Meet the Team
iNDIVIDUAL THERAPY, GROUP THERAPY, CLINICAL SUPERVISON, CONSULTATION, EMDR
Claire Blakey, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Owner + Clinical Director
claire@thrivetherapysb.com | Schedule a complimentary consultation
Welcome! I am Claire Blakey, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Owner + Clinical Director.
I founded Thrive Therapy because I believe that every individual has the ability to thrive through the challenges of life and I believe therapy can be an incredible vessel to cultivate this change.
Thrive holds a special place in my heart, because to thrive means to grow through the hard things you go through, and paired with therapy, I can’t imagine a better word to describe the grit, tenacity and courage it takes to look inward and courageously lean into healing.
My style is warm, approachable, like having a cup of coffee with a good friend, except they are a licensed therapist and have the qualifications and skills to support in diagnosing, treating and facilitating healing and growth in your journey. I incorporate flavors of: cognitive behavioral therapy, strength based therapy, person centered therapy and trauma informed care.
Areas of focus Claire often support clients navigating:
Perinatal mental health (all things pregnancy + postpartum, assessing and treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, processing challenging or traumatic births, navigating matrescense and the transitions that come in newfound parenthood)
Religious trauma and deconstruction processing
Estranged family dynamics, inner child work, unlearning and unraveling how your childhood has impacted your attachment style, better understanding your coping mechanisms and how you form attachment as an adult, in relationship, in breakups, in friendship and parenthood
Boundaries and communication, strengthening your identity and synthesizing your lived experiences as you propel yourself towards healing + a way forward
Eating disorders and body image
Specifically the in-between (maybe you’ve never been diagnosed with an eating disorder, but you recognize you have a complicated relationship with your body and food and want to find healing)
Grief (whether the loss of a dear human in your life, the loss of a friendship, the ending of a season of life, or the pain of betrayal, divorce, heartbreak or other life transitions)
Trauma
EMDR for perinatal trauma or other challenging lived experiences
Anxiety
Depression
Education + Clinical Licenses:
Registered Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, treating clients throughout the State of California.
Clinical Supervisor in compliance with the Board of Behavioral Sciences, supervising associates (AMFT, ACSW, APCC) towards licensure in the State of California.
Masters of Clinical Psychology, Antioch University, Santa Barbara, Concentration in Healthy Aging
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology + Communication, California State University Channel Islands
Advanced Trainings:
Perinatal EMDR Training, Institute of Create Mindfulness
Perinatal Mental Health Certified, Postpartum Support International
Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders, PSI
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy, PSI
Eating Disorders Components of Care Core Courses: International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals
Noteworthy achievements:
Nominated Santa Barbara County’s Therapist + Leader of the Year in 2023
Currently serves as Past-President of the Santa Barbara Chapter of Marriage and Family Therapists (2024-2025), Previously held the role of President (2021-2023), Vice President/President Elect (2019-2020), Director of Pre-Licensing (2017-2019)
Nominated Santa Barbara County’s Therapist + Leader of the Year in 2020
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Leadership Cohort (2018-2020)
Research done on Enneagram and DisC in leadership for therapists
Fun facts:
Claire has lived in five counties, is a dual citizen and the first female in her family to go to college and subsequently, graduate school and become a licensed therapist. Claire is a mom of two and is often found frequenting local coffee shops, making plans to travel + see the world, and carves out ample time to staycation in beautiful SB — soaking up lots of beach time and local trails with friends.
Areas of focus Becca often supports clients navigating:
Perinatal mental health (all things pregnancy + postpartum)
Pregnant and postpartum women
NICU parents
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety
Depression
EMDR
Education + Clinical Experience:
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #137337 by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, treating clients throughout the State of California, under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518.
Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Colorado College
Additional Trainings:
Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders, PSI
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy, PSI
EMDR Therapy Level 1 and Level 2 Training, The Institute of Creative Mindfulness
DBT Certification Training, PESI
Relational Life Therapy Level 1 Couples Therapy Training, RLT Institute
Fun facts:
In Becca’s free time she love spending time outdoors either hiking, running, or paddle boarding with her Australian shepherd, Kali. Becca also enjoy connecting with friends and family over strong coffee and pastries!
“My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique strengths and goals. I’ll support you with compassion while also challenging you to push past the discomfort of growth, with the goal of achieving greater connection, joy, and purpose. Through a combined approach of mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral, and psychodynamic frameworks, I’ll help you challenge lifelong patterns, address old wounds and traumas, and create a deeper and more compassionate sense of self. ”
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, NICU GROUPS, NICU PARENTING, EMDR, ANXIETY
Becca Gasperoni, MA, AMFT, PMH-C in process
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
becca@thrivetherapysb.com | Schedule a complimentary consultation
Hello, I’m Becca and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family therapist supporting individuals, couples, families, and adolescents both online and in-person at Thrive Therapy. As a mom to a baby girl who spent her first few weeks of life in the NICU, I know first hand that we are sometimes met with unexpected challenges in life. I’m passionate about supporting others on their journey, especially those who are navigating pregnancy and the postpartum period, and those who are hoping to learn tools to cope with anxiety, and heal from the impacts of trauma. Together, we will work to equip you with the tools you need to enjoy your life, work, and relationships, and to move through the world with a greater sense of purpose.
Prior to working at Thrive, I gained extensive clinical experience at a number of non-profit organizations in Santa Barbara, including Community Counseling and Education Center where I worked with families, couples, adults, and children. I also worked as a school-based therapist at CALM, where I supported families and children and focused on the treatment of complex trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. In addition to my training in Perinatal Mental Health, I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), two evidence based approaches to the treatment of trauma.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #132958 under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518
Areas of focus Annie often treats:
Pregnant and postpartum women
New parents (individual and couples)
Parents of young children
Including parents struggling with children’s behavioral problems, and
Parents of children with special needs navigating the school system
Anxiety
Trauma
Education + Clinical Experience:
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #137377 by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, treating clients throughout the State of California, under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518.
California Institute of Integral Studies, Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Community Mental Health
Dartmouth College, Bachelor of Arts in Geography and English, minor in Education
Additional Trainings:
Perinatal Mental Health and Mood Disorders, PSI
Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy, PSI
EMDR Training Course: EMDR in Clinical Practice (Part 1 and Part 2), EMDR Consultants
Infant Parent Psychotherapy, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Perinatal Mental Health/Reproductive Justice Training, Intensive Practice-Based Training in Multicultural Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, one year traineeship, UCSF + Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
PCIT For Traumatized Children, 10 hour course, UC Davis Children's Hospital
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Introductory Web Course, UC Davis Children's Hospital
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), 2 Day Course, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Fun facts:
Annie enjoys spending time in the beautiful nature of Santa Barbara and can often be found frequenting local parks with her family or soaking up time at the beach. She has a cat named Bob and is fluent in both English and Spanish.
“My style is warm and focused on your strengths (you are the expert on your life and children!) and with a dose of humor (laughter can be medicine!). Using psychodynamic and relational frameworks, as well as Trauma-Focused CBT techniques, I will support you to connect dots, evaluate mindsets and beliefs, and create space for you to hear your own inner intuition and voice and gain clarity on whatever challenges you are currently facing.”
INDIVIDUAL THERAPY, GROUPS, FAMILIES, EARLY PARENTING, EMDR
Annie Dreese, MA, AMFT, PMH-C in process
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
annie@thrivetherapysb.com | Schedule a complimentary consultation
I'm Annie, and I am honored to be an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Thrive Therapy! I bring 10 years of experience working with families; prior to becoming a therapist, I worked in the education field as an early childhood and elementary school teacher, parent education coordinator and program director.
As a mom to a toddler and expecting a baby on the way, I know first-hand how tender, messy and transformational the pregnancy and postpartum period can be and how this identity shift and challenge only continue on as our children grow and change! It is a privilege to walk alongside you in your journey through these critical life phases. I believe that creating a trusting relationship is the foundation of effective therapy. I believe in meeting you wherever you are.
Prior to working with Thrive, I completed my clinical practicum at the UCSF Infant-Parent Program at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital where I supported pregnant and postpartum women and families with children ages 0-3. In addition to working with Thrive Therapy, I work for CALM as a Pediatric Mental Health Therapist. CALM’s mission is to prevent childhood trauma, heal children and families, and build resilient communities throughout Santa Barbara County.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #137377 under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518
Areas of focus Jill often treats:
Family stages and transitions
Stay at home mom’s transitioning back into the workforce
Empty nesting
Taking care of aging parents
Families with infants/children/siblings diagnosed with developmental disabilities
Identity issues, trouble fitting in
LGBTQ+
Multi-racial families
BIPOC
Perimenopause/Menopause
Older adults/seniors
Education + Clinical Experience:
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #140951 by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, treating clients throughout the State of California, under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518.
B.A. English Literature, California State University, Dominguez Hills
M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, California State University, Dominguez Hills
Implicit Bias Training, Department of Developmental Services
Fun facts:
Jill was an active PTA mom during the years her now adult children were in school. She loves cooking for family and friends and hosting gatherings - small and large. Jill is an avid roller skater using both inline skates and quads and even played indoor roller hockey for several years.
“I want to understand who you are, where you are, and how I can support your journey. With a warm and welcoming approach to connection and collaboration, we will explore why you are feeling stuck in this moment and what tools we can identify to help you Thrive. Life is full of challenges. It is the challenges that teach us about ourselves and help us create meaning and personal growth.”
INDIVIDUAL VIRTUAL THERAPY, MEDICAL CHALLENGES and NAVIGATING NEW DIAGNOSIS, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, EMPTY NESTERS, PERIMENOPAUSE,, BI-RACIAL FAMILIES, AND LGBTQIA+
Jill Rubinelli, MA, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
jill@thrivetherapysb.com | Schedule a complimentary consultation
Hi. I’m Jill and am so happy to be a part of Thrive Therapy. With over 20 years of experience working with diverse populations, I warmly welcome clients, couples, and families of all ages, cultural backgrounds, developmental stages, and gender/sexual orientations. Employing a person-centered, humanistic approach to therapy, I will help you explore the many influences that contribute to your current struggle and guide you with new tools to help navigate your way out.
Building off of the prenatal and perinatal focus of Thrive, I help clients focusing on other stages of the parenting spectrum. Whether you have school aged children, adolescents and teens, or are transitioning to empty nesting, I can help you navigate the challenges life throws your way.
In a telehealth setting, I use a combination of therapies, primarily focusing on communication and connection. How can we effectively communicate our needs in a compassionate way that opens pathways instead of closing them.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #140951 under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518
Areas of focus Amanda often treats:
Life Transitions (starting a family, entering the workforce or changing careers, starting or ending a relationship, moving to a new area, etc.)
Mental health and healthcare professionals experiencing compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma
Body image and self-compassion
Traumatic experiences
Anxiety
Depression
Education + Clinical Experience:
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #134383 by the Board of Behavioral Sciences, treating clients throughout the State of California, under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518.
B.A. Psychology, Pepperdine University, minor in Faith and Vocation
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University
Additional Trainings:
Seeking Safety, Introductory Course, Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
Fun facts:
Amanda takes advantage of every chance to go outside and breathe in the fresh air. She loves going on adventures with her two Australian Shepherds, Jackie and Joey, in the hills near her home and camping with her family. Amanda loves getting creative, whether it’s decorating sugar cookies, crocheting a cozy blanket, or sprucing up her home with beautiful houseplants.
“I aim to create a warm, compassionate, and supportive environment in our sessions. I will bring my authentic self and will work alongside you to help gain a better understanding of how your past experiences may be influencing your present-day relationships, emotions, and sense of self. I combine various therapeutic techniques, including trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and solution-focused therapy, to support you on your journey. I understand that my background in mental health may provide some insights, but I want to emphasize that I am not claiming to be an expert on your life. My approach is to work together with you, empowering you to achieve your goals using the resources and skills you already possess.”
VIRTUAL THERAPY, LIFE TRANSITIONS, BODY IMAGE, TRAUMA, ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Amanda Sharp, MA, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
amanda@thrivetherapysb.com | Schedule a complimentary consultation
Hey there, I’m Amanda, an Associate Marriage and Family therapist at Thrive Therapy treating clients virtually throughout the state of California. I am passionate about supporting young adults, college students and families and helping them overcome any obstacles they are navigating with compassion and curiosity. Life can throw us unexpected curveballs, and it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Know that I am here to empower you to thrive through whatever you are navigating, whether logging in from your car on your lunch break, connecting in your dorm room between study sessions, or from the comfort of your own home after a long day at work. I will offer a safe and supportive space for you to better understand who you are and equip you with supportive tools to thrive despite adversity.
Before joining Thrive, I gained ample clinical experience in various positions. During my clinical practicum, I had the opportunity to work with single mothers facing homelessness and healing from trauma and navigating difficult life transitions. I have a strong dedication to empowering clients with empathy, therapeutic support, and highlighting their resilience despite adversity.
As an associate therapist, I provided support to families and children who were dealing with family disruptions, life transitions, complex trauma, body image challenges, depression, and anxiety at a mental health clinic operated by the county. In addition to my work with Thrive, I also serve as a Clinical Training Coordinator at Pepperdine University, where I assist graduate students in navigating their clinical practicum journey.
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #134383 under the clinical supervision of Claire Blakey, LMFT #119518