Addiction Therapists in Encinitas, CA
With nearly 20 of clinical experience, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, phobias and addictions.
In addition to insight-oriented individual therapy, I offer exposure therapy to treat OCD and phobias. Also, I have completed over 5000 psychological assessments. Relying on that experience, I can help determine diagnoses and treatment options. I can provide supervision to other providers, having signed off on more than 25,000 clinical hours.
With nearly 20 of clinical experience, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, phobias and addictions.
In addition to insight-oriented individual therapy, I offer exposure therapy to treat OCD and phobias. Also, I have completed over 5000 psychological assessments. Relying on that experience, I can help determine diagnoses and treatment options. I can provide supervision to other providers, having signed off on more than 25,000 clinical hours.
I work with patients who may be struggling with neurodivergence alongside common dual diagnosis issues, such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders and substance abuse.
Do you find it difficult to offer yourself the same kindness, compassion, and grace you would a friend or loved one? Do you have a hard time regulating your emotions and embodying challenging emotions?
I focus primarily on neurodivergent women in their thirties. During this demanding time, there are many life transitions and identity shifts to explore. Adulting can be a busy phase of life where extra support, compassion, and care are critical. My wish is for you to not only survive, but thrive through developing your own rituals and routines.
I work with patients who may be struggling with neurodivergence alongside common dual diagnosis issues, such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders and substance abuse.
Do you find it difficult to offer yourself the same kindness, compassion, and grace you would a friend or loved one? Do you have a hard time regulating your emotions and embodying challenging emotions?
I focus primarily on neurodivergent women in their thirties. During this demanding time, there are many life transitions and identity shifts to explore. Adulting can be a busy phase of life where extra support, compassion, and care are critical. My wish is for you to not only survive, but thrive through developing your own rituals and routines.
But it can feel obscured by anxiety, doubt, fear, addiction, or apathy.
I am trained in and utilize EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, mindfulness, meditation, and dreamwork. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, creative, trauma-informed, addresses the root cause of issues, and is grounded in both evidence-based and spiritually-oriented perspectives.
But it can feel obscured by anxiety, doubt, fear, addiction, or apathy.
I am trained in and utilize EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, IFS, mindfulness, meditation, and dreamwork. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, creative, trauma-informed, addresses the root cause of issues, and is grounded in both evidence-based and spiritually-oriented perspectives.
Untreated trauma often shows itself as substance abuse, depression, compulsive overeating, or compulsive sexual behavior.
I received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. I have core training in EMDR therapy, and additional training using EMDR in the treatment of childhood based emotional injuries. These injuries may affect a client's ability to regulate their emotions, and form close personal relationships.
Untreated trauma often shows itself as substance abuse, depression, compulsive overeating, or compulsive sexual behavior.
I received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. I have core training in EMDR therapy, and additional training using EMDR in the treatment of childhood based emotional injuries. These injuries may affect a client's ability to regulate their emotions, and form close personal relationships.
I specialize in treating: depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship problems, & unresolved conflict from childhood.
I provide therapy from the perspective of Depth Psychology which is a distinctive approach that explores unconscious realms of existence. In therapy we examine what lies underneath your problems by analyzing dreams, defenses, desires, fantasies, partners you attract, unresolved childhood issues, complexes, art, myths, repressed experiences, and archetypes.
I specialize in treating: depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship problems, & unresolved conflict from childhood.
I provide therapy from the perspective of Depth Psychology which is a distinctive approach that explores unconscious realms of existence. In therapy we examine what lies underneath your problems by analyzing dreams, defenses, desires, fantasies, partners you attract, unresolved childhood issues, complexes, art, myths, repressed experiences, and archetypes.
Hi, I specialize in psychotherapy and have worked in the field of mental health for over 15 years. I am currently accepting new clients as of 12/1/2025. If you are looking for a therapist, there are two things I want you to know:
Hi, I specialize in psychotherapy and have worked in the field of mental health for over 15 years. I am currently accepting new clients as of 12/1/2025. If you are looking for a therapist, there are two things I want you to know:
Is your alcohol or drug use causing relationship issues?
The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you. It's important to note that I am a Counselor specializing in Substance Use/ Addictions/Alcoholism AND other problems that commonly associated. I am direct and solution-focused. I work collaboratively with you to address and solve problems.
Is your alcohol or drug use causing relationship issues?
The tools that I'll provide you with are tools that I have been perfecting over my career helping people just like you. It's important to note that I am a Counselor specializing in Substance Use/ Addictions/Alcoholism AND other problems that commonly associated. I am direct and solution-focused. I work collaboratively with you to address and solve problems.
Do you find it difficult to offer yourself the same kindness, compassion, and grace you would a friend or loved one? Do you have a hard time regulating your emotions and embodying challenging emotions? I am a digital nomad with a telehealth practice. I believe therapy is a sacred space and I'm honored to share it with you. I practice from a place of authenticity and curiosity. My style is empowering, warm, and humorous. My vibe is casual and light hearted.
Do you find it difficult to offer yourself the same kindness, compassion, and grace you would a friend or loved one? Do you have a hard time regulating your emotions and embodying challenging emotions? I am a digital nomad with a telehealth practice. I believe therapy is a sacred space and I'm honored to share it with you. I practice from a place of authenticity and curiosity. My style is empowering, warm, and humorous. My vibe is casual and light hearted.
I specialize in assisting individuals with trauma, addiction, and life transitions.
In our therapy sessions, I employ a variety of methods including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and more. My background in energy medicine and current training in Somatic Experiencing enrich this holistic approach, tailored to meet your specific needs.
I specialize in assisting individuals with trauma, addiction, and life transitions.
In our therapy sessions, I employ a variety of methods including Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Experiencing (SE), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and more. My background in energy medicine and current training in Somatic Experiencing enrich this holistic approach, tailored to meet your specific needs.
Dr. Margaret A. O'Hara
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, LMHC, NCC, CASAC
Online Only
Are you stressed and use alcohol, other substances, food, exercise, sex, work, spending, gambling, or screen use excessively?
There is hope and help. Change is possible. There are strategies that support mental health, defined by the World Health Organization as “not merely the absence of mental disorders or symptoms but also a resource supporting overall well-being and productivity.” Let me help you go from surviving to thriving.
Are you stressed and use alcohol, other substances, food, exercise, sex, work, spending, gambling, or screen use excessively?
There is hope and help. Change is possible. There are strategies that support mental health, defined by the World Health Organization as “not merely the absence of mental disorders or symptoms but also a resource supporting overall well-being and productivity.” Let me help you go from surviving to thriving.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or recovery from substance use, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and build skills that help you feel more grounded and at peace.
I am AMFT, APCC, and CATC. I blend EMDR, with real talk to make therapy feel human, not clinical. You bring yourself; I’ll bring the tools, humor, and support. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when we feel safe to be seen and heard.
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, or recovery from substance use, therapy with me is a space to slow down, reconnect, and build skills that help you feel more grounded and at peace.
I am AMFT, APCC, and CATC. I blend EMDR, with real talk to make therapy feel human, not clinical. You bring yourself; I’ll bring the tools, humor, and support. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing happens when we feel safe to be seen and heard.
We all have suffering in our lives-- it's part of human experience. Too often, however, there is a layer of unnecessary psychological pain caused by unconscious defenses. We often resist painful feelings and the realities they point to. When we get stuck in our resistance we get emotionally sick and our suffering increases. I work together with patients to honestly and compassionately untangle, face, and accept the truths they've tended avoid on their own.
We all have suffering in our lives-- it's part of human experience. Too often, however, there is a layer of unnecessary psychological pain caused by unconscious defenses. We often resist painful feelings and the realities they point to. When we get stuck in our resistance we get emotionally sick and our suffering increases. I work together with patients to honestly and compassionately untangle, face, and accept the truths they've tended avoid on their own.
They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, or relationship challenges and notice the same patterns repeating despite their best efforts.
I help individuals and couples manage anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health and relationship challenges using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches. As an LMFT, APCC, and CADC, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to gain insight while teaching practical skills to improve emotional regulation, communication, and lasting change.
They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, or relationship challenges and notice the same patterns repeating despite their best efforts.
I help individuals and couples manage anxiety, depression, addiction, mental health and relationship challenges using evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches. As an LMFT, APCC, and CADC, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space to gain insight while teaching practical skills to improve emotional regulation, communication, and lasting change.
Each and every one of us possess the inherent ability to create positive change within ourselves. Whether you’re looking to alter patterns of behavior, strengthen relationships, or foster healthy development within your children, I would love the opportunity to work with you as you explore, understand, and grow. Therapy is a different journey for each individual and this is why I believe an integrated therapeutic approach tailored to YOU is essential in effective therapy. Based on your strengths, we will work together to create a personal and unique treatment plan, allowing you time to heal, grow, and reach your fullest potential.
Each and every one of us possess the inherent ability to create positive change within ourselves. Whether you’re looking to alter patterns of behavior, strengthen relationships, or foster healthy development within your children, I would love the opportunity to work with you as you explore, understand, and grow. Therapy is a different journey for each individual and this is why I believe an integrated therapeutic approach tailored to YOU is essential in effective therapy. Based on your strengths, we will work together to create a personal and unique treatment plan, allowing you time to heal, grow, and reach your fullest potential.
Is there a problem in your life that is keeping you from your full potential? Are the feelings that you are experiencing overwhelming and anxiety-provoking? It may seem like you have tried everything you can think of, and yet nothing seems to work for very long. No matter how hard you try, this anxiety seems to be in control instead of you. You want to change and you just need a little help to do so.
Is there a problem in your life that is keeping you from your full potential? Are the feelings that you are experiencing overwhelming and anxiety-provoking? It may seem like you have tried everything you can think of, and yet nothing seems to work for very long. No matter how hard you try, this anxiety seems to be in control instead of you. You want to change and you just need a little help to do so.
If you struggle with anxiety or depression, or are worried about your alcohol or substance use to cope with these or other stresses, please contact me.
You want to live a life where you or your loved one can manage their anxiety without relying on drinking, other substances, overeating, or other unhelpful behaviors, where you can be your best self and live the kind of life you want to live. In addition to these, I can help with a host of other life challenges as well to live a rich and meaningful life.
If you struggle with anxiety or depression, or are worried about your alcohol or substance use to cope with these or other stresses, please contact me.
You want to live a life where you or your loved one can manage their anxiety without relying on drinking, other substances, overeating, or other unhelpful behaviors, where you can be your best self and live the kind of life you want to live. In addition to these, I can help with a host of other life challenges as well to live a rich and meaningful life.
Michele La Porte Downey
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MAC, LMFT, Master, Life
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex cycle of mood disorders or addiction within your family?
Healing is a journey best shared with those who truly understand the path. As a Master Recovery Life Coach, I provide a creative, team-based approach to help you reach your goals faster. By blending expertise with lived recovery experience, I offer a solution-oriented space for you to thrive. Reach out today to start your next chapter together.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complex cycle of mood disorders or addiction within your family?
Healing is a journey best shared with those who truly understand the path. As a Master Recovery Life Coach, I provide a creative, team-based approach to help you reach your goals faster. By blending expertise with lived recovery experience, I offer a solution-oriented space for you to thrive. Reach out today to start your next chapter together.
Are you struggling with substance use or disordered eating habits?
For many people, the destructive habits that we pick up originally developed as coping tools for trauma that was experienced early in life. Through therapeutic modalities such as Ego State Therapy/"Parts Work", and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, we can work together to process through these events and help you to move forward in life.
Are you struggling with substance use or disordered eating habits?
For many people, the destructive habits that we pick up originally developed as coping tools for trauma that was experienced early in life. Through therapeutic modalities such as Ego State Therapy/"Parts Work", and Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing, we can work together to process through these events and help you to move forward in life.
We all have suffering in our lives-- it's part of human experience. Too often, however, there is a layer of unnecessary psychological pain caused by unconscious defenses. We often resist painful feelings and the realities they point to. When this happens chronically we can get stuck in our resistance, becoming emotionally and physically sick. So our suffering increases. I work together with patients to build and/or embrace their capacity to honestly and compassionately face, untangle, and accept truths they can no longer resist.
We all have suffering in our lives-- it's part of human experience. Too often, however, there is a layer of unnecessary psychological pain caused by unconscious defenses. We often resist painful feelings and the realities they point to. When this happens chronically we can get stuck in our resistance, becoming emotionally and physically sick. So our suffering increases. I work together with patients to build and/or embrace their capacity to honestly and compassionately face, untangle, and accept truths they can no longer resist.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Addiction Therapists Searches for Encinitas
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Addiction Therapists
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.