Therapists in Avila Beach, CA
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![Photo of Deborah Smilovitz Foster - Dr. Deborah Smilovitz Foster, PhD, MA, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81970e3a-c792-4a14-b283-87ed70abe623/1/320x400.jpeg)
Each of us passes through struggles that are difficult to cope with. In working together to form a therapeutic relationship we can become healthier and more able to react more skillfully to the challenges that present themselves. My work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families is based off a strong clinical foundation and woven together with compassion, respect and caring. By resolving some of our issues we can become balanced and find improved overall health (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally).
Each of us passes through struggles that are difficult to cope with. In working together to form a therapeutic relationship we can become healthier and more able to react more skillfully to the challenges that present themselves. My work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families is based off a strong clinical foundation and woven together with compassion, respect and caring. By resolving some of our issues we can become balanced and find improved overall health (mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, emotionally).
![Photo of Amanda Turull, MA, AMFT](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b0b11db4-67f0-4fdc-b41f-c3e90d255bf6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Amanda Turull
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Sitting with oneself, whether in individual, couple or family therapy, is not easy and I see my clients as courageous and hopeful for taking this step. Sometimes therapy is healing and transformational, other times it is simply a space to take some deep breaths. Either way, my practice is always client-centered and compassion-based, being present with you in whatever space you are in. My hope in working with me is that you develop a sense of self-compassion and a strength-based lens to view yourself and your relationships through.
Sitting with oneself, whether in individual, couple or family therapy, is not easy and I see my clients as courageous and hopeful for taking this step. Sometimes therapy is healing and transformational, other times it is simply a space to take some deep breaths. Either way, my practice is always client-centered and compassion-based, being present with you in whatever space you are in. My hope in working with me is that you develop a sense of self-compassion and a strength-based lens to view yourself and your relationships through.
![Photo of Laurie Lynn Koenig - Laurie Lynn Koenig, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a85108b-5c67-416c-bad3-9a9dbd977023/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Lynn Koenig, Psy.D. Licensed Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Accepting new clients.
Accepting new clients.
![Photo of Andrew Giron Rodriguez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/15ae8eab-91ba-445a-8d99-a88e3dce19b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Andrew Giron Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Andrew enjoys working with diverse populations and cultural backgrounds. With a client centered focus Andrew looks to build clients self-esteem and promote empowerment. Sessions often focus on building coping skills and strategies to deal with every day issues that can at times diminish the quality of life we have. Andrew has an immense passion for the Psychology field and being able to help those that seek support. Andrew considers it a privilege to work in our Central Coast Community and have the opportunity to give back to the local community through counseling services.
Andrew enjoys working with diverse populations and cultural backgrounds. With a client centered focus Andrew looks to build clients self-esteem and promote empowerment. Sessions often focus on building coping skills and strategies to deal with every day issues that can at times diminish the quality of life we have. Andrew has an immense passion for the Psychology field and being able to help those that seek support. Andrew considers it a privilege to work in our Central Coast Community and have the opportunity to give back to the local community through counseling services.
![Photo of Kasey Bogoje - The Mindful Lemon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0ad98f-10ee-4d0c-8f40-7607c0e65696/1/320x400.png)
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
![Photo of Chris Cooke, AMFT, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bb1ccd23-cb73-417b-8315-cc265f6aa560/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chris Cooke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Johnny Cash says it best, "... it all goes down in the mind." My specialties are Couples Counseling & EMDR Therapy.
Johnny Cash says it best, "... it all goes down in the mind." My specialties are Couples Counseling & EMDR Therapy.
![Photo of Terri J Clarke, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8da1bf-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Failing to get help, many divorced people regret that they gave up too soon. As a marriage specialist for over two decades, you can trust that you are in the care of a competent advocate for your marriage. Every marriage faces the power struggle -it's supposed to happen. Too many quit their marriage at this crucial time. Not giving yourselves the opportunity to work through this painful stage could be a tragedy because this very stage carries the seeds of true character growth and healing. An affair, dishonesty, conflict, or stress can rob you of the feelings of attunement.
Failing to get help, many divorced people regret that they gave up too soon. As a marriage specialist for over two decades, you can trust that you are in the care of a competent advocate for your marriage. Every marriage faces the power struggle -it's supposed to happen. Too many quit their marriage at this crucial time. Not giving yourselves the opportunity to work through this painful stage could be a tragedy because this very stage carries the seeds of true character growth and healing. An affair, dishonesty, conflict, or stress can rob you of the feelings of attunement.
![Photo of David C Lichti - David C. Lichti, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd07df9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
Currently, I'm mostly using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with my clients. When, as a child, we find ourselves traumatizing or trapped in negative circumstances, parts of our self system compensate by locking away that which at that time was too much for us to handle. Later, if we do not go back to this locked away material, the pain, confusion and injustice of what happened to us long ago, can get triggered, or, awakened, when similar such challenges arise in the present. IFS provides a safe way for that locked away material to be approached and reprocessed, allowing our core self to take back control of our lives.
![Photo of Dr. Nicole Dolan - Sacred Path Holistic Therapy, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5767083-ae5a-4112-bcac-871260f843c3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93449
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
![Photo of Ivan Voronin - Vestra Psychotherapy, Ivan Voronin, LCSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/eb2c2ab7-ada8-41af-a697-c38843448589/2/320x400.jpeg)
Vestra Psychotherapy, Ivan Voronin, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93449 (Online Only)
Finding a therapist can be stressful as it requires trust and faith that it is the right fit. I've found that building a strong relationship is the foundation of any successful therapy. My grounding philosophy is to meet people where they are at and to tailor my knowledge and experience to help them get to where they want to be. My ideal clients are those motivated, committed, and open to exploring various parts of the inner self and how these parts motivate, protect, grieve, and organize us for action. I am an inclusive therapist with a special interest in helping men understand their emotional selves.
Finding a therapist can be stressful as it requires trust and faith that it is the right fit. I've found that building a strong relationship is the foundation of any successful therapy. My grounding philosophy is to meet people where they are at and to tailor my knowledge and experience to help them get to where they want to be. My ideal clients are those motivated, committed, and open to exploring various parts of the inner self and how these parts motivate, protect, grieve, and organize us for action. I am an inclusive therapist with a special interest in helping men understand their emotional selves.
![Photo of Mandi jo Blake, CADC II, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fb31e41-da93-4eae-b492-907ffdac3100/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mandi jo Blake
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC II
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I am a licensed professional clinician and I have worked in the field of addiction treatment for over 20 years. I have extensive experience in interventions, detox support, residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, life coaching, owning and managing sober living homes, working with the mentally ill, criminal justice system and the homeless population. I have amplified love and passion for those who suffer from the disease of addiction. I also specialize in addiction behaviors such as, gambling, pornography, sex and love addiction.
I am a licensed professional clinician and I have worked in the field of addiction treatment for over 20 years. I have extensive experience in interventions, detox support, residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, life coaching, owning and managing sober living homes, working with the mentally ill, criminal justice system and the homeless population. I have amplified love and passion for those who suffer from the disease of addiction. I also specialize in addiction behaviors such as, gambling, pornography, sex and love addiction.
![Photo of Dr. Audrey Miller, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/77cfe2d4-94dd-40ef-91a2-2effebade2cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Audrey Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pismo Beach, CA 93448 (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience who approaches therapy with warmth, compassion, and creativity. I help adults, couples, and teens identify maladaptive patterns that hinder living life in more authentic and purposeful ways. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and strength-based at its core, and therapeutic techniques used in therapy stem from an integrative, mind-body approach. I’m well-versed in utilizing a broad range of empirically-informed interventions and psychological assessments to treat the myriad complexities that come with our collectively shared human experiences.
I am a licensed psychologist with over 10 years of experience who approaches therapy with warmth, compassion, and creativity. I help adults, couples, and teens identify maladaptive patterns that hinder living life in more authentic and purposeful ways. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and strength-based at its core, and therapeutic techniques used in therapy stem from an integrative, mind-body approach. I’m well-versed in utilizing a broad range of empirically-informed interventions and psychological assessments to treat the myriad complexities that come with our collectively shared human experiences.
![Photo of Lewis Scott Peterson, LMFT, MDiv, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3efa0c8b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lewis Scott Peterson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MDiv
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
I became a therapist to help individuals and couples successfully navigate the difficulties of life and relationships. I provide a safe, compassionate, and confidential environment for each of my clients so that they might move towards healing and growth in their lives. My passion is to help individuals and couples find the intimacy they desire by uncovering specific patterns and obstacles to intimacy and building on their strengths so that they have the relationships they truly desire.
![Photo of Emerald McLeod, FNP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d73f076d-f69b-423e-91e1-499d6d05e94b/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Michael H Kreitsek, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e4a1ecf-b995-46a6-96b3-cbf62a091b83/5/320x400.jpeg)
My training in meditation, dream work, body awareness, Buddhist studies, Gestalt and other trainings allows me to address my client's needs directly, giving them methods and experiences to apply to their daily lives.
Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.
My training in meditation, dream work, body awareness, Buddhist studies, Gestalt and other trainings allows me to address my client's needs directly, giving them methods and experiences to apply to their daily lives.
Clients often come to me during a deep life transition of some kind. They are looking for clarity and deeper meaning. They are motivated, and sometimes afraid to change. Issues of grief and death, relationship, career change, loss or aging often show up; a sense of "Who am I? What next? Where am I going? Where have I been?" Many times clients are looking for deeper spiritual awareness, either wanting to renew abandoned practices, or looking for something beyond their past experience. In each case they are looking to connect more directly with life and find methods to do so. They are looking for greater balance, peace and stability.
![Photo of William Gale, MFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cce2906-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My training includes: Level 3 Attachment Focused EMDR, Hakomi Body/Mind Psychotherapy, Gestalt Play Therapy.
"Over the past 20 years I have supported clients in overcoming challenges and empowering their authentic selves. Through counseling, coaching, and group work, I've helped them activate their inner resources and realize their inherent potential. I believe growth is served by identifying and integrating core material which obstructs access to essence, passion, and life purpose. Enhancing self-awareness, employing mindfulness and nonviolence, I help clients listen to their Body's Intelligence ©, connect to inner wisdom, and take courageous action.
My training includes: Level 3 Attachment Focused EMDR, Hakomi Body/Mind Psychotherapy, Gestalt Play Therapy.
"Over the past 20 years I have supported clients in overcoming challenges and empowering their authentic selves. Through counseling, coaching, and group work, I've helped them activate their inner resources and realize their inherent potential. I believe growth is served by identifying and integrating core material which obstructs access to essence, passion, and life purpose. Enhancing self-awareness, employing mindfulness and nonviolence, I help clients listen to their Body's Intelligence ©, connect to inner wisdom, and take courageous action.
![Photo of Dr. Bruce A Howard, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcd3abb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/7/320x400.jpeg)
I focus on three dimensions in my psychotherapeutic work. The first is awareness and insight into our development as individuals and how this development has shaped our current functioning. There are no perfect parents nor perfect family experience without unmet needs and injuries (purposeful or unintentional). In understanding what we had to do to maintain critical attachments and equally critical separation and autonomy growing up, we discover that who we are is not fixed and irrevocable. We begin to see that we now have a choice to see ourselves and the world in new healthier ways and function differently in our current life.
I focus on three dimensions in my psychotherapeutic work. The first is awareness and insight into our development as individuals and how this development has shaped our current functioning. There are no perfect parents nor perfect family experience without unmet needs and injuries (purposeful or unintentional). In understanding what we had to do to maintain critical attachments and equally critical separation and autonomy growing up, we discover that who we are is not fixed and irrevocable. We begin to see that we now have a choice to see ourselves and the world in new healthier ways and function differently in our current life.
![Photo of Jefferson Young, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/faf3b56a-e016-424c-b652-01140a922ee5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jefferson Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience providing exceptional care and assisting clients and their families to improve their emotional health. Jefferson came to Los Angeles from Virginia and became a trained and licensed therapist assisting in the development of a Dual Diagnosis program for a local area non-profit. He has lent that experience in assisting the development of Medication Assisted Therapy program for clients with substance use disorders.
Jefferson Young is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience providing exceptional care and assisting clients and their families to improve their emotional health. Jefferson came to Los Angeles from Virginia and became a trained and licensed therapist assisting in the development of a Dual Diagnosis program for a local area non-profit. He has lent that experience in assisting the development of Medication Assisted Therapy program for clients with substance use disorders.
![Photo of Jennifer Weeks, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2c0eb8a-237a-46fd-9c62-1ed993b0381c/1/320x400.jpeg)
My areas of expertise are chemical dependency, co-dependency, anxiety and depression. For over 20 years I’ve worked with addicts, alcoholics and affected families. I specialize in couple’s counseling and trauma resolution.
My areas of expertise are chemical dependency, co-dependency, anxiety and depression. For over 20 years I’ve worked with addicts, alcoholics and affected families. I specialize in couple’s counseling and trauma resolution.
![Photo of Elizabeth Wolfson, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a75452e-3942-4ff3-a6c1-9a73c6be0b68/2/320x400.jpeg)
When choosing a therapist, experience matters. As a seasoned psychotherapist, scholar, and consultant with substantial training, I know there is no set formula for you and your situation. My holistic approach includes attention to your unique circumstance and goals including emotional, spiritual, and psychological health from a mind, body, spirit, perspective. There is no substitute for working with a professional who is fully attentive and present to what you are bringing to the experience, whom you can trust in helping you meet your goals and enhance your life quality.
When choosing a therapist, experience matters. As a seasoned psychotherapist, scholar, and consultant with substantial training, I know there is no set formula for you and your situation. My holistic approach includes attention to your unique circumstance and goals including emotional, spiritual, and psychological health from a mind, body, spirit, perspective. There is no substitute for working with a professional who is fully attentive and present to what you are bringing to the experience, whom you can trust in helping you meet your goals and enhance your life quality.
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Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.