Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

People I work with often are starting out in therapy or interested in moving towards trauma work. If you're interested in learning how to slow it down, use mindfulness, or feel more connected to your body, I utilize narrative and somatic techniques to help people reclaim their peace, energy, and rest. As an Asian-Mexican-American psychotherapist, I enjoy helping people learn more about connecting to ancestry, spirituality, community healing and peer support resources that remind us we are all connected. When I'm not doing therapy I love going to the beach, writing, camping/hiking/backpacking, and traveling.

Life brings challenges that leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and maybe even a little stressed. We all can use some support and guidance during these rough patches in our life. I get that. In my practice I offer another way of looking at these obstacles, while rediscover your strengths and welcome your vulnerabilities. My approach to healing is warm, and compassionate. I utilize holistic, humanistic and mindfulness approaches. Using modalities like EMDR, I can help clients heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, and navigate life’s transitions. As a therapist I offer practical tools to reduce stress and build positive coping skills while building self-esteem, so you can face life challenges. You can learn more about me at https://womanhoodcounseling.com

Do you ever feel like you are at war with your body? Perhaps you are feeling stuck in the aftermath of trauma. Or maybe you are struggling with eating disorder recovery, unsure that things will ever get better. Navigating these types of issues is HARD, and it is even harder when you feel like you are in it alone. I specialize in helping individuals manage overwhelm and reclaim a sense of security within their own bodies. Whether you're struggling with disordered eating, trauma, anxiety, or a particularly chaotic time in life, therapy can help you make sense of it all. My approach to therapy is direct, empathetic, and client-centered. I empower my clients to move towards lasting changes at their own pace. I have almost a decade of experience in the mental health field as well as training in Somatic Experiencing. Therapy with me is tailored to each client's unique needs, ensuring you receive the best possible care. Therapy can feel like a big step, but I’m here to do it with you. If you are ready to move toward a more fulfilling life with a therapist who genuinely cares, I'd love to help you get there. Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a free consultation. You deserve to feel better, and I am here to support you on your journey.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

College life can be tough whether it's your class schedule, balancing your time as a student athlete, making new friends, or dealing with unexpected obstacles or traumas. I offer a strength-based, empathic, and collaborative approach when working with clients. This includes providing EMDR Therapy as well as utilizing other trauma informed approaches, such as DBT and Trauma Focused-CBT. These tools can help you cope with depression, anxiety, stress, life challenges, and changes. I strive to build a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to heal, develop healthy coping skills, feel empowered, and grow. I look forward to working with you!

My therapeutic approach deals with stories, and I am interested in including modern ways of storytelling into the work we do through digital media, technology, and even video games. I believe that stories are created through a variety of mediums that include art, play, and experience. I encourage the people I work with to explore all of the ways they have to come to know the world around them to make our time together even more fun, engaging, and relevant to you. In my practice, my goal is to collaborate with my clients in better understanding how they’ve storied their lives, challenging dominant narratives and systems of oppression, and exploring more preferred ways of being. The theories that inform my work include: narrative therapy, collaborative therapy, solution-focused therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based therapy. Someone who might be interested in working with me is open and willing to explore the different ways that therapy can "be"! I invite collaboration and exploration in the work we do together, so feel free to bring the passions that drive you along with the obstacles you are facing into the room. Music, art, games, movies, even the people in your life are all resources to bring to therapy that can help to better understand the person you want to be and the story you want to tell. My experience as a queer, 1st generation Filipino-American is what inspires me to support others in their identity development. Navigating the endless messages and oppressive narratives that make up the modern, cultural milieu can be overwhelming and limiting. My hope is to create a non-judgmental space where the people I work with can challenge these dominant social narratives that attempt to tell them who they are or who they should be and begin crafting their own unique, preferred sense of self. I believe in challenging the notion that therapy is apolitical. I believe that the work that we do in attempt to better ourselves as individuals undoubtedly impacts and is impacted by those arounds us whether it's friends, loved ones, neighbors, or strangers across the globe. This is why I use social justice framework in my practice as I hope to promote total wellbeing not just for the client but for the larger communities and systems we are a part of.

With more than thirty-two years of therapy experience, I provide an environment of trust and competency. In addition to my counseling practice, I've taught anger management/domestic violence groups for twelve years. These principles are used with individuals and couples as well. I've also taught online graduate classes for nine years. I do mentoring as well as life coaching, assisting clients with life-direction, healthy choices, and personal accountability. I work best with clients who are seeking to improve their life and are committed to positive change.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice with expertise in treating a broad range of emotional and behavioral problems via individual, couples, family and group psychotherapy. My treatment approach is integrative, most heavily influenced by evidence-based, cognitive behavioral and humanistic-existential theories. I address unique cultural experiences and various psychological systems that may be contributing to your presenting concerns. My style is empathic and non-judgmental and I tailor treatment to meet each individual's unique needs. Most importantly, I am passionate about working collaboratively with patients, to help you optimize your emotional, mental, and physical health. My research, clinical interests, and areas of expertise include: Behavioral Medicine/ Women’s Health/ Chronic Medical Conditions, Impacts of Racism/ Navigating Multiculturalism from an Intersectional lens, Perinatal Mood Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress and Trauma Recovery, Victims of Destructive Mind Control (Former Cult Members), Grief/ Loss, Couples & Family Therapy, Relationship/ Interpersonal Difficulties, Depression, Anxiety, and Combat Veterans and Active Duty Military. For treatment to be effective, a strong therapeutic relationship is essential. I am dedicated to ensuring we are a good fit, and offer a brief, complimentary phone consultation. Your sense of safety and comfort are my top priorities. If after meeting, we determine I am not the best fit for your needs, I will provide other referrals. I am bilingual and available to treat patients speaking English or Spanish. ​In light of COVID-19: I have immediate openings for tele-therapy (video or phone sessions) and would be honored to support you during this time of uncertainty.

Hello and welcome to Bellator Psychological. We created the trauma clinic that the San Diego Police and Fire departments use for their intensive PTSD care. We are expert providers of trauma care and other mental health issues that can interfere with success and daily functioning. If you’re looking for quality Private Counseling sessions with providers who care, then you’ve come to the right place. We guide our patients every step of the way and implement methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. Clearing away obstacles and dysfunction can occur faster than expected and allow us to engage life with a clear mind, a healthy view, and joy. We specialize in treating trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, moral injury, crisis, codependency, substance abuse, and family/relational. We are trained in the evidence-based trauma therapies highly recommended by the American Psychological Association for treating PTSD, including CPT, PE, and EMDR. Whether you are looking for intensive treatment or personal growth, most clients discover their ability to reach far beyond the basic skills necessary to achieve their initial goals. There can be a lot of joy in understanding ourselves and growing into the person that we can be proud of. The journey is judgement free and at any pace that we need to take it.

Personal wellness is an ever evolving journey in the human process. The journey begins with a choice to acknowledge an issue, stressor, or area of desired growth to create a different outcome. Whether facing a new challenge, or struggling with a long standing issue, seeking professional support can be the choice that helps empower and create meaningful change. It is a privilege to serve my clients and to help them on their journeys toward meaning and personal fulfillment. It is my goal to help my clients be their best selves, even in the midst of fluctuating circumstances. My clients describe me as easy to talk to & one who challenges them, balancing listening & feedback during sessions. I do my best to tailor treatment to fit individual needs. My clients leave sessions with tools to apply between appointments. I believe growth requires work both in & out of the session. I have more than 20 years combined experience in medical and acute behavioral social work, crisis intervention, counseling, and higher education.

I’ve always believed in the transformative power of connection. In this field, we have the privilege of working closely with individuals to support them though their struggles. Being able to offer a non-judgmental, compassionate space where someone feels heard and understood is something that inspires me every day. My goal is to establish a compassionate and empowering environment for every individual I have the privilege to work with. The core of my practice is grounded in ensuring a secure and empathetic space for the healing journey. If you’re seeking guidance and support to navigate your current challenges and enhance your overall well-being, I’m here to collaborate with you and provide guidance throughout this process. Building trust starts with creating a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. I prioritize listening actively and attentively, ensuring that clients feel genuinely heard and understood without fear of judgment. Equally important is respecting their autonomy throughout the process. Together, we work to identify goals and strategies that align with their values and needs, fostering a sense of shared ownership in the therapeutic process. By creating a collaborative and transparent relationship, I help clients feel more secure and confident in their journey toward healing.

You’ve Come to the Right Place: Our clinicians are licensed psychologists, post-doctorate fellows, pre-doctoral interns, and/or doctoral- or masters-level clinicians. All of our unlicensed clinicians are supervised by one or more licensed clinical psychologist on staff. Services may be available in other languages. THERAPY Individual, family, and group therapy is available. While we specialize in providing trauma-focused therapeutic services, we also cover a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and self-growth. We offer low-cost options so that our services are accessible to all and all of our treatment services are provided on a sliding scale based on income. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS Neuropsychological and comprehensive psychological testing and educational assessments are available. We also offer a wide range of forensic evaluations listed under our Forensic Services. WHY CHOOSE US? All clinicians at IVAT are trained in various trauma-focused and evidenced-based treatments with specific specialty areas in child abuse and maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. Because IVAT is a resource and training center, our clinicians have access to and participate in the latest mental health research. IVAT’s clinicians participate in continuous training in order to enhance their clinical skills and keep current on emerging mental health issues. We believe that everyone has a right to get help, regardless of financial situation. That’s why we offer an income-based sliding scale for mental health services. “We repeat what we don’t repair.” — Christine Langley-Obaugh

I know the bravery it takes to ask for help and you deserve the support you are seeking. In my experience, working in many different counseling contexts, I have come to believe in the healing of a safe space with unconditional listening. I have walked clients through crisis, transitions, grief, relational strain, identity questions, major anxieties, depression, everyday stressors and growing pains. I have developed, taught and led programs and counseling services for youth and families within school districts, the church and the foster/probation system. My educational background is in psychology and faith integration, which supports my approach in helping deconstruct beliefs and/or incorporating truths and traditions into practice. It is my goal to walk alongside you and equip you with awareness and skills to manage as you move forward. I am Level II trained in Restoration Therapy and also teach psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University. I am a southern California native who loves calling San Diego my home. I enjoy the beach, a classic comedy TV show, and all things chocolate! I believe therapy is most effective with the right fit, so feel free to contact me to see if I can help in any way.

I specialize in working at the intersection of queerness, neurodivergence, and trauma. I am passionate about working with those who belong to the LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent communities, parents, military/veterans, and those with complex trauma. I lead a queer- and neuro-affirming practice. Many of my clients are trans/non-binary, Autistic, ADHDers, and trauma survivors. I currently see adults, adolescents aged 13 and older, and families and partners, including those in polyamorous/CNM relationships. I know you are the expert on yourself; my role is to hold space, offer tools, and be a guide for your healing journey. I use a combination of evidence-based trauma therapies, yoga/mindfulness, and an understanding of your body's response to trauma. I strive to be aware of the impact of systemic oppression and marginalization on holistic health. I use authenticity, creativity, compassion, and humor to create a space where you can feel connection and validation. My goal is to help you feel comfortable getting a little uncomfortable, in order to move into an experience of healing. I am committed to creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for our relationship, where you can engage in self-inquiry and healing in mind and body. I'm always engaging in continued learning so that I can provide the most informed and updated support for you. I look forward to hearing from you and working together!

I help teens and adults who struggle to connect or communicate with their parents, friends or partners. They might spend too much time on social media, struggle to feel good about themselves, have low self-esteem, have a hard time with setting boundaries, or struggle to put their needs before others. They might date people they wish they didn’t, but don’t know how to end things, or stop patterns of behavior. They may struggle with managing school life, work life, home life or social life. I enjoy working with these clients and helping them find ways to have a better and more balanced life. I can help you by making you feel comfortable and safe in my office to tell me anything that weighs on you, or keeps you up at night. I will provide you a judgement-free space where you can talk, yell, swear, laugh or cry through the many emotions, and ups and downs that get thrown at you in life. I can also hype you up and hold you accountable. Quit second guessing yourself that you "don't really need therapy", or that things really "aren't that bad." You don't need to justify needing additional support right now. Sometimes simply talking to someone once a week is all we need to feel better, and you deserve to feel better. You deserve to feel heard, understood and validated.

At Affirming Therapy Center, we support and encourage your desire for growth in a completely non-judgmental way, in a space that acknowledges your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcomed and celebrated here. Helping you in understanding, accepting, and embracing your own beliefs, identities, and lifestyles is cornerstone in providing the support and encouragement you need to grow, to bring clarity to your choices, and to enhance your life and relationships. We focus on making you feel safe to explore your feelings and to express yourself. We proudly serve communities of Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity! The therapists at ATC are dedicated to enthusiastically affirming all GSRD identities including, but not limited to, LGBT, Queer, Heterosexual, Kink / BDSM, Fetish, ABDL and Ageplay, Sex Work, Adult Industry, Monogamy, Non-Monogamy, Swinging / Lifestyle, Polyamory, and a Variety of Relationship Dynamics and Family Configurations. Each member of the ATC clinical team is a professionally-trained Psychotherapist, qualified to address topics such as identity, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, sex and sexual health, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth. And each of our clinicians have unique areas of expertise, including advanced specialized training in the areas of Sex Therapy, Gender Affirming Therapy, Eating Disorders, EMDR (for trauma), and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. As with everything in life, there are ups and downs, and sometimes you need someone to talk to. Maybe you have inner conflict, questions about how and where you fit in to our kooky world. Perhaps you have wounds that aren’t healing or stories you need to tell. Or perhaps you just want to talk to someone about life and love, talk to someone who understands the challenges you sometimes face, without having to hide any facet of yourself or your life. There is only one “you”, and we at Affirming Therapy Center are here to help you excel at living your best life and being your best “you”. Our therapists are trained to listen, understand, and help guide you on your unique journey. Please visit our Meet the Team page to see each of our amazing therapists’ bios and areas of specialization. https://www.affirmingtherapycenter.com/meet-the-team/ Contact us now to get started: Send an e-mail to Team@AffirmingTherapyCenter.com with a brief description of what’s going on for you and your availability for appointments. One of our friendly therapists will respond to you (in 1–2 business days) to schedule an initial session or a free 10–15 minute phone consultation.

As an observer of human behavior and relationship, I see the sticky interconnectedness of self, other, and systems that often imprisons us in behaviors, thoughts, and reactions that can feel unchangeable. I believe people often do the best they can to face the challenges of life, yet in doing so, some of what we discover works at first, fails us long-term. And it’s here that we often feel trapped—between doing what we know to do and knowing what we’re doing is no longer working. That’s where I come in. I’m here to help you find freedom in areas that seem unchangeable, freedom in living into your best self, and freedom in healthy relationship. It’s a journey, but a worthy one, and one that you don’t need to travel alone.

Sometimes life throws us a curve-ball that we just didn't expect. Whatever the curve-ball is, either large or small, it is common to cause anxiety, even if it is something exciting. If your curve-ball is something that isn't so exciting, maybe you feel traumatized. This can happen for any situation that causes disruption to your daily routine, your thinking and ultimately your ability to function at your full potential. Whatever your anxiety or trauma is about, we can help! We are a team of therapists that work extensively with anxiety provoking issues. These could be about relationships, life events, or any negative experience that is holding you back. If you are struggling with moving past a traumatic incident, or finding it difficult to overcome anxiety of any sort, please contact us. We will have one of our experienced therapists contact you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

Our agency strives to empower students on their quest to achieve balance between their academic studies and personal lives. Our strength based approach enables our clients to develop strategies that are healthy and serve as the foundation for effective life long coping skills. Our expertise in learning disabilities, autism, ADHD and educationally related anxiety, depression, and ethnically diverse learners supports our efforts to individualize treatment and assessment plans to meet the unique needs of our clients. We look forward to partnering with you on your educational journey!

Our society teaches us to value independence, confidence and productivity – sometimes to the detriment of personal relationships and our own sense of self-worth. Almost daily we are bombarded with narrowly defined gender roles, and ‘rules’ around how we should look, act, think and feel. I enjoy collaborating with clients to reconsider the boundaries of their lives, how they create meaningful relationships, and in doing so, identify their preferred ways of engaging with the world around them. My therapy approach is client-centered, compassionate, honoring of your values and lived experiences, and focused on the changes you would like to make in your life. I draw from Narrative Therapy practices and Solution-Focused principles to support you in re-writing your personal story and overcoming the challenges that keep you feeling stuck. I also recognize that many of the hardships that clients face are the result of systemic racism, injustice and inequity. These can manifest in a host of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression and intimate partner violence, to name a few. Additionally, I supervise Associate MFTs working to obtain their clinical license. They provide tele-therapy appointments at a reduced fee. See more details on my web site.