
Veronica Dover Hoffman
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 25 years of experience. I love working together with clients to achieve their goals. My approach is warm, welcoming and affirming with a client centered perspective. I have experience with a wide range of issues including partner relational issues, parenting, anxiety and depression, coping with life changes, handling stress (both personal and professional) and many more. I have experience working with client of all ages,. I’m certified in Parent Child Interaction Therapy which focuses on work with both parent and child to better cope with severe behavioral disorders in young children (ages 2 to 7) and I also have a certificate in aging as well. I have worked with couples, individuals, families, and children. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to assist clients in understanding how their thoughts and feelings are influencing their behavioral choices. I also focus on life stages and development with a focus on helping you better understand your current situation in the context of both your individual life course and the common life stages and developmental tasks we all pass through as we go through life. I know that coming to therapy can make you feel incredibly vulnerable. My approach is to help you become comfortable and create a safe space where you can use the courage that it took for you to reach out to spur you on towards the positive change you are seeking. I’m really looking forward to working with you.

Krystal Bates
I know, for many people, it takes a great deal of courage to seek professional help and I would like to take a moment to honor and commend you for taking the first step in your journey of healing. Finding the right therapist to help facilitate and support your journey is of utmost importance in getting effective and lasting results. With this in mind, I have provided some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have worked with individuals, children, and families from a wide range of backgrounds throughout my career. However, I specialize in treating women struggling with anxiety, life transitions, self-love, and healthy relationships. In addition, as a biracial woman of color, I especially enjoy helping people work through multicultural concerns. I deeply honor each person's individuality and unique life experiences. For this reason, my treatment method is tailored to fit the needs of each individual I work with. The feedback I have received from clients is that they find me to be warm, empathetic, laidback and light-hearted. My clients have also told me that they appreciate my honest, direct, yet compassionate communication style. When working with me, you can expect a respectful, open and non-judgmental setting. I believe each individual is the expert on their own life and I view our working relationship as a collaborative partnership. I am simply here to provide empowerment, insight and support in your healing process. Psychotherapy can be very beneficial, but only if you are committed to putting in the work. As the old saying goes, “You get out what you put in.” With that said, as your therapist, I vow to be your biggest cheerleader along the way. I am here for you, I believe in you, and I look forward to witnessing you achieve all of the therapeutic goals you set or yourself! Best wishes, Krystal

Connie St. James
Do you ever feel alone and overwhelmed when facing life decisions? This could involve a relationship, your work/career, the aging process, or anything else that creates anxiety and stress for you. I can help. Of course, you will want to know my educational and licensing background: I received a Batchelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 1987 and a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy in 1989 from California Family Study Center (now known as Phillips Graduate University). After completing a 3000-hour internship, I took my state written and oral examinations and, in 1992, I received my license from the State of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. You will also want to know my counseling background: During my internship, I worked with clients who expressed dissatisfaction with parts of their lives and a desire to make their lives better. Most of their discontent was due to problems in various types of personal and work-related relationships, and we worked together to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress. During my internship, I also spent some time training in a psychiatric hospital setting, in a drug/alcohol abuse center and in a facility for abused children. Once my internship was completed, I had a small private practice in West Los Angeles. Eventually, I met my now-husband, moved to Palm Desert, and had a small private practice there until we moved to Santa Barbara. In addition to a private practice in Palm Desert I worked in a hospital there facilitating groups which focused on issues with major depression. My husband’s work took us to Santa Barbara, and I changed my license status to inactive so I could help him in his business. After five years in Santa Barbara, my husband retired, and we moved to Auburn in Northern California where I worked for over twenty years in real estate. Although I did not work as a counselor since we moved from Palm Desert, I continued to rely on my education and experience as a counselor in both my personal and work-related relationships. In addition, I have used those tools as I have faced my own aging process. Now that I am in my own “winter years,” I have had a strong desire to be of help once again to people who want to make their lives better. I am confident that my 60+ years of life experience along with my education and previous counseling experience give me what is needed to help others with their relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and coping with life changes. Finally, you will want to know what my approach to counseling is: I rely on a combination of Person-Centered, Cognitive, and Behavioral theories. I am patient, empathic, and non-judgmental. My objective is to create a safe space where you can discover how to make your life better. Together, we will work on defining and understanding “your story.” You will provide the content by telling me “your story.” What is working. What isn’t working. Your goals. Your expectations for counseling. Your story will include your joy, your sadness, your anger, and your fear. I will focus on your feelings as well as your thoughts and your behaviors so we can figure out how these things may contribute to your unhappiness, disappointments, frustrations, and life dissatisfaction. I will help you identify feelings that you can’t. I will help you identify any detrimental thoughts and behaviors. Sometimes I will ask for clarification to make sure I understand. Sometimes I will probe to help expand the content of “your story” and help you edit it as needed to create clarity. You will decide if/when your goals change and when counseling should come to an end. Although ‘your story’ will continually change throughout all your life, you will decide when you are ready to work on “your story” on your own. When that time comes, you will let me know so that we can start the process of ending our work together. I will tailor our work together so that it meets your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to joining you for a little while on your journey to a happier, more contented life.

Angela Polk
I am licensed in California with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Janna Chin
Welcome. I'm glad you are here. I know it's not easy reaching out for support. My name is Janna and I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist. I'm a graduate of John F. Kennedy University. If you're struggling and unhappy with your life and relationships... there is hope. Sometimes we just need someone to talk to and listen without judgement. Sometimes we just need to be accepted for who we are. Sometimes we just need support from a caring, professional to help us figure out what is getting in the way so we can heal from past hurts, heartbreak, trauma, and disappointments. I've worked with individuals, couples, and families in a variety of mental health settings including, schools, non-profits, outpatient, and inpatient facilities. It is possible to create the life, career, and relationships you want. I'm here to help you be the best person you can be and feel the best you can feel. Here is one of my favorite quotes... "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou Together, lets get you feeling better.

Eunique LeGuie
I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Dr. David Sommers
I am licensed in California with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & career difficulties. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Kenyetta Cooper
I am licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina and Colorado with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Candyce Spruel
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Allie Vierra
I obtained my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara. Prior to this, I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice from California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. I began my career at a local non-profit family services agency. Over the past four years, I have been the lead therapist for a wraparound justice-involved program through San Luis Obispo County, providing assistance to individuals with chronic homelessness, severe mental illness and substance use disorders. I have more than 7 years of experience working with individuals dealing with addiction, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with preteens, teens, and their families during the challenging developmental years. I have served youth involved in the child welfare system and teens and adults in the criminal justice system. I have completed training in suicide awareness, prevention and management. During our sessions, we will collaborate to identify the best approach to help you in meeting your goals. I utilize interventions that emphasize awareness of the present moment, exercises that integrate the mind and body and encourage focusing on staying with feelings, rather than avoiding them. Through this approach, it will help to rethink limiting perceptions and create new perspectives. I strive to present my genuine true self and encourage you to do the same. My aim is to empower you to become an expert in your personal experience. Your confidence will strengthen as you see your ability to manage life's challenges effectively, identify internal strengths and by utilizing coping strategies that you establish through our work together. Authentic change can only happen when individual feels secure enough to reveal their true selves. Our time together will encompass moments of genuine laughter and enjoyment, but will also involve periods of difficulty and unease. Instead of avoiding these challenging moments, we will learn how to be curious about our feelings, confront them in a safe and supportive way and learn a new approach to handle life’s inevitable obstacles
Find a therapist serving clients in California
What types of therapists are available to clients in El Granada?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in El Granada that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in El Granada available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. El Granada therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, El Granada therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the El Granada region and in the state of California.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in El Granada can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in El Granada may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in El Granada offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.