Madeleine Foster, MA, Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

I work with couples, families, and individuals who are interested in improving their relationships, and people who are struggling with strong emotions like anxiety. I believe that the quality of our relationships, both with ourselves and others deeply affects our overall well-being. Healing, in my view, happens both individually and within the dynamics of our connections with others. I recognize that building and maintaining strong partnerships requires effort, but I know that the rewards of healthy relationships are invaluable. I earned my BA from UCSB and my Master's in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, with a certification in Somatic Psychotherapy. I have also trained at the Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis, which has deepened my understanding of how unconscious processes and early relational patterns influence present behaviors. I help clients uncover emotions, thoughts, and patterns affecting their relationships, guiding them toward deeper self-awareness and lasting change. My background as a yoga teacher and trainer for over a decade has shaped my holistic approach, allowing me to integrate somatic awareness and mindfulness into my work. In addition to my psychoanalytic and somatic training, I also use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help clients strengthen emotional bonds and foster secure attachments. This blend of psychoanalytic exploration, somatic awareness, and EFT offers a comprehensive approach to healing and improving relationships. I work with clients both online throughout California and in-person in Santa Barbara.

In our sessions, we’ll explore not only your present experiences but also your past, as both shape the way you relate to others. As we grow curious about your relational patterns, unexpected connections may surface—like following clues in a scavenger hunt. These clues can lead us to the root of unresolved issues that affect how you interact with your partner, family, or loved ones. By uncovering the source of these patterns, we can address and heal the wounds that continue to impact your relationships, allowing for healthier and more fulfilling connections.

I have found that what is showing up as "the problem" is actually an invitation to explore your past, present, and future and can be the beginning of finding a path toward fulfillment.