Body Image Therapists in Encinitas, CA

Leila Atiyeh
Counselor, LPCC
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Are you satisfied with the direction of your life? Are you having the life experiences and relationships that you long for? If not, you are not alone. Life can be challenging at times. It can steer us away from what we want or need and take us down paths we may not necessarily want to be on. Together, we can deepen the relationship you have with yourself, connect to your innermost needs and desires, identify patterns in behavior, and work through roadblocks and barriers. My goal is to empower you to lead a life that is meaningful to you.
Are you satisfied with the direction of your life? Are you having the life experiences and relationships that you long for? If not, you are not alone. Life can be challenging at times. It can steer us away from what we want or need and take us down paths we may not necessarily want to be on. Together, we can deepen the relationship you have with yourself, connect to your innermost needs and desires, identify patterns in behavior, and work through roadblocks and barriers. My goal is to empower you to lead a life that is meaningful to you.
(442) 233-8250 View (442) 233-8250
Rebecca Murphy
Psychological Associate, PsyD
Encinitas, CA 92024
There can be so much pressure to know who you are and have everything figured out, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward. I am committed to providing therapy that honors your unique story.
There can be so much pressure to know who you are and have everything figured out, but most people don’t! Therapy can be a place to explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. As a therapist I care about empowering you to find your voice and engage in value-congruent action. I strive to work collaboratively, be mindful of power and privilege, and always seek to understand the world as you see and experience it so we can better find your path forward. I am committed to providing therapy that honors your unique story.
(442) 302-3327 View (442) 302-3327
Dr. Becca Graham
Psychologist, EdM, PhD
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as anxiety and trauma. I’m committed to creating a compassionate and curious space for folx to heal and grow. Some of my specialties include: anxiety, relationships, trauma, life transitions, negative self-talk, marginalized identities, body liberation, neurodivergence, college students, and early career therapists. My practice is anti-racist, LGBTQ2IA+ affirming, disability friendly, and sex positive.
I specialize in OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as anxiety and trauma. I’m committed to creating a compassionate and curious space for folx to heal and grow. Some of my specialties include: anxiety, relationships, trauma, life transitions, negative self-talk, marginalized identities, body liberation, neurodivergence, college students, and early career therapists. My practice is anti-racist, LGBTQ2IA+ affirming, disability friendly, and sex positive.
(858) 771-0556 View (858) 771-0556
Karen Russell
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Encinitas, CA 92024
In liminal spaces such as therapy rooms, exploration can include questioning the less examined, and a noticing of how our experience is being impacted by forces and beliefs that keep us doubting and in distress. In pausing, gathering and contemplating as if around a fire, possibilities emerge. How do you really want to respond in this moment or the next? What forces and practices make this journey painful, and what leads you to a state of wonder and feeling most alive?
In liminal spaces such as therapy rooms, exploration can include questioning the less examined, and a noticing of how our experience is being impacted by forces and beliefs that keep us doubting and in distress. In pausing, gathering and contemplating as if around a fire, possibilities emerge. How do you really want to respond in this moment or the next? What forces and practices make this journey painful, and what leads you to a state of wonder and feeling most alive?
(760) 819-7836 View (760) 819-7836
Dr. Marina Costanzo
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in trauma and relationship challenges, helping individuals and couples face areas of your life you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, shameful, stressed, or fearful about. I have a warm and non-judgmental approach to therapy, and hope to facilitate compassion, engagement, and empowerment. I will collaborate with you to provide effective tools for coping in the present, opportunities to safely explore the past, and to build hope, satisfaction, and joy for your future. I value working with clients facing all kinds of difficulties, from everyday stressors to larger concerns.
I specialize in trauma and relationship challenges, helping individuals and couples face areas of your life you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, shameful, stressed, or fearful about. I have a warm and non-judgmental approach to therapy, and hope to facilitate compassion, engagement, and empowerment. I will collaborate with you to provide effective tools for coping in the present, opportunities to safely explore the past, and to build hope, satisfaction, and joy for your future. I value working with clients facing all kinds of difficulties, from everyday stressors to larger concerns.
(858) 215-4844 View (858) 215-4844
Stacy Bonds
Psychologist, PhD
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has a warm and compassionate approach to therapy, which encourages active collaboration. I have a passion for walking alongside others in the midst of struggle. When you come to therapy, it’s like you are trying to climb a mountain; I am not at the top of your mountain but, rather, on another mountain, offering a different perspective, pointing out potential dangers, and helping you find the most effective path along your journey.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has a warm and compassionate approach to therapy, which encourages active collaboration. I have a passion for walking alongside others in the midst of struggle. When you come to therapy, it’s like you are trying to climb a mountain; I am not at the top of your mountain but, rather, on another mountain, offering a different perspective, pointing out potential dangers, and helping you find the most effective path along your journey.
(858) 367-7274 View (858) 367-7274
Leslie Weinstein
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, LPCC
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I have been here before. Feeling exhausted with life. Out of balance, disconnected, foggy. It does not feel good. Waiting, wondering when life will magically get better. What if I told you the magic already lives inside of you. What if you are able to change the way you feel about yourself, your situation. What if creating the life that you are here to live is already yours for the taking. This feeling right now, let's call it misalignment. Let me help you find your way back, so you can actually feel alive again.
I have been here before. Feeling exhausted with life. Out of balance, disconnected, foggy. It does not feel good. Waiting, wondering when life will magically get better. What if I told you the magic already lives inside of you. What if you are able to change the way you feel about yourself, your situation. What if creating the life that you are here to live is already yours for the taking. This feeling right now, let's call it misalignment. Let me help you find your way back, so you can actually feel alive again.
(760) 389-3093 View (760) 389-3093
Connie Padera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Online Only
Are you struggling with substance use or disordered eating habits? Or maybe you need some guidance on self-esteem or relationship issues? It's okay to not be okay, and I'm here to help you through whatever life has brought your way. I believe in treating each these issues from a whole person perspective, and will work with you to enrich all areas of your well-being. Through openhearted and compassionate communication, we will create a safe space for you to mindfully explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify which among them no longer serve you.
Are you struggling with substance use or disordered eating habits? Or maybe you need some guidance on self-esteem or relationship issues? It's okay to not be okay, and I'm here to help you through whatever life has brought your way. I believe in treating each these issues from a whole person perspective, and will work with you to enrich all areas of your well-being. Through openhearted and compassionate communication, we will create a safe space for you to mindfully explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and identify which among them no longer serve you.
(760) 456-2524 View (760) 456-2524
Katie Dunn
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Life can be unpredictable and challenging- at times, we may struggle to find the tools to cope with its stressors, heal from its wounds, or live wholeheartedly. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, transition, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, self-doubt; you are not meant to do it all alone. I believe that therapy should be supportive, non-judgmental, and safe, while also inviting honest feedback necessary for change. In our relationship, I am an advocate for your health and well-being. We work together to help you get closer to the purposeful, connected, and fulfilled life you deserve.
Life can be unpredictable and challenging- at times, we may struggle to find the tools to cope with its stressors, heal from its wounds, or live wholeheartedly. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, loss, transition, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, self-doubt; you are not meant to do it all alone. I believe that therapy should be supportive, non-judgmental, and safe, while also inviting honest feedback necessary for change. In our relationship, I am an advocate for your health and well-being. We work together to help you get closer to the purposeful, connected, and fulfilled life you deserve.
(424) 373-4453 View (424) 373-4453
Gabriel Konsker IFS Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Online Only
Therapy is beneficial in that it creates a unique space for your emotional support, safety, and growth. This work is helpful for people who want to relieve suffering by bringing awareness to how our external contexts and internal perspectives create our experience. Addressing both emotional difficulties with curiosity and environmental circumstances with creative solutions is essential to establishing a fulfilling life.
Therapy is beneficial in that it creates a unique space for your emotional support, safety, and growth. This work is helpful for people who want to relieve suffering by bringing awareness to how our external contexts and internal perspectives create our experience. Addressing both emotional difficulties with curiosity and environmental circumstances with creative solutions is essential to establishing a fulfilling life.
(310) 362-9828 View (310) 362-9828
Lindsey G. Robertson
Psychologist, PhD
7 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
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.
(760) 496-5835 View (760) 496-5835
Kimberly Blair
Verified Verified
Serves Area
You’re looking for a different and real healing experience; whether it’s from stress, grief, trauma, or the loss of a beloved pet. You feel disconnected, not just from others but from yourself. You want a fresh approach, one that goes beyond talk therapy alone. At The Guides Holistic Therapies, we offer a mind, body, and spirit approach using Clinical Hypnotherapy, Grief Counseling, Pet Loss Therapy, Reiki, Breathwork, and Sound Therapy. Together, we’ll release emotional burdens, reconnect you to your core, and bring lasting peace. This is your space to heal, transform, and reclaim well-being.
You’re looking for a different and real healing experience; whether it’s from stress, grief, trauma, or the loss of a beloved pet. You feel disconnected, not just from others but from yourself. You want a fresh approach, one that goes beyond talk therapy alone. At The Guides Holistic Therapies, we offer a mind, body, and spirit approach using Clinical Hypnotherapy, Grief Counseling, Pet Loss Therapy, Reiki, Breathwork, and Sound Therapy. Together, we’ll release emotional burdens, reconnect you to your core, and bring lasting peace. This is your space to heal, transform, and reclaim well-being.
(858) 330-6233 View (858) 330-6233
Allyson Ford Eating Disorder & OCD Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Do you feel out of control in your relationship to food? Has it become obsessive? Maybe your eating disorder helped you feel calm and in control at first- but now it feels like it is running your life. You’re stuck in a loop of obsessive thoughts and behaviors, disconnected from yourself and your loved ones, and wondering if healing is even possible. I know what it is like to be in that place. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep living this way. Together, we’ll work to reconnect you to your authentic self, your values, and build a life of meaning outside of your Eating Disorder.
Do you feel out of control in your relationship to food? Has it become obsessive? Maybe your eating disorder helped you feel calm and in control at first- but now it feels like it is running your life. You’re stuck in a loop of obsessive thoughts and behaviors, disconnected from yourself and your loved ones, and wondering if healing is even possible. I know what it is like to be in that place. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep living this way. Together, we’ll work to reconnect you to your authentic self, your values, and build a life of meaning outside of your Eating Disorder.
(619) 273-0636 View (619) 273-0636
Melody Nazari
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
10 Endorsed
Online Only
As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in the context of genuine connection and safety. You can rely on each session to be a safe, nonjudgmental space to process and express your emotions freely. I approach my role as a therapist with intention, care, and commitment to your well-being. I'm deeply honored to support people in feeling more in tune with themselves, connected to others, and present in life.
As a relational therapist, I believe that healing happens in the context of genuine connection and safety. You can rely on each session to be a safe, nonjudgmental space to process and express your emotions freely. I approach my role as a therapist with intention, care, and commitment to your well-being. I'm deeply honored to support people in feeling more in tune with themselves, connected to others, and present in life.
(916) 619-7802 View (916) 619-7802
Teresa Peterson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I'm here to help you explore what it means for you to live a life beyond survival, to identify your needs, your values, and integrate all the parts of yourself so that you can practice living optimally well. I primarily work with adults struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, disordered eating, and relationship challenges of all kinds. Finding a therapist can be a daunting task so it's my hope to simplify your search and start with the important details: I'm happy to do a consult at no cost, I do not take insurance, I do provide superbills and I will absolutley explain how those work.
I'm here to help you explore what it means for you to live a life beyond survival, to identify your needs, your values, and integrate all the parts of yourself so that you can practice living optimally well. I primarily work with adults struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, disordered eating, and relationship challenges of all kinds. Finding a therapist can be a daunting task so it's my hope to simplify your search and start with the important details: I'm happy to do a consult at no cost, I do not take insurance, I do provide superbills and I will absolutley explain how those work.
(858) 365-9111 View (858) 365-9111
Megan Ceppi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, M.Ed., LCSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether you’re a parent feeling stretched too thin, a professional facing burnout, or a couple going through a difficult season, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and move forward with intention. I specialize in working with individuals and couples during times of transition—those moments when stress, uncertainty, or disconnection can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll explore what’s no longer working, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools you can use outside of session.
Whether you’re a parent feeling stretched too thin, a professional facing burnout, or a couple going through a difficult season, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, make sense of what’s happening, and move forward with intention. I specialize in working with individuals and couples during times of transition—those moments when stress, uncertainty, or disconnection can feel overwhelming. Together, we’ll explore what’s no longer working, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools you can use outside of session.
(760) 454-1742 View (760) 454-1742
Kaitlyn Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ACP-EFT, CYT-200
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My aim is to guide you deep within yourself, helping you get to know all your parts - their fears, needs, and desires. I work with teens and adults who are ready to reconnect with their inner wisdom, move beyond old stories, and live with more peace, clarity, and purpose. You may be navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or disconnection in your relationships, but deep down, you’re ready to take responsibility for your growth. You are ready to live with more inner peace and self-worth. I work best with thoughtful, growth-oriented clients who value self-reflection, accountability, and meaningful change.
My aim is to guide you deep within yourself, helping you get to know all your parts - their fears, needs, and desires. I work with teens and adults who are ready to reconnect with their inner wisdom, move beyond old stories, and live with more peace, clarity, and purpose. You may be navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, or disconnection in your relationships, but deep down, you’re ready to take responsibility for your growth. You are ready to live with more inner peace and self-worth. I work best with thoughtful, growth-oriented clients who value self-reflection, accountability, and meaningful change.
(442) 219-8087 View (442) 219-8087
Emily Elizabeth Schiffer
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, MSW
2 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Waitlist for new clients
As a therapist and social worker, I believe our experiences shape us individually and collectively, and that healing within ourselves can strengthen our relationships and communities. With a social-justice approach centering inclusivity, anti-racism, and anti-capitalism, our work is guided toward growth that honors both your inner life and your connection to the greater whole. My hope for our time together is to collaboratively discover your most authentic self, allowing the core of who you are to guide your healing journey. If you are seeking personal, communal, and spiritual growth, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
As a therapist and social worker, I believe our experiences shape us individually and collectively, and that healing within ourselves can strengthen our relationships and communities. With a social-justice approach centering inclusivity, anti-racism, and anti-capitalism, our work is guided toward growth that honors both your inner life and your connection to the greater whole. My hope for our time together is to collaboratively discover your most authentic self, allowing the core of who you are to guide your healing journey. If you are seeking personal, communal, and spiritual growth, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
(760) 334-9162 View (760) 334-9162
Sarah Ann Siler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m an AuDHD therapist working with high-achieving neurodivergent adults who feel capable but stuck, burned out, or inconsistent. My style is direct and grounded in reflection—I won’t just nod; I’ll engage, share observations, and help you see patterns clearly. I take a relational, humanistic approach, so therapy feels like a real connection. Many of my clients are tired of masking or pushing through and want something that actually works. You can expect clarity, collaboration, and a space where you don’t have to filter yourself.
I’m an AuDHD therapist working with high-achieving neurodivergent adults who feel capable but stuck, burned out, or inconsistent. My style is direct and grounded in reflection—I won’t just nod; I’ll engage, share observations, and help you see patterns clearly. I take a relational, humanistic approach, so therapy feels like a real connection. Many of my clients are tired of masking or pushing through and want something that actually works. You can expect clarity, collaboration, and a space where you don’t have to filter yourself.
(760) 418-6378 View (760) 418-6378
Petrea Huynh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
In my therapy practice, I seek to hold space for clients, the space in which it is safe to explore previously hidden aspects of self. It is my greatest passion in life to see clients heal from the inside out. I see the act of seeking therapy, in order to embark on a path toward personal-growth and greater effectiveness in all aspects of life, as a sign of strength and health. I believe that through acceptance, many issues may be better resolved as they are brought into the light of awareness.
In my therapy practice, I seek to hold space for clients, the space in which it is safe to explore previously hidden aspects of self. It is my greatest passion in life to see clients heal from the inside out. I see the act of seeking therapy, in order to embark on a path toward personal-growth and greater effectiveness in all aspects of life, as a sign of strength and health. I believe that through acceptance, many issues may be better resolved as they are brought into the light of awareness.
(619) 912-0158 View (619) 912-0158

See more therapy options for Encinitas

Body Image Therapists
How does body image affect mental health?
Poor body image can influence mental health because it can reduce self-esteem and decrease functioning in other areas of one's life. Negative body image may hinder someone's ability to perform daily tasks, including professional and social responsibilities, because they may feel self-conscious or shame surrounding their appearance; a desire to change one's body as a result of negative body image can also trigger behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or obsessive social media comparison. Poor body image is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, although many people experience negative body image even in the absence of meeting the diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorders.

What does it mean to have a positive body image?
Body image refers to how one internally perceives their appearance and internally "talks" to themself about their body. Positive body image is therefore indicative of a positive perception of one's self and positive internal self-talk that underscores one's strengths. People who have good body image often have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence, and they also often recognize how external factors, such as social media or relationship patterns, can influence body image. While body image can change at different life stages and in response to various triggers, practicing self-acceptance and a body-positive mindset can help maintain a more stable sense of positive body image.

Is body image the same as self-esteem?
Body image and self-esteem are often related, but they are distinct concepts. Self-esteem is a broader term that can be shaped by a number of factors outside of body image, including one's functioning at school or in the workplace; it refers to one's capacity to handle various life challenges. Poor body image can be one way in which one's self-esteem is reduced. Reduced self-esteem as a result of poor body image can cause individuals to feel negative about their appearance, withdraw from social interactions, and/or rely on harmful behaviors as a coping mechanism. A "body positive" approach to body image therapy is therefore often used to encourage a more positive view of one's self and thus encourage better self-esteem.

What type of therapy is best to foster a positive body image?
The type of therapy best suited to improve body image depends on each person, as there is not a single therapy specific to body image improvement. That said, many individuals with poor body image benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT can be used to help challenge distorted or negative thoughts about one's body, while ACT and mindfulness practices can facilitate a more positive body image through self-acceptance and identification of one's personal strengths. Regardless of treatment type, clients should look for body image therapists who encourage the development of a sense of self outside of their external appearance and help clients reduce unwanted behaviors developed as a result of poor self-esteem, such as dieting or disordered eating patterns.