Therapists in California
Patricia C Kantzavelos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MLIS, MSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
As a chronic illness warrior/ spoonie, I completely understand what it feels like to sit on the other side of the couch (or, screen), and how important it is to chat with someone who 'gets it.
I specialize in chronic health conditions and trauma, which I understand first hand. Chronic medical conditions (i.e. dysautonomia POTS, EDS, Lyme disease, Bartonella, IBS, fibro, fatigue CFS, Hashimoto’s, mast cell MCAS, sickle cell disease, mold illness CIRS, etc.) often come with significant challenges, like fear, anxiety, grief, medical PTSD, and may interfere with relationships and daily function. I utilize various holistic evidence-based treatment modalities and practice-based evidence, contingent on each person’s needs and goals, with an added focus on mindfulness techniques, positive psychology, and strengths-based therapy.
I believe in the power of collective healing, and I would love to help you navigate through your pain and equip you with tools to make your recovery possible.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
I believe in the power of collective healing, and I would love to help you navigate through your pain and equip you with tools to make your recovery possible.
Hello, my name is Alisa Flakes and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I work with individuals ages 13+, couples, and families in a variety of areas including addiction, anger management, anxiety, behavioral issues, coping skills, cultural stress, depression, relationship issues, family conflict, grief, and trauma & PTSD, amongst others. My approach is strength-based, solution focused and utilizes several modalities such as ACT, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Gottman Method, Gestalt, and more.
My training includes children, teenagers, adults, elderly, couples in the areas of chronic pain, addictions, depression, anxiety & cultural/ethnic.
Would you like a full assessment including psychological testing? Perhaps for ADHD? Is stress or anxiety impacting your sleep, work, health & your relationships? Perhaps you're wondering if it's ever going to get better. You may fear that you are "going crazy." You've tried to do it on your own with different coping skills but it does not seem to work. You are not alone! Anxiety and depression is a brain disease and it is quite common, but there is hope! There are many successful and evidence-based ways I can help you experience a sense of peace and get back to doing the things you want to do!
My training includes children, teenagers, adults, elderly, couples in the areas of chronic pain, addictions, depression, anxiety & cultural/ethnic.
Would you like a full assessment including psychological testing? Perhaps for ADHD? Is stress or anxiety impacting your sleep, work, health & your relationships? Perhaps you're wondering if it's ever going to get better. You may fear that you are "going crazy." You've tried to do it on your own with different coping skills but it does not seem to work. You are not alone! Anxiety and depression is a brain disease and it is quite common, but there is hope! There are many successful and evidence-based ways I can help you experience a sense of peace and get back to doing the things you want to do!
I specialize in applying hypnotic techniques to a wide range of problems including habit and attitude change, pain management, depression and anxiety.
I am commited to understanding the limits of the scientific method in understanding human experience, and assisting you in discovering what is most meaningful and important as a unique individual. I provide a space for you to encounter your experience and personal insight, and provide the expertise of many years of clinical practice, training, and research for guidance. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify the goals of treatment, and ensure every session is allowing meaningful insight and direction. I am a Neuropsychologist with a deep appreciation for spiritual practice and meditation.
I specialize in applying hypnotic techniques to a wide range of problems including habit and attitude change, pain management, depression and anxiety.
I am commited to understanding the limits of the scientific method in understanding human experience, and assisting you in discovering what is most meaningful and important as a unique individual. I provide a space for you to encounter your experience and personal insight, and provide the expertise of many years of clinical practice, training, and research for guidance. I work collaboratively with my clients to identify the goals of treatment, and ensure every session is allowing meaningful insight and direction. I am a Neuropsychologist with a deep appreciation for spiritual practice and meditation.
Nice to meet you. I'm Michael Bean, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist License MFC40911 My wife and I have raised 4 awesome kids (awesome adults now) & have learned to love each other & to love life despite a lot of challenges. My passion is helping people figure out how to live happily too. My clients are mostly older adolescents and adults who are struggling with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and difficult and complicated relationships.
Nice to meet you. I'm Michael Bean, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist License MFC40911 My wife and I have raised 4 awesome kids (awesome adults now) & have learned to love each other & to love life despite a lot of challenges. My passion is helping people figure out how to live happily too. My clients are mostly older adolescents and adults who are struggling with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and difficult and complicated relationships.
Hello, I am Jose Xipe Gomez, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am here to join you on your recovery path to heal from what life challenges brings us. The hardest journey is the one you take from your head to your heart. The Healing Journey is found in the path leading back from your heart to your head. Your wellness is found in the continuous flow of honoring both your thoughts and feelings. I work with people from all walks of life, children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. I am able to serve monolingual Spanish speaking people. I am comfortable in treating all human conditions including severe mental illness.
Hello, I am Jose Xipe Gomez, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am here to join you on your recovery path to heal from what life challenges brings us. The hardest journey is the one you take from your head to your heart. The Healing Journey is found in the path leading back from your heart to your head. Your wellness is found in the continuous flow of honoring both your thoughts and feelings. I work with people from all walks of life, children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. I am able to serve monolingual Spanish speaking people. I am comfortable in treating all human conditions including severe mental illness.
After almost 30 years in the therapeutic world, I have worked with many different clients to alleviate the pain and suffering life has caused them.
My name is Darrin Erb, MSC/LMFT-S, but I go by Darrin. I am a therapist, a college professor, an executive director, a SPED/Educational Specialist certified in ASD, and a pastor, but my greatest titles are that of husband and father. In the world of therapy, there are therapists like doctors and those who are more like surgeons. I am a therapeutic surgeon, meaning that we will go straight toward the dysfunction and replace it with something that works for you.
After almost 30 years in the therapeutic world, I have worked with many different clients to alleviate the pain and suffering life has caused them.
My name is Darrin Erb, MSC/LMFT-S, but I go by Darrin. I am a therapist, a college professor, an executive director, a SPED/Educational Specialist certified in ASD, and a pastor, but my greatest titles are that of husband and father. In the world of therapy, there are therapists like doctors and those who are more like surgeons. I am a therapeutic surgeon, meaning that we will go straight toward the dysfunction and replace it with something that works for you.
We aim to provide space to heal emotional pain and encourage growth for a purpose driven life.
We are a group practice that specializes in students and graduates in high pressured settings and environments. If you struggle with being overwhelmed, facing unfair demands, and looking for support, we get you. Consider giving us a call. Let us help you navigate the relentless demands of school and work. Let us help you navigate relationships and form close, meaningful connections with those who matter most to you.
We aim to provide space to heal emotional pain and encourage growth for a purpose driven life.
We are a group practice that specializes in students and graduates in high pressured settings and environments. If you struggle with being overwhelmed, facing unfair demands, and looking for support, we get you. Consider giving us a call. Let us help you navigate the relentless demands of school and work. Let us help you navigate relationships and form close, meaningful connections with those who matter most to you.
I have worked with individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse issues.
Are you struggling with your mental health, or is your life just simply overwhelming at times? I can help you identify the patterns in your life that are limiting you and guide you toward developing better-coping skills to find healing and live the life you want to live. My focus is to empower you to be the very best “You” that you can be. Whether you are struggling with substance use, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues, or trauma, I am here to help you through it. I want to help you achieve your goals through a positive therapeutic relationship that creates long-lasting results in your recovery.
I have worked with individuals with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse issues.
Are you struggling with your mental health, or is your life just simply overwhelming at times? I can help you identify the patterns in your life that are limiting you and guide you toward developing better-coping skills to find healing and live the life you want to live. My focus is to empower you to be the very best “You” that you can be. Whether you are struggling with substance use, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, relationship issues, or trauma, I am here to help you through it. I want to help you achieve your goals through a positive therapeutic relationship that creates long-lasting results in your recovery.
I specialize in alcohol and substance addictions, as well as situations that lead to addictions, such as, chronic mental illness, PTSD, gambling, sex addiction, past trauma and abuse, chronic pain, and more.
Addiction is not a problem to be fixed, but rather a person. I have worked with many people with various addictions and realize that addressing one problem from one perspective is not enough. I specialize in getting to know a person first and then helping that person heal from past hurts, learn skills for problem-solving, improve communication, build strong relationships, practice ways to manage strong emotions, learn to slow down and change their harmful or intrusive thoughts, draw from their faith for strength, develop strong support systems, and with all this, hope of long-term recovery can become reality.
I specialize in alcohol and substance addictions, as well as situations that lead to addictions, such as, chronic mental illness, PTSD, gambling, sex addiction, past trauma and abuse, chronic pain, and more.
Addiction is not a problem to be fixed, but rather a person. I have worked with many people with various addictions and realize that addressing one problem from one perspective is not enough. I specialize in getting to know a person first and then helping that person heal from past hurts, learn skills for problem-solving, improve communication, build strong relationships, practice ways to manage strong emotions, learn to slow down and change their harmful or intrusive thoughts, draw from their faith for strength, develop strong support systems, and with all this, hope of long-term recovery can become reality.
LCSW with experience working with an array of populations such as children & family, life stage transitions, life counseling, severe mental illness developmental disabilities, and women's wellness.
LCSW with experience working with an array of populations such as children & family, life stage transitions, life counseling, severe mental illness developmental disabilities, and women's wellness.
Hello! My name is Elena Farias LCSW. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and feelings. Together we work collaboratively to build and strengthen their relationships, heal areas of their lives that have caused pain and trauma, as a result of our work together my client's become more aware of their inner strengths and build very rewarding lives.
Hello! My name is Elena Farias LCSW. I provide my clients with a warm, nonjudgmental space where they can explore their thoughts and feelings. Together we work collaboratively to build and strengthen their relationships, heal areas of their lives that have caused pain and trauma, as a result of our work together my client's become more aware of their inner strengths and build very rewarding lives.
I have worked with many humans to overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, family changes, serious medical conditions, chronic pain and end of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Professional Coach with 22 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. My specific training in Transpersonal Psychology combined with solution-focused methods brings a holistic approach to my work with each person. This means we will consider all aspects of your mind/body/spirit as we help you move toward feeling better.
I have worked with many humans to overcome challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, life transitions, family changes, serious medical conditions, chronic pain and end of life.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Professional Coach with 22 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. My specific training in Transpersonal Psychology combined with solution-focused methods brings a holistic approach to my work with each person. This means we will consider all aspects of your mind/body/spirit as we help you move toward feeling better.
#1 Psychological Evaluations & Testing Service
Psychologist, PsyD, PhD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
Bariatric Surgery, Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS), Intrathecal Pain Pump, Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS), Spine Surgery, & More), Legal Capacity and Competency Exams, Neuropsychological Testing, Employment screening, Personality Assessments.
Founded in 1993, Help Therapy has a team of over 50 licensed neuropsychologists and psychologists who offer a wide range of psychological evaluations. For patients who need extra support, therapy is also offered. Patients are matched to a provider of their choice based on their specific needs and preferences. Clinicians work with seniors, adults and youth (age 7+) all throughout California.
Bariatric Surgery, Spinal Cord Stimulator (SCS), Intrathecal Pain Pump, Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS), Spine Surgery, & More), Legal Capacity and Competency Exams, Neuropsychological Testing, Employment screening, Personality Assessments.
Founded in 1993, Help Therapy has a team of over 50 licensed neuropsychologists and psychologists who offer a wide range of psychological evaluations. For patients who need extra support, therapy is also offered. Patients are matched to a provider of their choice based on their specific needs and preferences. Clinicians work with seniors, adults and youth (age 7+) all throughout California.
In addition to individual psychotherapeutic treatment, I teach biofeedback and relaxation methodology techniques for managing stress, and severe pain due to injury or trauma.
EVENING APPTS. I chose a PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to help individuals suffering with the emotional pain and upheaval that life's ups and downs can bring. I enjoy a close working relationship and collaborative trust based connection with my patients, which brings the reward of personal growth and stimulates the healing process. With more than 28 years in the mental health profession, and 25+ years in private practice, I continue working to expand my education and experience to include a wide variety of psychotherapeutical skill sets.
In addition to individual psychotherapeutic treatment, I teach biofeedback and relaxation methodology techniques for managing stress, and severe pain due to injury or trauma.
EVENING APPTS. I chose a PhD in Clinical Psychology in order to help individuals suffering with the emotional pain and upheaval that life's ups and downs can bring. I enjoy a close working relationship and collaborative trust based connection with my patients, which brings the reward of personal growth and stimulates the healing process. With more than 28 years in the mental health profession, and 25+ years in private practice, I continue working to expand my education and experience to include a wide variety of psychotherapeutical skill sets.
Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.
Our story: Some of the best physicians are wounded healers, those who have walked through pain and suffering themselves only to emerge on the other side to help others. We believe strongly in the human capacity to heal. Our counseling specialists work with children/teens, adults, couples and families. With sensitivity and compassion, we help you bring resolution to the struggles you are facing. Modalities range from depth therapy, IMAGO couples therapy, Brainspotting, EMDR, play therapy, addiction groups to solution focused. We are trained in a variety of different therapeutic interventions that will fit what you need.
Hello, my name is Souna Mohseni, LCSW 116044. I will help you understand yourself better and understand the life's rules. If you know the rules you will win/heal. You may be experiencing real pain in your life, but the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings you have about your pain can add to your suffering. I'd like to help you understand where these beliefs come from so that they can change the way you react to situations and develop a more positive and adaptive belief, and lifestyle. With increased insight and awareness, you may find that you're able to have more meaningful and satisfying relationships and enjoy life.
Hello, my name is Souna Mohseni, LCSW 116044. I will help you understand yourself better and understand the life's rules. If you know the rules you will win/heal. You may be experiencing real pain in your life, but the beliefs, thoughts, and feelings you have about your pain can add to your suffering. I'd like to help you understand where these beliefs come from so that they can change the way you react to situations and develop a more positive and adaptive belief, and lifestyle. With increased insight and awareness, you may find that you're able to have more meaningful and satisfying relationships and enjoy life.
I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric setting, working with individuals suffering from debilitating chronic mental illness.
My name is Uchechi Alozie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is seeing my client within their environment and not just the issues they are presenting. My approach is trying to aid my clients holistically. I have worked with family units for more than 10 years. And have worked with individuals with chronic mental illness for 6 years. My goal is to help clients by determining what is influencing and impacting the client in their environment rather than looking just at the presenting issues.
I have worked in an inpatient psychiatric setting, working with individuals suffering from debilitating chronic mental illness.
My name is Uchechi Alozie. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My approach to therapy is seeing my client within their environment and not just the issues they are presenting. My approach is trying to aid my clients holistically. I have worked with family units for more than 10 years. And have worked with individuals with chronic mental illness for 6 years. My goal is to help clients by determining what is influencing and impacting the client in their environment rather than looking just at the presenting issues.
I am a Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California. I received my undergraduate degree from UCLA, an M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology, with a certification in Behavior Therapy and Healthy Psychology from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara. My dissertation research focused on Conjugal Bereavement in Older and Younger Widows and Widowers: Influences of Social Support and Health.
I am a Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of California. I received my undergraduate degree from UCLA, an M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology, with a certification in Behavior Therapy and Healthy Psychology from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara. My dissertation research focused on Conjugal Bereavement in Older and Younger Widows and Widowers: Influences of Social Support and Health.
My client's work becomes possible by disabling self-sabotaging situations, defensiveness, childhood wounds & trauma. My wish is for you to create a positive self-image. In doing so, the work allows you to establish healthy boundaries & create internal control of your world. I have worked with children, teenagers, adults & couples going through life transitions. Ultimately, my clients develop autonomy & positive internal dialogue to grow. I work with couples to find the narrative they are telling themselves around the fulfillment of their most intimate need.
My client's work becomes possible by disabling self-sabotaging situations, defensiveness, childhood wounds & trauma. My wish is for you to create a positive self-image. In doing so, the work allows you to establish healthy boundaries & create internal control of your world. I have worked with children, teenagers, adults & couples going through life transitions. Ultimately, my clients develop autonomy & positive internal dialogue to grow. I work with couples to find the narrative they are telling themselves around the fulfillment of their most intimate need.
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Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophizing, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.
Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.
How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.