How do you even begin to leave a review for someone who has helped to change your life?…read more I have been procrastinating leaving this review, because I don't know how do to justice to her impeccable skill and generous demeanor, other than to say that Maria is simply a terrific therapist. Of course, everyone has a style that suits their needs best, but Maria is amazingly adaptable and solution-oriented. She is a no BS kind of person, but with a gentle delivery. I wish I could sponsor everyone in the world to have access to this quality of therapy, because it is truly one of the best investments I have ever made in my life. In working with Maria, I feel like have finally developed the skills to be in the drivers seat of my life, rather than being stuck reacting to old dynamics/patterns/trauma, and struggling to cope with various mental health challenges, etc. With Maria, therapy is a practical and enjoyable pursuit, and I often find myself laughing with her during the hardest or moments, or when I had been on the verge of tears 2 seconds prior. She keeps me from taking myself (and life) too seriously, while also helping me to heal some of the deepest and hardest things I have pushed under the metaphorical rug. It feels like you are speaking to an old friend, and I never feel judged at all for anything that I say. She often makes time for me when I need an extra session, and I really appreciate the feeling of someone having my back in this project of getting a handle on my mental health, rather than that I am going at it alone faced with random or impersonal doctors who just want to prescribe me something. Maria worked with me earlier this year at a time when I was really contemplating seeing a psychiatrist for a prescription, but wanted to try consistent therapy first. She was supportive of whatever my decision was, and I am happy (!) to report that I feel like a completely different (more "stable" haha) person a year later, just from our weekly sessions. While I have done many therapy sessions over the years, before this year I have never done therapy consistently for long enough for it to make a lasting change in my habits and thoughts, and the difference I feel is amazing. Whereas this time last year I was really struggling to cope with my depression and panic attacks on a daily basis, I have both raised my baseline and my ability to cope with the ups and downs of depression and anxiety to a point where I no longer experience panic attacks frequently at all, and have healed lots of old pain that was weighing me down (and am no longer considering medication at all!). The virtual sessions with Maria are really easy and convenient (and I love the occasional virtual visit from her two adorable dogs during the session). Also, I have recommended Maria to many friends and family, and she has helped them a great deal as well. My mom, my sister and my cousin have all benefited so much from their time with Maria, and as a consequence Maria is very well versed in our family dynamic, which is super helpful in allowing her to offer a more wholistic family-therapy style approach. It is also worth noting that Maria is very focused on establishing your goals and meeting them, and not just stringing you along for sessions forever (though I was never in any rush to taper-down our sessions!). At her urging, we regularly adjusted our weekly sessions into bi-monthly sessions and then monthly sessions, and finally, switched to an as-needed basis as I progressed in my treatment. I feel lucky to have Maria on my team, so to speak, as I navigate the craziness of life and mental health! :Thank you for all your help and wisdom :)

Our family has been seeing Maria as a family and couples therapist for almost a year during a…read moreseries of stressful, difficult family transitions. She is a rock star therapist and a straightforward problem solver. Maria has a unique ability to get right into the issues (emotional, financial, etc.) and offer solutions that make practical sense. She makes it all seem easy. She's intuitive, warm, honest, creative and. . . often times, funny. We are blessed to have found her.

It's nice to have someone who specializes with First Responders and military. Retired or active…read moreduty.

From the owner: I provide counseling and therapy services for individuals, couples, and families in California. I…read morespecialize in trauma, adolescents, and family dynamics. I have a focus in first responders and military as well as their families. My office is located in Pacific Grove, but I also provide online services to people all throughout California.

If you're truly ready to heal and step into your next level, Tammy is the guide you've been…read moresearching for! She is highly intuitive and knew exactly what I needed to shift a deep-seated pattern that had been holding me back in relationships for as long as I can remember in just one session! Her warm, bubbly energy creates a safe space for you to open up and be yourself. If you're ready to release what's been holding you back from fully stepping into your power, I highly recommend working with her!

Tammy has a rare gift in working with people. Tammy is friendly, kind, compassionate, and skilled…read more She provides a space where one can feel heard and valued. I feel safe sharing my feelings and have learned to navigate dramas with ease using my newly learned life skills. I feel understood and supported, which is what I needed to transform my life. Carmelita Carriedo

I have been seeing Anna on an off for over a year. She really helped me dig through some deep stuff…read moreand recognize and fix patterns. She is very affordable and she has helped me a lot, I cannot recommend her highly enough

Yoga! Where to start...I've only always done the workout videos that included a yoga workout in the…read morerotation of a weekly schedule. Meaning I really had no idea what YOGA is...When I came across Anna's yoga class I was very excited to have one locally, there isn't much out here in the foothills, so I signed up immediately! Went to the first class, which is free, to see how I would do and I really enjoyed it! Anna is very patient and explains the moves, postures and the importance of breathing properly and it's significance. She's not the "cheerleader type" but even better she's very encouraging in her unique, gentle, sincere manner. I've tried to get everyone I know to do this class but selfishly I enjoy the small classes ! But seriously please feel free to ask me anything about this challenging style of yoga, or just come on down and try it out!

I know Ann and I trust her so much that I sent my dear friends to her for counseling. She is a…read moregreat listener and is helping them to work out key issues that are allowing them to move forward with more effective communication skills. Ann is an amazing counselor. If I decide on counseling for me, she is my #1 choice!

My husband and I have worked with Mr. Goren for a few sessions. Mr. Goren is very friendly and so…read moregood with kid (we had to bring our 14 months along since she doesn't do well at childcare). We are both impressed by Mr. Goren's knowledge and find the tools he provided us to use at home work wonders! The relationship between my husband and I has been improved ever since we started seeing Mr. Goren! Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a family/marriage counselor!

The very first session, I left with something that was absolutely life changing-in the first 1 hour…read moresession. It's absolutely amazing what this man will help you do. I was looking for a legit therapist in Monterey, and I found one. Make the phone call, get the quote, talk to him so you can quickly find out how he can help you Do whatever you gotta do to see this guy if you want a good life. He's not in it just for the money, and I am so happy with how he works for you so that you get all the solutions to get around your big problems. I hope that you make a good decision. One regret I have is that I didn't connect with him sooner. -Stay strong, hope y'all find a way to get the same kind of results Eric has helped me get P.S. because of Eric, you will encounter this [...you'll say, "well this sucks,(pardon the language haha) I don't need a therapist anymore. I got it all figured out. Now I am who I've always wanted to be." Connect with this guy so you can get that feeling you want] P.P.S. Thank you for all the relationships you've helped me create, and nourish. Thanks to you I can genuinely be a happier man everyday. You know that's not the only thing you've helped me with but that alone has made every session way more than worth it. Words can't express, thank you Eric!

Many people have such wonderful experiences at this location. Unfortunately, last fall, I did not…read more I found much of the staff, specifically the owners, to appear distant, disinterested, and lacked awareness. While many of us are emotional when we enter the space, I found it rather sad that I had no introduction the first day. I had no idea who anyone was. There was not even eye contact from the front desk when I came in lost on the first day. Perhaps two of the team members properly greeted me which was lovely. But I quickly learned that the welcomes and departures are seldom celebrated in this program. Some of the staff were not equip to deal with confrontation. If you are working with a vulnerable, emotional, and recovering populations, I expect better accountability, deescalation, guidance, and resolution. Shying away from uncomfortable, but important topics like racism and a*sault need to be addressed appropriately and thoughtfully. I'm not expecting perfection! I think I wanted a warmer, kinder environment where the team was attentive and caring. I hated feeling like another statistic running through their program. It was a wonderful group of participants at the time, but the faculty single-handedly made clear that Harmony Place would be the opposite place for healing. One last note is that the entire Harmony Place Monterey lacks diversity in staff. I think this was a large con as well. Hoping there are improvements and wonderful experiences for future groups!

Dr. Schwartz and the other therapists at HPM, Harmony Place Monterey, have helped me tremendously…read more I underwent 6 weeks of their PHP, Partial Hospitalization Program, 6.5 hours per day, 5 days a week, in September and October of 2021, followed by 4 weeks of IOP, Intensive Outpatient Therapy, 4 hours/5 days per week in November. I learned the core elements of CBT and DBT, also how to understand, process my childhood trauma and to manage my depression and anxiety. The Core Group Therapy sessions and Men's Group sessions gave me important development to recognize and cope with emotions. This development and semiweekly and weekly one on one therapy sessions with Dr. Lee Larimer truly achieved dramatic benefits. I continue to attend Dr. Schwartz's biweekly alumni sessions, as well as psychiatric appointments at CHOMP Behavioral Health as needed. Most recently, after 18 months on the waiting list, I have a personal therapist at CHOMP. All of the HPM staff made me feel welcome. They communicated their roles well and executed flawlessly. My professionals, therapists and their aides were excellent, deserving of recognition for excellance all, but particularly Mana Godbole, Lee Larimer, Megan Williams and Mark Schwartz. Harmony Place Monterey made me feel safe, a huge accomplishment. They gave me an excellent opportunity to learn, grow and heal. It's been 6 months since that 10 weeks of intensive therapy and I'm doing very well, incredibly well. I no longer take psychiatric medication and I am making constant strides to create healthy social relationships. My depression and anxiety are well under control and getting better and better. I can understand how my experience may sound magical, but that's how it feels. I've worked very hard for this for many decades. Thank you very much.