Find a Therapist near San Juan Capistrano, CA

You can’t bring yourself to face your past trauma. You’ve been to countless self-help programs and created a self-care routine, but the past still torments you. Deep down, there’s something you can’t confront, a darkness that won’t relent. You’ve been isolating yourself from your friends and family because you’re afraid you’ve become a burden. You feel alone, tired all the time, and annoyed at yourself for not being "over it." Sometimes, we need to look backward in order to move forward. I can be your guide, bringing over 20 years of experience helping people resolve past trauma. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California, I use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, and psychodynamic treatment to help you explore why the past is still present for you. Through this exploration, we’ll find a new path forward. Find the path to peace you’ve been searching for. Learn how to build resilience and establish healthy connections with your loved ones. Call today for a free consultation so you can free yourself from the pain of the past and look forward to a better future.

At various stages in our lives, we may face new situations, traumas, or feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress. It is during these times that it can be beneficial to take a step towards helping ourselves, and by being here, you are doing just that. I have an Internal Family Systems approach, however, I will use all evidence-based practices best suited for my clients. Some common examples are cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, or psycho dynamic therapy I very much feel therapy is about my client's journey, and I like to help assist their healing in the most prudent fashion. I have a very direct, but empathetic and compassionate approach. I enjoy working with teens, adults, couples, and families who are working through life changes, grief, stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma.

My life experiences introduced me to a multitude of diverse cultural learning opportunities that are incorporated in the clinical work. I gravitate mostly towards the Psychodynamic, Attachment and Positive psychology theories, tailoring my approach individually in order to enable clients to strive on their positive and creative energy, discover and develop their goals, empower in their strengths, as well as collaborate on the skills for emotional and behavioral self-regulation. I have experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationships, parenting, postpartum, aging, grief and loss, creative arts and entertainment industry issues among others presented in work. LGBTQ affirmative. I strongly believe in the healing power of empathetic therapeutic relationship, new beginnings, creativity and humor.

I have been using the Gottman Method in couples therapy to successfully transform romantic relationships for 11+ years. This method is based on extensive research on what tools "master couples" use to have successful relationships. I have seen this method turn around relationships again and again, even when the couple had lost all hope for a better future. I will ask you to work hard to achieve this success, but I will be there every step of the way to support you. I know taking this step can seem scary, but your relationship is worth it! I also work with individual clients. I strive to listen deeply, point out destructive patterns with objectivity, and support my clients unconditionally in discovering their true self. I help them listen to that empathic voice inside that challenges them to make change despite outdated coping mechanisms from their upbringing and life experiences. I endeavor to be insightful, nonjudgmental and creative. By using a gentle sense of humor and a supportive, caring style I am able to challenge my clients to achieve the goals they set for themselves.

I specialize in relationships and heartbreak issues of all kinds. I offer support and teach clients coping skills for trauma, grief, anxiety and depression. I place a strong emphasis on unleashing positive energy and highlighting strengths to help clients succeed in their relationships and lives. I offer a safe space where clients can explore challenging emotions and understand negative patterns that may undermine their success and happiness. I work with my clients to help them release negative habits and nurture positive change to bring forth greater joy and satisfaction in life. Other areas of expertise include support for veterans, divorcees, first responders, and other survivors of trauma.

“You’re Not Broken—You’re Stuck. Let’s Get You Unstuck.” As a therapist in practice for 20 years, I’ve worked with individuals and couples from all walks of life, each with their own unique story. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Your experiences, background, trauma, and relationships are yours alone, and your therapy should reflect that. I’m a proactive therapist. This means we won’t just talk—we’ll work together to understand what’s holding you back and build tools to move forward. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, grief, life transitions, or relationship struggles, I provide a tailored, compassionate space where growth can happen. For couples, I help partners break through communication barriers, heal from betrayals, and rebuild connection. I understand how vulnerable it can feel to come to therapy together, and I meet you both with respect, curiosity, and practical strategies that get results. I offer sessions in-person in Los Angeles and virtually for clients across California. Clients often tell me they appreciate my warmth, honesty, and ability to gently challenge old patterns. You don’t have to do this alone. Together, we’ll work toward the life and relationships you want.

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.

Are you stressed out trying to make your relationships work smoothly? Do you wish that things would just flow without you having to think about what you should do before you do it? Isn't it a hassle when you feel that your natural way of being isn't accepted? Perhaps you get upset and angry, and end up in conflict. May be you keep quiet but seethe inside and make yourself sick with insomnia, back ache, migraine, weight gain, stomach cramps, hair loss, tinnitus, or sexual performance problems. Your longing to just be who you are and have intimate connections with loved ones is normal and natural. You can reduce your frustration by learning the skill of using your emotions to connect with others in warm and inviting ways. You figure out the fears, worries and concerns that get in your way of creating and keeping satisfying connections. You can learn how to have dialogues rather than fight, or use revenge and punishment as a way of expressing your unhappiness. You can practice the skills of sharing your feelings so that colleagues, friends, family and your partner will do the same. Get real time advice, in the moment as you develop, hone, build and strengthen your relationship skills that are the foundation to your self-confidence and self-worth. Find out how I helped a client save his relationship in my new book: "Now You Want Me, Now You Don't! Fear of Intimacy: Ten ways to recognize the signs and ten ways to manage it in your relationship.'

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, trauma, relationship stress, or major life transitions, therapy can provide a space to slow down, gain clarity, and begin making meaningful changes. Therapy is collaborative and culturally responsive, grounded in creating a safe and affirming space where you can explore your experiences without judgment. Informed by principles of liberation psychology and social justice, we explore not only individual experiences, but also how culture, identity, and systemic factors influence mental health. Therapy can be a place to process trauma, challenge internalized messages, and reconnect with your genuine self.

Are you overwhelmed? Does it feel like something is holding you back from achieving your goals? Are you struggling with persistent negative thoughts or self-doubt? Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools for you to face and overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with trauma and PTSD, intimacy issues, overcoming addiction, or grief, it is important that you know you don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Through my somatic therapy training, I can teach you the capacity to heal from complex traumas, family historical behavioral patterns, sexual trauma or PTSD. By learning how your physical symptoms relate to your emotional experiences, from the fight or flight (neuro-sympathetic) nervous system, a person can heal not only emotionally but physically. Know you have taken an important first step. With warmth and empathy, I can help you overcome your struggles. I will provide a safe and nurturing space for you that allows you to express yourself free of judgement and find your true voice. Together, we can discover the inner peace and joy, we all seek.