Gestalt Therapists in Carlsbad, CA
My favorites include Narrative Therapy, Existential, Emotion-Focused, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, CBT, Gestalt, and Inner-Child work.
Hello, my name is Carissa Smith (LMFT130892). The therapeutic journey is the most important aspect of therapy, and I am always honored to assist clients with that journey in any way I can. People are complex, diverse, and interesting, and based on my experience, are just trying to do the best they can. I am comfortable with adult individuals (18+) across the lifespan. A true passion of mine is working with couples though.
My favorites include Narrative Therapy, Existential, Emotion-Focused, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy, CBT, Gestalt, and Inner-Child work.
Hello, my name is Carissa Smith (LMFT130892). The therapeutic journey is the most important aspect of therapy, and I am always honored to assist clients with that journey in any way I can. People are complex, diverse, and interesting, and based on my experience, are just trying to do the best they can. I am comfortable with adult individuals (18+) across the lifespan. A true passion of mine is working with couples though.
I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor since 2015. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including Private Practice, group homes with wards of the State of CA, going into people’s homes to do therapy, and in trauma focused rehab and recovery programs. My foundation is client centered therapy which helps to create a safe, comfortable, non judgmental atmosphere. I also integrate various evidence based modalities into treatment, including CBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, MI, Strength Based, Gestalt, Existential, Gottman, Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and more
I have been working as a Marriage and Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor since 2015. I’ve worked in a variety of settings, including Private Practice, group homes with wards of the State of CA, going into people’s homes to do therapy, and in trauma focused rehab and recovery programs. My foundation is client centered therapy which helps to create a safe, comfortable, non judgmental atmosphere. I also integrate various evidence based modalities into treatment, including CBT, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Psychodynamic, MI, Strength Based, Gestalt, Existential, Gottman, Hypnotherapy, EMDR, and more
Whitney O'Malley
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92009 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
My goal is to support my clients through life's greatest challenges, providing new insight, skills and emotional tools to help them make choices they're proud of and live more authentically. I provide a non-judgmental and accepting environment for individual adults and teens to increase self-awareness and find new strategies to cope with difficult emotions. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, low self-esteem, stress management and anger management. I help people through professional challenges, trauma, loss, substance abuse, and feelings of inadequacy or stagnation.
My goal is to support my clients through life's greatest challenges, providing new insight, skills and emotional tools to help them make choices they're proud of and live more authentically. I provide a non-judgmental and accepting environment for individual adults and teens to increase self-awareness and find new strategies to cope with difficult emotions. I specialize in anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, low self-esteem, stress management and anger management. I help people through professional challenges, trauma, loss, substance abuse, and feelings of inadequacy or stagnation.
NOTE: Now Accepting New In-Person Clients! Have you practiced loving yourself lately? Are there parts of you that feel undeserving of love? In our work together, we will strive to send love and compassion to the parts of yourself that have been shunned, ignored, or ridiculed. I have a client-centered approach, bringing an empathetic and warm presence to my sessions. Some of my favorite things clients have told me is that I help them to feel seen, and consistently show up with a positive, bubbly attitude. My goal is to make our therapy session a part of the week that you are excited for, not dreading.
NOTE: Now Accepting New In-Person Clients! Have you practiced loving yourself lately? Are there parts of you that feel undeserving of love? In our work together, we will strive to send love and compassion to the parts of yourself that have been shunned, ignored, or ridiculed. I have a client-centered approach, bringing an empathetic and warm presence to my sessions. Some of my favorite things clients have told me is that I help them to feel seen, and consistently show up with a positive, bubbly attitude. My goal is to make our therapy session a part of the week that you are excited for, not dreading.
I'm Melissa Parr and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree in psychology. I am interested in helping others gain understanding and insight about themselves and how to manage their internal worlds, especially during times of anxiety or transition. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, and I see the client-therapist relationship as being a means for change. I use a variety of techniques and approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theory.
I'm Melissa Parr and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a master's degree in psychology. I am interested in helping others gain understanding and insight about themselves and how to manage their internal worlds, especially during times of anxiety or transition. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, and I see the client-therapist relationship as being a means for change. I use a variety of techniques and approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment Theory.
EMDR Encinitad
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Has the pandemic negatively affected your mental health, relationships or addiction? If so, you are not alone and I’m here to help. I am a true believer that we shouldn't wait until things get really bad in order to seek help and tending to our emotional needs is just as important as taking care of our physical health. My work experience includes working in hospice and palliative care, addiction recovery centers as well as private practice, so I have had the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life at different stages in their lives. My approach is client-centered, I utilize various modalities, adapting to each person.
Has the pandemic negatively affected your mental health, relationships or addiction? If so, you are not alone and I’m here to help. I am a true believer that we shouldn't wait until things get really bad in order to seek help and tending to our emotional needs is just as important as taking care of our physical health. My work experience includes working in hospice and palliative care, addiction recovery centers as well as private practice, so I have had the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life at different stages in their lives. My approach is client-centered, I utilize various modalities, adapting to each person.
My name is Mayra Molina. I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I provide services in Spanish. I have experience working with victims of crime, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use, stress management, coping skills as well as developmental disabilities such as Autism. I allow my client to process as I support them by meeting you where you are to identify tools that would help improve your quality of life while better managing your symptoms. I help my clients identify goals in their first sessions and we revisit goals as needed as well as following each client's treatment plan.
My name is Mayra Molina. I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in California. I provide services in Spanish. I have experience working with victims of crime, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use, stress management, coping skills as well as developmental disabilities such as Autism. I allow my client to process as I support them by meeting you where you are to identify tools that would help improve your quality of life while better managing your symptoms. I help my clients identify goals in their first sessions and we revisit goals as needed as well as following each client's treatment plan.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for enhancing the functioning of individuals and families because everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values offering services tailored to meet the needs of our clients.
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for enhancing the functioning of individuals and families because everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values offering services tailored to meet the needs of our clients.
Mark Brewer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
WAVE THERAPY (Wisdom-Action-Vision-Encouragement) will help you get the support for which you are looking. We offer therapy. Call Now!! We will help you discover your inner resources, build self-esteem and develop new healthy patterns and solutions to life's challenges. INSURANCES Accepted!! WAVE specializes in EMDR for Depression, Anxiety & Trauma as well as EFT for couples and Solution Focused to help you achieve your goals.
Low Self Esteem,Intense Anger or Rage, Unsatisfying relationships,Depression,Anxiety, Fears, Obsessing or ruminating over an idea or someone, social fears or phobias. WEBSITE-www.wavetherapist.com
WAVE THERAPY (Wisdom-Action-Vision-Encouragement) will help you get the support for which you are looking. We offer therapy. Call Now!! We will help you discover your inner resources, build self-esteem and develop new healthy patterns and solutions to life's challenges. INSURANCES Accepted!! WAVE specializes in EMDR for Depression, Anxiety & Trauma as well as EFT for couples and Solution Focused to help you achieve your goals.
Low Self Esteem,Intense Anger or Rage, Unsatisfying relationships,Depression,Anxiety, Fears, Obsessing or ruminating over an idea or someone, social fears or phobias. WEBSITE-www.wavetherapist.com
In times of transitions like getting married, having kids, getting divorced or changing careers, the wounds you thought were dealt with, can unexpectedly resurface. Past trauma (large or small) may have always been in the background unknowingly affecting every decision you ever made. Unresolved trauma can manifest as issues around self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or a pattern of choosing the wrong partner, or a job that makes you feel stuck. Maybe it manifests in the feeling of longing for something you don't have, even when you feel like you have it all.
In times of transitions like getting married, having kids, getting divorced or changing careers, the wounds you thought were dealt with, can unexpectedly resurface. Past trauma (large or small) may have always been in the background unknowingly affecting every decision you ever made. Unresolved trauma can manifest as issues around self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or a pattern of choosing the wrong partner, or a job that makes you feel stuck. Maybe it manifests in the feeling of longing for something you don't have, even when you feel like you have it all.
Challenges and obstacles are a natural part of life. I believe, clients can draw from their strengths in combination with self awareness, stress management and therapeutic tools, to overcome most hurdles in their lives. My therapeutic approach depends on the individual or the couples needs. After a thorough assessment, I will then establish a treatment plan designed to meet my clients needs. My individualized treatment plans are based on 20 years of experience and constructed with input from my client. We will work together to identify; understand and resolve difficulties which undermine daily functioning and well being.
Challenges and obstacles are a natural part of life. I believe, clients can draw from their strengths in combination with self awareness, stress management and therapeutic tools, to overcome most hurdles in their lives. My therapeutic approach depends on the individual or the couples needs. After a thorough assessment, I will then establish a treatment plan designed to meet my clients needs. My individualized treatment plans are based on 20 years of experience and constructed with input from my client. We will work together to identify; understand and resolve difficulties which undermine daily functioning and well being.
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Harry Lesgold
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
I specialize in communication techniques to help partners de-escalate and resolve conflict while feeling heard and seen by each other. My goal is to help couples build and maintain their connection to one another. Frequently, partners may misunderstand the message that their partner is communicating to them and I am able to translate your partner's words so that they hear the message as it's intended.
I specialize in communication techniques to help partners de-escalate and resolve conflict while feeling heard and seen by each other. My goal is to help couples build and maintain their connection to one another. Frequently, partners may misunderstand the message that their partner is communicating to them and I am able to translate your partner's words so that they hear the message as it's intended.
Allison Arkfeld
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and adult adhd. I take an integrative and strength-based approach to healing that attends to the mind, body, and spirit. I believe that humans are inherently resilient and what may have worked to help you cope in the past, may not be working for you in the present. This can show up through behaviors such as isolating from others, internalizing other people's behavior as your fault, scanning for threat, addictions, risk taking, over working, perfectionism, etc. I want to help you rediscover your strengths and deepen your sense of hope so you can lead a more vital, exuberant life.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, and adult adhd. I take an integrative and strength-based approach to healing that attends to the mind, body, and spirit. I believe that humans are inherently resilient and what may have worked to help you cope in the past, may not be working for you in the present. This can show up through behaviors such as isolating from others, internalizing other people's behavior as your fault, scanning for threat, addictions, risk taking, over working, perfectionism, etc. I want to help you rediscover your strengths and deepen your sense of hope so you can lead a more vital, exuberant life.
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." Brene Brown It takes tremendous courage and strength to read out for guidance. Each of us has developed a set of beliefs which shape our world. These beliefs influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am empathic, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I am skilled at helping individuals and couples understand themselves in a new light - increasing personal growth, self-discovery, and self-empowerment.
"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." Brene Brown It takes tremendous courage and strength to read out for guidance. Each of us has developed a set of beliefs which shape our world. These beliefs influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I am empathic, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I am skilled at helping individuals and couples understand themselves in a new light - increasing personal growth, self-discovery, and self-empowerment.
I have a heart for distressed marriages and want to help you find healing from difficult pains that occur so you can live a fulfilled life of joy and peace. Sometimes painful feelings can become so overwhelming that we lose sight of our purpose, leaving us stuck in a perpetual unhealthy cycle. Past traumas, experiences, doubts, and anxiety can trap us into believing lies causing us to live broken lives. Whether you are struggling in a cycle of being angry with others, shaming yourself, vying for control, escaping into drugs, affairs, porn, or shutting down from others, there is hope.
I have a heart for distressed marriages and want to help you find healing from difficult pains that occur so you can live a fulfilled life of joy and peace. Sometimes painful feelings can become so overwhelming that we lose sight of our purpose, leaving us stuck in a perpetual unhealthy cycle. Past traumas, experiences, doubts, and anxiety can trap us into believing lies causing us to live broken lives. Whether you are struggling in a cycle of being angry with others, shaming yourself, vying for control, escaping into drugs, affairs, porn, or shutting down from others, there is hope.
Kendra Claire Wilhelm
Marriage & Family Therapist, BS, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Do you struggle managing your emotions, dissatisfaction with your life, shame & guilt, anxiety or exhaustion? Are you overcome by difficult experiences from the past or loss? I am passionate about empowering teens and adults with emotional distress, self doubt, relationship issues or repeat patterns, who feel stressed, stuck & overwhelmed. I specialize in trauma and also help with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-esteem, relationship issues, body image, mindfulness, inner child work, boundaries & sexuality. I will help you untangle the painful & frustrating areas of your life to make room for a life of joy and ease.
Do you struggle managing your emotions, dissatisfaction with your life, shame & guilt, anxiety or exhaustion? Are you overcome by difficult experiences from the past or loss? I am passionate about empowering teens and adults with emotional distress, self doubt, relationship issues or repeat patterns, who feel stressed, stuck & overwhelmed. I specialize in trauma and also help with anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, self-esteem, relationship issues, body image, mindfulness, inner child work, boundaries & sexuality. I will help you untangle the painful & frustrating areas of your life to make room for a life of joy and ease.
Welcome! My passion is helping couples and individuals attain the life and relationships they desire. Most couples have just a few “core” issues, but they come up over and over again. We then get caught in patterns of criticism, defensiveness, and withdrawal. I am here to help you regain the feelings of connection, trust, and intimacy that you desire. I will provide you with the skills and strategies to help you communicate more effectively, and replace blame and criticism with empathy and understanding.
Welcome! My passion is helping couples and individuals attain the life and relationships they desire. Most couples have just a few “core” issues, but they come up over and over again. We then get caught in patterns of criticism, defensiveness, and withdrawal. I am here to help you regain the feelings of connection, trust, and intimacy that you desire. I will provide you with the skills and strategies to help you communicate more effectively, and replace blame and criticism with empathy and understanding.
I've been in practice for many years, in both medical clinics and private practice settings, so I have treated all kinds of issues. Psychotherapy is a deeply personal and intimate experience, and I value the privilege of being a part of a person's commitment to change. Areas of advanced training include but are not limited to Brainspotting, the quick pulse (by Jo Dunning), codependence and abuse recovery, emotional freedom technique, Matrix Reimprinting, cognitive and psychodynamic psychotherapy, poetry therapy, marital and family therapy, sexual therapy, focused mindfulness, quantum entrainment, and spiritually focused therapy.
I've been in practice for many years, in both medical clinics and private practice settings, so I have treated all kinds of issues. Psychotherapy is a deeply personal and intimate experience, and I value the privilege of being a part of a person's commitment to change. Areas of advanced training include but are not limited to Brainspotting, the quick pulse (by Jo Dunning), codependence and abuse recovery, emotional freedom technique, Matrix Reimprinting, cognitive and psychodynamic psychotherapy, poetry therapy, marital and family therapy, sexual therapy, focused mindfulness, quantum entrainment, and spiritually focused therapy.
If you’re feeling stuck, or maybe life isn’t going the way you’ve sometimes hoped or expected for you or your family, let’s talk. Together, we will uncover the heart of your difficulties. We’ll also team up to discover the strengths that will help you overcome them. Sometimes depression, anxiety, trauma, or other concerns can make it hard to see those strengths, but they are there! I firmly believe that combining evidence-based methods with your gifts, talents, interests, and beliefs can yield healing and wholeness. You are unique, and the way we will approach your goals will be fit just for you.
If you’re feeling stuck, or maybe life isn’t going the way you’ve sometimes hoped or expected for you or your family, let’s talk. Together, we will uncover the heart of your difficulties. We’ll also team up to discover the strengths that will help you overcome them. Sometimes depression, anxiety, trauma, or other concerns can make it hard to see those strengths, but they are there! I firmly believe that combining evidence-based methods with your gifts, talents, interests, and beliefs can yield healing and wholeness. You are unique, and the way we will approach your goals will be fit just for you.
Kaye Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Carlsbad, CA 92008 (Online Only)
As an "elder", I understand the vulnerabilities and anxieties that can arise due to the aging process. As a former counselor for active duty military around the world, I have a deep appreciation for the issues and sacrifices that are made by military families. Both elders and military families deal with change, loss and grief more than the average person. Yet these are issues that we will all eventually have to face. Learning to more gracefully move through these transitions is an opportunity for deeper emotional, psychological and spiritual growth. These challenges can become the medicine for your spirit and soul.
As an "elder", I understand the vulnerabilities and anxieties that can arise due to the aging process. As a former counselor for active duty military around the world, I have a deep appreciation for the issues and sacrifices that are made by military families. Both elders and military families deal with change, loss and grief more than the average person. Yet these are issues that we will all eventually have to face. Learning to more gracefully move through these transitions is an opportunity for deeper emotional, psychological and spiritual growth. These challenges can become the medicine for your spirit and soul.
See more therapy options for Carlsbad
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for Carlsbad
- Dana Point
- Fallbrook
- Lake Elsinore
- Menifee
- Murrieta
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- San Clemente
- Temecula
- Trabuco Canyon
- Vista
- Wildomar
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.