trauma-focused to help my clients make progress and start feeling better. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for adults who may be dealing with challenges of life stressors and difficult situations. This often takes the form of anxiety, depression, and stress.
(805) 926-6919 View (805) 926-6919
Photo of Ventura Therapy Collective, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Ventura Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93003
Welcome to Ventura Therapy Collective! A collective group of therapists that work with Individuals/Couples/Families, offering holistic care, trauma informed treatment, skills based interventions and unconditional positive regard for your process
Welcome to Ventura Therapy Collective! A collective group of therapists that work with Individuals/Couples/Families, offering holistic care, trauma informed treatment, skills based interventions and unconditional positive regard for your process
(805) 222-0136 View (805) 222-0136
Photo of Raudel Flores, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Raudel Flores
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families at the most challenging times of their lives and helped them overcome some of life's most difficult circumstances for over 25 years. I continue to help individuals overcome complex emotional, behavioral and relational issues. I focus on helping restore hope, helping find joy in daily living, helping create positive change for themselves with hope that they will find a place in life where they can be happy and successful.5
I have worked with adolescents, adults, couples and families at the most challenging times of their lives and helped them overcome some of life's most difficult circumstances for over 25 years. I continue to help individuals overcome complex emotional, behavioral and relational issues. I focus on helping restore hope, helping find joy in daily living, helping create positive change for themselves with hope that they will find a place in life where they can be happy and successful.5
(805) 892-6333 View (805) 892-6333
Photo of Tracey Hess, Psychologist in Ventura, CA
Tracey Hess
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001
Everyday, think as you wake up - today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive, I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it. Being human isn’t always easy and I am here to help you navigate that path gently. I have over 25 years experience and have worked in many diverse settings: in group homes, ADHD clinics, child and family centers, community mental health centers, hospitals, inpatient psychiatric clinics, colleges (both as a Professor of Psychology and as a Counselor). With this experience I am confident that I can help you navigate through whatever it is that brought you here.
Everyday, think as you wake up - today I am fortunate to have woken up. I am alive, I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it. Being human isn’t always easy and I am here to help you navigate that path gently. I have over 25 years experience and have worked in many diverse settings: in group homes, ADHD clinics, child and family centers, community mental health centers, hospitals, inpatient psychiatric clinics, colleges (both as a Professor of Psychology and as a Counselor). With this experience I am confident that I can help you navigate through whatever it is that brought you here.
(805) 590-7768 View (805) 590-7768
Photo of RG Therapy, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
RG Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93001  (Online Only)
For 16 years (8 years licensed) it has been my honor working with children, teens and adults (individually) who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, suffered from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, struggle with emotional disturbance, and difficulty managing everyday life. Together, we will create obtainable goals, identify your expectations and work through negative patterns and barriers that repeat themselves in your relationships, work life and school.
For 16 years (8 years licensed) it has been my honor working with children, teens and adults (individually) who have experienced depression, anxiety, trauma, suffered from low self-esteem, lack of confidence, struggle with emotional disturbance, and difficulty managing everyday life. Together, we will create obtainable goals, identify your expectations and work through negative patterns and barriers that repeat themselves in your relationships, work life and school.
(805) 254-7053 View (805) 254-7053
Photo of Ivet Castañeda Ruiz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Ivet Castañeda Ruiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93003
Hola and Welcome. My name is Ivet Castañeda Ruiz, I have been a practicing therapist for the last 9 years. Throughout the course of my career I have gained an amplitude of experience working with children, adolescents, individuals and families. I know taking the first step and seeking help may be challenging for some, for that reason I believe in the essence of meeting people where they are. Life is constantly changing around us, the fluidities of life may cause life challenges and obstacles that may result in anxiety, depression, conflict within relationships and/or living inauthentically.
Hola and Welcome. My name is Ivet Castañeda Ruiz, I have been a practicing therapist for the last 9 years. Throughout the course of my career I have gained an amplitude of experience working with children, adolescents, individuals and families. I know taking the first step and seeking help may be challenging for some, for that reason I believe in the essence of meeting people where they are. Life is constantly changing around us, the fluidities of life may cause life challenges and obstacles that may result in anxiety, depression, conflict within relationships and/or living inauthentically.
(805) 360-3793 View (805) 360-3793
Photo of Matt Ousley, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Matt Ousley
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93001
A 20 year licensed clinician, working with children, families, individuals and couples. A cognitive behavioral therapist providing efficient and effective client informed treatment services.
A 20 year licensed clinician, working with children, families, individuals and couples. A cognitive behavioral therapist providing efficient and effective client informed treatment services.
(805) 464-3523 View (805) 464-3523
Photo of Tamara Nerdrum, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
Tamara Nerdrum
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Ventura, CA 93003
Through play and music therapy, we can devise plans, which help one find their calm, and recognize worn patterns, allowing one to initiate positive change. Play and music therapy works whether you are young, transitional age, or a mature adult finding your way through changes in life. Music therapy has positive impacts reconnecting our mind, and emotions to our body through the discovery of underlying patterns and deeper psychology. These patterns sometimes cause negativity or depressive behaviors. Individuals who become aware of these patterns are better able to free their self from well-worn paths no longer serving positive ways.
Through play and music therapy, we can devise plans, which help one find their calm, and recognize worn patterns, allowing one to initiate positive change. Play and music therapy works whether you are young, transitional age, or a mature adult finding your way through changes in life. Music therapy has positive impacts reconnecting our mind, and emotions to our body through the discovery of underlying patterns and deeper psychology. These patterns sometimes cause negativity or depressive behaviors. Individuals who become aware of these patterns are better able to free their self from well-worn paths no longer serving positive ways.
(805) 256-1486 View (805) 256-1486
Photo of West Valley Counseling Center, Marriage & Family Therapist in Ventura, CA
West Valley Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Ventura, CA 93003
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
West Valley Counseling Center (WVCC) offers a wide range of therapeutic interventions and services to bring affordable mental health services to the San Fernando Valley. WVCC is a non-profit community mental health center that has been serving the Greater Los Angeles region for well over a decade. Our qualified therapists work with individuals, relationships, traditional families, and non-traditional families to help ease life's burdens and to provide specialty services.
(805) 620-8046 View (805) 620-8046
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.