Therapists in San Luis Obispo, CA
Anthony Paul Martello
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
And for children and young adults, I utilize play therapy and the creative arts.
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.
And for children and young adults, I utilize play therapy and the creative arts.
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.
Kai Lillie
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
my focusing is on understanding the dynamics of each member, and how these dynamics create the cycles that play out within the system.
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.
my focusing is on understanding the dynamics of each member, and how these dynamics create the cycles that play out within the system.
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.
Janine Porter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I will most often utilize a combination of modalities to best suit the client, and specialize in psychodynamic, humanistic, client-centered, creative play-based, and solution-focused approaches.
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.
I will most often utilize a combination of modalities to best suit the client, and specialize in psychodynamic, humanistic, client-centered, creative play-based, and solution-focused approaches.
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.
Dr Holli Stewart & Associates in Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS , MA, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Our Play Therapy room is state of art.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Our Play Therapy room is state of art.
Dr. Holli Stewart has multiple specialties in Psychology with two Masters, PHD & 30 years of experience. w/children as young as 2 years, teens, adults & couples. Her specialties include: Play Therapy, PTSD, ADHD, Anxiety w/ Panic, Family conflict (such as past or current abuse, domestic violence, & reunification), Depression, Chronic Pain, & OCD. In general self esteem, life transition skills & identifying patterns that contribute to current stressors are incorporated into care. Dr Stewart also treats anger substance & co-dependency. She’s written a psychological advice column for 24 years,taught classes and many news & radio shows.
Karen H Shin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
I often integrate EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as play and art therapy, narratives, to assist processing and overcoming the negative effects of the past traumatic experiences and move towards healing.
Hello. I’m a trauma informed attachment therapist certified in EMDR. I believe in our ability to heal and grow. I love to see individual and families to heal, grow and thrive because occasionally being human is difficult. I would be honored if invited to be a part of your journey as you explore issues around yourself, on parenting, or relationship challenges. If you experience self-doubt, depression, anxiety, due to trauma, grief and losses, I’m here for you. If you have been considering bringing some positive changes to your life, reach out to me and let's journey together.
I often integrate EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as play and art therapy, narratives, to assist processing and overcoming the negative effects of the past traumatic experiences and move towards healing.
Hello. I’m a trauma informed attachment therapist certified in EMDR. I believe in our ability to heal and grow. I love to see individual and families to heal, grow and thrive because occasionally being human is difficult. I would be honored if invited to be a part of your journey as you explore issues around yourself, on parenting, or relationship challenges. If you experience self-doubt, depression, anxiety, due to trauma, grief and losses, I’m here for you. If you have been considering bringing some positive changes to your life, reach out to me and let's journey together.
Marcia Bronstein Lcsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Are You feeling stressed, frustrated, and exhausted by the everyday challenges of parenting. Although many times kids are simply dealing with the ordinary issues of growing up, their behavior and reactions may go beyond what’s expected or appropriate and gets in the way of the things they want or need, or impacts the way the family operates. Counseling can help children, parents and families express feelings and thoughts effectively and, can help families cope with everyday life transitions such as; separation, divorce, blended families, moving, serious illness, or gaining new family members.
Are You feeling stressed, frustrated, and exhausted by the everyday challenges of parenting. Although many times kids are simply dealing with the ordinary issues of growing up, their behavior and reactions may go beyond what’s expected or appropriate and gets in the way of the things they want or need, or impacts the way the family operates. Counseling can help children, parents and families express feelings and thoughts effectively and, can help families cope with everyday life transitions such as; separation, divorce, blended families, moving, serious illness, or gaining new family members.
Erin Lindvall
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, FAPA
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.
I love my work as a psychotherapist, and consider it an honor and privilege to work with my clients and share in their quest for personal growth. I know that the decision to start therapy is often a difficult one. I applaud your willingness and initiative. My approach aims to engage, to inspire, and to help you imagine new possibilities. My goal is to assist you in developing tools and skills that enable you to more effectively deal with life and its challenges.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, and school challenges. I work with young adults who have anxiety and are looking for strategies to manage their intense feelings.
Hello and welcome to my profile! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion to help individual and families navigate the challenges they face. I provide a safe and supportive environment for my clients to explore their emotions, build healthy relationships, and create positive change in their lives. For the past 14 years, I have worked in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for families with children who have developmental and behavioral concerns, early trauma, sensory dysregulation, and school challenges. I work with young adults who have anxiety and are looking for strategies to manage their intense feelings.
Monique Nelson Sigler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
My passion is serving those in SLO community and promoting meaningful change and healing in the individuals I treat. I imagine you are here because something in your life has caused you pain or suffering. Achieving emotional and mental wellness is hard and uncomfortable work, but it does not have to happen alone. I honor the vulnerability and courage it takes to begin therapy. My goal is to help you discover a life of balance, authenticity, and happiness. Everyone can benefit from therapy— from children to adults.
My passion is serving those in SLO community and promoting meaningful change and healing in the individuals I treat. I imagine you are here because something in your life has caused you pain or suffering. Achieving emotional and mental wellness is hard and uncomfortable work, but it does not have to happen alone. I honor the vulnerability and courage it takes to begin therapy. My goal is to help you discover a life of balance, authenticity, and happiness. Everyone can benefit from therapy— from children to adults.
Tyler Sullivan Hartford
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Few of us make it through childhood without having experienced trauma of one form or another. Often times, the adaptations that we make in order to best survive early life challenges, lead to patterns of belief and action which get in the way of us finding freedom, happiness, and fulfillment as adolescents and adults. Every person deserves an opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. Therapy is a facilitated process of increasing awareness of obstacles to growth and supporting transformation.
Few of us make it through childhood without having experienced trauma of one form or another. Often times, the adaptations that we make in order to best survive early life challenges, lead to patterns of belief and action which get in the way of us finding freedom, happiness, and fulfillment as adolescents and adults. Every person deserves an opportunity to grow to their greatest potential. Therapy is a facilitated process of increasing awareness of obstacles to growth and supporting transformation.
Melinda Marcelluskincaid
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
Do you seek more balance, understanding, connection and freedom in your relationships with yourself and others? I create a safe and supportive environment to help you through difficulties to become more positive and live with presence in acceptance and peace. Whether we work to create boundaries, increase self-esteem, decrease destructive patterns, or move through painful life experiences, together we will process what you are going through in order to obtain clarity, solutions, and personal growth. My hope is that we can find contentment in our present moment & live fully in that moment each day.
15 Second Videos
Anthony Paul Martello
Kai Lillie
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Odette Boyd
Deborah (Debbie) Jeanne Whitney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Hello! Looking for a confidence booster, a sounding board, someone to listen to your story? Experiencing coping issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem? Struggling in a relationship with others, yourself? The possibility for relief awaits discovery. Research claims that much of our pain and suffering comes from our past experiences which may influence how we think and feel about ourselves, life. Therapy can be a place to work through and shift these thoughts and help discover your true Self in the world. I believe our strongest resources for survival and living life are hiding within us, waiting to be revealed.
Hello! Looking for a confidence booster, a sounding board, someone to listen to your story? Experiencing coping issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem? Struggling in a relationship with others, yourself? The possibility for relief awaits discovery. Research claims that much of our pain and suffering comes from our past experiences which may influence how we think and feel about ourselves, life. Therapy can be a place to work through and shift these thoughts and help discover your true Self in the world. I believe our strongest resources for survival and living life are hiding within us, waiting to be revealed.
Are you feeling like you are at a crossroads in life? Going through a big life transition? Struggling with depression or anxiety? Desiring to experience better communication and connection with your partner? I provide a safe container for you to explore your inner life. In my work as a therapist I practice primarily from a depth somatic psychotherapy approach. A somatic approach is about using the your awareness of your present moment lived experience. I use a psychodynamic and somatic methodology incorporating aspects of mindfulness, breath awareness, and expressive arts therapy.
Are you feeling like you are at a crossroads in life? Going through a big life transition? Struggling with depression or anxiety? Desiring to experience better communication and connection with your partner? I provide a safe container for you to explore your inner life. In my work as a therapist I practice primarily from a depth somatic psychotherapy approach. A somatic approach is about using the your awareness of your present moment lived experience. I use a psychodynamic and somatic methodology incorporating aspects of mindfulness, breath awareness, and expressive arts therapy.
Sacred Path Holistic Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD , MA, LMFT, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
We are now open for new clients :) Holistic & Affordable Therapy! At Sacred Path, our qualified therapists are looking forward to helping you access Your inner resources to heal, grow, and reclaim your life. With the right help you can heal from old wounds, release negative cycles and patterns, resolve symptoms of trauma and gain relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other relational issues. True healing affords us the ability to create the life that we desire. A life lived with meaning. Dr. Dolan
Paula Boucher Bell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Feeling lost or overwhelmed by life's uncertainties is a common experience, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether you're struggling with relationships, navigating the complexities of childhood or adolescents, feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, grappling with fear, or facing work-related issues, I'm here to walk with you towards clarity and empowerment. As a therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma healing, substance use disorders, life transitions, and issues specific to children and teens, I provide a supportive non-judgmental space where we can openly and collaboratively address your concerns.
Feeling lost or overwhelmed by life's uncertainties is a common experience, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether you're struggling with relationships, navigating the complexities of childhood or adolescents, feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns, grappling with fear, or facing work-related issues, I'm here to walk with you towards clarity and empowerment. As a therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma healing, substance use disorders, life transitions, and issues specific to children and teens, I provide a supportive non-judgmental space where we can openly and collaboratively address your concerns.
The Mindful Lemon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Our mission is to provide quality online mental health and substance abuse services while breaking down the barriers of traditional, office based therapy. Traditional mental health and substance abuse treatment tends to focus on what makes you sick, what you are lacking but at The Mindful Lemon, our clinicians let you sit in the driver’s seat, focusing on your strengths and assets to help you become the best version of you! This can be via traditional talk therapy, medication management, mindfulness techniques, an emphasis on health, wellness and fitness or any combination of the above.
Carla Savage-Sachs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
I am currently accepting New Clients both in-person and online! Call today for a free consultation or to set up an initial appointment. I take a creative, individualized approach to counseling, helping clients develop healthier, more functional lives, heal from loss and change, and grow with confidence. I counsel individuals, couples, and families, aiding them in navigating anxiety, depression, relational and work distress, grief, and major life transitions. I find special joy in working with children and adolescents, fostering their unique voice, self-worth, and tools to handle anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues,
I am currently accepting New Clients both in-person and online! Call today for a free consultation or to set up an initial appointment. I take a creative, individualized approach to counseling, helping clients develop healthier, more functional lives, heal from loss and change, and grow with confidence. I counsel individuals, couples, and families, aiding them in navigating anxiety, depression, relational and work distress, grief, and major life transitions. I find special joy in working with children and adolescents, fostering their unique voice, self-worth, and tools to handle anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues,
Mary Tesoro
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (Online Only)
I know what it feels like to need, but not have, a strong and caring connection with an understanding other. I also know the level of healing and transformation that occurs when we have such a connection. This is the therapeutic relationship, and I deeply appreciate my role within it. Whether it be to move through suffering, heal from trauma or loss, face life challenges/transitions, increase insight, build resilience, or gain a richer sense of who you are --all of these things and many more are possible in a good therapeutic relationship. I am here for this.
I know what it feels like to need, but not have, a strong and caring connection with an understanding other. I also know the level of healing and transformation that occurs when we have such a connection. This is the therapeutic relationship, and I deeply appreciate my role within it. Whether it be to move through suffering, heal from trauma or loss, face life challenges/transitions, increase insight, build resilience, or gain a richer sense of who you are --all of these things and many more are possible in a good therapeutic relationship. I am here for this.
"Life's beauty is inseparable from it's fragility" Dr. Susan David. My work as a psychotherapist is deeply humbling and gratifying as I see others make profound and meaningful changes in their lives. I offer individual, couples and family therapy treating relational and transitional issues. I am culturally sensitive, respecting your unique story. I have a broad range of clinical experience. My background includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief/loss. I have a special interest and experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster care and probation systems.
"Life's beauty is inseparable from it's fragility" Dr. Susan David. My work as a psychotherapist is deeply humbling and gratifying as I see others make profound and meaningful changes in their lives. I offer individual, couples and family therapy treating relational and transitional issues. I am culturally sensitive, respecting your unique story. I have a broad range of clinical experience. My background includes working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief/loss. I have a special interest and experience working with stressed and traumatized youth in the foster care and probation systems.
Roxanna McCabe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 (Online Only)
Since the start of the pandemic, so many of us have come to crossroads in our lives. When in isolation we have been forced to look closely at the relationships we value, the activities we enjoy, and what we wish to change. In the age of social media, the culture of comparison has dominated our inner psyches and altered our abilities to obtain lasting happiness. In our work together, I want to provide you with a warm, thoughtful, socioculturally-attuned, and collaborative environment. Here, we can explore your individual needs, the belief systems you hold, and your hopes for the future.
Since the start of the pandemic, so many of us have come to crossroads in our lives. When in isolation we have been forced to look closely at the relationships we value, the activities we enjoy, and what we wish to change. In the age of social media, the culture of comparison has dominated our inner psyches and altered our abilities to obtain lasting happiness. In our work together, I want to provide you with a warm, thoughtful, socioculturally-attuned, and collaborative environment. Here, we can explore your individual needs, the belief systems you hold, and your hopes for the future.
See more therapy options for San Luis Obispo
Play Therapy
Who is play therapy for?
Play therapy is generally targeted to children between the ages of 3 and 11 who have social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties. Play therapy has also been found helpful for children who have experienced physical or emotional abuse or witnessed atrocities. Play therapy is also often recommended for children who are undergoing major medical procedures or who are suffering from chronic illness; many children’s hospitals are equipped to offer play therapy on-site. Play therapy is also sometimes used for adults; creative writing, music, and art are expressive forms that can all be adapted for therapeutic purposes.
Why do people need play therapy?
Children often do not have the language skills or words to know or to express what is troubling them. Yet they often spontaneously draw or use playthings to depict scenarios that reflect problems in their everyday life. Play therapy provides children with an array of objects and play situations to act out their feelings or experiences so that therapists can get a clear picture of what children might be struggling with and help them find solutions. In addition, play therapists are skilled at helping children understand their inner experience and find words for them, necessary steps toward helping children learn to control their own behavior and come up with solutions to problems they encounter.
What happens in play therapy?
A child enters a comfortable playroom where they are free to choose the objects they want to play with. The play therapist will typically observe how they play with the toys—whether a sandbox, puppets, dolls and action figures, trucks, costumes, drawing and painting materials, or more—because such play provides clues to a child’s family and social relationships, difficulties they are encountering in the world, and what going on inside themselves. Sometimes the therapist may ask the child to use the play objects to tell a story about their family. Using the same instruments of play, therapists can help children discover more advantageous ways of thinking and behaving.
What kinds of problems do play therapists treat?
Play therapy can help children who display destructive or self-destructive impulses; children who seem angry, sad, or fearful; children who experience frequent social, emotional, family, or school difficulty. Play therapy is often of value to children who have experienced a loss or distressing family experience, who are regularly exposed to family conflict, or who have been physically or emotionally abused. Play therapy can help children who are perpetrators of bullying as well as those who are targets of bullying. It helps children learn to identify their feelings, to express them in constructive ways, and to regulate them so they can get on with the business of development.
How long does play therapy last?
Play therapy sessions may last for 30 to 45 minutes, and they usually occur weekly for about 20 sessions. Each session is tailored to the individual child and the kinds of problems they are struggling with. Play that is highly repetitive often indicates a problem requiring further exploration. Therapists typically measure progress through session-to-session changes in play behavior.