Laurel O’Connor, LMFT

I returned to graduate school and completed my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at the age of 50. My love for people and my passion for this work continues to grow. I am honored to work as a therapist and am truly grateful to my clients for allowing me to join them on their journey. I learn so much from them along the way. My life experience enriches my clinical training and helps me daily in my work and in connecting with people of all ages and backgrounds.

My Journey

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Santa Barbara in 1987 and my Masters in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in 2015, a mere 28 years later. 

I began my clinical training at the Community Counseling and Education Center (CCEC) where I saw clients of all ages and backgrounds.  I gained significant experience working with a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, low self esteem, bereavement, addiction, co-dependency, life transitions, parenting, interpersonal relationships, life purpose and spiritual inquiry. 

In addition to private practice I also worked for AHA!, a local non-profit organization committed to building social and emotional intelligence and providing support to teens. I was part of a team of therapists that provided EDMR and counseling services through their trauma clinic, and I offered individual therapy to teens involved in their after school programs.  I also assisted in development and coordinated programs training youth-oriented educators, facilitators and therapists in our evidenced-based AHA! Method.

I have been honored to be a volunteer for Hospice of Santa Barbara.

Before I became a therapist, I was a commercial real estate agent, organic farmer/landscape designer and event planner. I have been married for over thirty years and have two young adult children. Although I am a dog person I currently have a cat. I am a cancer survivor. Santa Barbara has been my home for 35 years and I love the outdoor adventures and natural beauty it offers, especially when shared with my family and friends.

Haley Fuller, MA, AMFT

Haley was born and raised in the mountains of Mission Canyon here in Santa Barbara. She received her undergraduate degree in horticulture from Cal Poly, SLO and, like Laurel, worked in landscape design for many years. Throughout the years, she has found that the manner in which we connect to ourselves and with one another is of utmost importance. She decided to focus all her efforts on learning more about how to improve these relationships. She transitioned into the world of therapy and graduated with a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara, CA in 2022.

Haley finds gratification and efficacy when working with adolescents, trauma and individuals seeking purpose. She is EMDR trained and fascinated by the brain and body. She believes acceptance, choice, flexibility and compassion are the key agents of change. She welcomes a wide range of life experiences and orientations.

Read more about Haley’s practice at haleyfuller.com.