Cortney Wagner
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
MFC43797
The place of true healing is a fierce place. It's a giant place. It's a place of monstrous beauty and endless dark and glimmering light.
Cheryl Strayed
Hello! I am a licensed marriage family therapist specializing in trauma with adults and youth, women's issues, grief/loss and life transitions. I am passionate about helping others heal and grow because of my own experience with receiving that type of support in my life and healing my own trauma. I feel so honored to be a part of another person's journey to healing as it is a very personal and vulnerable experience. And it can also be an experience that leads to growth and a more fulfilling life. The work of trauma recovery is difficult, but this same work can lead to new wisdom and an awakening of the heart. We can learn to trust in our capacity for growth. You can be an active and creative participant in shaping your life and your future. It truly is and has been an honor to be present with and witness as clients navigate the difficult spaces and step into and experience a new sense of aliveness, connection, safety and wholeness.
I carry out my work with compassion, respect and openness. I am focused on being fully present with those I work with so I can provide a safe environment for you to find your voice, connect to your authentic self and feel empowered in your life. I will support you with tuning into your own internal resources to help heal yourself. I enjoy working collaboratively with clients so we can work together to address your individual needs at your individual pace. As a therapist I am committed to working on myself so that I can be present with you, provide a safe and non-judgmental environment and provide effective treatment ("You can't give what you don't have," Dr. Wayne Dyer).
My Education & Professional Experience
I obtained my M.A. degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I have been a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist since 2007. I use an integrative, client centered approach, focusing on the here-and-now experience. I approach treatment from a Poly Vagal Theory, Attachment Theory Trauma Informed and Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) lens. I incorporate Compassion Focused Therapy, EMDR, Somatic Psychotherapy, Gestalt Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Humanistic, Psychodynamic, , Cognitive Behavioral and Family Systems perspectives and interventions.
I have training in various therapeutic modalities and approaches including Interpersonal Neurobiology, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Gestalt therapy techniques, Internal Family Systems informed interventions, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play therapy (non-directive and directive), Family Therapy and attachment based Theraplay©. I use these various modalities to provide individualized treatment for your specific needs. Throughout the last 20+ years I have worked primarily with adults, children/youth of all ages and families affected by trauma (Domestic Violence, physical/sexual/emotional abuse, drug endangered environment), generational trauma, difficult family dynamics, attachment wounds, loss and other life stressors such as separation/divorce and difficult life transitions. Another area of specialization for me is working with women's issues, especially those who have experienced trauma in their lives, have body image issues, are going through transitions and/or have experienced infertility. Through my experience teaching peer counseling training and providing therapy to college students and adults ages 18-25 in the past, I found that I truly enjoy working with these adults at this transitional time in their lives.
Education
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Antioch University, Santa Barbara, CA
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara
License & Certifications
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. License # MFC43797
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Integrative Somatic Therapy Certification
Trauma Informed Care Trainer
Professional Activities and Memberships
Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Member of Central Coast CAMFT