Therapists in Santa Barbara, CA

"The purpose of therapy is to remove blocks to truth; to help you abandon any patterns of belief that no longer serve you in a productive way; to implement self-forgiveness. Therapy can alleviate suffering and open the door to peace of mind. It can assist in separating illusion from reality and even reality from truth. Finally, it can help you to learn to make your decisions from internal prompts because you have created an internal locus of control." From "A Course in Miracles" Most clients start noticing change in their perspectives, outlook and coping skills early in the process.

The areas of expertise are: addictions, marriage therapy, child/adolescent therapy. Additionally, We treat individuals, couples, and families with anxiety, depression, anger, domestic violence, all addictions, sexual and emotional abuse/neglect, low self esteem, bullying, failing grades, being oppositional, cutting, anxiety, depression, suicide, death of a loved one, and domestic violence. Additionally, there are two Associate Marriage Family Therapy interns that graduated from Pepperdine that work here, Doug May and Austin Johnson, that see clients that need low cost therapy starting at $50-80 and will be on insurance panels soon

My specific areas of training and practice have included: adults, adolescents, and couples. I also have experience with crisis intervention in L.A. County ERs and critical incident stress debriefing for EAP employees. I have worked for Inpatient/Outpatient hospitals; Community-based Mental Health clinics; Ventura County Jail; Residential substance abuse treatment facilities; high schools; as well as my private practice, counseling a diverse population. I have been on Medical Staff at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, and Aurora Charter Oaks Hospital.

I offer a warm, caring and understanding environment so that insight, self-esteem and personal growth can develop. We work together so that you can become your BEST self. To quote Socrates: "the unexamined life is not worth living". A glimpse into our past, helps us understand the present and creates the foundation for a better future. Accessing and understanding our feelings starts the process of knowing ourselves and others, allowing us to take personal responsibility and making healthier choices, that ultimately leads to positive, life-long changes.