Emotionally Focused Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA

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.

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.

My approach to therapy aims at providing relational safety and an open environment, where we can explore and discover inner authenticity and acceptance. Much of the distress we experience as humans has deep emotional roots, and through compassion and the cultivation of relationship comes healing and regaining of one’s peace and autonomy.

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.

Do you ever find yourself asking, "Why can't I just get my life together, get along with people like everyone else?" "Am I the crazy one?" How about "I'm tired of feeling misunderstood, walked all over, like I can't do anything right." It's easy to feel stuck and alone when struggling in life and relationships, as if you're "too emotional" and destined for a lonely and shameful life. Many opinions about what you're doing wrong and recommendations of how to fix discourage you, leaving you feeling even more flawed and confused than before. Most importantly, do you find yourself feeling sad and terrified that nobody will EVER get you?

My name is Jen Kalusa, I'm an LMFT, and I specialize in working with adults looking for support in navigating traumatic experiences, relationships, self-discovery, and complex emotions. I believe each person has within them what they need to heal and to have emotional health and healthy relationships. I use a trauma-informed approach and am trained in EMDR, Flash technique, and havening to support individuals who are stuck because of a past trauma. I use parts work and Emotionally Focused Therapy for individuals to help them heal and move toward experiencing secure, meaningful connection.

Do conversations with your partner end in major arguments? Perhaps your partner lacks empathy and emotion. Or just doesn't listen. Are you feeling misunderstood or disappointed? Are you feeling the pain of betrayal? Maybe you're in a new relationship wanting to get it right from the start, to do things differently the 2nd time around. Or perhaps you want to focus on "you", to find your best self as you navigate what can feel like a complicated world? To find life-balance, love, joy & adventure, on your own or in a relationship. What is your soul longing for? Are you ready to discover the best, fully integrated version of "you"?

These are difficult times. Whether you are sheltering in place, or out in the workplace, these unusual times can increase anxiety and depression. Online sessions are available to assist you in individual or couple counseling. Are you feeling stuck? Do you feel you have lost connection with yourself or loved ones? Change and healing are possible. It is a courageous step to begin therapy. I will encourage you and empower you to learn skills to more fully live your life.

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.

Hello, my name is Dr. Jean Stapp. I am a licensed psychologist (license number: PSY 33583) with extensive training and experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and relationship issues. My ultimate goal is to help my clients take the steps they need to shape the kinds of lives that they desire. I typically work with individuals undergoing depression, anxiety, childhood trauma (or coming to terms with a difficult and confusing childhood), sexual abuse/assault, life transitions, eating disorders, and relationship issues.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless or down? Now more than ever, people are questioning and exploring how they view themselves, others and the world. Therapy can help explore these difficult issues helping you find new solutions and perspective. Eliza provides a calm, nurturing and safe environment while challenging you to reach your greatest potential. She genuinely listens and gives each person individualized therapy tailored to their specific needs and experiences. Eliza uses collaborative therapeutic techniques to develop a more fulfilling thriving life experience.

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.

We are a queer woman-owned practice. Each of our therapists is committed to engaging in collaborative person-centered care with a focus on meeting our you where you're at to come alongside and walk this healing journey with you. We chose the name Thrive because that's what we want for you, to not just survive this life but to truly be a Thriving human. Additionally, many of our providers identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and we are committed to serving those within our community.

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.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless or down? Now more than ever, people are questioning and exploring how they view themselves, others and the world. Therapy can help explore these difficult issues helping you find new solutions and perspective. Monique provides a calm, nurturing and safe environment while challenging you to reach your greatest potential. She genuinely listens and gives each person individualized therapy tailored to their specific needs and experiences. .

Individual therapy will focus on the root causes of your suffering by examining how your past informs your present. More concretely this may look like examining different relationship patterns that you find yourself falling into and how you cope with the challenges in your life. In fact, the relationship that forms between yourself and the therapist serves as a tool to help change the way you relate to others outside of the office.

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.

Finding a therapist can be difficult, and at Summer Sessions, we hope to cut down on the searching component of your journey. We know that the road "here," may have been difficult and we are here to support and listen. The goal of our team is to reflect our community with our own backgrounds and areas of expertise and support you. Whether experiencing a life stressor, ongoing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma or more, you deserve support and we can help. Please see our website, www.SummerSessionsCounseling.org, for available providers and booking (www.therapyportal.com/p/summersessions/appointments/availability/)

Emotions are a river, and sometimes the current can feel overwhelming. You do not have to navigate your river alone. Daniel creates a safe and welcoming environment for people to relieve stress, tension and learn new tools to aid in emotional navigation. His approach is client-centered, focusing on the depth of your experiences, and finding new insight and resolutions to the difficulties in your life.