Transgender Therapists in Carlsbad, CA
I am a queer therapist who works with couples and individuals looking to improve their quality of life, sense of wellbeing, and relationships with themselves and their loved ones. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout, working to build healthy relationships, accommodating neurodivergence, or navigating relational trauma, I can support you in developing self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques, improving communication and conflict resolution skills, building empathy and emotional intimacy, and challenging negative relationship patterns. I have extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ folks.
I am a queer therapist who works with couples and individuals looking to improve their quality of life, sense of wellbeing, and relationships with themselves and their loved ones. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, or burnout, working to build healthy relationships, accommodating neurodivergence, or navigating relational trauma, I can support you in developing self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques, improving communication and conflict resolution skills, building empathy and emotional intimacy, and challenging negative relationship patterns. I have extensive experience supporting LGBTQIA+ folks.
Couples Therapy - Atti Moricelli
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Carlsbad, CA 92008
The couples who find me are rarely struggling because they don't love one another. More often, they've become trapped in a relationship that no longer reflects who they want to be together. They may be successful in every other area of life yet feel defeated at home. I work with couples navigating parenthood, infertility, betrayal, emotional distance, recurring conflict, discernment, conscious uncoupling, and poly/ENM transitions. What unites them is the feeling of being trapped in a relationship pattern they no longer know how to change.
The couples who find me are rarely struggling because they don't love one another. More often, they've become trapped in a relationship that no longer reflects who they want to be together. They may be successful in every other area of life yet feel defeated at home. I work with couples navigating parenthood, infertility, betrayal, emotional distance, recurring conflict, discernment, conscious uncoupling, and poly/ENM transitions. What unites them is the feeling of being trapped in a relationship pattern they no longer know how to change.
My name is Annissa, my pronouns are she/they, and I am an AMFT with Diaspora Therapy Group. My work centers on affirmation, empowerment, and celebration of intersectionality. Many clients have come into therapy seeking someone who can resonate with the feeling of being forgotten, misunderstood, or told that they are both “too much” and “not enough”. In our work together, clients and I explore all aspects of their identity while navigating and acknowledging challenges faced through systemic issues. Together we can collaborate to foster a safer space to authentically work, talk, and feel without fear of judgment.
My name is Annissa, my pronouns are she/they, and I am an AMFT with Diaspora Therapy Group. My work centers on affirmation, empowerment, and celebration of intersectionality. Many clients have come into therapy seeking someone who can resonate with the feeling of being forgotten, misunderstood, or told that they are both “too much” and “not enough”. In our work together, clients and I explore all aspects of their identity while navigating and acknowledging challenges faced through systemic issues. Together we can collaborate to foster a safer space to authentically work, talk, and feel without fear of judgment.
Do you ever feel like "too much," or never quite enough in the relationships that matter most? Maybe you long to feel connected with your partner but keep landing in the same painful cycle: one reaching, the other pulling away. Maybe past trauma left you bracing for disconnection. When pain runs this deep, insight alone rarely shifts it. These patterns formed early, in the body and nervous system, before we had words. I work at that level, somatic and attachment-based, so change holds. I'm non-judgmental, intuitive, and not afraid of deep work or hard truths. Whatever you bring is welcome, all of it.
Do you ever feel like "too much," or never quite enough in the relationships that matter most? Maybe you long to feel connected with your partner but keep landing in the same painful cycle: one reaching, the other pulling away. Maybe past trauma left you bracing for disconnection. When pain runs this deep, insight alone rarely shifts it. These patterns formed early, in the body and nervous system, before we had words. I work at that level, somatic and attachment-based, so change holds. I'm non-judgmental, intuitive, and not afraid of deep work or hard truths. Whatever you bring is welcome, all of it.
Does your life look like it's working from the outside: you're the capable, accomplished, person people rely on...yet inside it feels like you're constantly behind, ready to fall apart, or you're unsure if you're ever doing "enough"? Slowing down feels uncomfortable, & setting boundaries feels risky, yet constantly being on the go is taking its toll.
Especially as women, societal pressures can feel so heavy. Any early childhood trauma may have taught you that love depended on keeping the peace or staying productive. Those patterns can shape how we respond in the present, but if you're here, you might be ready for a change.
Does your life look like it's working from the outside: you're the capable, accomplished, person people rely on...yet inside it feels like you're constantly behind, ready to fall apart, or you're unsure if you're ever doing "enough"? Slowing down feels uncomfortable, & setting boundaries feels risky, yet constantly being on the go is taking its toll.
Especially as women, societal pressures can feel so heavy. Any early childhood trauma may have taught you that love depended on keeping the peace or staying productive. Those patterns can shape how we respond in the present, but if you're here, you might be ready for a change.
I believe symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating with us. Learning to recognize our symptoms as messages to listen to, we start making sense of the chaos, and feel less out of control. I’m committed to helping you get that kind of relief and clarity, so that it becomes easier to explore the roots of what gets you stuck. The therapy I offer is experiential and relational, providing the context to name what needs to heal, process what's overwhelming, build psychological skills and confidence, grow in compassion, strengthen relationships, and find a path forward with greater freedom, meaning, and hope.
I believe symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating with us. Learning to recognize our symptoms as messages to listen to, we start making sense of the chaos, and feel less out of control. I’m committed to helping you get that kind of relief and clarity, so that it becomes easier to explore the roots of what gets you stuck. The therapy I offer is experiential and relational, providing the context to name what needs to heal, process what's overwhelming, build psychological skills and confidence, grow in compassion, strengthen relationships, and find a path forward with greater freedom, meaning, and hope.
I specialize in gender-affirming and multicultural therapy for marginalized communities.
My name is Dr. Kiley Dunne Lizama and I am the founder and a clinician at Diaspora Therapy Group. I work with clients who are BIPOC, QTPOC, or first-gen individuals navigating complex trauma, anxiety, or identity struggles. They may be an eldest daughter, a childhood sexual abuse survivor, or someone carrying intergenerational burdens. They seek therapy that acknowledges systemic oppression and values cultural identity. Their goal is to heal, set boundaries, and reclaim rest without guilt while developing self-advocacy and emotional resilience.
I specialize in gender-affirming and multicultural therapy for marginalized communities.
My name is Dr. Kiley Dunne Lizama and I am the founder and a clinician at Diaspora Therapy Group. I work with clients who are BIPOC, QTPOC, or first-gen individuals navigating complex trauma, anxiety, or identity struggles. They may be an eldest daughter, a childhood sexual abuse survivor, or someone carrying intergenerational burdens. They seek therapy that acknowledges systemic oppression and values cultural identity. Their goal is to heal, set boundaries, and reclaim rest without guilt while developing self-advocacy and emotional resilience.
Whether you are in mourning, facing difficulties of neurodivergence, struggling with a chronic illness, experiencing systemic issues as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or facing constant change as a military family member, it can be daunting to confront these challenges on your own. As a queer, NB, neurodivergent therapist with chronic illness and raised in a military family, I can empathize with the complex struggles you may be facing. I offer a supportive and collaborative environment to explore and address these diverse and unique aspects of your life.
Whether you are in mourning, facing difficulties of neurodivergence, struggling with a chronic illness, experiencing systemic issues as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or facing constant change as a military family member, it can be daunting to confront these challenges on your own. As a queer, NB, neurodivergent therapist with chronic illness and raised in a military family, I can empathize with the complex struggles you may be facing. I offer a supportive and collaborative environment to explore and address these diverse and unique aspects of your life.
Hi, I'm Lakshmi and I'm a bisexual, kinky, non-monogamous, cisgender South Indian immigrant woman. I'm an EMDR sex and trauma, couples and women's therapist, who also works from intuitive and somatic lenses. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I hope to support you on your journey by creating an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and curiosity. I work with individuals, couples/partnerships, and families of every ability, age, gender, national origin, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation. My practice is grounded in feminist, multicultural, anti-oppression, and anti-capitalist frameworks.
Hi, I'm Lakshmi and I'm a bisexual, kinky, non-monogamous, cisgender South Indian immigrant woman. I'm an EMDR sex and trauma, couples and women's therapist, who also works from intuitive and somatic lenses. As a member of the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities, I hope to support you on your journey by creating an atmosphere of warmth, safety, and curiosity. I work with individuals, couples/partnerships, and families of every ability, age, gender, national origin, race/ethnicity, religious affiliation, and sexual orientation. My practice is grounded in feminist, multicultural, anti-oppression, and anti-capitalist frameworks.
I’m a therapist in training who believes that therapy should be a space where you don’t have to perform, explain, or simplify who you are. I work relationally and collaboratively—holding space for the quiet, the messy, the questions that don’t have easy answers. I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to witness, to linger with what matters, and to walk alongside you as we explore what’s been lost, what still hurts, and what you long for. I hold deep trust in your knowledge of your own life.
I’m a therapist in training who believes that therapy should be a space where you don’t have to perform, explain, or simplify who you are. I work relationally and collaboratively—holding space for the quiet, the messy, the questions that don’t have easy answers. I’m not here to fix you. I’m here to witness, to linger with what matters, and to walk alongside you as we explore what’s been lost, what still hurts, and what you long for. I hold deep trust in your knowledge of your own life.
We all need help sometimes. Navigating life's challenges with a compassionate guide can make all of the difference. If you are feeling lost or directionless, stuck in limiting patterns or beliefs or are searching for something more, I am here to help. I'd feel honored to collaborate with you to cultivate positive habits, resilience, and loving relationships that align with your values. I thoroughly love what I do and I am ready to provide support and encouragement on your healing journey.
We all need help sometimes. Navigating life's challenges with a compassionate guide can make all of the difference. If you are feeling lost or directionless, stuck in limiting patterns or beliefs or are searching for something more, I am here to help. I'd feel honored to collaborate with you to cultivate positive habits, resilience, and loving relationships that align with your values. I thoroughly love what I do and I am ready to provide support and encouragement on your healing journey.
Telehealth in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Canada. You are warmly invited you to share in the amazing possibilities of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be instrumental in recovery from challenges of mind and heart including: depression, anxiety, trauma, finding purpose, life transitions, and many more. It can make heartbreak understandable, tolerable, and even growth-producing. It can provide the foundation for creating new healthier relationships based on respect, trust, compromise, and compassion. It can take an ordinary life and make it extraordinarily rich and purposeful.
Telehealth in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Canada. You are warmly invited you to share in the amazing possibilities of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be instrumental in recovery from challenges of mind and heart including: depression, anxiety, trauma, finding purpose, life transitions, and many more. It can make heartbreak understandable, tolerable, and even growth-producing. It can provide the foundation for creating new healthier relationships based on respect, trust, compromise, and compassion. It can take an ordinary life and make it extraordinarily rich and purposeful.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the brave individuals I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or relationships that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
You may understand your patterns and still feel stuck in them, especially in relationships. Many of the brave individuals I work with struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or relationships that leave them feeling disconnected or unsure of themselves. Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma. Often, one part understands what’s happening while another feels overwhelmed or reactive. They’re not looking for quick fixes, but for something that helps things truly shift toward a deeper sense of wholeness in mind, body, heart, and soul.
Hi, my name is Vanessa (she/they) I am an AMFT and Registered Art Therapist. I am of Zapotec heritage, raised on Tataviam lands, known today as the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Identities I hold are being queer, disabled, 1st gen, neurodiverse, and somewhere on the gender spectrum of being femme and beyond one gender. My commitment as an Anti-Imperialist/abolitionist therapist show up in the space in the ways I do not center tenants of white supremacy such as perfectionism, worship of written word, centrism/white comfort, and individualism. As a person of color, my lived experience has led me to center social justice in my work.
Hi, my name is Vanessa (she/they) I am an AMFT and Registered Art Therapist. I am of Zapotec heritage, raised on Tataviam lands, known today as the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Identities I hold are being queer, disabled, 1st gen, neurodiverse, and somewhere on the gender spectrum of being femme and beyond one gender. My commitment as an Anti-Imperialist/abolitionist therapist show up in the space in the ways I do not center tenants of white supremacy such as perfectionism, worship of written word, centrism/white comfort, and individualism. As a person of color, my lived experience has led me to center social justice in my work.
I prefer to work with adults and couples who are invested in learning more about themselves and their relationships as a means to address the problems they currently experience. I view problems as opportunities for growth and see my role as helping you draw on your personal resources to become the person you wish to be. I have worked with all age groups and a wide range of problems in clinical, university, and private practice settings. Professional activities include teaching and supervising psychology graduate students and professional therapists, writing, editing, conducting workshops and presentations, and serving my profession.
I prefer to work with adults and couples who are invested in learning more about themselves and their relationships as a means to address the problems they currently experience. I view problems as opportunities for growth and see my role as helping you draw on your personal resources to become the person you wish to be. I have worked with all age groups and a wide range of problems in clinical, university, and private practice settings. Professional activities include teaching and supervising psychology graduate students and professional therapists, writing, editing, conducting workshops and presentations, and serving my profession.
Hi there, I'm Kathleen! I believe therapy is a place where you don't have to figure things out alone. Together we can explore what feels overwhelming - whether that's trauma, attention issues, relationship challenges, major life transitions, or the stress of daily life. I am here to collaborate with you through this journey. My approach combines listening carefully to your individual needs and applying skills and strategies that fit your needs. I use a blend of evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help individuals manage challenges, and I draw on the Gottman Method when working with couples.
Hi there, I'm Kathleen! I believe therapy is a place where you don't have to figure things out alone. Together we can explore what feels overwhelming - whether that's trauma, attention issues, relationship challenges, major life transitions, or the stress of daily life. I am here to collaborate with you through this journey. My approach combines listening carefully to your individual needs and applying skills and strategies that fit your needs. I use a blend of evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help individuals manage challenges, and I draw on the Gottman Method when working with couples.
Are you looking for single session therapy, brief therapy, or a long-term therapist? I'm flexible in my approach and understand that long-term therapy isn't of interest for everyone.
My specialties include addictions/substance abuse, trauma, anxieties, infertility, depression and relationship difficulties with adults and adolescents (13yrs+). I also have extensive experience working with the LGBTQI+ community and those questioning their gender. Please visit my website to learn more about me! If you yourself are a therapist looking to talk to someone, I'd love to chat...we need support just like everyone else :)
Are you looking for single session therapy, brief therapy, or a long-term therapist? I'm flexible in my approach and understand that long-term therapy isn't of interest for everyone.
My specialties include addictions/substance abuse, trauma, anxieties, infertility, depression and relationship difficulties with adults and adolescents (13yrs+). I also have extensive experience working with the LGBTQI+ community and those questioning their gender. Please visit my website to learn more about me! If you yourself are a therapist looking to talk to someone, I'd love to chat...we need support just like everyone else :)
Now Accepting New Clients! Have you practiced loving yourself lately? Are there parts of you that feel undeserving of love? In our work together, we will strive to send love and compassion to the parts of yourself that have been shunned, ignored, or ridiculed. I take a client-centered approach, offering a warm, empathetic, and supportive space where you can feel truly seen and understood. Clients often share that they feel comfortable opening up with me and appreciate the positive, genuine energy I bring to each session. My goal is to make therapy a part of your week that you can look forward to.
Now Accepting New Clients! Have you practiced loving yourself lately? Are there parts of you that feel undeserving of love? In our work together, we will strive to send love and compassion to the parts of yourself that have been shunned, ignored, or ridiculed. I take a client-centered approach, offering a warm, empathetic, and supportive space where you can feel truly seen and understood. Clients often share that they feel comfortable opening up with me and appreciate the positive, genuine energy I bring to each session. My goal is to make therapy a part of your week that you can look forward to.
Welcome to a safe place to start your therapy journey. You are the main character in the story—the expert on your own life & the one who has to do the heavy lifting, but sometimes we all could use some support, some shoring up if you will, & a guide to help us find our way, discover new possibilities, & change direction. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs & goals. I'd like to help navigate the way to a healthier you & would be honored to hear your story.
Welcome to a safe place to start your therapy journey. You are the main character in the story—the expert on your own life & the one who has to do the heavy lifting, but sometimes we all could use some support, some shoring up if you will, & a guide to help us find our way, discover new possibilities, & change direction. I specialize in working with individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and trauma. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach to therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs & goals. I'd like to help navigate the way to a healthier you & would be honored to hear your story.
My ideal client is someone who believes therapy isn't for them. I have an authentic way of connecting with teens and young adults struggling with behavioral problems such as self-destructive behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma, and many other stressors that impact one's day to day life. I do this by using a tailored evidence-based approach while providing a space for genuine exploration. A first session would begin with just getting to know one another, free from pressure. This is not your old therapy, interventions and treatments are subjective and my clients aren't just a diagnosis. Feeling safe and heard is the priority.
My ideal client is someone who believes therapy isn't for them. I have an authentic way of connecting with teens and young adults struggling with behavioral problems such as self-destructive behaviors, depression, anxiety, trauma, and many other stressors that impact one's day to day life. I do this by using a tailored evidence-based approach while providing a space for genuine exploration. A first session would begin with just getting to know one another, free from pressure. This is not your old therapy, interventions and treatments are subjective and my clients aren't just a diagnosis. Feeling safe and heard is the priority.
See more therapy options for Carlsbad
Nearby Transgender Therapists Searches for Carlsbad
- Dana Point
- Fallbrook
- Menifee
- Murrieta
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- San Clemente
- Temecula
- Trabuco Canyon
- Valley Center
- Vista
- Wildomar
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.