Therapists in San Luis Obispo County, CA
Veronica Fletcher
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
I work from a depth and relationship based perspective while integrating play therapy and evidenced-based interventions to address the unique and personal needs of my clients. I have a special interest in working with individuals with trauma histories, including childhood maltreatment and abuse, and have completed formal comprehensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I encourage gaining awareness and curiosity for all parts of self to better understand how your past can influence your present and future as well as how individual strengths can help you heal and become whole.
I work from a depth and relationship based perspective while integrating play therapy and evidenced-based interventions to address the unique and personal needs of my clients. I have a special interest in working with individuals with trauma histories, including childhood maltreatment and abuse, and have completed formal comprehensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I encourage gaining awareness and curiosity for all parts of self to better understand how your past can influence your present and future as well as how individual strengths can help you heal and become whole.
Jennifer M Blomfield
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Morro Bay, CA 93442
Jennifer has extensive training in art and play therapy and is currently receiving additional training and certification in EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
"Therapy can be a place where the wonder and awe of self discovery can culminate in personal clarity, empowerment and promote a richer more fulfilling life. Living with past and present wounds, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or addictions, or working through difficult relationships and life transitions, our lives may seem out of control when our emotions and our thinking are out of balance. As your counselor I will help you by gently guiding you in finding that balance by creating a safe and supportive environment as you develop skills to regain your mentally healthy life."
Jennifer has extensive training in art and play therapy and is currently receiving additional training and certification in EMDR (Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
"Therapy can be a place where the wonder and awe of self discovery can culminate in personal clarity, empowerment and promote a richer more fulfilling life. Living with past and present wounds, dealing with depression, anxiety, anger or addictions, or working through difficult relationships and life transitions, our lives may seem out of control when our emotions and our thinking are out of balance. As your counselor I will help you by gently guiding you in finding that balance by creating a safe and supportive environment as you develop skills to regain your mentally healthy life."
Karen H Shin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Templeton, CA 93465
I often integrate EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as play and art therapy, narratives, to assist processing and overcoming the negative effects of the past traumatic experiences and move towards healing.
Hello. I’m a trauma informed attachment therapist certified in EMDR. I believe in our ability to heal and grow. I love to see individual and families to heal, grow and thrive because occasionally being human is difficult. I would be honored if invited to be a part of your journey as you explore issues around yourself, on parenting, or relationship challenges. If you experience self-doubt, depression, anxiety, due to trauma, grief and losses, I’m here for you. If you have been considering bringing some positive changes to your life, reach out to me and let's journey together.
I often integrate EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as play and art therapy, narratives, to assist processing and overcoming the negative effects of the past traumatic experiences and move towards healing.
Hello. I’m a trauma informed attachment therapist certified in EMDR. I believe in our ability to heal and grow. I love to see individual and families to heal, grow and thrive because occasionally being human is difficult. I would be honored if invited to be a part of your journey as you explore issues around yourself, on parenting, or relationship challenges. If you experience self-doubt, depression, anxiety, due to trauma, grief and losses, I’m here for you. If you have been considering bringing some positive changes to your life, reach out to me and let's journey together.
Amber Hollarman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422 (Online Only)
In working with children, I use play, art, and traditional talk therapy to understand a child's experience of their difficulties, and as modes of intervention.
I believe that each person has a unique self that must be respected, recognized and understood. My practice focuses on helping people understand their specific challenges, and utilizing their particular strengths in order to heal, change, and grow. I utilize a compassionate and empathetic approach that offers customized treatment to the specific needs/goals of each individual or family.
In working with children, I use play, art, and traditional talk therapy to understand a child's experience of their difficulties, and as modes of intervention.
I believe that each person has a unique self that must be respected, recognized and understood. My practice focuses on helping people understand their specific challenges, and utilizing their particular strengths in order to heal, change, and grow. I utilize a compassionate and empathetic approach that offers customized treatment to the specific needs/goals of each individual or family.
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Our Play Therapy room is state of art.
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.
Our Play Therapy room is state of art.
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.
Leslie Barton
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
My specialty areas have varied over the years including codependency, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, play therapy and sandtray.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
My specialty areas have varied over the years including codependency, sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, grief, play therapy and sandtray.
"I believe that each person has unlimited potential within themself! It is my role to assist a person in finding the answers to the dilemnas' they may be facing. Often someone is experiencing a high level of stress through a current life circumstance that brings up feelings or grief from the past. When this happens, part of the therapy process is to deal with the "unfinished business" to access more energy to bring to the present. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I focus on relationship issues including patterns of communication that can improve to develop more satisfying relationships too.
Amy White (Bucker)
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I provide a safe space for clients to discuss persistent thoughts and feelings. I work from an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and warm perspective, whereby clients leave their sessions feeling hopeful and empowered. As your therapist, I will stand beside you to support you on your life’s journey as you gather and discover your own inner strength and resiliency.
I provide a safe space for clients to discuss persistent thoughts and feelings. I work from an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and warm perspective, whereby clients leave their sessions feeling hopeful and empowered. As your therapist, I will stand beside you to support you on your life’s journey as you gather and discover your own inner strength and resiliency.
Dr. Elizabeth Briggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
The decision to seek help is the first step in creating the life you have always envisioned. Although difficult and often overwhelming, seeking support for the complexity of life's issues has the power to change your life for the better. My goal is to help you achieve your personal goals and create a life that is worth celebrating. Collaboratively, we will work to uncover unhealthy patterns and explore deep rooted issues that may be preventing you from experiencing a more fulfilling, peaceful, and meaningful life.
The decision to seek help is the first step in creating the life you have always envisioned. Although difficult and often overwhelming, seeking support for the complexity of life's issues has the power to change your life for the better. My goal is to help you achieve your personal goals and create a life that is worth celebrating. Collaboratively, we will work to uncover unhealthy patterns and explore deep rooted issues that may be preventing you from experiencing a more fulfilling, peaceful, and meaningful life.
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.
Emerald McLeod
FNP
Verified Verified
Los Osos, CA 93402
My passion is to help you gain confidence and have support in whatever you are going through- addiction, depression, relationships, work, social difficulties, complex family dynamics, parenting, teen struggles- anxiety related to it all. My approach is compassionate as we work on sifting through trauma and how that plays out in your every day life. I give you practical tools and use techniques that help you move from being unstuck to living a full authentic life.
My passion is to help you gain confidence and have support in whatever you are going through- addiction, depression, relationships, work, social difficulties, complex family dynamics, parenting, teen struggles- anxiety related to it all. My approach is compassionate as we work on sifting through trauma and how that plays out in your every day life. I give you practical tools and use techniques that help you move from being unstuck to living a full authentic life.
Vicki M Matthews
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, PCCI
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Are you feeling a loss of joy in your life? Are you depressed, anxious, and emotional? Do you have problems with drugs or alcohol and suffering alone? I can help! I am a compassionate, empathetic and motivated Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling who wants to be a part of restoring the happiness in those struggling with life difficulties in my own community. I believe in a creative solution-focused and strength based approach to therapy. Together, I will help you identify fitting healing interventions; finding the source of your concerns and issues in a safe, non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.
Are you feeling a loss of joy in your life? Are you depressed, anxious, and emotional? Do you have problems with drugs or alcohol and suffering alone? I can help! I am a compassionate, empathetic and motivated Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling who wants to be a part of restoring the happiness in those struggling with life difficulties in my own community. I believe in a creative solution-focused and strength based approach to therapy. Together, I will help you identify fitting healing interventions; finding the source of your concerns and issues in a safe, non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere.
Daniel Zacarias Messiter
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
Life is like a river of emotions, and sometimes the current can become unpredictable and overwhelming. Navigating this river can be exhausting, and when we try to block the flow, pressure builds, and builds and until it feels like there is too much to face alone. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for his clients to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, to finding new insight and resolution to the difficulties in your life.
Life is like a river of emotions, and sometimes the current can become unpredictable and overwhelming. Navigating this river can be exhausting, and when we try to block the flow, pressure builds, and builds and until it feels like there is too much to face alone. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for his clients to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, to finding new insight and resolution to the difficulties in your life.
Matthew Dean
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Paso Robles, CA 93446
Are you or a loved one going through a major life transition? Have you experienced trauma or serious hardship? Are you ready to come into a better version of yourself? As a holistic psychologist, I work with the mind, body, and spirit. This approach comes from the recognition that everything is interconnected because working with the whole person allows for the deepest level of healing. I am compassionate, intuitive, and direct in my approach.
Are you or a loved one going through a major life transition? Have you experienced trauma or serious hardship? Are you ready to come into a better version of yourself? As a holistic psychologist, I work with the mind, body, and spirit. This approach comes from the recognition that everything is interconnected because working with the whole person allows for the deepest level of healing. I am compassionate, intuitive, and direct in my approach.
Casey Roos
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. I provide services in person and through Telehealth. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, daycare and school challenges.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. I provide services in person and through Telehealth. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, daycare and school challenges.
Neil Giannini
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422
Our developing years can often be filled with confusion, fear, and other big emotions. Whether I’m working with children or the inner child, speaking with someone who can present a different vantage point and offer tools of healing from a non-judgmental and supportive place can be what we need to achieve wholeness. From coping and managing stressors, self-esteem and confidence building, social and relationship concerns, or self-discovery, I'm dedicated to supporting the growth and development of children, teens and young adults.
Our developing years can often be filled with confusion, fear, and other big emotions. Whether I’m working with children or the inner child, speaking with someone who can present a different vantage point and offer tools of healing from a non-judgmental and supportive place can be what we need to achieve wholeness. From coping and managing stressors, self-esteem and confidence building, social and relationship concerns, or self-discovery, I'm dedicated to supporting the growth and development of children, teens and young adults.
Jessica Dawson Individual And Family Counseling Inc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atascadero, CA 93422
My goal is to provide you with a supportive, safe and trusting environment. We will work with your strengths to help problem solve, increase coping skills and overcome stress and challenges you are facing. I am passionate about working in this field and highly committed to each and every client I see!
My goal is to provide you with a supportive, safe and trusting environment. We will work with your strengths to help problem solve, increase coping skills and overcome stress and challenges you are facing. I am passionate about working in this field and highly committed to each and every client I see!
Tyler Sullivan Hartford
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Few of us make it through childhood without having experienced trauma of one form or another. Often times, the adaptations that we make in order to best survive early life challenges, lead to patterns of belief and action which get in the way of us finding freedom, happiness, and fulfillment as adolescents and adults. Every person deserves an opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. Therapy is a facilitated process of increasing awareness of obstacles to growth and supporting transformation.
Few of us make it through childhood without having experienced trauma of one form or another. Often times, the adaptations that we make in order to best survive early life challenges, lead to patterns of belief and action which get in the way of us finding freedom, happiness, and fulfillment as adolescents and adults. Every person deserves an opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. Therapy is a facilitated process of increasing awareness of obstacles to growth and supporting transformation.
Eva M Prado
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paso Robles, CA 93446 (Online Only)
I currently offer tele-health sessions.I provide therapy in both English and Spanish. Dealing with Anger? Anxiety? Depression? Grief/Loss? Trauma? Stress? Feeling overwhelmed? Unable to focus? Feeling helpless? Let me support you and help you re-gain control of your life. My goal as a clinician is to help clients alleviate symptoms, improve the quality of their functioning and strengthen their relationships with themselves and others.
I currently offer tele-health sessions.I provide therapy in both English and Spanish. Dealing with Anger? Anxiety? Depression? Grief/Loss? Trauma? Stress? Feeling overwhelmed? Unable to focus? Feeling helpless? Let me support you and help you re-gain control of your life. My goal as a clinician is to help clients alleviate symptoms, improve the quality of their functioning and strengthen their relationships with themselves and others.
Melinda Marcelluskincaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
John Siemens
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Atascadero, CA 93422
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the adolescent makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
There comes a time when we need help. I appreciate the courage anyone demonstrates when they make that call. I hope to create a space where individuals and families can receive that trusted assistance. I have been a therapist for thirty years. I was a tennis pro for ten years before that. I am aware of the process of change. There is a timing when an individual, or family, is ready to make those adjustments. In working with children, I involve the whole family. I especially enjoy the travels that the adolescent makes, and the perplexing attempts parents make in adjusting to this challenging phase. I work with addictions.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo County
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.