Therapists in California
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
I have worked with individuals from young adolescents to the very elderly; with families facing issues of blending, divorce, adoption, childhood illness and domestic violence; to help individuals with stage-of-life struggles; as well as addressing the many kinds of trauma that people face throughout their lives.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing for over 25 years. My professional experience as a clinician, supervisor, and educator in both the public and private sectors has equipped me with a unique set of skills, a wealth of knowledge, and clinical expertise to support and facilitate my clients’ personal growth and development.
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94114
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
I have over 40 years of experience helping people face challenges in their lives including loss, adoption related issues, addiction, relationships/couples, life threatening illness, chronic pain, anxiety, mood and bipolar disorder, PTSD, complex trauma, divorce, and other life transitions. I am a warm and caring therapist who is also able to be direct when needed. From the moment you enter my office I do all I can to provide a safe and comfortable environment for us to work collaboratively with whatever issues you are facing in your life today. You will always be treated with respect and compassion throughout our work together.
I have special knowledge of gender identity issues, adoption and psychoanalysis.
Whether you are just going through a particularly hard time, or have ongoing concerns with work, relationships, identity, or regulating your behavior or emotions, it's just a fact that we all need help sometimes. I've been assisting people with moderate to very serious concerns for over twenty-five years. I love working with a sense of common humanity in order to help my clients better manage their day-to-day lives, address struggles and limitations, as well as experience deeper integration of a sense of Self, relationships and life choices.
I have special knowledge of gender identity issues, adoption and psychoanalysis.
Whether you are just going through a particularly hard time, or have ongoing concerns with work, relationships, identity, or regulating your behavior or emotions, it's just a fact that we all need help sometimes. I've been assisting people with moderate to very serious concerns for over twenty-five years. I love working with a sense of common humanity in order to help my clients better manage their day-to-day lives, address struggles and limitations, as well as experience deeper integration of a sense of Self, relationships and life choices.
Jessica Cowley
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90042
My personal experience as an adoptive parent and former foster parent gives me unique insight into the complexities of adoption, and I am deeply invested in providing compassionate care to folks in the adoption constellation.
I work with adults, children, and couples using a strengths-based approach that helps create insight, foster resilience, and alleviate suffering. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and strive to create a sense of safety in the therapeutic space through warmth, humor, curiosity, and collaboration. I bring an intersectional perspective to therapy, exploring with clients the nuanced interplay between culture, society and mental health. My practice is trauma-informed and honors the profound connection between body and mind, employing somatic techniques to deepen awareness of emotions and facilitate healing.
My personal experience as an adoptive parent and former foster parent gives me unique insight into the complexities of adoption, and I am deeply invested in providing compassionate care to folks in the adoption constellation.
I work with adults, children, and couples using a strengths-based approach that helps create insight, foster resilience, and alleviate suffering. I believe that healing happens in relationship, and strive to create a sense of safety in the therapeutic space through warmth, humor, curiosity, and collaboration. I bring an intersectional perspective to therapy, exploring with clients the nuanced interplay between culture, society and mental health. My practice is trauma-informed and honors the profound connection between body and mind, employing somatic techniques to deepen awareness of emotions and facilitate healing.
) life adjustments/transitions, trauma informed therapy (EMDR), domestic abuse/violence, adoption counseling, family conflict , and troubled parent child relationships, My client age ranges from 14 on up.
With passion and care I help clients navigate emotional obstacles. I treat individuals struggling with personal issues which stop them from reaching their full potential. Understanding emotional boundaries, not owning others issues and accepting the fact that the more true we are to our own truth the happier we are regardless of our circumstances are foundational in my practice. I truly believe in each person's ability to grow and reach for joy and fulfillment.
) life adjustments/transitions, trauma informed therapy (EMDR), domestic abuse/violence, adoption counseling, family conflict , and troubled parent child relationships, My client age ranges from 14 on up.
With passion and care I help clients navigate emotional obstacles. I treat individuals struggling with personal issues which stop them from reaching their full potential. Understanding emotional boundaries, not owning others issues and accepting the fact that the more true we are to our own truth the happier we are regardless of our circumstances are foundational in my practice. I truly believe in each person's ability to grow and reach for joy and fulfillment.
Counseling can be a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have been in private practice and with agencies for foster care and adoption. I love helping & watching people grow in their personal lives and in relationships. Marriages, divorce, blended families, intimacy, & parenting, past abuse issues are also areas of treatment. Pain disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression can have devastating affects on ones life. Getting help in all of these areas can greatly improve one's overall functioning. I believe contentment in life and knowing your life has purpose is of utmost importance.
Counseling can be a rewarding experience. I enjoy working with individuals, families, and children. I have been in private practice and with agencies for foster care and adoption. I love helping & watching people grow in their personal lives and in relationships. Marriages, divorce, blended families, intimacy, & parenting, past abuse issues are also areas of treatment. Pain disorders, grief, anxiety, and depression can have devastating affects on ones life. Getting help in all of these areas can greatly improve one's overall functioning. I believe contentment in life and knowing your life has purpose is of utmost importance.
Monica Reade-San Jose
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Alamitos, CA 90720 (Online Only)
Everyone processes life experiences in many different ways. I help clients uncover, explore and process self-limiting beliefs that impact well-being. I focus on building on a client's strengths and supporting them in uncovering new ways of fostering personal growth and wellness. I have 21+ yrs of experience working with adults, couples, children, adolescents and families with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, chronic illness, phase of life transitions, sports performance, relationship issues, parenting, foster/ adoption, high risk/severely emotionally disturbed children/adolescent's.
Everyone processes life experiences in many different ways. I help clients uncover, explore and process self-limiting beliefs that impact well-being. I focus on building on a client's strengths and supporting them in uncovering new ways of fostering personal growth and wellness. I have 21+ yrs of experience working with adults, couples, children, adolescents and families with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, chronic illness, phase of life transitions, sports performance, relationship issues, parenting, foster/ adoption, high risk/severely emotionally disturbed children/adolescent's.
Sandrah Susan Henry
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94118
I have extensive experience in relationship therapy, transracial adoption, EMDR, family therapy and chronic illness and disability.
I am empathic and warm yet direct and challenging in our collaborative relationship. I provide a safe harbor from which to work and together we will identify ways in which your past is preventing you from living the life you want. Some of my hopes are that your tendency to be self-critical will soften and that you will become compassionate towards yourself; that you will gain positive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and to decrease perfectionistic tendencies and that you accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself. I will be your guide in this process.
I have extensive experience in relationship therapy, transracial adoption, EMDR, family therapy and chronic illness and disability.
I am empathic and warm yet direct and challenging in our collaborative relationship. I provide a safe harbor from which to work and together we will identify ways in which your past is preventing you from living the life you want. Some of my hopes are that your tendency to be self-critical will soften and that you will become compassionate towards yourself; that you will gain positive coping skills to deal with stress and anxiety and to decrease perfectionistic tendencies and that you accomplish the goals that you have set for yourself. I will be your guide in this process.
Karisa L Barrow
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Oakland, CA 94611
Waitlist for new clients
Specialties: Gender and Sexuality, Foster Care/ Adoption, Parenting Work & Trauma
Areas of Focus: Adjustment, Depression & Anxiety, Children with Developmental, Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties, Parenting Consultation & Collaboration, Trauma, Loss, Dying & Bereavement.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives.
Please don't hesitate to call for help.
Specialties: Gender and Sexuality, Foster Care/ Adoption, Parenting Work & Trauma
Areas of Focus: Adjustment, Depression & Anxiety, Children with Developmental, Emotional & Behavioral Difficulties, Parenting Consultation & Collaboration, Trauma, Loss, Dying & Bereavement.
I strive to create an authentic connection with my clients so we can develop an effective partnership in which healing, trying on new ways of thinking, and exploring change can happen safely. I believe that the foundation of mutual trust, empathy, and curiosity that I create with my clients will help them build meaningful relationships with others, mend old wounds, and learn more about themselves and how they contribute to their struggles. Helping my clients see themselves through a new lens will help them achieve the growth and fulfillment they want in their lives.
Please don't hesitate to call for help.
Jennifer's experience initially began in the field of Foster Care and Adoption.
Jennifer has experience working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children presenting with a wide variety of issues. She approaches her clients with a psychodynamic framework to gain understanding and build rapport based on creating a very warm, empathic, collaborative, and safe environment. Additionally, Jennifer integrates several treatment approaches such as CBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Solution Focused, and Systems Theory.
Jennifer's experience initially began in the field of Foster Care and Adoption.
Jennifer has experience working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and children presenting with a wide variety of issues. She approaches her clients with a psychodynamic framework to gain understanding and build rapport based on creating a very warm, empathic, collaborative, and safe environment. Additionally, Jennifer integrates several treatment approaches such as CBT, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Solution Focused, and Systems Theory.
Within a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment, I work with: *Depression, anxiety, self-esteem, & relationships *Women's issues (specialize in working with professional women) *Gifted/creative individuals & their families * Adoption issues *Greek/Greek-American individuals (fluent in Greek) *Orthodox Christian individuals *Identity development (e.
The most important thing in working together is building the foundation of a trusting relationship, where you can feel safe to talk openly. You know your life better than anyone else does. Therefore, we will hold great respect for your self-wisdom. Together with my professional knowledge and experience, we can work to help you discover how to live life in a way that is most fitting for you. NOTE: a professional relationship will not be formed until we both agree to do so, and only during/after an initial meeting. Any prior contact is for informational purposes only.
Within a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment, I work with: *Depression, anxiety, self-esteem, & relationships *Women's issues (specialize in working with professional women) *Gifted/creative individuals & their families * Adoption issues *Greek/Greek-American individuals (fluent in Greek) *Orthodox Christian individuals *Identity development (e.
The most important thing in working together is building the foundation of a trusting relationship, where you can feel safe to talk openly. You know your life better than anyone else does. Therefore, we will hold great respect for your self-wisdom. Together with my professional knowledge and experience, we can work to help you discover how to live life in a way that is most fitting for you. NOTE: a professional relationship will not be formed until we both agree to do so, and only during/after an initial meeting. Any prior contact is for informational purposes only.
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Cindy Scherban
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Studio City, CA 91604 (Online Only)
As a clinician with over 25 years of experience, I guide my clients through their journey of self-discovery by providing a safe, private and non-judgemental environment. It is an interactive process of identifying areas of concern and potential roadblocks that may impede your ability to live a full and meaningful life. I work with individuals and couples ranging in age from pre-teen to older adults. The primary areas of focus are issues concerning; depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexual molestation, grief & loss, health concerns, transgender, work & career issues, infertility, adoption & post-partum depression.
As a clinician with over 25 years of experience, I guide my clients through their journey of self-discovery by providing a safe, private and non-judgemental environment. It is an interactive process of identifying areas of concern and potential roadblocks that may impede your ability to live a full and meaningful life. I work with individuals and couples ranging in age from pre-teen to older adults. The primary areas of focus are issues concerning; depression, anxiety, relationship issues, sexual molestation, grief & loss, health concerns, transgender, work & career issues, infertility, adoption & post-partum depression.
Alia Harlan Kaneaiakala
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PsyD
Verified Verified
Mission Viejo, CA 92694 (Online Only)
I am an Attachment based therapist well versed with severe levels of trauma, anxiety and depression due to family systems, addiction, adoption or other struggles. I have over 20 years experience as a dancer and dance studio owner from which I draw upon for a creative, integrative approach in therapy that helps my understanding of my clients. I believe in exploring all avenues and taking innovative approaches in therapy to aid the client in healing and personal growth.
I am an Attachment based therapist well versed with severe levels of trauma, anxiety and depression due to family systems, addiction, adoption or other struggles. I have over 20 years experience as a dancer and dance studio owner from which I draw upon for a creative, integrative approach in therapy that helps my understanding of my clients. I believe in exploring all avenues and taking innovative approaches in therapy to aid the client in healing and personal growth.
I am EMDR trained, a TBRI Practioner, and adoption competent.
I specialize in supporting children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, other trauma, foster care, and adoption; as well as parents of children with these experiences. I have been working with children and adults for over 15 years both as a social worker and LCSW. Being a foster and adoptive mom as well, I have both personal and professional experience with childhood trauma, foster care, and adoption.
I am EMDR trained, a TBRI Practioner, and adoption competent.
I specialize in supporting children and adults who have experienced childhood trauma, other trauma, foster care, and adoption; as well as parents of children with these experiences. I have been working with children and adults for over 15 years both as a social worker and LCSW. Being a foster and adoptive mom as well, I have both personal and professional experience with childhood trauma, foster care, and adoption.
Shawna Cobabe
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (Online Only)
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
I have worked with children, families, individuals and couples in many different capacities before finding my calling as a therapist. I have specialized training in couples and marriage counseling, family counseling, PTSD/trauma, adoption and foster care, anxiety and depression, and other mental illness, life changes, grief and loss. I also work with adolescents who are struggling in school or with behavior problems, defiance, and depression and anxiety. I work with couples and families for a variety of reasons. I can help you too.
Betina Scott
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Temecula, CA 92590 (Online Only)
My experience has provided the opportunity to encounter and specialize in a broad range of situations: including depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, life changes, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, trauma, and foster care/ adoption related issues.
Greetings and congratulations on taking the first step towards change. My name is Dr. Betina Scott and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and/or your loved one. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
My experience has provided the opportunity to encounter and specialize in a broad range of situations: including depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, life changes, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, trauma, and foster care/ adoption related issues.
Greetings and congratulations on taking the first step towards change. My name is Dr. Betina Scott and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and/or your loved one. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 14 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/ adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
My specialty areas are substance abuse, couples issues, eating disorders, life coaching, bariatric surgery issues, infertility/ adoption, helping caregivers cope with dealing with a loved one's chronic illness.
My focus is to develop a relationship with the client. This is called the two person model which is different than the old fashion practice where the doctor is one up and the client is one down. Rather, the two person model attempts to understand the client through questions and mutual discussion. I am not a silent therapist. I give feedback and remain fully engaged with the patient. Together we build a rapport. I adhere to a humanistic approach.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples coming into parenthood through postpartum struggles, grief and loss, infertility, foster care and/or adoption, identity issues, or depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.
I specialize in working with individuals and couples coming into parenthood through postpartum struggles, grief and loss, infertility, foster care and/or adoption, identity issues, or depression and anxiety.
Are you feeling anxious, irritable, or foggy these days? Do you resent your partner or snap at them over little things? The changes that have come with growing a family feel overwhelming, but it’s hard to admit that you aren’t doing ok. Everyone says this is the best time of your life, but you barely recognize yourself. Your body and mind are exhausted, and you feel like you don’t know where to begin. You want to regain balance, focus, and a sense of who you are now beyond just being a parent or trying to become a parent. Let me help you find your way back to you.
Neil Doherty
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I provide compassionate, effective treatment related to parenting, including attachment & adoption issues.
I love the quote "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it". Helping clients heal and go from maladaptive coping to healthy adaptive behavior is extremely gratifying for me. I have had the privilege of working as a Licensed Therapist for the past 23 years providing therapy to individuals and families in California. I have earned the distinction of expert witness in California courts. Let me provide you the support & tools needed to heal & get your life back on track. These can be stressful times; remember you don't need to do this alone, support is here for you and your family.
I provide compassionate, effective treatment related to parenting, including attachment & adoption issues.
I love the quote "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it". Helping clients heal and go from maladaptive coping to healthy adaptive behavior is extremely gratifying for me. I have had the privilege of working as a Licensed Therapist for the past 23 years providing therapy to individuals and families in California. I have earned the distinction of expert witness in California courts. Let me provide you the support & tools needed to heal & get your life back on track. These can be stressful times; remember you don't need to do this alone, support is here for you and your family.
Are you a lesbian couple in the process of deciding to become parents? Are you an individual seeking support while you and your partner are thinking about beginning a family? There are unique decisions that you may be currently facing such as, pregnancy or adoption, which partner will become pregnant, and how will both partners feel involved as parents. It is important for you to have a safe space to explore these questions. There are feelings that accompany the decisions that you are making, and partners may feel differently. This sometimes challenges the connection between you.
Are you a lesbian couple in the process of deciding to become parents? Are you an individual seeking support while you and your partner are thinking about beginning a family? There are unique decisions that you may be currently facing such as, pregnancy or adoption, which partner will become pregnant, and how will both partners feel involved as parents. It is important for you to have a safe space to explore these questions. There are feelings that accompany the decisions that you are making, and partners may feel differently. This sometimes challenges the connection between you.
See more therapy options for California
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.