THERAPISTS in Carlsbad | California

Benoit Vincent LMFT

When an individual, a couple, or family members decide to share their life challenges, relational struggles, and suffering with a therapist, they seek to engage in a relationship to obtain some relief by making new meaning to their life experiences. During these interactions, we explore the workings of the minds both outside and inside the session and gain an experiential understanding of how we see ourselves and our patterns of relating to others, which opens new possibilities to experience life. My psychodynamic psychotherapy orientation is what informs me along this journey to self-understanding.

I have a License in Marriage and Family Therapy and a certificate of Associate in Psychoanalysis and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. I also trained in Core Skills of Emotionally Focused Therapy, an approach to working with couples to understand how partners can meet their needs better.

I have worked in a non-profit mental health organization in clinical and school-based (elementary and middle school) settings. I work with children, adolescents, couples, and families in person and via telehealth. My goal is to support your efforts to enhance the quality of your life by understanding what led you to experience painful states of mind and using solutions that reduce suffering instead of alleviating it. This therapeutic work contributes to personal development and transformation.

While studying bioengineering at UC San Diego, I realized my true passion lay elsewhere. This led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work at California State University San Marcos.

As a clinician, my mission is to work alongside you to build a life that feels meaningful and true to who you are. Together, we’ll explore new insights and develop tools to support your journey of healing and growth.

My experience spans working with youth, teens, adults, and couples facing challenges related to self-esteem, sexual health, relationships, immigration, life transitions, trauma, loss, anxiety, and depression. Whether you're adjusting to a new identity as a parent or struggling with the physical effects of chronic stress, I am here to help.

I bring a calm and curious presence to our sessions, aiming to create a collaborative therapeutic environment. I approach challenges holistically, acknowledging the deep connections between mind, body, and spirit, as well as the impact of relationships and environments on well-being. My therapeutic style is integrative, drawing from modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and mindfulness-based therapies.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy camping, surfing, and spending quality time with my loved ones. Growing up bilingual in English and German has also allowed me to explore different cultures through frequent travel. I believe that maintaining balance is essential to overall well-being, a philosophy I integrate into my work with clients.

Born and raised in Japan, I have had mindfulness woven into my daily life—ironically, without my conscious awareness. It wasn’t until I trained as a marriage and family therapist that I truly appreciated its impact. Peace through mindfulness isn’t something we wait to feel or expect to last forever—it comes from practicing it each day.

I work with children, adults, couples, and families, providing a culturally sensitive, holistic, and personalized approach. I believe that the stories we tell ourselves shape our reality, and our daily actions define who we become, and I strive to help you take good care of yourself.

I am a certified child-centered play therapist specializing in a client-centered approach grounded in attachment theory. Play is a child’s natural language, engaging their senses and helping them express emotions, build relationships, and develop essential skills in a safe, supportive environment. I also support caregivers, recognizing how their own childhood experiences shape their parenting. My goal is to guide and empower families every step of the way.

My primary approach to couples therapy is rooted in the Gottman method couples therapy. It offers highly effective, scientifically validated interventions to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and rebuild trust. This approach is not only transformative for romantic partnerships but also enhances relationships with family and friends by fostering deeper connection, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution skills to create lasting, meaningful change.

For individual adult clients, I take a solution-focused and narrative therapy approach, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I aim to empower you by helping you gain control over your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors so you can live a life that aligns with the person you want to be.

*I am fluent in both English and Japanese. (日本語でもご相談いただけます。秘密厳守。)

I am a certified energy practitioner. I offer spiritual and energy healing as I direct an energetically stimulated response to establish balance in your energy body. My emphasis is healing of the body, mind and spirit through connection of the heart. I offer each client a unique experience relating to present/past/potential future experiences and offer spiritual guidance through uncertain life circumstances. 

My passion for healing through intuitive guidance began at an early age. Although, it took decades for me to embrace and accept as my life purpose, outside of being a mother. I yearn to guide others to the awareness of energy, and the power to shine bright & create miracles in their own lives. This does not happen overnight. It is a journey of self, self love and self acceptance. It is there where we find the courage to heal. Let’s release and renew what no longer serves you, is weighing you down and keeping you in the “overthinking”, “stuck” or “ “frozen/flat” state of being. 

This is a wonderful practice to incorporate with whatever traditional and new therapies you have embraced.  I care deeply about healing on all levels, awakening people to their inner wisdom, growing or planting the seed for spiritual connection, and soaring beyond your wildest dreams. I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your journey, no matter what that might be.