Therapists in San Luis Obispo County, CA
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
And for children and young adults, I utilize play therapy and the creative arts.
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
And for children and young adults, I utilize play therapy and the creative arts.
Are you afraid, confused, or struggling with your relationships? I work with client(s) dealing with interpersonal issues and communication challenges. It may be a husband and wife re-defining their roles with life changes, or an individual considering a career change. The problem often reveals itself at the surface when arguing and verbal conflict ensue, but the source of the problem needs a deeper adjustment, such as adjusting roles or providing more support for a family member. Regardless, clear communication usually allows the individual, couple, or family to achieve the goal of collaboration and compromise.
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.
Christine T Tran
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
First, I want to acknowledge how brave you are for being here and seeking help. It takes plenty of courage to take that leap into what is therapy and it is okay to feel vulnerable at this moment. Whether you are a parent looking to support your child, a adult anxious about their life/future, I offer empathetic support and tools to cope with life's many challenges. I work with children, teens, and adults to address challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, separation, school stressors, behavioral issues, and family conflict. I am a trauma informed therapist and have training in play therapy.
First, I want to acknowledge how brave you are for being here and seeking help. It takes plenty of courage to take that leap into what is therapy and it is okay to feel vulnerable at this moment. Whether you are a parent looking to support your child, a adult anxious about their life/future, I offer empathetic support and tools to cope with life's many challenges. I work with children, teens, and adults to address challenges with anxiety, depression, trauma, separation, school stressors, behavioral issues, and family conflict. I am a trauma informed therapist and have training in play therapy.
Gianna Merriam
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Atascadero, CA 93422
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
I commonly utilize therapy modalities such as Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR.
Hello! My name is Gianna Merriam, LCSW. My therapeutic approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. My areas of practice include working with children and families, individuals (all ages), and groups. I enjoy promoting use of self-compassion practices, functional communication and empathy to impact individual needs and relationships. Clients I typically work with can range from age 5-60. I have extensive experience working with school-aged children that receive IEP services; I am educated and able to support parents in navigating the school system as well as community based resources.
Jessica (Jessie) Shorts
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
A connoisseur of play, I enjoy board games, tea, books, swimming, hiking, biking, and surfing.
Are you hoping for change, but feel stuck and keep hitting a wall? Are you an adolescent, adult, family, or a Mother in her motherhood journey? You may benefit from a holistic approach to psychotherapy, which considers the heart (emotions), mind (thoughts), body, and soul, and how they interact with each other. You might need a gentle and compassionate approach to work through hard things (past, present, and future). If life is overwhelming and leaving you drained, you deserve to have a more life-giving and abundant life.
A connoisseur of play, I enjoy board games, tea, books, swimming, hiking, biking, and surfing.
Are you hoping for change, but feel stuck and keep hitting a wall? Are you an adolescent, adult, family, or a Mother in her motherhood journey? You may benefit from a holistic approach to psychotherapy, which considers the heart (emotions), mind (thoughts), body, and soul, and how they interact with each other. You might need a gentle and compassionate approach to work through hard things (past, present, and future). If life is overwhelming and leaving you drained, you deserve to have a more life-giving and abundant life.
Marcia Bronstein Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you or a family member feeling anxious, sad, grief, parenting challenges, family conflict, relationship problems, life changes Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life changes, school, college, work or family? You are not alone I can help. I create a safe space for children to express themselves through play, art, and social emotional activities to learn healthy ways to express big emotions while learning coping skills. Parenting can be difficult, I offer parenting support and consultation. My room is a safe place to explore your needs, to be heard and understood, and for families to talk.
Are you or a family member feeling anxious, sad, grief, parenting challenges, family conflict, relationship problems, life changes Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed with life changes, school, college, work or family? You are not alone I can help. I create a safe space for children to express themselves through play, art, and social emotional activities to learn healthy ways to express big emotions while learning coping skills. Parenting can be difficult, I offer parenting support and consultation. My room is a safe place to explore your needs, to be heard and understood, and for families to talk.
Sara Anne Powers
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, BA, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I primarily use child centered non-directive play therapy.
As a parent, if your child/teen is struggling, you can often feel helpless, not knowing what you can or "should" do to help them. Therapy offers a space for your child/teen to work through difficult feelings that are getting in the way of them being able to move through the developmental tasks, that allow them to grow up confident and strong. While talk therapy is a part of my practice, for most children, and even teens, play is their primary language. Your child/teen will have the safe space they need to work through their issues, in a way that feels comfortable and accessible to them, while building skills and confidence.
I primarily use child centered non-directive play therapy.
As a parent, if your child/teen is struggling, you can often feel helpless, not knowing what you can or "should" do to help them. Therapy offers a space for your child/teen to work through difficult feelings that are getting in the way of them being able to move through the developmental tasks, that allow them to grow up confident and strong. While talk therapy is a part of my practice, for most children, and even teens, play is their primary language. Your child/teen will have the safe space they need to work through their issues, in a way that feels comfortable and accessible to them, while building skills and confidence.
Victoria Jane Fisher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am licensed therapist with over 15 years of extensive experience and am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
My therapeutic approach prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing strengths and humanistic principles to empower individuals to recognize their capacity for personal growth. I believe in the importance and power of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, validated and supported can help towards one’s personal growth. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories based on each individual and their unique needs. I specialize in working with Trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and children. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
I am licensed therapist with over 15 years of extensive experience and am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
My therapeutic approach prioritizes client-centered care, emphasizing strengths and humanistic principles to empower individuals to recognize their capacity for personal growth. I believe in the importance and power of the therapeutic relationship and how feeling heard, validated and supported can help towards one’s personal growth. I take an eclectic approach to therapy, utilizing therapeutic techniques and theories based on each individual and their unique needs. I specialize in working with Trauma, PTSD, mood disorders and children. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sand Tray Therapy.
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 R Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Nipomo, CA 93444
As a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) I utilize play therapy and art in my sessions with children as young as 3.
Therapy is a process of healing, growth and change. The aim is to achieve lasting growth by helping you find ways of seeing, thinking and feeling that leave you more capable and prosperous. My passion is to help children, teens, couples and adults build on their strengths to reach their full potential. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental and interactive.
As a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) I utilize play therapy and art in my sessions with children as young as 3.
Therapy is a process of healing, growth and change. The aim is to achieve lasting growth by helping you find ways of seeing, thinking and feeling that leave you more capable and prosperous. My passion is to help children, teens, couples and adults build on their strengths to reach their full potential. My style is compassionate, nonjudgmental and interactive.
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.
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Jessica Irving
Counselor, MA, LPCC, AT-R
Verified Verified
Los Osos, CA 93402
Helping children, teens, and adults develop the capacity to live full, healthy lives is my focus. I bring warmth, openness, and a whole-person, collaborative approach to support individuals, as they work through their challenges and create tools to move forward and thrive. If you or your child are experiencing anxiety, depression, academic/workplace pressures, difficulties with family or relationships, developmental or medical challenges, life transitions, trauma histories, or simply that hard-to-place sense of feeling stuck, disconnected, or unfulfilled, we may be a great fit.
Helping children, teens, and adults develop the capacity to live full, healthy lives is my focus. I bring warmth, openness, and a whole-person, collaborative approach to support individuals, as they work through their challenges and create tools to move forward and thrive. If you or your child are experiencing anxiety, depression, academic/workplace pressures, difficulties with family or relationships, developmental or medical challenges, life transitions, trauma histories, or simply that hard-to-place sense of feeling stuck, disconnected, or unfulfilled, we may be a great fit.
Monique Nelson Sigler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My passion is serving those in SLO community and promoting meaningful change and healing in the individuals I treat. I imagine you are here because something in your life has caused you pain or suffering. Achieving emotional and mental wellness is hard and uncomfortable work, but it does not have to happen alone. I honor the vulnerability and courage it takes to begin therapy. My goal is to help you discover a life of balance, authenticity, and happiness. Everyone can benefit from therapy— from children to adults.
My passion is serving those in SLO community and promoting meaningful change and healing in the individuals I treat. I imagine you are here because something in your life has caused you pain or suffering. Achieving emotional and mental wellness is hard and uncomfortable work, but it does not have to happen alone. I honor the vulnerability and courage it takes to begin therapy. My goal is to help you discover a life of balance, authenticity, and happiness. Everyone can benefit from therapy— from children to adults.
Shelly Staley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I want to help you find relief from the noise in your head. Your anxiety, depression and/or trauma is an integral part of your story, but doesn’t define you and doesn't need to control your life any more. Together, we will highlight your innate resiliencies and empower you to build up your inner strength and confidence to live your life in the present, while honoring your past and feeling hopeful about the future. In addition to providing trauma-informed, client-centered therapy for adults, I also have a passion for working with kids and their parents.
I want to help you find relief from the noise in your head. Your anxiety, depression and/or trauma is an integral part of your story, but doesn’t define you and doesn't need to control your life any more. Together, we will highlight your innate resiliencies and empower you to build up your inner strength and confidence to live your life in the present, while honoring your past and feeling hopeful about the future. In addition to providing trauma-informed, client-centered therapy for adults, I also have a passion for working with kids and their parents.
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.
Kelsey Ann Kehoe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422
I believe that reaching out for help is one of the hardest things an individual can do and engaging in the therapy process is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. My focus is on helping individuals, families and couples heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths so they can live their purest life possible. I hold and create a safe place to explore traumas, dis-ease and help to build a better relationship with self and others. www.puravidacounselingservices.com
I believe that reaching out for help is one of the hardest things an individual can do and engaging in the therapy process is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. My focus is on helping individuals, families and couples heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths so they can live their purest life possible. I hold and create a safe place to explore traumas, dis-ease and help to build a better relationship with self and others. www.puravidacounselingservices.com
Julie Messer
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Since you found me on this site I would venture to guess something is awry in your life...am I right? Whether you are struggling with relationships, tackling your own personal demons, or just have absolutely no idea why you don't feel like your normal self anymore we can work together to figure it out and discover solutions that work for you.
Since you found me on this site I would venture to guess something is awry in your life...am I right? Whether you are struggling with relationships, tackling your own personal demons, or just have absolutely no idea why you don't feel like your normal self anymore we can work together to figure it out and discover solutions that work for you.
Hannah Wright
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
Morro Bay, CA 93443
I understand that searching for a therapist can be a difficult decision. I believe that the therapeutic process should be collaborative. You are the expert in your own life. My goal is to offer a therapeutic space that is collaborative, compassionate, and directive. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Whether you’re facing struggles with identity, relationships, career, or mental health I’m here to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and create a deeper understanding of the different parts of yourself.
I understand that searching for a therapist can be a difficult decision. I believe that the therapeutic process should be collaborative. You are the expert in your own life. My goal is to offer a therapeutic space that is collaborative, compassionate, and directive. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Whether you’re facing struggles with identity, relationships, career, or mental health I’m here to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and create a deeper understanding of the different parts of yourself.
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.
Laura Hauserman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Atascadero, CA 93422
I am currently accepting new clients! Are you an individual or a couple facing personal or family changes or challenges? Whether you're recently married, a new parent, or navigating any transitional period, I'm here to support you. I specialize in individuals and couples looking to enhance their personal well-being or strengthen their relationships. Utilizing an integrative, strength-based and collaborative approach, I tailor my methods to meet your unique needs. As a Level I Gottman Couples Therapy trained professional, I bring additional expertise to support couples in communication and intimacy.
I am currently accepting new clients! Are you an individual or a couple facing personal or family changes or challenges? Whether you're recently married, a new parent, or navigating any transitional period, I'm here to support you. I specialize in individuals and couples looking to enhance their personal well-being or strengthen their relationships. Utilizing an integrative, strength-based and collaborative approach, I tailor my methods to meet your unique needs. As a Level I Gottman Couples Therapy trained professional, I bring additional expertise to support couples in communication and intimacy.
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.