Haley Carroll

Hi there! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of California. I'm originally from Chicago (some say I still have a lingering accent) and currently live in Santa Barbara, California. I'm a UCSB graduate and completed my Master's in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I started my professional experience working in mental health treatment in 2014, and from there I was hooked. I have substantial experience working in residential and outpatient treatment centers treating adults struggling with eating disorders, substance use and addiction, trauma and PTSD, and other co-occurring disorders. While I have a lot of experience working with a higher acuity of care, I also love helping others navigate relationship issues, life transitions, career and work-related stressors, and other challenges that naturally come with life.

I take an integrative approach to therapy that combines insight-oriented and relational work with practical strategies for change. I help clients explore underlying patterns, emotions, and relational dynamics while also developing skills to navigate day-to-day challenges. Therapy with me is collaborative and reflective, with an emphasis on increasing self-awareness, emotional flexibility, and a stronger sense of agency in one’s life. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; I tailor therapy to each client, drawing from relational, psychodynamic, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to support both deeper self-understanding and meaningful, sustainable change.

The first session is all about getting to know you; I'll want to know about why you're seeking therapy, your goals and what you hope to work on, as well as your preferences. What kind of therapist are you looking for? If you have prior therapy experience, what did you like? What did you hate? What's worked and what hasn't? If you're brand new to therapy, what are some of your hopes or fears?

It's helpful for me to get a good understanding of your history in order to tailor an effective treatment approach, which can include questions about your medical/health history, past/current psychological functioning, family and social relationships, and more. I won't push you further than you're willing to go, so we can take things at your own pace. The first session is also your opportunity to get to know my style and approach to therapy, and I always encourage my clients to ask questions and give honest feedback about how things feel between us.