Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Santa Barbara, CA

I have extensive experience and training in the area of trauma and substance abuse. Prior to building my private practice I provided mental health to youth in the child protective services then later I provided therapeutic services in an inpatient residential treatment center for substance abuse. I am trauma informed and specialize in processing traumatic memories utilizing EMDR and integrated fragmented parts of the self by using IFS therapy.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in navigating life's challenges and fostering emotional well-being. With specialized expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed care, I work collaboratively with adult clients to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions.

I am a passionate therapist who strives to empower my clients

I utilize an eclectic therapeutic style that allows me to meet the client where they are to help them accomplish their goals

Being a therapist is more than a job to me. It is a calling

I believe healing begins with meaningful connection. My work with cancer patients and their families has deeply shaped my understanding of pain, loss, resilience, and the complexities that relationships face during times of crisis. I support adults of all ages in navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, and relationship concerns, offering both compassionate guidance and practical, effective tools for growth and healing.

I am a psychotherapist committed to helping individuals heal, grow, and navigate life's challenges through compassionate, evidence-based care and hold a Masters in Counseling Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy. I work w/ clients 24 years & older facing anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship struggles, stress, and life transitions to help them build resilience, clarity, and lasting change.

Making the decision to start therapy is a profound investment of your time, energy, and vulnerability. If you are looking for a blank-slate clinician who simply nods and listens, we might not be the best fit. I offer a highly engaged, malleable, and unflinching partnership.

My approach is rooted in the belief that while the work of untangling our lives is deeply structural, the room itself doesn't always have to feel heavy. I bring a grounded warmth to my practice—which means knowing how to sit quietly in the gravity of a difficult truth, but also knowing when to break the tension, exhale, and find the light in the sheer complexity of being human. I won’t just sit in silence while you do all the heavy lifting; I am an active collaborator who adapts to exactly where you are.

Carolyn is driven by a vision to create a kinder humanity—one nervous system at a time. She believes therapy provides a space to explore safety in an uncertain world by fostering awareness of the connection between the heart, intuition, and the nervous system. Carolyn understands that while the nervous system doesn’t lie- judgments, perceptions, and assumptions can leave individuals feeling stuck, misunderstood, or exhausted.

I earned a double Masters in Clinical Psychology and Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. I have a B.S in Kinesiology and spent over 5 years working in Exercise Science/Fitness for the YMCA of SF. I am part of the Polyvagal Equine Institute (PVEI) community-spent the last 5yrs training in equine therapy. I have over 20yrs experience teaching dance, yoga & mindfulness.

Outside of work, Carolyn nourishes her own nervous system by walking in nature, swimming, practicing yoga, horseback riding, reading, and spending quality time with her family and her partner. She is also the co-host of a podcast with her longtime best friend, where they explore current events through a clinical and social services comedic lens.