Find a Therapist in Montrose, CA

I often use the metaphor that therapy is like a trusted workspace where people can sort through their thoughts, feelings, relationships, and life experiences as a way to develop strategies for the parts of life where they feel stuck or confused. As a therapist, I use narrative and cognitive-based principles to help you get a better sense of the strategies and resources that help to achieve your goals. Using your values and strengths as the primary tools for our work, we employ therapeutic practices to overcome obstacles and strengthen relationships that will increase competence, confidence, decrease anxiety and stress, and address whatever circumstances may be going on in your life. Using therapy as a resource is all about finding someone who feels like a good fit. If you are interested in connecting with me to see if we might work well together, please feel free to reach out, and I would be happy to speak with you to answer any questions you may have about getting started in this process.

Engaging in therapy can be rewarding albiet difficult work! This is why finding the right therapist for you is vital. I view therapy as a collaborative process that grows out of a trusting, caring relationship where you can begin to explore your deep concerns and problems, as you move toward becoming the person you long to be. I believe the process of therapy plays out different for each person, as we are all unique beings with various needs, desires, and histories. Being a therapist is a privilege and honor. I have deep respect for the uniqueness of each individual, and often find that people experience healing through increased self-understanding, experiencing safety and openness in the therapy relationship, and mobilizing supportive social networks. If you are ready, you can experience change! I can help you in your journey toward a more satisfying life through relieving symptoms, identifying your personal and community strengths, and walking alongside you as we deeply explore your values, thoughts, and feelings.

In my 25 years of practice, I have experience with a wide range of therapeutic modalities. I have an eclectic therapeutic style, but primarily I utilize the method known as client-centered therapy. This approach was developed by Carl Rogers, who was one of the originators of the humanistic therapy approach. Emphasis is on the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. The core belief is that people are innately good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves. Like Rogers, I believe that you are capable of change and possess the ability to find the solutions to your own problems. My role is to support and guide you as you face the obstacles that are causing disruptions in your life. I will help you identify obstacles that you don't have control over, and help you with acceptance of this. I will also assist you in identifying what you do have control over, such as how you react and respond to events in your life. I will use the technique of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you recognize dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in response to events in your life. You will learn that you have been engaging in this process for many years, having created an automatic pattern, causing you to feel stuck. Originally developed by Aaron Beck, and then later expanded on by David Burns, this is primarily a psychoeducational technique. Written exercises are used to reveal these dysfunctional patterns, as well as learning healthier ways to respond. Over the years, I have used these, and a multitude of other techniques to help clients in their growth process. But human beings are complex, and there is not one catch-all approach to therapy. There are so many variables, such as culture, family of origin history, traumas and losses, physical and other mental health challenges. I believe that the key to successful therapy is the therapist-client relationship. I think it's important to demonstrate to you, the client, that I am a human being first. This helps to promote trust, and allows you to feel safe enough to share your vulnerability with me. So, as I get to know you, you can become confident that my training and clinical experience will direct me to the best approaches to help compassionately guide you through your journey.

Life brings challenges that can feel overwhelming at times. We struggle with stress, relationships, family, work, and even with ourselves. Sometimes these struggles feel especially lonely. You may hesitate to share what you are going through because you do not want to burden others, or because you fear others may not understand. Therapy can be a place where you do not have to carry those struggles alone. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, I want to help you feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. Whether you come as an individual, a couple, or a family, my goal is to offer insight, support, and practical tools to help you navigate life’s stressors, and build healthier ways of coping and connecting.

Are you exhausted from holding it all together at work, in your family, or in your partnership only to feel frustrated that the same patterns keep resurfacing? You’re capable, thoughtful, and driven yet something isn’t shifting. You're finding that talking about it and reading about it has not brought the results you hoped for. Evidence-based, more experiential therapy can help you understand what’s underneath those patterns so real change becomes possible. As you gain clarity about the parts of you that work so hard to protect, please, or perform, you’ll feel less internally conflicted and more grounded in your relationships. I offer a steady, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down and speak honestly about what you’re carrying. Rather than adding more tools or techniques, we focus on what’s happening inside. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) we’ll gently explore the different parts of you that have been trying to help, even the self-critical ones. You have so many parts inside that are longing to be known. Together, we can uncover the self-compassion and confidence that’s already within you, and ease the internal conflicts that haven't found relief with traditional talk therapy. If you’re ready for meaningful, lasting change, I invite you to reach out.

People enter into therapy for a variety of reasons. They can be as complex as surviving a trauma, or as common as the desire to develop better communication skills. Whatever your reason for seeking therapy, asking for help when needed is a sign of strength as you make use of resources that are available to enhance your life. In my office, you will find a safe and supportive environment where you can receive the care that fits your specific needs. Working together, we can move your life in the direction you desire.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. I have been licensed for twenty-three years. My theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); however, I also draw on solution-focused and humanistic theories, as well as psychodynamic and holistic approaches in therapy. I work primarily with depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress (PTSD), and trauma.

Hi, my name is Erica Wicke and I specialize in individuals, couples, and family therapy. I have been licensed for 9 years and have worked in a number of different settings both inpatient and outpatient. Not only am I interested in hearing your stories. I am here to join with you in overcoming what has led you to seek therapy.

In my professional experience, people come to therapy when they are feeling unhappy, stuck or blocked in some way and feel that they have exhausted their available resources and coping mechanisms. My role as a therapist is to serve as a guide to help the client identify and express their needs and wants, as well as assist the client in recognizing their strengths and abilities to heal and grow. I work with clients to help them understand their past experiences and current situation in order to move forward and make changes to facilitate the life and relationships they want. I am warm, compassionate, collaborative and interactive in my approach.

I am an expert in treating sexual addiction and couples struggling with betrayal trauma. Are you overwhelmed by infidelity, betrayal, or sex addiction? I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and have over 15 years of experience helping individuals and couples impacted by betrayal and sex addiction. I help couples, and individuals overcome the devastating impact of betrayal trauma to help them heal their relationship, restore trust and thrive in connection. I am the Host of the top-rated podcast The Addicted Mind podcast, which focuses exclusively on the impact of addiction. I will collaborate with you to reach toward healing from the impact of betrayal, and if you are the betrayer, I can help restore your integrity and help your partner heal from the effects of betrayal trauma.