Couples Counseling Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
![Photo of Benjamin Rea, LCSW, MS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/33eca6cd-196f-4332-8605-8e02581de3d9/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thank you for exploring my profile. I am accepting new clients. I see clients both in person and virtually. With over 20 years of experience, my training and experience is specialized towards working with couples and families, as well as adolescent and adult men. I utilize a direct, no-nonsense approach with notable success in treating addictions, family issues, anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc), depression, trauma, and relationship problems. I am one of the only practitioners in San Luis Obispo County who specializes in working with men and who does family therapy. Please visit my website benrealcsw.com to learn more!
Thank you for exploring my profile. I am accepting new clients. I see clients both in person and virtually. With over 20 years of experience, my training and experience is specialized towards working with couples and families, as well as adolescent and adult men. I utilize a direct, no-nonsense approach with notable success in treating addictions, family issues, anxiety (generalized, social, panic, etc), depression, trauma, and relationship problems. I am one of the only practitioners in San Luis Obispo County who specializes in working with men and who does family therapy. Please visit my website benrealcsw.com to learn more!
![Photo of Kimberli Andridge, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c68a770-793b-4ffe-993e-bd736705e4b2/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in emotional distress (anxiety, depression), relationship/sexual concerns, chronic health/pain, young adults, and family concerns.
My clients seek a safe, non-judgmental, space where they can show up authentically, receive support navigating painful experiences, find ways to cope and manage distress, and to have an objective "sounding board." Often clients hope to process the impact that their experiences have had on them while identifying ways they can create changes that will allow them to live their lives in ways that are fulfilling, meaningful, and values-driven.
I specialize in emotional distress (anxiety, depression), relationship/sexual concerns, chronic health/pain, young adults, and family concerns.
My clients seek a safe, non-judgmental, space where they can show up authentically, receive support navigating painful experiences, find ways to cope and manage distress, and to have an objective "sounding board." Often clients hope to process the impact that their experiences have had on them while identifying ways they can create changes that will allow them to live their lives in ways that are fulfilling, meaningful, and values-driven.
![Photo of Nicholas Cline, LMFT, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51fe13c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Nicholas Cline
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Offering teIe-therapy & In Person Sessions for Individuals & Couples in San Luis Obispo. Both individuals and couples experience issues and challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. It is my goal to explore these with you and find ways to help cope, accept or overcome these. With couples we work on better communication skills, and strengthening the bond that you have together. I work with individuals that are experiencing anxiety and depression and other issues related to mental health. Ultimately I want you to succeed, I have additional training and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Offering teIe-therapy & In Person Sessions for Individuals & Couples in San Luis Obispo. Both individuals and couples experience issues and challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential. It is my goal to explore these with you and find ways to help cope, accept or overcome these. With couples we work on better communication skills, and strengthening the bond that you have together. I work with individuals that are experiencing anxiety and depression and other issues related to mental health. Ultimately I want you to succeed, I have additional training and experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community.
![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 truly enjoy working with couples and seek to provide an environment that restores both hope and enjoyment within the relationship.
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 truly enjoy working with couples and seek to provide an environment that restores both hope and enjoyment within the relationship.
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 David C Lichti - David C. Lichti, LMFT, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dd07df9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
IFS with couples, goes straight to the excessive reactions we have to our partners, by focusing on what is behind our excessive reactions, getting to the overly protective parts of us that are overly defending our vulnerable selves from potential attack.
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.
IFS with couples, goes straight to the excessive reactions we have to our partners, by focusing on what is behind our excessive reactions, getting to the overly protective parts of us that are overly defending our vulnerable selves from potential attack.
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 Joanie Nelson, MA, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/273003cc-7f8e-4eb9-81af-42b38a463ab0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joanie Nelson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Additionally, I enjoy working with couples, whether building a relationship or reconnecting, to find new, more effective, ways to communicate and connect to build a healthy future in brief therapy, utilizing evidence based Gottman therapeutic techniques.
Do you ever find yourself wondering, "Is this the life I want to live?" Are you out of synch and balance, where did you go off track? Let's work together to explore the story of your life, after all, you are the author. Together we will explore your strengths and goals then create a unique path filled with congruence and hope.
Additionally, I enjoy working with couples, whether building a relationship or reconnecting, to find new, more effective, ways to communicate and connect to build a healthy future in brief therapy, utilizing evidence based Gottman therapeutic techniques.
Do you ever find yourself wondering, "Is this the life I want to live?" Are you out of synch and balance, where did you go off track? Let's work together to explore the story of your life, after all, you are the author. Together we will explore your strengths and goals then create a unique path filled with congruence and hope.
![Photo of Matthew R Chirman, MS, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2e571c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew R Chirman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
For the 22 last years I have worked successfully with adult clients dealing with a wide range of issues including marital and relationship problems, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, abuse issues, personality issues and mental health concerns. I believe a trusting relationship between the therapist and client is the foundation for all growth and change. However, the relationship itself is typically not sufficient. I will help you set goals for your therapy based upon what you would like to have different in your life, and together we will explore and change the blocks which have prevented you from achieving your goals.
For the 22 last years I have worked successfully with adult clients dealing with a wide range of issues including marital and relationship problems, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, abuse issues, personality issues and mental health concerns. I believe a trusting relationship between the therapist and client is the foundation for all growth and change. However, the relationship itself is typically not sufficient. I will help you set goals for your therapy based upon what you would like to have different in your life, and together we will explore and change the blocks which have prevented you from achieving your goals.
![Photo of Kristin Stringfellow, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1eda0d64-32cd-43d5-8ff9-6cee0d2b91d4/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kristin Stringfellow
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
As a therapist at Mindful Heart Counseling Center, I work with couples and individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life-transitions. Coping with what’s happening in your life can be overwhelming and I’m here to help you find relief and learn skills to build resilience. I strive to help my clients live mindfully and find peace in the present moment. I approach therapy from a mindfulness-based perspective, from which we focus on gathering a better understanding of our thoughts and behaviors by exploring our emotions without judgement.
As a therapist at Mindful Heart Counseling Center, I work with couples and individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life-transitions. Coping with what’s happening in your life can be overwhelming and I’m here to help you find relief and learn skills to build resilience. I strive to help my clients live mindfully and find peace in the present moment. I approach therapy from a mindfulness-based perspective, from which we focus on gathering a better understanding of our thoughts and behaviors by exploring our emotions without judgement.
![Photo of Kai Lillie, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f29f208d-312e-4b1d-a2ab-fe4be4c2f802/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kai Lillie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I work with individuals, families, children, couples, and groups.
What brings you here? If you are scrolling through these pages, you are likely looking for support, either for yourself or someone you care about. While it is easier now to find psychological support, finding the right person to work with is as important as ever. While working with me you will be received in a warm, non-judgmental, and curiosity filled environment. While considering what brought you into therapy, we will reflect on the circumstances contributing to where you are today. Our focus will be on integrating what has been in order to develop into what can be.
I work with individuals, families, children, couples, and groups.
What brings you here? If you are scrolling through these pages, you are likely looking for support, either for yourself or someone you care about. While it is easier now to find psychological support, finding the right person to work with is as important as ever. While working with me you will be received in a warm, non-judgmental, and curiosity filled environment. While considering what brought you into therapy, we will reflect on the circumstances contributing to where you are today. Our focus will be on integrating what has been in order to develop into what can be.
![Photo of Melissa Monji, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/31655659-debe-40b6-bc9f-6b4818b9465c/3/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa Monji
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are you at a crossroads in your life, or in your relationship? Failing to meet your goals, or possibly just struggling to make your relationships with friends and family work? Do you wake up in the morning feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Or maybe it just feels like there is more to life than how you are currently living yours. If you answered yes to any of these questions, please know you are not the only one experiencing these types of challenges, and I would be happy to support you, as an individual or couple, in your efforts to remove whatever barriers may be standing in the way of reaching your goals.
Are you at a crossroads in your life, or in your relationship? Failing to meet your goals, or possibly just struggling to make your relationships with friends and family work? Do you wake up in the morning feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Or maybe it just feels like there is more to life than how you are currently living yours. If you answered yes to any of these questions, please know you are not the only one experiencing these types of challenges, and I would be happy to support you, as an individual or couple, in your efforts to remove whatever barriers may be standing in the way of reaching your goals.
![Photo of Corinne Roberts - Mindful Heart Counseling Center, LMFT, AMFT, APCC, MA, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/511b9c8e-f283-4d7f-9bf9-c20b425d1343/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mindful Heart Counseling Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AMFT, APCC, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
All of our therapists are trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples; a highly effective approach to help couples create real change in their relationships.
Our team offers a safe, supportive environment and a warm, compassionate, open-minded approach. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, college life, young adulthood, relationships, men’s issues, parenting struggles, grief and loss, work/career and exploring existential and spiritual concerns. The heart of our work is to help you develop deeper self-understanding, self-compassion and coping skills while working through issues of the present and the past. We offer a variety of approaches including mindfulness, art therapy, IFS informed and somatic work. We also offer 2-3 day couples intensives.
All of our therapists are trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples; a highly effective approach to help couples create real change in their relationships.
Our team offers a safe, supportive environment and a warm, compassionate, open-minded approach. We work with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life transitions, college life, young adulthood, relationships, men’s issues, parenting struggles, grief and loss, work/career and exploring existential and spiritual concerns. The heart of our work is to help you develop deeper self-understanding, self-compassion and coping skills while working through issues of the present and the past. We offer a variety of approaches including mindfulness, art therapy, IFS informed and somatic work. We also offer 2-3 day couples intensives.
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![Photo of Krissy Shippey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6661971f-0dff-4c0b-abca-dd2ce1218527/3/320x400.jpeg)
Krissy Shippey
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Research shows the best outcomes are a result of a positive relationship with your therapist.
As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.
Research shows the best outcomes are a result of a positive relationship with your therapist.
As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.
![Photo of Julia Richardson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c75dd5d4-2958-4721-a1ec-6b41c7c4ad01/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Julia Richardson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California since January 1999. My License number is MFT35516. I work with children from age 10 and up. I also work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. My framework in working with individuals, couples and families is through a relational lens that incorporates brain science, attachment theory and mindsight. I see each (individual, couple dyad and family) as a magnificent portrait that comes to therapy when their life patterns are stuck in rigidity or chaos.
My name is Julia Richardson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California since January 1999. My License number is MFT35516. I work with children from age 10 and up. I also work with adolescents, adults, couples and families. My framework in working with individuals, couples and families is through a relational lens that incorporates brain science, attachment theory and mindsight. I see each (individual, couple dyad and family) as a magnificent portrait that comes to therapy when their life patterns are stuck in rigidity or chaos.
![Photo of Desiree Troxell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d05631-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Desiree Troxell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I work with couples, college students and mature adults.
Welcome to wellness. You have taken the first step toward exploring your full potential. Embarking on a path of self discovery enables you to unearth your hopes for yourself, your relationships, and your future. Authenticity, communication, forgiveness, love and humor are essential to living a healthy life. Knowing yourself allows you to have healthier relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. I have experience helping people who are encountering grief, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, marital difficulties, life transitions, family conflict, relationship conflict, stress, self harm, and substance abuse.
I work with couples, college students and mature adults.
Welcome to wellness. You have taken the first step toward exploring your full potential. Embarking on a path of self discovery enables you to unearth your hopes for yourself, your relationships, and your future. Authenticity, communication, forgiveness, love and humor are essential to living a healthy life. Knowing yourself allows you to have healthier relationships with your family, friends and colleagues. I have experience helping people who are encountering grief, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, marital difficulties, life transitions, family conflict, relationship conflict, stress, self harm, and substance abuse.
![Photo of Alyn Bartick, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3efd3acc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alyn Bartick
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
There is no need to suffer depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, or loneliness alone.
Now is the time to remove the barriers to the life you desire. Using a supportive, strength-based, and straightforward approach, I will guide you to the more richly experienced life you deserve. I offer solution-focused sessions that achieve results quickly. From our first meetings, you will be less stuck and more prepared to move forward. After more than twenty-five years, I continue to find immense joy in helping clients to live healthy lives filled with meaning and contentment.
There is no need to suffer depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, or loneliness alone.
Now is the time to remove the barriers to the life you desire. Using a supportive, strength-based, and straightforward approach, I will guide you to the more richly experienced life you deserve. I offer solution-focused sessions that achieve results quickly. From our first meetings, you will be less stuck and more prepared to move forward. After more than twenty-five years, I continue to find immense joy in helping clients to live healthy lives filled with meaning and contentment.
![Photo of Anthony Paul Martello, MA, AMFT, APCC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bc4fe153-423f-4ff1-8dbe-d0b2e452769b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
For adults, couples, and families I usually approach therapy from an existential (here and now) point of view.
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.
For adults, couples, and families I usually approach therapy from an existential (here and now) point of view.
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.
![Photo of Janine Porter, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cd5ca7f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janine Porter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Seeking therapy is a brave choice and a valuable step in the healing process. If you are pursing therapy for support through a difficult time or transition, for healing childhood wounds, if you are feeling emotional pain or hurt, having trouble navigating a difficult relationship, and/or seeking deeper self-exploration, betterment and growth, I commend you. This is a courageous first step.
Seeking therapy is a brave choice and a valuable step in the healing process. If you are pursing therapy for support through a difficult time or transition, for healing childhood wounds, if you are feeling emotional pain or hurt, having trouble navigating a difficult relationship, and/or seeking deeper self-exploration, betterment and growth, I commend you. This is a courageous first step.
![Photo of Amber Gambel, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a5a6dc72-f5f5-4648-9cdb-2e9f9fbad7ba/2/320x400.jpeg)
Amber Gambel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
The goal as your therapist is to partner with you on this journey you’ve chosen to take to find better strategies, to process past trauma, to work through the transitions of college/graduate life or motherhood, or whatever other reason you find yourself here.
Navigating life is exhausting and complex, it makes total sense that you are seeking support in managing life's stressors and how to cope with the changing world and society's expectations. You may be finding yourself living a life with extensive pressure, guilt, shame and difficulty living the life you want to live. I work with individuals who are often exhausted by their current situations in unhealthy relationships with themselves and others. However, we will work together in smashing societies expectations and creating your own, setting boundaries, learning to love yourself, and exploring and living within your value system.
The goal as your therapist is to partner with you on this journey you’ve chosen to take to find better strategies, to process past trauma, to work through the transitions of college/graduate life or motherhood, or whatever other reason you find yourself here.
Navigating life is exhausting and complex, it makes total sense that you are seeking support in managing life's stressors and how to cope with the changing world and society's expectations. You may be finding yourself living a life with extensive pressure, guilt, shame and difficulty living the life you want to live. I work with individuals who are often exhausted by their current situations in unhealthy relationships with themselves and others. However, we will work together in smashing societies expectations and creating your own, setting boundaries, learning to love yourself, and exploring and living within your value system.
![Photo of Beth Belingheri, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6a05c4c6-6dd4-414f-85a2-da21d97b36ba/1/320x400.jpeg)
Beth Belingheri
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (Online Only)
Life is stressful and it can feel like it’s too much. Sometimes, we feel stuck, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or we are having life transitions that seem really difficult. Maybe you are in a couplehood that feels tense, argumentative and disconnected. I work in a partnership with my clients both individuals and couples to improve their lives and mental health. What I offer is a non judgmental space where clients can express concerns, set healthy boundaries, increase coping skills and find realistic solutions to stress, anxiety and depression through gentle guidance.
Life is stressful and it can feel like it’s too much. Sometimes, we feel stuck, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious or we are having life transitions that seem really difficult. Maybe you are in a couplehood that feels tense, argumentative and disconnected. I work in a partnership with my clients both individuals and couples to improve their lives and mental health. What I offer is a non judgmental space where clients can express concerns, set healthy boundaries, increase coping skills and find realistic solutions to stress, anxiety and depression through gentle guidance.
![Photo of Coraline Sylvie Robinson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c3777dc-ecd3-4ab6-bbe7-19ebcdacc3a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Coraline Sylvie Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
You have come here for a reason…maybe you’d like to make a change, receive encouragement, find your strengths or share your vulnerabilities; maybe you don’t know the reason. I can help you voice your thoughts and feelings, meeting you with curiosity and acceptance. I can accompany you in a transition or struggle so you can manage more peacefully. I can also offer direction, effective tools and solutions for specific problems such as addictive tendencies, harmful habits, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict and emotional dysregulation.
You have come here for a reason…maybe you’d like to make a change, receive encouragement, find your strengths or share your vulnerabilities; maybe you don’t know the reason. I can help you voice your thoughts and feelings, meeting you with curiosity and acceptance. I can accompany you in a transition or struggle so you can manage more peacefully. I can also offer direction, effective tools and solutions for specific problems such as addictive tendencies, harmful habits, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict and emotional dysregulation.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.