Couples Counseling Therapists in Santa Barbara County, CA

Three guiding principles underscore my work with people and my own growth. Essentially, we are constantly in a state of potential for change and doing the best we can in life. In addition, I view negative thoughts and feelings that develop into anxiety, depression, and low self-worth as learned responses that serve a purpose; to cope with or protect against pain. And most importantly, happiness is a choice we can make once we have the skills to respond (instead of just react) to life's challenges.

I believe that every person has the potential to grow, heal, and live a happier and more fulfilling life. I am passionate about helping my clients understand themselves better, find ways to improve their relationships, and nurture their own personal fulfillment and happiness. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families who are struggling with a range of challenges including: life transitions (both big and small), uncertainty, low self-esteem, relationship complications, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related symptoms.

Hi! Welcome. If you are looking for a therapeutic experience in which you can feel as safe and free to be yourself as possible, I would love to co-create that space with you. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. If you identify as being neurodivergent, living in a nonconforming way, having trauma, feeling shame, carrying grief, struggling in relationship, or experiencing a particularly difficult journey of any kind, I wholeheartedly welcome you. I want to hear and understand you exactly as you are. And I want to support you to experience the changes you most wish for in your life and your relationships.

My goal as a psychologist is to help you live a more meaningful, vital and fulfilling life. I provide compassionate and effective therapy that will help you learn new skills and launch you in the direction you want to be moving in your life. Foundational to my approach is a collaborative partnership, where positive transformations evolve in a warm, safe environment. I have worked extensively with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, eating concerns and unhealthy habits. I also work well individuals who are going through major life transitions, relationship problems or want to revitalize their lives.

I help individuals, couples, families and youth deepen and grow in their relationships to thrive emotionally, physically and mentally. I have specialized and work with anxiety, depression, EMDR, internet addiction, relationships, dream work, body image, mindfulness and improving self-esteem. l design a therapy program to meet your wellness goals. I’m passionate about my work and strive to help clients achieve greater peace, satisfaction, and connection in their relationships and lives.

Augusto Huerta Minakata, LMFT Augusto is a Bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy. With over 10 years of experience as a marriage and family therapist, and as a graduate of the University of Phoenix specializing in Solution-Focused therapy, he is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among his areas of expertise are the treatment of maternal mental health, trauma, depression, anxiety, survivors of domestic violence, physical abuse, sexual abuse, community violence, and adult children of alcoholic.

Every person has intrinsic value and worth- which is vitally important to remember when exploring one's personal journey. At times we forget and need gentle reminding. Having a skilled clinician to help shine a light on things that need attention or adjustment, sets us up for more of what we really want and need in life. Each person also holds a personal narrative, which contributes in shaping relationships and life choices, as well as contributes to problematic patterns and habits. Seeking support for a more fulfilling life and the restoration of what matters most, is nothing less than heroic. Call for a complimentary intake.

I have been working as a therapist/social worker with adults, children, and families since 1993. While I have been finding my own true self through Western psychotherapy, I began my journey on a Mystical Path; studying both Western psychology and Eastern Mystical Path, experiencing them, I came to integrate these two schools, incorporating both the Western and Eastern psychotherapy into my therapeutic work. In my practice, I use mystical stories, poems, and movements, when necessary.

I work with adults with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, physical illness, and adjustment to health-related concerns. My approach is holistic, compassionate, and effective. I specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach. ACT empowers you to clarify what matters and to embrace the life you want to live by discerning your values and defusing from the entangling thoughts and patterns that keep you stuck. I also specialize in treating chronic pain with Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and insomnia with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).

There are times when life can feel overwhelming and your usual coping tools are no longer working. Whether you are experiencing a general sense of anxiety and unhappiness, feeling strained in your relationships, undergoing a big transition, or looking to deepen your self-awareness, therapy can help. I provide a warm and safe place to explore these issues and learn more about yourself and your story. Together, we will build awareness and develop tools to create a greater sense of connection and joy in your life, work, and relationships.

Hello, I see you as more than the trauma, the grief or struggle that brings you to therapy. I see you as more than ego or persona; the image we present to the world and I see you as much more than any diagnosis or label. I believe a lot of our distress and suffering comes from the fact that we are alienated from our true selves, we have lost connection to an aware relationship with ourselves. I work well with people who want to become more conscious, more aware, who want to better understand themselves.

Are you struggling with emotional pain - depression, anxiety, relationship problems.Tired of feeling like a "victim" of your life rather than an active participant? Many people find themselves in an "existential crisis". By taking responsibility for your life, you can become empowered and take control. As a Humanistic-Existential therapist and because of my experiences, both professional and personal, there is an excellent chance I know exactly what you are going through and how to help you.

A valuable lesson I received in therapy was that not listening to my intuition led to distress. Many of us disregard our inner voice in favor of external messages containing judgments about our size, race, gender, sexual orientation, and how we express our emotions. This attempt to cope with the world around us and to fit in leads us to devalue and move further from our true selves. I help my clients sift through these messages to find their voice again and move closer to their authentic selves. When we begin to know ourselves better, we can navigate through the world more confidently and build more genuine relationships.

Feeling stuck, lonely, depressed, anxious, fearful, unfulfilled, or going through a life transition? You're not alone...we all have to face life's challenges! I believe true change & growth require a willingness to take risks. Resiliency & self-trust are strengthened by facing & moving through adversity. Together, we can explore & map out a plan so you can take that leap of faith, try something new, face your fear, or learn to accept the things outside your control. Life can be hard at times...with insight, the right tools, supportive relationships, & a little courage you can get through almost anything & live a fulfilled life!

I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental and collaborative working relationship with each client in therapy. I believe it is important to meet a client where they're at in order to facilitate awareness and change.

Welcome. I have a passion for helping people connect to deeper parts of themselves and access their innate ability to shift, heal and grow. I create a safe, curious, collaborative and compassionate space. In working with clients my approach is to be a skilled and kind mirror and facilitator of change. I believe being in therapy takes courage. I would be honored to walk beside you on your journey. My hope is that we can work together to support you in being your best self.

I work with individuals, couples and families struggling with transitions and communication. I also specialize in Men’s issues that may include challenges with emotional intimacy, difficulty being vulnerable, and maintaining their passion for life. I see men who are wanting to uncover a fuller version of themselves, and feel fully expressed and fully fulfilled in every area of their lives. Clients I see understand that they get out of the therapy what they put into it. The therapeutic relationship becomes the container for change. I see their seeking help not as a sign of weakness, but rather as a sign of good judgment.

I have been a psychotherapist in Santa Barbara, CA since 1974. My style is varied, incorporating Gestalt therapy, active listening, inner child work, assertiveness training, and guided imagery. Licensed since 1980 as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I enjoy working with couples, regarding issues of healthy sexuality, intimacy, and communication. Individual women and men,working on their sexual self esteem, are some of my favorite clients. For over fifteen years, I have also been leading groups for Adults Molested as Children, as well as their partners. Focus on breath and body is integral to my way of working in session.

You may find that the harder you fight to stop painful emotions or thoughts, the stronger they get and the bigger the internal clash. An inner critic may start to attack you. You may struggle to control what seems bad, wrong and needing correction. You may hide or push others away, feeling lonely and out of touch with loved ones. I treat individuals who want to understand themselves better and feel more connected with the people around them. In therapy, we bring compassion and curiosity to learn the genesis of these confusing emotions, their intent and heal them.