Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA
Jenn Paul
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93110 (Online Only)
Hi! I'm Jenn. I specialize in Maternal Mental Health and in helping women navigate their 20's/30's. Many of my clients feel burdened by the expectations of others, overwhelmed by school/work/life balance or unsatisfied in relationships. Some wonder about the right time to start a family, others have experienced a challenging and emotional road trying to start their family. Mothers I work with tell me they feel they've lost themselves in caring for their growing family, they've lost their connection with those close to them, and often times their symptoms of Perinatal Depression or Anxiety are sucking the joy out of motherhood.
Hi! I'm Jenn. I specialize in Maternal Mental Health and in helping women navigate their 20's/30's. Many of my clients feel burdened by the expectations of others, overwhelmed by school/work/life balance or unsatisfied in relationships. Some wonder about the right time to start a family, others have experienced a challenging and emotional road trying to start their family. Mothers I work with tell me they feel they've lost themselves in caring for their growing family, they've lost their connection with those close to them, and often times their symptoms of Perinatal Depression or Anxiety are sucking the joy out of motherhood.
Asha Wilkus-Stone
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I see people who are navigating fertility treatments, and individuals and couples during pregnancy and postpartum.
Life does not proceed as we each envision it. It can be unexpected, messy, complicated, disappointing, tragic, and challenging. In countless ways we strive and struggle. We can feel ourselves to be adrift. Yet we are connected, radically interdependent. Even so, we all have our own perspectives on life and our struggles. We are tethered to our environment, our social roles, cultural identities, interpersonal, historical, professional experiences, and so on. Through exploring this web, and the various vantage points that the web offers, a unique therapeutic process emerges for each person.
I see people who are navigating fertility treatments, and individuals and couples during pregnancy and postpartum.
Life does not proceed as we each envision it. It can be unexpected, messy, complicated, disappointing, tragic, and challenging. In countless ways we strive and struggle. We can feel ourselves to be adrift. Yet we are connected, radically interdependent. Even so, we all have our own perspectives on life and our struggles. We are tethered to our environment, our social roles, cultural identities, interpersonal, historical, professional experiences, and so on. Through exploring this web, and the various vantage points that the web offers, a unique therapeutic process emerges for each person.
Laurel Connell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
One of my areas of focus is the prenatal and postpartum period, counseling women who are struggling with infertility, a physically or emotionally challenging pregnancy, a difficult postpartum transition, or loss of a baby.
Beginnings… Endings…. And the breaths in between… I support women through life transitions. Pregnancy and new parenthood, an experience of loss, or a profound life event. People who find me often have experienced trauma, loss or are navigating a challenging life transition. I help with integrating these experiences and moving forward. Our work together is based on a mindful and gentle approach, as we work with your mind and body. My approach is trauma informed, with a focus on nervous system regulation. The state of our nervous system directly impacts the way we think, feel and experience our life.
One of my areas of focus is the prenatal and postpartum period, counseling women who are struggling with infertility, a physically or emotionally challenging pregnancy, a difficult postpartum transition, or loss of a baby.
Beginnings… Endings…. And the breaths in between… I support women through life transitions. Pregnancy and new parenthood, an experience of loss, or a profound life event. People who find me often have experienced trauma, loss or are navigating a challenging life transition. I help with integrating these experiences and moving forward. Our work together is based on a mindful and gentle approach, as we work with your mind and body. My approach is trauma informed, with a focus on nervous system regulation. The state of our nervous system directly impacts the way we think, feel and experience our life.
Susan LaCroix
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93102
I have a special interest in supporting individuals and couples through pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, creating and blending families, clarifying the changing roles and identities that come with becoming parents, and managing the impact of children on the couple's relationship.
I provide compassionate guidance and support to individuals and couples who want to confront challenges, gain insight, and improve relationships and communication. I especially enjoy working with adults of all ages who are navigating life transitions, such as entering adulthood, facing midlife, changing careers, ending long-term relationships, or adjusting to an "empty nest." No matter what issues are being addressed, I bring a calm presence, a nonjudgmental attitude, curiosity, and a sense of humor.
I have a special interest in supporting individuals and couples through pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, creating and blending families, clarifying the changing roles and identities that come with becoming parents, and managing the impact of children on the couple's relationship.
I provide compassionate guidance and support to individuals and couples who want to confront challenges, gain insight, and improve relationships and communication. I especially enjoy working with adults of all ages who are navigating life transitions, such as entering adulthood, facing midlife, changing careers, ending long-term relationships, or adjusting to an "empty nest." No matter what issues are being addressed, I bring a calm presence, a nonjudgmental attitude, curiosity, and a sense of humor.
Robyn Broadus
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
I work primarily with women with issues related to trauma, perfectionism, disordered eating, neurodivergence or perinatal wellness.
Hello there! I am an EMDR-trained therapist and I greet you with gentleness and a smile. Perhaps you feel annoyed, overwhelmed or crippled by your anxiety, shame, people-pleasing or hurtful behaviors (to self or others?). Perhaps you've experienced trauma and now want/need to make a change? Whatever you are noticing right now, you are welcomed here and I would love to partner with you on this journey toward healing. My deep hope is that you can experience healing from distress, build your self-care and boundary muscles, and engage life with freedom, peace, empowerment, and authenticity.
I work primarily with women with issues related to trauma, perfectionism, disordered eating, neurodivergence or perinatal wellness.
Hello there! I am an EMDR-trained therapist and I greet you with gentleness and a smile. Perhaps you feel annoyed, overwhelmed or crippled by your anxiety, shame, people-pleasing or hurtful behaviors (to self or others?). Perhaps you've experienced trauma and now want/need to make a change? Whatever you are noticing right now, you are welcomed here and I would love to partner with you on this journey toward healing. My deep hope is that you can experience healing from distress, build your self-care and boundary muscles, and engage life with freedom, peace, empowerment, and authenticity.
Kaci Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93106 (Online Only)
I specialize in women's issues and offer individual therapy and women's group therapy, including a postpartum group and a Sunday evening women's journaling & mindfulness group. I have a passion for supporting women through all of life's stages. I believe in female empowerment and help women find their voice in order to live more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling lives.
I specialize in women's issues and offer individual therapy and women's group therapy, including a postpartum group and a Sunday evening women's journaling & mindfulness group. I have a passion for supporting women through all of life's stages. I believe in female empowerment and help women find their voice in order to live more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling lives.
Megan Richert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
At Bloom Maternal Therapy we offer individual and couples therapy for women and their partners during the challenges of pre-conception, pregnancy & postpartum.
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression as a mom with a newborn or young children? Do you feel overwhelmed and overstimulated when your kids are around? Do you ever wonder if this is all there is to motherhood? Now more than ever, women with young children are experiencing high rates of pregnancy or postpartum depression and anxiety due to increasing demands both at home and in the workforce, relationship strain and the lack of support.
At Bloom Maternal Therapy we offer individual and couples therapy for women and their partners during the challenges of pre-conception, pregnancy & postpartum.
Do you struggle with anxiety or depression as a mom with a newborn or young children? Do you feel overwhelmed and overstimulated when your kids are around? Do you ever wonder if this is all there is to motherhood? Now more than ever, women with young children are experiencing high rates of pregnancy or postpartum depression and anxiety due to increasing demands both at home and in the workforce, relationship strain and the lack of support.
Emily Fleck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
I enjoy supporting women and couples through pregnancy, birth, and the parenting journey.
There are many reasons people seek therapy. Most likely, you're here because you're feeling out of balance in some aspect of your life. You may be looking for better ways to cope with depression or anxiety, change patterns that lead to unhealthy behaviors or relationships, or heal from a difficult or traumatic experience. Therapy can help you gain insight about yourself, increase your sense of confidence, or help you explore a new life path with courage and intention. My hope is to provide support, tools, and encouragement to help you find greater balance, authenticity, and overall well-being.
I enjoy supporting women and couples through pregnancy, birth, and the parenting journey.
There are many reasons people seek therapy. Most likely, you're here because you're feeling out of balance in some aspect of your life. You may be looking for better ways to cope with depression or anxiety, change patterns that lead to unhealthy behaviors or relationships, or heal from a difficult or traumatic experience. Therapy can help you gain insight about yourself, increase your sense of confidence, or help you explore a new life path with courage and intention. My hope is to provide support, tools, and encouragement to help you find greater balance, authenticity, and overall well-being.
Amber Dale
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Hi there, my name is Amber Dale, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering behavioral health services to children, teens, and adults. My specialties include anxiety disorders, child and adolescent therapy, women's issues and health, and self-esteem. My approach to therapy is meeting my clients exactly where they ate and walking alongside them to navigate through the challenges and transitions in life. I treat clients between the ages of 5 and 60 who experience issues including anxiety, postpartum depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
Hi there, my name is Amber Dale, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering behavioral health services to children, teens, and adults. My specialties include anxiety disorders, child and adolescent therapy, women's issues and health, and self-esteem. My approach to therapy is meeting my clients exactly where they ate and walking alongside them to navigate through the challenges and transitions in life. I treat clients between the ages of 5 and 60 who experience issues including anxiety, postpartum depression and anxiety, low self-esteem, and life transitions.
Suzanne Grace
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
When dealing with trauma from pre- or post-divorce, childbirth, loss or trying to manage motherhood (incl post-partum issues), career challenges, or if you are feeling stuck, sad, confused, or anxious, I will aid you in identifying those obstacles that stand in the way of reaching your goals.
My desire is to help you live a full life, to listen openly and without bias and to understand you outside of your problems; to help you see that you have strengths and resources that will help you get through this difficult time or the challenges you face. My goal is to help you feel hopeful again. As a couple's therapist, (I also am a collaborative divorce therapist, mediator, coach, and parent coordinator) my goal is to help the couple heal or learn how to move forward in a positive manner. I am passionate about women's issues, including peri- and post-partum, loss, infertility, and grief and work with military and their families
When dealing with trauma from pre- or post-divorce, childbirth, loss or trying to manage motherhood (incl post-partum issues), career challenges, or if you are feeling stuck, sad, confused, or anxious, I will aid you in identifying those obstacles that stand in the way of reaching your goals.
My desire is to help you live a full life, to listen openly and without bias and to understand you outside of your problems; to help you see that you have strengths and resources that will help you get through this difficult time or the challenges you face. My goal is to help you feel hopeful again. As a couple's therapist, (I also am a collaborative divorce therapist, mediator, coach, and parent coordinator) my goal is to help the couple heal or learn how to move forward in a positive manner. I am passionate about women's issues, including peri- and post-partum, loss, infertility, and grief and work with military and their families
Dancy Perinatal Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
New families are all alone. Pregnancy and postpartum used to be supported by a village and now many are left wondering- what happened to the village?
New families are all alone. Pregnancy and postpartum used to be supported by a village and now many are left wondering- what happened to the village?
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Lauren Turnbull
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Adjustment to (or the process of) having children, communication in your relationship, and addictions... These are my specialties. I use a strengths based, mindfulness approach and the Gottman method.
Adjustment to (or the process of) having children, communication in your relationship, and addictions... These are my specialties. I use a strengths based, mindfulness approach and the Gottman method.
Lexi Molloy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
You’re looking for an approachable therapist who can help you build a better life for yourself. Someone who you can feel deeply seen by, who will celebrate your wins, walk beside you in your pain, and can help you find relief. Whether you have been struggling with low self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or finding your path in life, I can help. Maybe you are pregnant or a new mom and are struggling with that transition or a difficult birth experience. Life can be painful and sometimes things happen to us that make it hard to find our center, to let our guard down, or to know that we are good enough.
You’re looking for an approachable therapist who can help you build a better life for yourself. Someone who you can feel deeply seen by, who will celebrate your wins, walk beside you in your pain, and can help you find relief. Whether you have been struggling with low self esteem, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or finding your path in life, I can help. Maybe you are pregnant or a new mom and are struggling with that transition or a difficult birth experience. Life can be painful and sometimes things happen to us that make it hard to find our center, to let our guard down, or to know that we are good enough.
Kara Cruz - Kara Cruz Psychotherapy & Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
You are overwhelmed, burned out, stressed, irritable and no longer feel like yourself. You want to enjoy your life, but you are on edge, frustrated and exhausted. You may be struggling with the demands of work, home, parenting, your relationship, or just trying to find balance while "fitting it all in." You may have past trauma that you have not worked through because YOU are always the one taking care of others. You break promises and commitments to yourself, have a hard time trusting yourself and place more importance on pleasing and showing up for others. This is impacting your most important relationship - the one with yourself!
You are overwhelmed, burned out, stressed, irritable and no longer feel like yourself. You want to enjoy your life, but you are on edge, frustrated and exhausted. You may be struggling with the demands of work, home, parenting, your relationship, or just trying to find balance while "fitting it all in." You may have past trauma that you have not worked through because YOU are always the one taking care of others. You break promises and commitments to yourself, have a hard time trusting yourself and place more importance on pleasing and showing up for others. This is impacting your most important relationship - the one with yourself!
Andria Cohen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Our quality of life is determined by the quality of our relationships. Whatever your goals may be, change is an inside job, and I'm here to be both a witness and a resource in that complex process. When we can let go of shame and judgments around emotions, we allow space to cultivate more curiosity, compassion, acceptance, resiliency, and joy. When we utilize mistakes as informational gifts we can strengthen and clarify the authentic self. I would like to help you meet this self.
Our quality of life is determined by the quality of our relationships. Whatever your goals may be, change is an inside job, and I'm here to be both a witness and a resource in that complex process. When we can let go of shame and judgments around emotions, we allow space to cultivate more curiosity, compassion, acceptance, resiliency, and joy. When we utilize mistakes as informational gifts we can strengthen and clarify the authentic self. I would like to help you meet this self.
Alison Zarrow
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (Online Only)
Are you trying to figure out your next move in life? Are you in the midst of a break up or struggling to set boundaries with family? Perhaps you're contemplating whether to leave a job, but feeling overwhelmed, anxious, scared, stuck, or depressed? Maybe you don't even know what you're feeling, but you know that you don't feel good. Perhaps you're burned out, but can't place your finger on what is making you feel that way. I will help you to get to the core of these feelings and we will work together to get you in a place where you feel like you are in the driver's seat of your own life with a clear road map of where to go next.
Are you trying to figure out your next move in life? Are you in the midst of a break up or struggling to set boundaries with family? Perhaps you're contemplating whether to leave a job, but feeling overwhelmed, anxious, scared, stuck, or depressed? Maybe you don't even know what you're feeling, but you know that you don't feel good. Perhaps you're burned out, but can't place your finger on what is making you feel that way. I will help you to get to the core of these feelings and we will work together to get you in a place where you feel like you are in the driver's seat of your own life with a clear road map of where to go next.
Teva Johnstone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to concentrate and can’t seem to be present with your children? Are you frozen with anxiety, depression, and overwhelm? Do you sometimes wonder if you have ADHD because you just can't seem to think clearly or keep up with the demands of parenting? Therapy can help you understand your brain's differences and how to thrive as a parent despite your challenges. Working with a therapist can assist with the unique demands of motherhood while parenting highly sensitive or spirited children.
Are you struggling to concentrate and can’t seem to be present with your children? Are you frozen with anxiety, depression, and overwhelm? Do you sometimes wonder if you have ADHD because you just can't seem to think clearly or keep up with the demands of parenting? Therapy can help you understand your brain's differences and how to thrive as a parent despite your challenges. Working with a therapist can assist with the unique demands of motherhood while parenting highly sensitive or spirited children.
Dr. Dara Goldyne
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Welcome to Mesa Psychotherapy. Are you a college student, young professional, or new parent who is tired of feeling anxious? Maybe your life looks good from the outside but inside you're overwhelmed and on edge. Your mind is spinning about everything you need to accomplish today or about events that may happen in the future. You're always worrying. Your chest is tight, your jaw is clenched, and your body feels uneasy all the time. You find yourself getting angry and impatient with the people you love most. Your persistent thoughts bully you and tell you you're not good enough. You’re struggling to hold it all together.
Welcome to Mesa Psychotherapy. Are you a college student, young professional, or new parent who is tired of feeling anxious? Maybe your life looks good from the outside but inside you're overwhelmed and on edge. Your mind is spinning about everything you need to accomplish today or about events that may happen in the future. You're always worrying. Your chest is tight, your jaw is clenched, and your body feels uneasy all the time. You find yourself getting angry and impatient with the people you love most. Your persistent thoughts bully you and tell you you're not good enough. You’re struggling to hold it all together.
Kirsty Evelyn Kenny
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Keeping the busy client's needs in mind, I offer evening and weekend time slots - through teletherapy and in-person. I work with clients who are looking for long term treatment, in addition to client's who are interested in short term, solution focused care. Each client's treatment is personalized, using the modalities that work best for them. Each client has unique needs, and so, each client receives unique care and treatment.
Keeping the busy client's needs in mind, I offer evening and weekend time slots - through teletherapy and in-person. I work with clients who are looking for long term treatment, in addition to client's who are interested in short term, solution focused care. Each client's treatment is personalized, using the modalities that work best for them. Each client has unique needs, and so, each client receives unique care and treatment.
Dr. Debra Sherk
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (Online Only)
Welcome. It seems that more and more people are seeking the support and guidance that psychotherapy provides. The most common issues among those seeking my services include: Experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety; Difficulty with relationships at home, school, or work; Persistent feelings of loneliness, sadness, or depression; Confusion around spirituality, identity, or vocation; Feeling overwhelmed with life's demands or life transitions. Through a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, I have helped a diverse range of individuals achieve increased stability and balance, more fulfilling relationships, as well as personal growth and transformation.
Welcome. It seems that more and more people are seeking the support and guidance that psychotherapy provides. The most common issues among those seeking my services include: Experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety; Difficulty with relationships at home, school, or work; Persistent feelings of loneliness, sadness, or depression; Confusion around spirituality, identity, or vocation; Feeling overwhelmed with life's demands or life transitions. Through a collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship, I have helped a diverse range of individuals achieve increased stability and balance, more fulfilling relationships, as well as personal growth and transformation.
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Nearby Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists Searches for Santa Barbara
See More Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum TherapistsPregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists
What are the most effective ways to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns?
The most effective way to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns is by finding a therapist who has prior experience helping other patients overcome the challenge being faced. For example, a marriage and family therapist may have experience helping couples adjust to their new relationship dynamic. An anxiety specialist may have experience helping with phobias or illness anxiety related to the child’s health. A depression specialist may have experience treating postpartum depression.
When should I seek treatment for prenatal or postpartum concerns?
Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve intense physical and mental changes; a degree of upset and instability is normal. However, if these changes impair daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. This distinction is pertinent for postpartum depression: A period of teariness, irritability, and distress is difficult but normal in the one to two weeks after childbirth (sometimes called the “baby blues.”) But if feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist beyond that period, the person should seek treatment.
How do I manage worries during pregnancy or the postnatal period?
A therapist can help patients develop the tools they need to manage anxieties during or after pregnancy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and reframe harmful patterns of thought, and change their behaviors. Other techniques and skills can allow people to develop acceptance, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, communication skills, and more.
Are there specific medications for postpartum depression?
In 2019, the FDA approved the first medication designed to treat postpartum depression. The medication is called brexanolone and is delivered intravenously by a medical professional over the course of a few days. However, typical antidepressants, which are more accessible, can also treat postpartum depression. The disorder is often best treated through a combination of medication and therapy.