Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in San Luis Obispo, CA

As a therapist, I am passionate about walking alongside folks as they reveal their truths and vulnerabilities to themselves. I believe, and have witnessed that people are capable of long standing change with knowledge, support, and connection, and that therapy is a great place for that. You can learn new ways to manage life stressors, feel safe, gain confidence, and live a more joyful and purposeful life. I use cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and strength-based techniques, while never ignoring the human element and connection where the real change happens.

In addition to my work as a licensed therapist, I have over 15 years of experience supporting children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of mental health and community settings. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with teens, adults, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. My passion is helping cycle breakers heal old wounds, build healthier relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, intentional, and authentic.

Hi, I’m Christopher Cooke, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). With a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, I specialize in helping individuals navigate trauma, PTSD, ADHD, mood disorders, grief, career transitions, and relationship challenges. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can feel truly heard and make meaningful progress.

I became licensed as a MFT ten years ago and began practicing 15 years ago. I earned my Master's Degree from the University of San Francisco (USF), where I dedicated my required 3,000 hours of experience to serving the diverse population that the Bay Area has to offer.

I have a broad range of experience and skills to support individual adults and adolescents of diverse backgrounds and identities seeking relief from depression and anxiety, among other common stressors in their lives.

Feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or heartbroken? Life can be challenging, and sometimes we all need support. I'd be honored to help you walk through your difficult situations and emotions. With several years of experience helping people from all walks of life, I take a non-judgmental approach tailored to your unique circumstances, helping you heal, solve problems, manage challenges, and grow into the person you want to be.

Hola, Soy Christina Zapata, mi pronombre es ella. Hello, I'm Christina Zapata, my pronouns are she and her. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), bi-and pan cultural. My professional training is in clinical social work. I started out in depth-oriented psychotherapy in 2012, moved to family work with foster and adoptive families in the middle part of my career and have returned to psychodynamic, systems-oriented psychotherapy with individuals and families since 2017. I have experience working with Transgender individuals, those in current or former relationships where intimate partner violence is present, foster and adopted youth, and Spanish speaking political and economic refugees and immigrants. I am trained in EMDR. I have undertaken a three year grief training to help people stay connected to, sit with and move through pain. More recently, I am adding to my practice work around supporting individuals who are experiencing stress and confusion in their workplace.

As a board certified psychotherapist, I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering to individuals of all ages. I have 8 years of experience in the field in working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating through depression, anxiety, and everyday life stressors. I am passionate about supporting individuals through my multi-modal therapeutic approach which integrates CBT and solution-focused, reality-based strategies to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

Greetings, my name is Fernando Macias, LMFT. I welcome you to take the opportunity to heal and find helpful solutions to your day to day issues, and to the most complex of situations. Life is not easy, however it can be a very exciting ride.

I’m Thomas Moore, LPCC, a licensed professional clinical counselor providing therapy for individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, emotional overwhelm, identity development, and complex relational patterns. Many of the people I work with feel stuck in repeating cycles such as overthinking, people pleasing, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, or difficulty maintaining stable relationships even when they logically understand what they should do. My goal is to help you translate insight into real change.

My approach is structured and compassionate. I integrate evidence based methods including cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation training, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and trauma informed therapy. Sessions focus on understanding why your brain reacts the way it does and building practical tools you can actually use outside the therapy room. This is not only about talking through problems but learning how to respond differently when they show up in real life.

I work well with clients who want more than passive support and are ready to build skills, increase self awareness, and interrupt patterns that no longer serve them.

What clients should know before starting

Therapy with me is collaborative and active and you will learn strategies rather than only venting. We will work on understanding both the emotional and neurological side of your reactions. Sessions focus on present day functioning while also addressing past experiences that still affect you. I may gently challenge patterns when it supports growth while maintaining a supportive and respectful space. Progress often comes from small repeated changes rather than sudden breakthroughs.

If you are looking for therapy that combines validation with practical change, we will likely work well together.