Find 7480 therapists in California

I have over 20 years of experience helping clients explore and navigate challenges related to relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. My approach is client-centered, meaning therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory, with particular attention to how early life experiences shape our relationships with ourselves and others.

Living with anxiety, depression, or trauma can create deep feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Relationship struggles and low self-esteem often fuel fear, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Breaking cycles of overthinking, managing intense emotions, and facing uncomfortable people or situations can feel exhausting. When emotions feel unstable and life feels heavy, recognizing the need for change is an important first step. While change can be intimidating, having a supportive therapist can make the process feel more manageable and less isolating.

I genuinely care about my clients and strive to meet them with empathy, compassion, and respect. I have helped many individuals navigate difficult life circumstances by increasing self-awareness, strengthening emotional regulation, and reflecting on personal experiences. Together, we work to better understand the patterns that may be keeping you feeling stuck or distressed.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Feeling safe and supported is essential for healing and growth. I provide a nonjudgmental, supportive space where you can speak openly and work toward meaningful change at your own pace.

Life is full of surprising twists and turns, challenges and opportunities. Balancing life, work, relationships, and the unexpected can be both rewarding and daunting. As a therapist, I believe in creating a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, deepen your self-understanding, and move toward meaningful change. Whether you're looking to resolve interpersonal conflicts, heal from trauma, or seek greater balance in your life, I’m here to walk alongside you. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and centered on your emotional needs, helping you build the insight and resilience to thrive.

During my time as a clinical social worker, I've treated individuals with many different ages, cultures, and mental health diagnoses. My current area of expertise is depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, faith transitions, body-image challenges, women’s issues, and adjustment disorders. I believe that many of life’s challenges can be relieved through connecting with the right therapist.

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals untangle the weight of trauma, stress, and life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether you’re feeling on edge, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can be a place to finally exhale.

My name is Claire Pinkston MS/MSC. I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADCII). I’ve been in the counseling field for almost 20 years. I believe that we all face challenges engaging fully in life, owning our choices, connecting with other people, and making our lives meaningful. How we think about ourselves, others, and the future has a tremendous impact on how we feel and what we do. My goal is to help you understand the factors influencing your thinking, feelings, and choices, and make changes that will improve your life. I especially like working with people who are motivated to dig in and do the work, because change requires change.

It is very hard to feel safe and grounded in this uncertain world. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who uses humor and compassion when providing the support, understanding and empathy necessary to help you with your emotions . You may have experienced a sudden career transition , life change. or loss. I can help you master these unwelcome emotions that prevent you from living your best life. Our goal together will be to assist you in obtaining the personal insight, strength and skills to find peace.

Hello and welcome. I look forward to working with you. I believe therapy to be a collaborative space for us to look at old patterns that no longer serve you, say thank you for the years of functionality, and welcome to a new way of navigating the world, relationships, and taking care of yourself. My hope is to assist you in creating a narrative that will empower you in the years to come.

I work with adolescents, adults, couples, families, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, the neurodiverse community, and the BDSM/Kink community. I also support individuals navigating chronic pain, chronic illness, post-partum experiences, survivors of domestic violence, diversity issues, first-generation issues, trauma, and people in need of assistance with community resourcing. I am fluent in Spanish and I am comfortable conducting therapy in Spanish.

First Things First, you are here! I’m happy about that and excited to help you reach your next step in life. Having helped my clients for over 20 years now, I have a deep understanding of how to facilitate growth and will be tailoring our sessions to your personal goals and individual needs.

I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Santa Barbara, California. My practice blends both psychological approach as well as eastern wisdom. With a diverse background of professional and life experiences, I bring empathy, warmth, and a solution-focused mindset to my clients. My goal is to help clients alleviate suffering, boost their productivitiy, and enhance well-being.