Existential Therapy Therapists in California

Hello, I'm Dr. Michael Murray, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist providing virtual counseling in California and Washington. My approach to therapy is warm, conversational, and collaborative, creating a space for genuine connection and nonjudgmental support. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), existential therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI), I help clients develop psychological flexibility, explore identity and purpose, and tap into their own motivation for change. Rather than focusing on eliminating discomfort, I guide clients in accepting difficult emotions, unhooking from unhelpful thought patterns, and taking meaningful action aligned with their values. Together, we cultivate self-compassion, new perspectives, and practical steps toward a fulfilling, authentic life.

If you’re reading this, it means you exist. Based on your religion, culture, or general belief, you may have a meaning for existence. However, no matter your meaning, one thing is clear - existence can be very challenging for us. There are many ways to cope with the challenges of existing, resulting in different experiences. Therapy is just one way to manage the challenges. Therapy There are many ways to approach therapy. One way I like to approach it is to view an individual as a system. In therapy then, we check the system to see what’s working well, what’s neutral, and what’s not going well. In doing this, the goal is to get an individual to admit the reality of things, not what the individual wants or hopes but the present true reality. It's important to identify and understand the reality of an individual because often there are significant fears and or unstable belief in the individual’s ability to manage challenges and get desired results. Lack of control – one of the foundational fears for us is the lack of control we seem to have over ourselves and others. How does one cope with seemingly so little control - from how one comes into existence to how will my friend react if I said no. Whether you’re a veteran in going to therapy or trying it for the first time, we will work as a team to see if we can get you to be how you want to be given the infinite things that are not in your control.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in California. I received my Masters from the California State University of Los Angeles and have been practicing for 8 years. I have experience treating a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relational problems, and career and/or academic stress and burnout. Together we can discover and find meaning in your unique life experiences.

Do you feel stuck? Struggling to better your relationships with others and/or with yourself, yet finding yourself repeatedly experiencing frustration and disappointment? I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and my passion is helping people overcome self-limiting thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. I have worked in many mental health settings with problems ranging from severe mental illness to problems of adjustment, and I draw from my training and experience to be creative in helping my clients work through challenges. I enjoy helping individuals, couples, and families identify what is most important to them and helping them find solutions that they feel enthusiastic about using to better their lives. My areas of expertise include healthy communication and men's issues.

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience in the mental health field. I assist individuals, couples, and families in finding healthy alternatives and solutions by identifying and addressing patterns that may be impacting their well-being and hindering growth. My focus is on helping clients become the best versions of themselves through meaningful and effective interventions.

My name is Jacob Garel, a licensed marriage and family therapist with a unique background in the military as a Pararescueman. With 20 years of experience serving and saving lives, I bring a deep understanding of crisis situations and a passion for helping individuals and families in need. Specializing in psychodynamic, Rogerian, and existential approaches. Whether it's grief work, PTSD therapy, or accompanying you on your mental health journey, I am dedicated to walking beside you every step of the way.

Therapy is a journey, and as your therapist, I step into the role of being your journeyman walking alongside you as we navigate the path together. We’ll take time to explore your life experiences and the challenges that brought you here, working in a way that honors your unique perspective and language. I aim to create a safe, collaborative space free from judgment or bias, where you can feel supported and truly understood. As your journeyman, I’m here to help you develop the skills and utilize the tools you need to manage life’s stressors in healthier, more fulfilling ways. Together, we’ll move toward clarity, growth, and balance.

Hi, I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I help individuals to navigate the complexities of modern life, balancing responsibilities at work and home. I work with youth and adults, facing challenges related to intimacy, communication, or personal fulfillment. My ideal client can also be a parent, juggling the demands of raising children while maintaining their own well-being. Together we can explore a deeper understanding of self and emotions, desires to develop healthier coping mechanisms, build resilience, and enhance your self-esteem.

Hello, My name is Dan Powell, and I am a dedicated and compassionate therapist with over 23 years of experience in the mental health field. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of mental health challenges. My approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and professionalism, ensuring that every client feels heard, supported, and respected. I am committed to providing high-quality, individualized care through evidence-based treatments tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. My diverse professional background allows me to draw from a broad range of therapeutic approaches, ensuring that my clients receive the most effective and personalized care possible. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process, and I work closely with my clients to help them achieve their goals and navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence. My areas of specialization include treating anxiety, depression, phobias, and life transitions. I also provide support for parenting challenges, couples conflicts, and more complex mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Additionally, I have extensive experience in helping individuals overcome alcohol and chemical addictions, as well as working with those who have experienced trauma. If you’re ready to take the first step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being, I encourage you to reach out. Contact me today to schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey to healing and personal growth. Best, Dan Powell MA., MFT, BCBA

Hi there! I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 19 years of experience helping people work through life’s challenges and build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Miami and completed two graduate degrees at the University of Southern California (USC)—one in Marriage and Family Therapy and the other in Education. I work with individuals -- and sometimes include relationship partners in session -- to navigate relationship struggles, personal challenges, and life transitions. My focus includes helping people who are dealing with anxiety or depression, men’s issues, or ADHD symptoms, as well as those looking to improve how they connect with others and feel more balanced in life. I’m here to help you communicate your emotions more effectively, strengthen your relationships, and create the kind of life that feels truly meaningful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships or better understand yourself, I’ll support you in finding clarity and confidence every step of the way.

Hi, I'm Bernard, I am a licensed therapist that has experience working with adolescence 12-17, young adults 18-26, & adults ages 27-32 seeking relief from anxiety, depression, and life transitions in sessions (I do not currently take clients under the age of "12" or over the age of 32 years old for virtual therapy), I like to walk with my clients through their therapeutic journey’s no matter the difficulty. I am a client centered therapist maintaining the belief that every client no matter their age is the expert at their own existence and has the ability to heal. I utilize humor when appropriate to strengthen therapeutic bonds to understand clients as a person and work with them through their own solutions pertaining to their specific challenges. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, & adults through difficulties with daily life challenges such as interpersonal relationships, family conflicts, life transitions, intimate partner challenges, academic, & career-related stress. I use a humanistic approach to my therapeutic style to explore what works best for clients. Some of the basic orientations I utilize are Mindfulness, Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy techniques. My specific therapy style assists clients in their journey and helps individuals understand thoughts, feelings, reactions, and responses, aiding with healing and growth. This can lead to a life that feels more grounded, joyful, and meaningful. I have experience working as an intensive outpatient therapist providing individual therapy, group therapy, and case management. I have experience working with children, teens, adults and their families as an Elementary, Middle, High School special education/general education, and adult inpatient therapist. I have worked with individuals from various walks of life, various spiritual beliefs, gender orientations, and a variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Berkeley California and serving clients statewide via telehealth. I received my Masters in Integral Counseling from the California Institute of Integral Studies in 2019 and my Bachelors in Psychology from Reed College in 2010. I have over 15 years of experience in Community Mental Health and have been practicing as a therapist since 2018. I work eclectically, integrating a wide range of approaches including humanistic, relational, existential, somatic, gestalt, psychodynamic, transpersonal, motivational interviewing, ACT, feminist, IFS, polyvagal, somatic experiencing, narrative, NVC, and IFS. I support people to find greater connection, safety, agency, meaning, authenticity, stillness and joy in their relationships with themselves, others and the world.

I too have a therapist since life shows up. We all experience the human condition: depression, anxiety, isolation, unresolved grief and trauma, shame, people pleasing, toxic relationships and communication, anger, shame, low self-esteem, addiction, and compulsions. Do you listen to your inner critic’s lies too often? Are you a human in pain like I have been? Yes? Then you’ve found the right place. These topics and others are my specialty. I create a safe, fun, compassionate, private, and nonjudging space, using evidence-based approaches customized for each client; like Kim: "You’ve helped me see the world and myself so much better" "Thank you Clint! I have finally taken control of my emotions and like myself today" -Terry. I'm glad you've found the courage to ask for help. I teach clients to face the challenges that have plagued them for years. I'll share how to be more self-compassionate and change your core beliefs. Problems usually start with the relationship we have with ourselves; the core beliefs about ourselves, others, and our world can change. Let me show you how. "I really appreciate your help and feel so much better" -Ed. I help people overcome the issues listed above. Also, I help process the taboo: Alt Sex/Kink, suicidality, anger management, and the secrets you plan to die with. My clients constantly report that working together restores hope and that change is possible. Contact me to see how I can help you. "Now I have better ways of seeing and being in this world" Jay "Thank you for helping put our family back together" -Caroline.

Hello! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that has been practicing mental health in a variety of roles for over 7 years! I love working with those who have difficulties around feeling overwhelmed by life’s uncertainty and want to seek their true strength and purpose. With my help, you will begin to make the changes necessary to be the own agency of change to your issue as and enact your purpose in life!

I am a clinical psychologist, and have been practicing in Los Angeles for 10 years. My aim is to help clients process their lived experiences and associated emotions in order to foster greater meaning and ease. You are the expert on your own life, and I try to support as well as challenge your current thinking in order for you to learn more about yourself and make meaningful changes.

Do you feel like a "misfit"? Do you struggle with the dilemma of how to genuinely connect with others while protecting your freedom, independence and personal boundaries? It is possible to resolve this dilemma, make positive changes and accomplish your goals if you change your perceptions and shift your vision of life from a dualistic to a holistic one, but this work will take time and commitment. You and I may be a good match. if you have always wanted to make your life meaningful and to be understood as a unique individual, as opposed to a diagnostic label. Through active listening and honest dialog, together we will understand what prevents you from living the life you want and how to unlock your sources of creativity, inner strength, and wisdom.