Carla Kuklinsky, MFT - Santa Barbara, California

Julie Friedman

Carla was referred to me by a friend. I was hesitant at first because I had already tried two other therapists. Carla was a breath of fresh air! I really felt like I was finally being heard and understood. She actively listens and helps you come to an understanding of your own thoughts and feelings. She does this with the utmost patience, care and compassion. I could not sing her praises enough. I literally carry her business cards and encourage anyone to meet her just once. I know that mental health issues and going to therapy still carry a stigma but I’m proud and honored that she is my therapist.

BeaAnne Dato

Carla is the most amazing therapist! My spouse and I have seen her off and on over the years and Carla was pivotal in helping us navigate through some difficult times. She never makes either party feel bad, shows any bias or assigns any blame to either party. She’s really great at helping you see how you contributed to a situation without making you feel bad. We have recommended numerous friends and relatives to her and all have had a similar experience.

Zachary Schaefer

Back when my wife was my girlfriend, we didn’t communicate well and always blamed the other for everything. I still remember the initial phone call with Carla before I ever had a session with her—she felt comfortable like a trusted family member right out the gate. We saw Carla every week for 10 years. She became a part of our family. She guided us through the birth of our first child. I’ll never forget her catch phrases like “is that true?” And “ok, what’s the turnaround?”

Carla is a very talented therapist. She is constantly reading and learning new things from prominent psychologists like Marshall Rosenberg and Becky Kennedy. She takes all the best ideas and applies them during your session. Our sessions were always engaging, never never got stale—when her building had some construction issues, she secured another office. She showed up through tough sickness both her and her family. Even after we moved away we still keep in touch. She saved my relationship with my now wife (the girlfriend) of 25 years. She was in my wedding. I am so grateful for the time I spent with Carla, she taught me more about being a real man than anyone else in my life. Try her out—she will help you. REALLY help you. ?❤️

Julie LeBourveau

Carla is a compassionate listener. She creates an atmosphere of no judgment so that couples can problem solve and learn the skills it takes to stay in a good place. We've tackled many issues of blending a family, and we look forward to our time together.

Diana McClintock

I am so grateful for the support and guidance I received during my counseling sessions with Carla Kuklinsky. Her compassionate, professional, and attentive demeanor created a safe and welcoming environment that enabled me to open up and work through my challenges. Her insights were both positive and practical, providing me with clarity and understanding. I felt truly heard and respected throughout the process. I highly recommend her services to anyone seeking support and personal growth in their relationships.

Kara Twist Jones Scott

I’ve tried out different therapists over the years and Carla is by far the best I’ve worked with. She’s everything you look for in a wise counselor.

Carla provides flexible scheduling, she is attentive, supportive, challenging, compassionate, poses great questions for self reflection and offers unbiased guidance. I almost hesitate on posting a review because I don’t want my best kept secret to get out…but then again, how could I keep her all to myself when there are so many who could benefit from having Carla in their lives. ?

Natalie Millikan

Carla is an excellent therapist who I’ve been seeing for about 2 years now. She is patient, really listens, is approachable, and challenges you in all the ways that you’d hope from therapy. She is also generally flexible with scheduling, and quickly responsive if you need to get in on short notice.

Christy Gutierrez

My husband and I came to Carla at a pivotal point in an unevenly matched marriage. I tend toward being quiet and softspoken and my husband is gregarious and loud; as a result, he frequently had his needs met because they were known. Carla created a safe space for me to be heard (even if I didn’t always take advantage of it) which eventually allowed me to be able to communicate my needs (thoughts/feelings) without a mediator. My husband learned to be a better listener. Carla’s no-nonsense, straightforward approach was the kickstart that we so desperately needed to improve our communication. This core foundation has strengthened our marriage and allowed us to meet each other in our deficits and have the difficult conversations, as well as to enjoy all of the good times. I could not recommend her more!!