Find a Therapist in Costa Mesa, CA

I'm a psychoanalytically oriented therapist with a special passion for working with artists and creative professionals. When our avocation becomes our vocation — that is, when we make the decision to leverage our art to furnish our lives — it arouses new fears, fantasies, pressures, and possibilities. It can be a lonely endeavor; asking for help along the way is an act of moral courage. I strive to provide for my clients a safe space in which to explore and express frustrations and longings, traumas and dreams, fears and desires. This is also the raw material of couples therapy — another passion of mine. When couples make the brave decision to seek help, they almost always present with the same complaint: communication has eroded. In my conception, communication isn't the problem; it's a symptom of the problem. Together we will help you understand the moment-to-moment emotional truth of your cycles of conflict so that you can begin to experiment with new ways of reaching one another.

By reaching out for help, you have taken the first step towards a happier and healthier future. Emotional healing begins by sharing your story -- I know this from my own personal journey. To foster a warm, comfortable setting for you, I employ a compassionate, non-judgmental approach that offers a safe space for healing and growth. If you live in the state of California, Nevada, Missouri, or Colorado, I offer HIPAA compliant distance therapy (i.e. teletherapy, video therapy, phone therapy) in an effort to reach a wider range of people in various locations and across distances. My secured online platform is easy to use and completely confidential. The best part is that you can do this from the comfort and privacy of your own home or office, or even when you are out of town. No need to spend extra time driving to and from an office, securing a babysitter, take a longer lunch to make a therapy session, or risk illness.

Hi, welcome! Personal and professional growth, connection, healing, gaining insights, whatever it may be, I’m here to support your exploration and work with you to create space for what you bring. After my undergraduate psychology studies, my journey included working in the corporate arena. Reflections on my own life experiences and therapy brought me back to my interest in mental health and becoming a therapist. Coming from a diverse personal and professional background, I appreciate the complexity and process of connecting with and developing your sense of self and building your voice as a guidepost. I work with clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD and individuals navigating career development and challenges. I also work with couples experiencing relationship concerns ranging from communication and inter-cultural issues, infidelity, and life transitions. Supporting clients in transforming their challenges into growth and development, deepening connections with themselves and others, and choosing the lives they want to live has been a privilege. I’d be happy to connect and see if we’d be a good fit, for great work.

Hi, I’m Kari, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Registered Dietitian. I support individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, struggling with an eating disorder, caught in addiction, or navigating a life transition. I have specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders and common co-occurring disorders such as OCD, ADHD, Borderline Personality Disorder, and substance use. I also support people who want to improve their lives by setting healthier boundaries, building confidence, and living more aligned to their values. I help couples who want to feel more connected with their partner and improve communication to resolve conflict in a caring and effective way. I have completed Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, training in the Gottman Approach for the Treatment of Affairs and Trauma, and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in my work.

Practical, non-judgemental, with a goal of moving forward. Are you a struggling couple or individual, feeling stuck and emotionally tired? Are you a couple or individual ready for the next step in your relationship or in life!? I bring a variety of skills and compassion and experience to the room. I aim to help you feel stronger, calmer, and regain a sense of hope for your future, for your relationship, for happiness. I have two main areas of focus: Relationship skills and emotion regulation. For couples, I have been certified in the couples program Mastering The Mysteries of Love. For individuals and their families I have been intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, helpful for those struggling with emotional regulation, relationship, and impulse control problems. I work from a goal oriented approach, looking at short term and long term goals, and keeping the focus on solvable issues, or assisting in finding acceptance. I worked in a psychiatric setting for 15 years, and managed the clinical team for 8. I have had a private practice since 2004. I have worked in a corporate setting as a quality coach and management trainer helping businesses and school organizations change for the better.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and goal oriented to meet each client's unique needs. I believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and that a flexible and individualized approach is essential for creating meaningful and lasting change. Having worked with individuals, couples, and families for over 12 years, I have developed expertise in addressing a multitude of challenges. These specialties include anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief, loss, anger, and relationship issues. I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies and techniques to tailor treatment to the specific needs and goals of each client. Some of the therapies and techniques I draw from include dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gottman method, mindfulness-based approaches, and trauma-focused therapies. If you are looking for a supportive and non-judgmental therapist to help you navigate life's challenges, I am here to help. Let's work together to create solutions, solve problems, and to help you feel more empowered and fulfilled in your life.

I hold a safe nonjudgmental space where you can explore, learn new tools, and challenge beliefs that aren't working anymore.

True fulfillment arises when you fully embrace your authentic self, whole, unapologetic, and free to express your deepest truths without shrinking, hiding, or silencing your voice to keep the peace. I often meet people who come to me feeling drained and invisible, weighed down by walking on eggshells, caught in painful cycles of misunderstanding, or longing desperately to be seen and heard by the people they love most. Living this way can feel lonely and overwhelming, but it mustn’t be your life story. With my “win-win” approach, I guide you beyond mere survival, helping you step into relationships that nourish your soul, where you feel deeply respected, truly understood, and genuinely connected. This isn’t about quick fixes or empty promises; it’s about real, lasting transformation that honors your pain and your courage. With over 26 years of experience, I walk alongside individuals, couples, and families ready to stop wearing masks and start facing their truths with bravery and compassion. Sometimes you may be the only one willing to show up, and that’s enough. Healing begins with one courageous heart, and I am here to help you build momentum and strength, even if others aren’t yet ready to join you. My work is grounded, honest, and deeply personal. Together, we will gently unravel the stories, habits, and wounds that keep you feeling powerless and disconnected. We will replace them with new ways of relating that create safety, trust, and intimacy. Whether we’re healing old hurts or navigating present challenges, I offer clear guidance, compassionate support, and honest feedback to empower your journey forward. If you’re tired of feeling unseen, unheard, or alone in your struggles, I invite you to take the first courageous step toward change today. Reach out by scheduling a free initial consultation. During this session, we’ll discuss your unique situation, goals, and how we can work together to create the meaningful transformation you deserve. Your path to a more fulfilled, joyful life starts now, and I’m here to walk it with you. I also offer coaching packages for clients beyond California, bringing transformation to you wherever you are.

Are you feeling stuck in your relationships, struggling with communication, or facing life challenges that seem overwhelming? As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions, strengthen connections, and create positive change. With 15 years of experience, I specialize in helping individuals navigate conflict, individuals work through anxiety and life transitions, and families build healthier dynamics. My approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs.

Are you struggling to handle a recent change in your life? Sometimes life's challenges are difficult to cope with on our own. A caring, trusted, and competent therapist can help you move beyond challenges, cope with new changes, and grow as a person. This growth can help improve your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers and boost your self-esteem. I offer you a safe and caring environment in which you explore how you respond to life's changes, examine how you are in your relationships with yourself and others, and evaluate which changes can help you achieve the life you desire. I believe we are each whole and unique beings with the ability to achieve fulfilling lives. Let's work together to explore and overcome your obstacles to achieving a fulfilling life.

Anger Management classes for adults interested in learning better coping skills. Pet Loss Support for pet lovers dealing with the loss or anticipated loss of their pet. Individuals struggling with codependency issues. Relationship Boot Camp: Re-Calibrating Co-Dependent Behavior (RBC 1.0) Individuals struggling with another's self absorbed behavior. Relationship Boot Camp: Coping with the Self Absorbed (RBC 2.0) Assessments and Referrals available by appointment.

IN PERSON, phone & video sessions available. Specialize in: Relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, life transitions, and abuse (domestic, childhood & sexual). Finding a new perspective on life..... HAPPINESS...What is happiness? At times, despite all your efforts, it may seem like things do not work out the way we have intended. Life is not always easy. We all face struggles every day. As a counselor, my goal is to help you reach the level of happiness YOU deserve! There may become a time when just going through the motions of everyday life, just does not work anymore. Happiness is out there, but grasping it has not been possible. Achieving the happiness you deserve, is one of my primary goals as a counselor.