Therapists in California

Hi! I have my Doctorate Degree in Psychology and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. As a therapist, I assist clients with moving toward emotional healing by finding their path to self-discovery and thus living emotionally satisfying lives. My role as a therapist is to help my clients on their own life journey by exploring various paths and choices. Furthermore, it is my role to assist my clients through current or previous challenges, thus enabling them to move forward on their journey.

When we experience severe trauma or life stressors, our lives can start to collapse into a day-to-day struggle. Our normal coping mechanisms and our support systems can start to fail or no longer be enough to help pull us through the difficult time. The truth is, we cannot change our life experiences, but we can search to find solutions to help us overcome depression, addiction, anxiety, relationship difficulties. We can grow and become aware of our own strengths as we face our struggles. Sometimes we need that extra help to aid us in regaining life balance in our journey of self-discovery. As a licensed family therapist with eight years of experience, I am passionate about helping adults navigate & explore complex challenges in order to work towards positive changes that are solution based.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. I have 15 years of experience helping individuals cope with the challenges they face in their lives. I have a specialty in treating individuals struggling with alcohol and substance use. I also have been trained in Brainspotting techniques that reduce the effect traumas and other upsetting life events have on a person's ability to find the happiness they want from life.

Hi, My name is Rhonda David and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I have over 30 years of experience and knowledge. My goal is to really listen to my client's needs and offer a safe non-judgmental supportive environment to help them find solutions to their inner struggles and in their relationships. I have a high satisfaction rate. My common approaches to therapy are self-understanding, understanding of others, self-acceptance and empowerment to help clients develop and initiate solutions for their lives and relationships that bring them satisfaction and deep happiness.

Each of us has our own story and sometimes our experiences leaves us feeling confused, frightened, sad, and often tremendously isolated. I believe therapy can unravel harmful repetitive thought processes and behaviors. Your painful experiences do not have to define you. My approach to therapy always starts with listening to my client's needs. My methods evolve through constant customization and mutual collaboration. Therapy with me will include exploring aspects of life that are not working well and constructing solutions.

Hello, I'm an experienced therapist with over 25 years in the field. I have always been interested in people’s stories and support clients facing a variety of issues: insomnia, sadness, anxiety, grief/loss, relationship challenges, work and life stress,and lgbtq support. If you are facing a challenge,it may be helpful to talk to an empathetic professional trained to help you develop new perspectives, feel supported and make changes. My focus is on the uniqueness of each client and feel it is important to establish rapport and a partnership so that the therapy experience is collaborative. I will not simply sit and listen but will interact, ask questions, and offer suggestions. I enjoy working with adults of any age in individual therapy. Some of my specialties include stress management, grief and loss, anxiety , self-esteem and supporting clients facing life changes. With more than 25 years of experience, I consider myself an eclectic therapist using an Integrative Holistic approach. I use a variety of tools from different therapies including Rogerian, Cognitive Behavioral, Guided Imagery, Mindfulness, Solution Focused, Client Centered and Family of Origin in order to best support a client’s journey toward relief and wholeness of Mind, Body, and Spirit. I look forward to working with you and invite you to reach out.

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Northern California who graduated from Humboldt State University. I have been practicing for the past 10 years after switching career from Engineering. Throughout my career as a therapist, I have been working as a children's therapist and clinical director for a program that serves older adults. During the last 3 years I have been focusing full time on adults with mild to severe mental health challenges. In addition to using evidenced based practice, I believe that clients are best served by empowerment. I approach therapy from a solutions based perspective to help clients work towards living fulfilled lives and reaching their goals.

Are you struggling with the ability to practice self-love? Or maybe you are not entirely sure exactly what that is. Perhaps you are tired of feeling bad about yourself, your appearance, guilty for not being "enough" to others, and lacking energy. For some people, feeling like this leads them to try and feel better by eating, overspending money, overexercising, or investing in bad relationships. Often enough, time spent in these ways (and more) can leave someone feeling even more depleted. If you can relate to any of this, you are certainly not alone. Together we will tackle your discontent stemming from your challenges to understand and practice self-love. You will learn what self-love consists of, understand how to shift any unhelpful thought patterns, build better boundaries, and put into practice what you have learned during weekly sessions and through homework assignments in between sessions to improve your ability to demonstrate that you love being YOU! I have over 7 years of experience as a licensed therapist working with individuals and couples. I am also a licensed CPA so I integrate a practical and structured approach to therapy where I will validate your concerns while supporting your movement towards solutions.

Life can be difficult and, at times, feel overwhelming. When navigating depression, anxiety, or trauma, our perspective can become blurred, making it hard to see a way forward. During these moments, having someone who is nonjudgmental and understanding can make a meaningful difference. I believe we are all capable of growth and everyone deserves a life filled with hope, purpose, and a sense of belonging. It will be a privilege to walk with you through this journey of examining your inner self, breaking generational trauma, overcoming anxiety/depression, and improving your relationships. Please note, I currently only see individuals no couples or families.

I believe healing can be found in a variety of ways that are unique to each of us. Our identities, experiences, and stories shape who we are. I believe it is monumental to learn how all of our pieces intersect to create our authentic self. By understanding these, healing can be transformative. I believe social justice work is a requirement for therapists. I believe you have a right to know about who you work with morally, ethically, and politically. I am progressive leaning and do what I can to support human rights and the social justice movements. As a white therapist, I believe it is a requirement for me to be engaged in social justice work along with consistent learning experiences. By providing guidance, support, safety, and empowerment my main goals are to enhance the healing process and promote thriving. I want to create the safest space I can to support connection with your whole, authentic self. In my sessions, I promote self-discovery, transformation, and self-compassion. I use techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), and IFS (Internal Family Systems). I believe using trauma centered, intersectional feminist, social justice, CRT, and Queer Theory perspectives are fundamental in therapy.

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I grew up in the Central Valley area of California. I enjoy helping others find their strengths. I found my passion for social work while volunteering at the Poverello House. I enjoyed giving back to my community. I am client centered/client focused. I have a holistic approach to therapy utilizing Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing skills.

Hello! I'm Michael and if you are reading this, you are likely considering therapy as an avenue to make a change in your life. This is the first step in building the life you deserve. Are you overwhelmed by your emotions? Stuck in your past? Worried about the future? Do you just feel...blah...like you can't quite put your finger on what's wrong? You are in the right place! These are questions I can help you answer. I help men and women improve emotional skills, reduce symptoms, and develop coping skills to deal with life's challenges. Together, we will create a plan that works for you. This is your life and only you know the answer. You just need a little help uncovering it. Change is scary and uncomfortable, but if you can choose to show up anyway, amazing things can happen. I realize coming to therapy can be tough and so I like to make your experience with me as safe and comfortable as possible. I hope to hear from you soon.

Hello there! My name is Adriana Soriano a bilingual (Spanish-English) LCSW born and raised in Southern California. Contemplating therapy? Let’s take this journey together towards emotional and spiritual wellness, a commitment to positive change. I believe as the client increases self-awareness, they then can begin to see growth and experience self-actualization, the ability to become the best version of one self. This progression forward, can be transformative in mind, body and spirt. It is also my belief that someone’s present reality may be influenced by memories of past experience, including early adversities, in turn affecting a person’s current perceptions of the world and others, as well as expectations for the future and interpersonal interactions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of California, where I was born, raised and educated. I have numerous years of experience working with children, teens and adults who are struggling with challenges in their lives. I excel at helping client's recognize their self worth and strengths by providing a supportive and strength based practice with a bit of humor. I have worked with clients navigating divorce, child welfare system, adoptions, divorce/child custody, educational issues, anxiety, mild depression and relationship issues.

I know from experience that looking for a therapist could be stressful. If you are here then you are on the right path and I am here to walk it with you. My name is Marypaz Garrdea. I am a bilingual, Spanish and English, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am also a clinical psychologist from Mexico City with more than 15 years of experience. My passion is to provide psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, and families in a compassionate environment full of support and understanding. At the same time, giving you the tools to grow and achieve your goals in life. “Because life is not what it’s supposed to be. It is what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference” Virginia Satir.

My name means “Light,” and my goal is to help you rediscover yours. As a BIPOC therapist, I bring a culturally sensitive, holistic approach to healing. Together, we’ll shed light on your challenges and explore compassionate, practical solutions to help you move forward. My work is rooted in the transformative power of mindfulness, spirituality, and self-awareness. I integrate psychoanalysis, faith-based counseling, and holistic healing to create a space where you can reconnect with your authentic self and cultivate resilience. I specialize in supporting adults facing anxiety, trauma, depression, and men’s issues. My approach blends psychotherapy with spiritual exploration and self-discovery — helping you realign with your purpose and inner peace. I believe every person holds untapped potential and innate wisdom. My role is to hold a nonjudgmental space where you can feel seen, supported, and understood. Through our work together, we’ll turn over the stones of your experience to reveal clarity, healing, and a renewed sense of direction. I’ve personally walked through profound loss and transformation — including a near-death experience and the passing of my beloved mother to cancer. These experiences deepened my faith in the human spirit and in our collective ability to heal and shine again. Wherever you are on your journey, I’m here to help you grow and remember who you truly are — a light meant to shine.

Hello, I am Luis Martinez and I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in California. I have been serving my community helping families and individuals for over 8 years. Whether it's helping people with simple day to day stressors or deeper rooted concerns, there's an approach and solution to the problem. Together we can focus on building strengths and help facilitate positive change to help empower you moving forward in your life.

Welcome! My name is Erica and I am so proud of you for taking this first step to mind health and wellness. I am always rooting for you and I am honored to help you through this season in your life. Whether we’re working through a tough transition or identifying steps towards a personal goal, my hope is that you walk away with a stronger sense of self compassion and self love.

I am a California native who recently re-located to Dallas, Texas. I am a first generation Salvadoreña. I am extremely proud of my indigenous ancestry and of my culture. I aim to empower anyone who can relate or identify. I obtained my Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California. (Fight on!) I have been practicing as a psychotherapist for over ten years, and specialize in working with BIPOC (Black,Indigenous, People of Color) I aim to create spaces inclusive of all cultures, races, genders, ages, and sexual orientations. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and am also trained to provide EMDR. I am especially interested in bringing awareness on how we are able to "retrain the brain" and ultimately add more peace and joy into our lives.

Greetings, Life can be confusing, relationships can be stressful, and the present can make you feel anxious or depressed. Sometimes a painful past can surface into the moment, especially when situations are difficult or when you are experiencing major change. During these periods your mood and thoughts can be affected in negative ways. When you are feeling alone, disconnected, or confused, talking things through can make all the difference. I work with anyone struggling to find joy, peace, and fulfillment. I offer a safe, inviting space for you to share thoughts and feelings, to vent, to feel heard, and to reorient to meaning. Please allow me to assist you finding relief and clarity. I will meet you where you are at and welcome you. I address healing on multiple levels of the body-mind connection with a focus on the notion that caring about something or someone along with experiencing meaning can counterbalance the effects of hurt, a disturbing past, or a present stressful situation or transition. I have more than 20 years of experience helping clients navigate major change and transition, gain closure, and create new beginnings. I apply interventions from a mind-body-being perspective and assess current life stressors to distinguish between situational mood and thought disturbances from those enduring and a consequence of previous hurt or trauma.

Whether you are struggling with sadness, finding the energy to do things in life, low self-esteem, anxiety, anger, trauma, unhealthy coping, or even masking your emotions; you are capable and you can heal. I truly believe that most people will do well when they know how to do well. It's hard to ask for help and it's hard to accept the help. We just get stuck in the quick fix, easiest option, or the least emotionally draining route. My style towards therapy is direct, relational, and authentic. I won't sugar coat things or tell you what you "want" to hear, and I hope the same from you. This is about you and for you.

Do you worry too much about different things? Are you hard on yourself, withdraw from others or struggle to engage in life due to feeling down? Would you like to feel less anxious, less depressed or finally work through unresolved trauma? Establishing a relationship with a well-informed therapist provides for no longer feeling alone in your experiences and safely addressing such underlying issues that may be keeping you stuck in your problems, preventing you from reaching your goals and living your best life. I am trained in a variety of evidenced-based therapy approaches to best meet your needs with a personalized care experience. I use Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral, EMDR, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies. This means I am centered in meeting you where you're at and promoting your ability to heal from the past as well as better manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors. I offer expertise in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, anger management, and relationship problems. We improve through feeling understood and more capable of managing life's challenges. I am committed to provide a supportive relationship that enhances your ability to work through obstacles and strive for enjoying a life worth living. I consider my work with those I serve to be a privilege and look forward to supporting you in your journey forward!

As a therapist, I have learned that the best gift I can give to my clients is to provide a secure attachment in the therapeutic alliance so that clients can begin to cultivate secure attachments in their own personal lives. It is my intention to create this therapeutic space for each one of my unique clients from our first session together.

Have you been struggling with anxiety and/or lack of direction? Are you critical of yourself and feeling negative and sad? Do you have issues in your past you feel are impacting your present? Are you challenged by a life transition? Change is hard and not always smooth. Sometimes we get in our own way toward the life we want to live. I can help gain perspective and look at whether your thoughts and behaviors are helping you along your path or hindering your way. We can look at how patterns, thoughts and behaviors that might have been adaptive from a less than perfect past might be getting in your way now. I utilize a Cognitive Behavioral approach to look at thoughts and behaviors and what would serve you best. Incorporating positive psychology, support and compassion you will have assistance on life’s sometimes/occasionally meandering path.

Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist. Thank you for taking the brave step to seek help during this challenging time. It takes courage to reach out, and I’m here to support you with compassion and care as you navigate this journey. My name is Terri and I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of California dedicated to supporting individuals and their families during life’s transitions. In addition to providing therapy services with Thrive with Thistle Therapy, I am a mother of two young children and I serve as a clinical social worker on the mother-baby units of a hospital. I have experience providing care and support to patients and their families navigating challenges including: pregnancy complications, baby blues, difficulty adjusting postpartum, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), birth trauma, NICU admission for their baby, adoption, surrogacy, infertility, pregnancy and newborn loss, and first time parents. ​ I hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University. In an effort to better serve my clients, I obtained a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) from Postpartum Support International to equip me with specialized knowledge and skills to support individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period.