Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Del Mar, CA
Are you ready to talk about it? I’m an experienced Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping individuals, couples, teens (and their parents!) find the path to peace of mind. If you are not sure about therapy but sensing that something is in the way of you feeling ok, or maybe you know what the problem is but can't seem to find your way, I‘m ready with kindness, compassion and evidence-based practices to help you transform your life and relationships. I invite you to my cozy, judgment free office by the ocean (with parking!) or if you like, we can even talk as we walk along the beautiful Del Mar beach.
Are you ready to talk about it? I’m an experienced Marriage and Family Therapist with a passion for helping individuals, couples, teens (and their parents!) find the path to peace of mind. If you are not sure about therapy but sensing that something is in the way of you feeling ok, or maybe you know what the problem is but can't seem to find your way, I‘m ready with kindness, compassion and evidence-based practices to help you transform your life and relationships. I invite you to my cozy, judgment free office by the ocean (with parking!) or if you like, we can even talk as we walk along the beautiful Del Mar beach.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescent, children and their families. I have worked both in the outpatient hospital environment and in the Del Mar School district. In addition to my private practice work I am active with KidsTurn San Diego, a nonprofit organization helping families navigate the process of divorce.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 20 years of experience working with adults, adolescent, children and their families. I have worked both in the outpatient hospital environment and in the Del Mar School district. In addition to my private practice work I am active with KidsTurn San Diego, a nonprofit organization helping families navigate the process of divorce.
Waitlist open as of August 2026! I believe that good therapy involves a combination of a supportive and warm relationship plus science-based therapeutic techniques. Within this framework I consider each person’s unique situation, neurodiversity, and set of problems and then tailor my approach to you or your child’s needs. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I try to bring a sense of humor and fun to my work with you or your family.
Waitlist open as of August 2026! I believe that good therapy involves a combination of a supportive and warm relationship plus science-based therapeutic techniques. Within this framework I consider each person’s unique situation, neurodiversity, and set of problems and then tailor my approach to you or your child’s needs. Therapy should be a collaborative process, and I try to bring a sense of humor and fun to my work with you or your family.
Life is full of uncertainty and challenges and sometimes our usual coping, resources, and knowledge are not enough to help manage these situations. We might notice an increase in worry, distress, sadness, grief, or relational conflict that appear to have no resolution. Sometimes we experience abrupt and traumatic situations that leave us feeling unsafe, disoriented, and confused by our emotional and physiological responses. Any of these experiences can be overwhelming, but a supportive therapeutic relationship combined with empirically based treatments can be helpful in managing the situations and finding resolutions.
Life is full of uncertainty and challenges and sometimes our usual coping, resources, and knowledge are not enough to help manage these situations. We might notice an increase in worry, distress, sadness, grief, or relational conflict that appear to have no resolution. Sometimes we experience abrupt and traumatic situations that leave us feeling unsafe, disoriented, and confused by our emotional and physiological responses. Any of these experiences can be overwhelming, but a supportive therapeutic relationship combined with empirically based treatments can be helpful in managing the situations and finding resolutions.
It hurts every day- despite you doing the best you can to distract yourself, the minute you stop pre-occupying yourself with distractions, you connect immediately with that emotional pain inside and the emptiness and alienation. The emotional pain comes from disconnection. You don’t feel your partner is responsive and present with you. You don’t feel wanted and needed or important. When you try to address this, it doesn't go anywhere, or you end up having a fight, which makes you feel even more devastated and distant from each other. You work so hard and give so much, you are still feeling not good enough and get no acknowledgement.
It hurts every day- despite you doing the best you can to distract yourself, the minute you stop pre-occupying yourself with distractions, you connect immediately with that emotional pain inside and the emptiness and alienation. The emotional pain comes from disconnection. You don’t feel your partner is responsive and present with you. You don’t feel wanted and needed or important. When you try to address this, it doesn't go anywhere, or you end up having a fight, which makes you feel even more devastated and distant from each other. You work so hard and give so much, you are still feeling not good enough and get no acknowledgement.
My clinical specialties include
1) Depression and Anxiety Disorders: By combining evidence based interventions such as CBT and DBT with a trusting therapeutic relationship, I help patients significantly decrease distressing mental health symptoms.
3) Addiction: My approach to addiction goes beyond behavioral cessation to targeting psychological drivers of compulsive use.
4) Trauma: I am EMDR trained and utilize nervous system interventions to help individuals move from high alert to genuine peace.
5) Performance Focused Intensive for Athletes, Artists, and Executives: Contact for more details.
My clinical specialties include
1) Depression and Anxiety Disorders: By combining evidence based interventions such as CBT and DBT with a trusting therapeutic relationship, I help patients significantly decrease distressing mental health symptoms.
3) Addiction: My approach to addiction goes beyond behavioral cessation to targeting psychological drivers of compulsive use.
4) Trauma: I am EMDR trained and utilize nervous system interventions to help individuals move from high alert to genuine peace.
5) Performance Focused Intensive for Athletes, Artists, and Executives: Contact for more details.
Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fully engage in the life you want to live. Starting therapy can feel uncomfortable at first, but being open to the process can lead to meaningful growth and lasting change. My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported as we begin this journey together. Through collaboration, we’ll work to overcome challenges and create a life filled with purpose and connection. I’m here to help you reconnect with your authentic self and move toward the life you envision. People from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities are welcome.
Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fully engage in the life you want to live. Starting therapy can feel uncomfortable at first, but being open to the process can lead to meaningful growth and lasting change. My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel supported as we begin this journey together. Through collaboration, we’ll work to overcome challenges and create a life filled with purpose and connection. I’m here to help you reconnect with your authentic self and move toward the life you envision. People from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities are welcome.
You don’t need to be at your breaking point to deserve support—but if you are, you’re not alone. I work with adults struggling with depression, mood disorders, life transitions and emotional burnout, especially those who feel stuck or haven’t found relief through traditional therapy alone.
You don’t need to be at your breaking point to deserve support—but if you are, you’re not alone. I work with adults struggling with depression, mood disorders, life transitions and emotional burnout, especially those who feel stuck or haven’t found relief through traditional therapy alone.
Using CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing, I offer compassionate, practical support tailored to your needs.
My ideal clients are adults who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for meaningful change. They may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction or substance use, relationship challenges, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or major life transitions. I especially enjoy working with clients who want to better understand themselves, break unhealthy patterns, and develop healthier ways of coping. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Together, we can identify your strengths, build practical skills, and work toward greater confidence, healing, and lasting change.
Using CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing, I offer compassionate, practical support tailored to your needs.
My ideal clients are adults who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for meaningful change. They may be navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction or substance use, relationship challenges, domestic violence, sexual abuse, or major life transitions. I especially enjoy working with clients who want to better understand themselves, break unhealthy patterns, and develop healthier ways of coping. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Together, we can identify your strengths, build practical skills, and work toward greater confidence, healing, and lasting change.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and self-harming, using evidence-based methods like DBT, IFS, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
Finding the right support for your teen can seem daunting, I'm here to help. Hi there, my name is Jessie! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7+ years of experience, I've helped teens and families thrive in settings like residential treatment, outpatient care, and community programs. I specialize in helping teens ages 12-17 reduce anxiety, cope with depression, manage ADHD, address behavioral issues, navigate family conflict, handle school or social challenges, reduce self-harm and suicidal thoughts, or recover from substance use. I provide individualized care unique to your teen.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and self-harming, using evidence-based methods like DBT, IFS, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing.
Finding the right support for your teen can seem daunting, I'm here to help. Hi there, my name is Jessie! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 7+ years of experience, I've helped teens and families thrive in settings like residential treatment, outpatient care, and community programs. I specialize in helping teens ages 12-17 reduce anxiety, cope with depression, manage ADHD, address behavioral issues, navigate family conflict, handle school or social challenges, reduce self-harm and suicidal thoughts, or recover from substance use. I provide individualized care unique to your teen.
My clients are people who may have many of the things society says should create a fulfilling life, yet behind polished exteriors they feel worn down - tired, anxious, or unsure how to break old relationship patterns that keep repeating. They often carry quiet self-doubt, people-pleasing, or a fear of not being enough. They want to feel grounded, understood, and connected in a way that feels safe and real. They come to therapy longing for clarity, steadiness, and healthier relationships, knowing deep down that they’re ready for healing and a more authentic way of being.
My clients are people who may have many of the things society says should create a fulfilling life, yet behind polished exteriors they feel worn down - tired, anxious, or unsure how to break old relationship patterns that keep repeating. They often carry quiet self-doubt, people-pleasing, or a fear of not being enough. They want to feel grounded, understood, and connected in a way that feels safe and real. They come to therapy longing for clarity, steadiness, and healthier relationships, knowing deep down that they’re ready for healing and a more authentic way of being.
I custom tailor every treatment plan by borrowing from evidence based modalities: most often Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems and somatic exercises.
Let's break your streak of health professionals who don't actually listen to you! As someone living with chronic illnesses, I don't have to use my imagination to believe you when you tell me that you're not being taken seriously, you're frustrated with the adjustments you have to make, and you're exhausted from managing all of it. I only offer remote sessions, and I am available to see clients living across all of California.
I custom tailor every treatment plan by borrowing from evidence based modalities: most often Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems and somatic exercises.
Let's break your streak of health professionals who don't actually listen to you! As someone living with chronic illnesses, I don't have to use my imagination to believe you when you tell me that you're not being taken seriously, you're frustrated with the adjustments you have to make, and you're exhausted from managing all of it. I only offer remote sessions, and I am available to see clients living across all of California.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in self-doubt, or impacted by past experiences, you’re not alone. You may notice it not only in your thoughts, but in your body through tension, restlessness, feeling on edge, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re a teen navigating intense emotions or an adult wanting to feel more grounded, confident, and secure, therapy can offer a supportive place to begin.
Together, we’ll create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, better understand what’s coming up, and reconnect with your mind, body, and sense of self.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in self-doubt, or impacted by past experiences, you’re not alone. You may notice it not only in your thoughts, but in your body through tension, restlessness, feeling on edge, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re a teen navigating intense emotions or an adult wanting to feel more grounded, confident, and secure, therapy can offer a supportive place to begin.
Together, we’ll create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, better understand what’s coming up, and reconnect with your mind, body, and sense of self.
In-person Support Group enrollment open! You've just finished college, you feel like you've done everything right, and still something feels like it's missing. You're asking yourself, "This is it? This is the goalpost I was racing toward?" You've always pondered life deeply and felt sure of yourself and your path, but now you may find yourself wondering what the meaning of it all might be, and that question leaves you feeling a little lonely.
In-person Support Group enrollment open! You've just finished college, you feel like you've done everything right, and still something feels like it's missing. You're asking yourself, "This is it? This is the goalpost I was racing toward?" You've always pondered life deeply and felt sure of yourself and your path, but now you may find yourself wondering what the meaning of it all might be, and that question leaves you feeling a little lonely.
Evidence based therapies I use include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I work with clients ranging from teens to adults in my practice. Whether you're a student adapting to a new school or city, an early career professional exploring your identity and goals, or a new parent finding your footing - I'm here to help you find roots, get unstuck from unhelpful patterns, and live the life you want to.
Evidence based therapies I use include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I work with clients ranging from teens to adults in my practice. Whether you're a student adapting to a new school or city, an early career professional exploring your identity and goals, or a new parent finding your footing - I'm here to help you find roots, get unstuck from unhelpful patterns, and live the life you want to.
I am trained in evidence-based treatments, including FBT, CBT-E, TF-CBT, DBT, PMT, and CBT for Adult ADHD.
Hi there, and welcome.
I’m so glad you found your way here. My name is Dr. Alyssa, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California, New York, and Texas. I am deeply passionate about helping adolescents, young adults, and their families not just survive—but truly thrive. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, as well as ADHD, anxiety and trauma which often accompany eating disorders. My approach is personalized, no two individuals —or families—are the same, and my role is to walk alongside you with warmth, compassion, and clinical expertise to create a safe and supportive space where transformation is possible.
I am trained in evidence-based treatments, including FBT, CBT-E, TF-CBT, DBT, PMT, and CBT for Adult ADHD.
Hi there, and welcome.
I’m so glad you found your way here. My name is Dr. Alyssa, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California, New York, and Texas. I am deeply passionate about helping adolescents, young adults, and their families not just survive—but truly thrive. I specialize in the treatment of eating disorders, as well as ADHD, anxiety and trauma which often accompany eating disorders. My approach is personalized, no two individuals —or families—are the same, and my role is to walk alongside you with warmth, compassion, and clinical expertise to create a safe and supportive space where transformation is possible.
Lastly,I utilize DBT,CBT to aid in buildin coping skills
Are you waking up each morning weighed down by overthinking, replaying past experiences, questioning your relationships, or wondering why you keep falling into the same patterns even when you know they’re hurting you.If so you’re not alone and you don’t have to keep carrying that burden.Hi! I’m Kristina! I love working with pre-teens,adults,couples&families who are navigating anxiety, trauma,personality disorders&relationship challenges.Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck or disconnected from themselves and the people they care about. Together we create a safe and supportive space.
Lastly,I utilize DBT,CBT to aid in buildin coping skills
Are you waking up each morning weighed down by overthinking, replaying past experiences, questioning your relationships, or wondering why you keep falling into the same patterns even when you know they’re hurting you.If so you’re not alone and you don’t have to keep carrying that burden.Hi! I’m Kristina! I love working with pre-teens,adults,couples&families who are navigating anxiety, trauma,personality disorders&relationship challenges.Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck or disconnected from themselves and the people they care about. Together we create a safe and supportive space.
Hi, my name is Yesenia, but I go by Yesi! I’m a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist who has experience working with children and adults. I have 12 years of experience working with individuals dealing with psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. I believe in creating a safe environment where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and stressors. I'm here to help and look forward to working with you!
Hi, my name is Yesenia, but I go by Yesi! I’m a bilingual Spanish speaking therapist who has experience working with children and adults. I have 12 years of experience working with individuals dealing with psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, OCD, and trauma. I believe in creating a safe environment where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and stressors. I'm here to help and look forward to working with you!
Are you challenged by life or unexpected surprises? It may seem like despair and hopelessness are your only options. The support of therapy in a comfortable and safe environment can be the difference between feeling low, excessive worry, and even living in fear. I am available; you do not have to face your mental health challenges alone. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, & mood disorder treatment can help relieve intense symptoms by finding the courage to ask for help.
Are you challenged by life or unexpected surprises? It may seem like despair and hopelessness are your only options. The support of therapy in a comfortable and safe environment can be the difference between feeling low, excessive worry, and even living in fear. I am available; you do not have to face your mental health challenges alone. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, & mood disorder treatment can help relieve intense symptoms by finding the courage to ask for help.
Are you tired of feeling alone while caring for others in your life? Are you ready to increase feelings of connections with those around you, and increase feeling connected to yourself? Many of the people that I work with are use to taking care of other people while pushing down their own feelings and challenging experiences. Many of the people I work with struggle to share their own challenge, often reporting feeling like a "burden" or that they "have to be the strong one." The people that I work with often have had to be stronger than they should have had to be. Having a space to talk about and focus on you is what I provide.
Are you tired of feeling alone while caring for others in your life? Are you ready to increase feelings of connections with those around you, and increase feeling connected to yourself? Many of the people that I work with are use to taking care of other people while pushing down their own feelings and challenging experiences. Many of the people I work with struggle to share their own challenge, often reporting feeling like a "burden" or that they "have to be the strong one." The people that I work with often have had to be stronger than they should have had to be. Having a space to talk about and focus on you is what I provide.
See more therapy options for Del Mar
Nearby Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists Searches for Del Mar
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behavior and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behavior, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioral change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behavior; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.