Blog - Nancy Belknap - Licensed Therapist | Addiction & Family Counseling in Santa Barbara

Understanding Different Therapy Approaches: Finding the Right Fit for Your Healing

lukej June 3, 2026 No Comments

By Nancy Belknap, Clinical Counselor Beginning therapy can bring up many questions, and one of the most common is: What kind of therapy is right for me? There is no…

Alcohol Use and Abuse: What New Medical Research Is Telling Us

lukej March 10, 2026 No Comments

Alcohol is woven into social rituals, celebrations, and even moments of stress relief. A glass of wine at dinner, drinks with friends, a way to unwind after a long day.…

Navigating Holiday Emotions: Finding Grounding During a Tender Season

lukej December 10, 2025 No Comments

By Nancy Belknap, Clinical Counselor If you find yourself struggling during the holidays, you are not alone. In my therapy practice, this season often brings up tender conversations about grief,…

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): What to Expect

lukej October 14, 2025 No Comments

By Nancy Belknap, Clinical Counselor In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become part of daily life for so many of us. While some stress is natural, too much can leave…

Embracing Change: Navigating Life Transitions with Grace

lukej August 6, 2025 No Comments

Change can feel unsettling, even when chosen. Whether it’s a new career path, retirement, the end of a relationship, or an unexpected life shift, transitions often stir up a range…

The Intersection of Trauma and Addiction: Understanding the Deeper Story

lukej June 5, 2025 No Comments

When we think about addiction, it’s easy to focus on the visible behavior – the substances, the relapses, the struggle to stop. But beneath that surface is often something deeper,…

Navigating Relapse: Tools for Resilience and Self-Compassion

lukej May 7, 2025 No Comments

If you’ve experienced a relapse, or are afraid one might happen, you are not alone. Relapse is often part of the healing journey, not the end of it. Whether you’re…

Fentanyl Addiction: Understanding the Rise and the Journey to Healing

lukej April 21, 2025 No Comments

If you or someone you love is struggling with fentanyl use, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. As a mental health specialist, I meet people who are doing their best…

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