​Client comments:

"I feel fortunate to have a therapist that I feel is really my advocate."


" I was lucky to be referred to Rachel. She was the exact therapeutic professional I needed at the time. My experience has changed me dramatically. And for this, I will be eternally grateful."


​What methods does she use?


​Rachel is a supportive, actively involved therapist who will help you in the way that best suits your individual needs. This is not a cookie cutter approach but is unique to each individual. She has a wide array of skills at her disposal from over forty years of training as a therapist. Among her many qualifications are: 

*  Gestalt therapist 
*  Family systems therapist trained by Virginia Satir 
*  Hypnotherapist 
*  Certified EMDR therapist 

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural ability of the mind that can be easily learned by virtually anyone with willingness and imagination. It helps you to become deeply relaxed at will. In fact, just being in a hypnotic state is healthy for your mind, your emotions and your body. It also allows you to work with the autonomic nervous system which is not normally available to input on a voluntary basis. And, of equal importance, it allows you access to the unconscious mind, the storehouse of memories, deeply held beliefs about ourselves and others, fears and phobias, addictions and trauma.  


Dr. Rachel Aarons can train you in self-hypnosis so that you develop the skills to work on your own. She can also guide you through the hypnosis experience as a vehicle for doing therapy on the deepest level of your mind. Hypnosis has many applications, not the least of which are pain control, reprogramming negative thoughts and behavior patterns, changing your self-image, and allowing you to take control of your life. 

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What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was originated in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro as a treatment for victims of trauma. It has been used successfully as a methodology for working with many different areas in which people are stuck and change is needed, especially where other methods may not have proved useful.  Extensive research studies indicate that EMDR is highly effective and that the results are long lasting. It is one of the fastest processing methods available today and you can tell if it is working right away. If you don't want to spend a long time in therapy and you are ready to make changes in your life right now, this may be the methodology for you. It's nothing short of amazing.


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Let experience and training work for you.

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Services Provided

For over forty years, Dr. Rachel Aarons has been providing therapy to individuals, couples and families in agency settings as well as in private practice. She has been trained in a wide variety of different approaches and has offered numerous workshops and seminars on different topics relevant to therapy.
​Dr. Aarons has taught at several colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and she is the author of three books. Currently, she is in private practice in Santa Barbara, California. 

How might you benefit?

*Increased efficacy in both your personal and professional life; 
* More intimate and satisfying relationships; 
* A new sense of clarity and freedom; 
* A deeper appreciation of your unique strengths and talents; 
* A clearer sense of purpose; 
* More satisfaction in your career; 
* Better sleep at night; 
* A renewed zest for life; 

​* An overall feeling of peace and contentment.

Santa Barbara Therapist and Author

Dr. Rachel B. Aarons LCSW

Dr. Rachel B. Aarons LCSW