Pacifica, CA Local Support & Community Resources

Patricia Luken is a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT) and Registered Nurse (RN) with a wealth of experience in guiding adults and elders through life's challenges. With a focus on issues such as depression, codependency, and women's concerns, she leverages an eclectic range of therapy types, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Trauma-Focused therapy, and the Gottman Method. Patricia believes in a holistic approach to therapy that addresses her clients' diverse needs, fostering personal growth and healing. She is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive environment for individuals, couples, and groups. As a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), she uniquely combines health coaching with therapeutic practices, promoting overall well-being and resilience. With a passion for helping others navigate their emotional journeys, Patricia's therapeutic style is rooted in humanistic principles, allowing her clients to feel understood and empowered.

Maureen Backman is a compassionate and skilled marriage and family therapist associate, holding both an MA and MS. She believes that healing occurs in relationships—whether with nature, ancestors, others, or oneself. Through therapy, individuals have the opportunity to be seen and witnessed, fostering deeper connections to their desired presence in the world. Maureen works with couples and individuals across all identities, creating a safe space for clients to expand, explore, and simply be. Committed to accessibility, she welcomes clients' unique needs and collaborates with them to craft an inclusive environment. Together, they gently honor the strategies that have led to their current state while also seeking avenues for growth and expansion. Maureen employs a creative approach to help clients find resources that foster support and grounding, both within and outside of therapy sessions. Known for her warmth, thoughtfulness, and creativity, she takes joy in guiding individuals to creatively explore and express their feelings. With Maureen Backman, clients can expect a therapeutic journey that heals and nourishes their emotional well-being.

Andrea Stephens is a compassionate and dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) serving adults and elders facing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and significant life transitions. With her deep understanding and diverse therapeutic approach, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Transpersonal, and Humanistic modalities, she creates a safe and supportive environment for her clients. Drawing on techniques such as EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Andrea empowers individuals to navigate their emotional journeys and fosters personal growth. Her commitment to helping clients achieve emotional balance and well-being is central to her practice, reflecting her belief in the resilience of each person she works with.