Couples Counseling Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
Desiree Troxell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 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.
Kristina Hibshman Berger
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD(c), LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Starting therapy is a significant and courageous step towards nurturing your mental well-being. In my practice, I specialize in two distinct areas, each with deep personal and professional meaning. First, I am passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals, couples, and families. I am a dedicated advocate of the neurodiversity model, which views ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and other neurodivergent traits as natural variations within the human spectrum. I believe that embracing these differences, rather than pathologizing them, allows for a more compassionate and empowering approach to therapy.
Starting therapy is a significant and courageous step towards nurturing your mental well-being. In my practice, I specialize in two distinct areas, each with deep personal and professional meaning. First, I am passionate about working with neurodiverse individuals, couples, and families. I am a dedicated advocate of the neurodiversity model, which views ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, and other neurodivergent traits as natural variations within the human spectrum. I believe that embracing these differences, rather than pathologizing them, allows for a more compassionate and empowering approach to therapy.
Kristen Yogi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I believe all pain stems from disconnection. Disconnection from self, others, and a greater belonging to the natural world. As a social species, we need love and support from one another to thrive and co-create a felt sense of safety. I believe each individual has everything they need within themselves to heal and the stable presence of another supports this natural healing process. Whether you are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, or feel it is time to change relationship dynamics or behavioral or thought patterns, I am honored to assist you in making meaningful internal and external change.
I believe all pain stems from disconnection. Disconnection from self, others, and a greater belonging to the natural world. As a social species, we need love and support from one another to thrive and co-create a felt sense of safety. I believe each individual has everything they need within themselves to heal and the stable presence of another supports this natural healing process. Whether you are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, or feel it is time to change relationship dynamics or behavioral or thought patterns, I am honored to assist you in making meaningful internal and external change.
Paula Defrisco
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Waitlist for new clients
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.
I am a San Luis Obispo therapist working extensively with adolescents, college students, adults and couples who struggle with relationship issues or who have experienced sexual abuse or domestic violence in their lives. I have also helped numerous clients struggling with depression or anxiety. I am practical and supportive in my approach. My focus has always been trauma work, and I feel great respect and admiration for my clients who have allowed me to be part of their journey to gain feelings of empowerment in their lives. Please click on my website for more information about my practice.
Beverly Collier
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Beverly specializes in therapy for adults, couples, and parents working to improve relationships with adult children. A dedicated therapist motivated to help clients reach their full potential, over two decades of experience inform Beverly's compassionate approach to therapy. Her background includes work across Social Services, Child Welfare, Mental Health, private practice, mediation and a non-profit human services agency.
Beverly specializes in therapy for adults, couples, and parents working to improve relationships with adult children. A dedicated therapist motivated to help clients reach their full potential, over two decades of experience inform Beverly's compassionate approach to therapy. Her background includes work across Social Services, Child Welfare, Mental Health, private practice, mediation and a non-profit human services agency.
I use a creative approach combining mindfulness, body-centered awareness, cognitive behavioral tools, compassion, and humor while working to promote healing for individuals and couples.
Hi, my name is Shelly Lopeman. I have a passion for therapy and what it can do for a person and their healing. My philosophy is that each one of us has a purpose and we are striving to achieve many of the same basic needs which are to be loved, to be accepted, to gain self-efficacy, and to realize that we have the ability to heal within.
I use a creative approach combining mindfulness, body-centered awareness, cognitive behavioral tools, compassion, and humor while working to promote healing for individuals and couples.
Hi, my name is Shelly Lopeman. I have a passion for therapy and what it can do for a person and their healing. My philosophy is that each one of us has a purpose and we are striving to achieve many of the same basic needs which are to be loved, to be accepted, to gain self-efficacy, and to realize that we have the ability to heal within.
Emily A. Weatherby Latta
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
I believe that the most healing element of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.
Life can be so unfair and being human is incredibly difficult, yet there is also so much beauty in life to experience as well! It can be exhausting to feel like you have to put on a front and be filtered in order to do life while suffering. Learning to find a way to hold and make sense of these contradictions can be a painful, confusing and complicated process! We often view things as being “either/or” when much of life is actually "both/and." My desire is to create a safe place for you to JUST BE…unfiltered…to help process, and receive rest for your soul and mind in order to heal and live life as your best authentic self.
I believe that the most healing element of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.
Life can be so unfair and being human is incredibly difficult, yet there is also so much beauty in life to experience as well! It can be exhausting to feel like you have to put on a front and be filtered in order to do life while suffering. Learning to find a way to hold and make sense of these contradictions can be a painful, confusing and complicated process! We often view things as being “either/or” when much of life is actually "both/and." My desire is to create a safe place for you to JUST BE…unfiltered…to help process, and receive rest for your soul and mind in order to heal and live life as your best authentic self.
Tim Schenberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
And, the therapeutic relationship is a must if a client is to get better.
Many people struggle with finding their way in life. It is very hard to do it on your own. Therapy is one of many tools that people can use to create and sustain change. My practice tends to draw individuals, couples and families who need support with a variety of different challenges and conflicts.
And, the therapeutic relationship is a must if a client is to get better.
Many people struggle with finding their way in life. It is very hard to do it on your own. Therapy is one of many tools that people can use to create and sustain change. My practice tends to draw individuals, couples and families who need support with a variety of different challenges and conflicts.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My mission is to deliver life-changing care to teens, adults, families, couples and geriatric individuals who experience a wide array of mental health conditions and current life challenges. Such as: traumatic stress, struggles with feeling scattered and not accomplishing your goals, managing emotions, challenging negative thinking, and reducing stress and anxiety. Today's world can be intense and stressful, and it's taking an unprecedented toll on kids, teens, adults, couples and families.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California with 23 years of professional work experience. My mission is to deliver life-changing care to teens, adults, families, couples and geriatric individuals who experience a wide array of mental health conditions and current life challenges. Such as: traumatic stress, struggles with feeling scattered and not accomplishing your goals, managing emotions, challenging negative thinking, and reducing stress and anxiety. Today's world can be intense and stressful, and it's taking an unprecedented toll on kids, teens, adults, couples and families.
I've also enjoyed working with couples and the challenges of manifesting healthy communication.
I tend to work with individuals and couples in a collaborative way. I attempt to assess what the goals are and explore how to get there. Generally, I see the work in a couple of phases: establishing a safe, supportive environment and secondly, attempting to provide insight for those I work with. Insight is part of it, then one must attempt to deal with some of the inevitable challenges of changing. To this end, a collaborative relationship allows for us to work at the Client's pace, with perhaps, some occasional supportive nudging.
I've also enjoyed working with couples and the challenges of manifesting healthy communication.
I tend to work with individuals and couples in a collaborative way. I attempt to assess what the goals are and explore how to get there. Generally, I see the work in a couple of phases: establishing a safe, supportive environment and secondly, attempting to provide insight for those I work with. Insight is part of it, then one must attempt to deal with some of the inevitable challenges of changing. To this end, a collaborative relationship allows for us to work at the Client's pace, with perhaps, some occasional supportive nudging.
Summer Sessions Counseling
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, LPCC, LCSW, CADC, ACSW, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
From EMDR, OCD treatment, addressing, anxiety, depression, life adjustment, couples and individuals needs, we're here to support it all!.
Finding a therapist, especially one that takes insurance, can be difficult. At Summer Sessions, we shorten the search; we have diverse providers that reflect our community, with many areas of expertise and are in network with most major insurance networks We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. Whether experiencing anxiety, depression a life stressor, OCD, depression, trauma substance use recovery, trauma, sexual assault, you deserve support and we can help. Request an appointment at www.SummerSessionsCouseling.org
From EMDR, OCD treatment, addressing, anxiety, depression, life adjustment, couples and individuals needs, we're here to support it all!.
Finding a therapist, especially one that takes insurance, can be difficult. At Summer Sessions, we shorten the search; we have diverse providers that reflect our community, with many areas of expertise and are in network with most major insurance networks We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. Whether experiencing anxiety, depression a life stressor, OCD, depression, trauma substance use recovery, trauma, sexual assault, you deserve support and we can help. Request an appointment at www.SummerSessionsCouseling.org
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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.
Gino Memoli
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
We specialize in individuals, couples.
At Fortitude Therapy Collective, we’re not your average therapy practice – we’re here to shake things up. Specializing in personality disorders, trauma, and mood disorders, we blend wit, wisdom, and unwavering support in every session. We know that taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, but we’re here to make sure you don't just float – you thrive. Our therapists help untangle the complexities of your mind and emotions, offering a space where every part of you exists for a reason. Together, we’ll rework those parts without rejecting the core of who you are.
We specialize in individuals, couples.
At Fortitude Therapy Collective, we’re not your average therapy practice – we’re here to shake things up. Specializing in personality disorders, trauma, and mood disorders, we blend wit, wisdom, and unwavering support in every session. We know that taking the first step toward healing can feel daunting, but we’re here to make sure you don't just float – you thrive. Our therapists help untangle the complexities of your mind and emotions, offering a space where every part of you exists for a reason. Together, we’ll rework those parts without rejecting the core of who you are.
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.
Hannah Morrison
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Together we can sort through life transitions, identity exploration, breaking generational cycles, defeating relationship patterns, parenting challenges, and facing painful realities of todays society.
As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe space to explore a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world . With empathy and trust, I will walk alongside you as you navigate feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, self-criticism, doubt and shame. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, gain confidence and self-compassion, advocate for your needs, and live a life that you deem meaningful and authentic to you.
Together we can sort through life transitions, identity exploration, breaking generational cycles, defeating relationship patterns, parenting challenges, and facing painful realities of todays society.
As a therapist, I am passionate about creating a safe space to explore a deeper understanding of yourself, others and the world . With empathy and trust, I will walk alongside you as you navigate feelings of anxiety, sadness, fear, self-criticism, doubt and shame. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, gain confidence and self-compassion, advocate for your needs, and live a life that you deem meaningful and authentic to you.
Cristy Chavez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
In life we often face obstacles which cause us painful emotions, feeling disconnected, isolated and confused. The good news is we don’t have to navigate this alone and I would be honored to help guide you. Are you currently experiencing depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or trauma from an abusive relationship? Or perhaps you are looking for someone who has training and experience with neurodiversity (ADHD and/or Autism). In sessions I use an array of therapeutic techniques to promote a mind/body connection, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Attachment Based Theory.
In life we often face obstacles which cause us painful emotions, feeling disconnected, isolated and confused. The good news is we don’t have to navigate this alone and I would be honored to help guide you. Are you currently experiencing depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, or trauma from an abusive relationship? Or perhaps you are looking for someone who has training and experience with neurodiversity (ADHD and/or Autism). In sessions I use an array of therapeutic techniques to promote a mind/body connection, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, and Attachment Based Theory.
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.
Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your journey of healing & self-discovery. I have 20 yrs. of clinical experience in the mental health field working primarily with adults & college-age students struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, family/ relationship problems, trauma, life-transitions, personal growth, & self-acceptance. I was born and raised in Europe & am open to also working with clients who are from a wide range of countries & are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to life in the U.S. I am warm, caring, non-judgmental, & able to provide you a safe space to address today's stressors.
Thank you for considering me as a potential partner in your journey of healing & self-discovery. I have 20 yrs. of clinical experience in the mental health field working primarily with adults & college-age students struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, family/ relationship problems, trauma, life-transitions, personal growth, & self-acceptance. I was born and raised in Europe & am open to also working with clients who are from a wide range of countries & are experiencing difficulties in adjusting to life in the U.S. I am warm, caring, non-judgmental, & able to provide you a safe space to address today's stressors.
Pacific Emotional Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, AMFT, LCSW, MA, MS
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Our therapists have experience working with individuals and couples who are impacted by trauma, cancer, grief/loss, family dynamics/relationships, postpartum emotions and motherhood/parenting, anxiety, depression, etc.
Pacific Emotional Wellness is a group therapy practice led by Camille Johnson, and consists of several skilled therapists including Rachel Cha, Grace Peavy, Audrey DeFrisco, Beverly Collier, Cassidy Pierce, Téa Main, Bridget Schinnerer, and Griff Jennings. We take a deep and soulful approach to walking alongside our clients on their journey of growth and healing. Whether you are feeling stuck in the rut of life, dealing with grief/loss, having relationship concerns, experienced a trauma, etc., we are here for you no matter what stage of your healing journey you are in.
Our therapists have experience working with individuals and couples who are impacted by trauma, cancer, grief/loss, family dynamics/relationships, postpartum emotions and motherhood/parenting, anxiety, depression, etc.
Pacific Emotional Wellness is a group therapy practice led by Camille Johnson, and consists of several skilled therapists including Rachel Cha, Grace Peavy, Audrey DeFrisco, Beverly Collier, Cassidy Pierce, Téa Main, Bridget Schinnerer, and Griff Jennings. We take a deep and soulful approach to walking alongside our clients on their journey of growth and healing. Whether you are feeling stuck in the rut of life, dealing with grief/loss, having relationship concerns, experienced a trauma, etc., we are here for you no matter what stage of your healing journey you are in.
Clarissa Kugler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Some of my specializations include trauma, anxiety, depression, parent training, and relationship issues.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, it is my privilege to offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore your unique challenges and work towards finding balance, healing and happiness. I offer both individual, family and couples therapy. My style is person centered, compassionate and strengths based.
Some of my specializations include trauma, anxiety, depression, parent training, and relationship issues.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, it is my privilege to offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore your unique challenges and work towards finding balance, healing and happiness. I offer both individual, family and couples therapy. My style is person centered, compassionate and strengths based.
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.