Persons with Disabilities therapists in Pismo Beach, California CA
Susan Stone
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
I work with adults from every walk of life and in diverse circumstances. What nearly all have in common is that they tell me that things don’t feel manageable anymore. Life has gotten out of hand, and feelings like anxiety, self-doubt, depression, and disappointment seem to be taking over – if they haven’t already. Some might think they are “going crazy!” Others feel selfish because they crave self-care and a break from never being enough.
My job (and privilege) is to come alongside you to provide support, feedback, and help you better understand things and make plans to improve things. Sometimes, I will validate feelings that you’ve discounted or point out challenges you’ve grown so accustomed to that you brush them aside, even though they are part of what trips you up. Together, we’ll gain perspectives and insights about how to make things better.
In session, we will review the week for clues about what to focus on. We will talk about how things went and how they could have turned out better. I’ll ask many questions, listen a lot, and work with you to identify options for improving life. You’ll tear up sometimes, but you’ll be surprised how often we chuckle.
34 Years Experience
Dr. Aleksandra Drecun
Psychologist, Psy.D.
My therapeutic style is collaborative, authentic, compassionate and client-centered. I am committed to providing the highest quality of care. I provide a safe, caring and nonjudgmental environment that centers on client needs. Each therapy session promotes personal growth and success!
23 Years Experience
Mercedes Samudio
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, DSW, LCSW
Mercedes Samudio, DSW, LCSW (she/her/hers; residing on Tongva Land), is an esteemed clinical social worker, acclaimed author, sought-after international speaker, and pioneering entrepreneur, with a focus on African American mental health. She collaborates with parents globally to cultivate a nurturing parental identity through her groundbreaking Parental Identity Development Model and her transformative Shame-Proof Parenting approach, aiming to alleviate parental shame while fostering healthy child development. With expertise in trauma-informed practices, Mercedes assists parents in healing from past wounds that may affect their parenting dynamics. Beyond her professional role, Mercedes enjoys life in sunny Southern California with her beloved spouse and their three cherished pets (two cats and a dog). Discover more about her impactful work at shameproofparenting.com.
10 Years Experience
Elaine Skoulas
Marriage and Family Therapist, M.A., LMFT
I deeply believe in the transformative power of therapy and that meaningful change is possible at any stage of life. I prioritize honoring the authentic self, even amidst life's inevitable messiness and painful emotions. I’m most inspired by the humans that I work with every day that show tremendous resilience and resourcefulness with life’s challenges.
9 Years Experience
Altagracia "Grace" Akopyan
Marriage and Family Therapist, LMFT #145795
I like to think that becoming a therapist was not by chance. I know it could be difficult to seek help because I have been in your shoes before. I remember going to my first therapist when I was a distressed young adult in a toxic relationship with anxiety and depression symptoms. It took me time and much needed self healing before I came out feeling whole and full of purpose again. My therapist then helped me change my life for the better and I decided at that point that this path was the right path for me. I am a therapist because I want to help others who are in need, as I once was. If God permits, I hope to be a part of your path to opening up this new beautiful chapter that awaits you.
10 Years Experience