Emotional Regulation Therapists in Encinitas, CA
Hi! I'm glad you're here. Maybe you're exhausted from trying to meet everyone’s expectations while quietly struggling inside. You may be stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-doubt, and feeling disconnected from yourself. Or maybe you're a parent seeking support for your teen and wanting them to have a safe, understanding space to process what they’re going through. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adult women who are navigating life’s challenges and seeking growth, healing, and meaningful change. Change is possible, and you don't have to go through this alone.
Hi! I'm glad you're here. Maybe you're exhausted from trying to meet everyone’s expectations while quietly struggling inside. You may be stuck in cycles of anxiety, overthinking, people-pleasing, perfectionism, self-doubt, and feeling disconnected from yourself. Or maybe you're a parent seeking support for your teen and wanting them to have a safe, understanding space to process what they’re going through. I specialize in working with teens, young adults, and adult women who are navigating life’s challenges and seeking growth, healing, and meaningful change. Change is possible, and you don't have to go through this alone.
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help! Stella sees mental health challenges as injuries rather than disorders. Stella Mental Health San Diego, located in Encinitas, is led by Dr. John How, specializing in interventional treatments like Spravato (esketamine), TMS, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration therapy & more. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We have a new virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help! Stella sees mental health challenges as injuries rather than disorders. Stella Mental Health San Diego, located in Encinitas, is led by Dr. John How, specializing in interventional treatments like Spravato (esketamine), TMS, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration therapy & more. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We have a new virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!
You look high-functioning-but inside, your nervous system is exhausted. You manage work, school, relationships and responsibilities. You show up, push through, but anxiety runs quietly in the background. Old trauma still lives in your body. You overthink, over perform, and rarely slow down.
I specialize in working with high-achieving clients & college-age young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, stress and major life transitions.Many of my clients appear "fine"on the outside but feel overwhelmed internally. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I'll help your nervous system process what talk therapy alone cannot fully resolve.
You look high-functioning-but inside, your nervous system is exhausted. You manage work, school, relationships and responsibilities. You show up, push through, but anxiety runs quietly in the background. Old trauma still lives in your body. You overthink, over perform, and rarely slow down.
I specialize in working with high-achieving clients & college-age young adults navigating trauma, anxiety, stress and major life transitions.Many of my clients appear "fine"on the outside but feel overwhelmed internally. With over 20 years of clinical experience, I'll help your nervous system process what talk therapy alone cannot fully resolve.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides compassionate, supportive, evidence-based telehealth services to individuals across California. I specialize in eating disorders across the full spectrum as well as co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I work with children (10+), teens, adults, and families. Many of my clients have tried therapy before and felt the eating concerns were never fully addressed. That is the gap I trained to fill. Ultimately, the aim is to help you clarify and connect with your values in a way that supports meaningful change and empowers you to create a life worth living.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides compassionate, supportive, evidence-based telehealth services to individuals across California. I specialize in eating disorders across the full spectrum as well as co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and OCD. I work with children (10+), teens, adults, and families. Many of my clients have tried therapy before and felt the eating concerns were never fully addressed. That is the gap I trained to fill. Ultimately, the aim is to help you clarify and connect with your values in a way that supports meaningful change and empowers you to create a life worth living.
MacKenzie Magnuson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy can be a place for deep healing and human connection. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where we can explore your life with honesty, compassion, and humor. My style is direct yet supportive, and I value helping you feel understood while also gently challenging what's no longer serving you.
I work best with clients who are thoughtful, introspective, and ready to be curious about their inner world. Together, we'll work to better understand who you are beneath the surface. I'm here to help you explore what it looks like to show up fully as yourself.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy can be a place for deep healing and human connection. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space where we can explore your life with honesty, compassion, and humor. My style is direct yet supportive, and I value helping you feel understood while also gently challenging what's no longer serving you.
I work best with clients who are thoughtful, introspective, and ready to be curious about their inner world. Together, we'll work to better understand who you are beneath the surface. I'm here to help you explore what it looks like to show up fully as yourself.
You deserve a space where you feel fully seen, accepted, and supported—where your voice matters, your pace is honored, and healing is led by your innate wisdom.
I’m a Taiwanese American & Buddhist therapist who works with second-generation immigrants, people of color, and queer folks navigating the pain of disconnection—from self, from family, and from the world around them. Whether you're carrying intergenerational trauma, struggling with self-worth and self-trust, or moving through the grief of not having had space to simply be—you’re not alone.
You deserve a space where you feel fully seen, accepted, and supported—where your voice matters, your pace is honored, and healing is led by your innate wisdom.
I’m a Taiwanese American & Buddhist therapist who works with second-generation immigrants, people of color, and queer folks navigating the pain of disconnection—from self, from family, and from the world around them. Whether you're carrying intergenerational trauma, struggling with self-worth and self-trust, or moving through the grief of not having had space to simply be—you’re not alone.
Are your loved ones labeling you angry, controlling or abusive? What are these harsh labels and how can we uncover what leads one to becoming controlling? Could it be related to neurodivergence (ND)? Trust issues? You being abused yourself? We're all human and our behavior does not define us. I have a passion for supporting clients & families navigating abuse/control issues and ND/autism-related challenges. As a former special education teacher, I understand these complex dynamics and also work with couples navigating how ND can impact communication. I offer sliding-scale options- everyone deserves access to quality therapy.
Are your loved ones labeling you angry, controlling or abusive? What are these harsh labels and how can we uncover what leads one to becoming controlling? Could it be related to neurodivergence (ND)? Trust issues? You being abused yourself? We're all human and our behavior does not define us. I have a passion for supporting clients & families navigating abuse/control issues and ND/autism-related challenges. As a former special education teacher, I understand these complex dynamics and also work with couples navigating how ND can impact communication. I offer sliding-scale options- everyone deserves access to quality therapy.
From the outside, things may look great, but internally you’re constantly overthinking, anxious, and overwhelmed.
One part of you longs for change while another part of you feels stuck.
Many of my clients come to therapy having already done a lot of reflective work. They understand their patterns and are looking for deeper ways to create meaningful change.
From the outside, things may look great, but internally you’re constantly overthinking, anxious, and overwhelmed.
One part of you longs for change while another part of you feels stuck.
Many of my clients come to therapy having already done a lot of reflective work. They understand their patterns and are looking for deeper ways to create meaningful change.
Whether you're new to therapy or have been on your healing journey for years, I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and empowered. I am a First-Generation Bilingual (Spanish) Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with experience supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families (ages 6–70). AMFT 20037. Supervised by Kyle Cablay, AMFT 135911. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief, ADHD, addiction, life transitions, identity, cultural challenges, and demands of athletic performance. Together, we'll build insight and strength and move toward the life you want.
Whether you're new to therapy or have been on your healing journey for years, I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel understood and empowered. I am a First-Generation Bilingual (Spanish) Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with experience supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families (ages 6–70). AMFT 20037. Supervised by Kyle Cablay, AMFT 135911. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, grief, ADHD, addiction, life transitions, identity, cultural challenges, and demands of athletic performance. Together, we'll build insight and strength and move toward the life you want.
You keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns—
overgiving, shutting down, feeling anxious… and wondering why it keeps happening.
You may feel disconnected, misunderstood, or emotionally alone—even when you deeply want connection.
Often, these patterns are shaped by past experiences or trauma that lives in the nervous system.
I help individuals, couples, and families heal these patterns at the root—so you can stop repeating painful cycles and start feeling more grounded, secure, and confident in how you show up in your relationships.
You keep finding yourself in the same relationship patterns—
overgiving, shutting down, feeling anxious… and wondering why it keeps happening.
You may feel disconnected, misunderstood, or emotionally alone—even when you deeply want connection.
Often, these patterns are shaped by past experiences or trauma that lives in the nervous system.
I help individuals, couples, and families heal these patterns at the root—so you can stop repeating painful cycles and start feeling more grounded, secure, and confident in how you show up in your relationships.
Choosing a therapist is about finding someone who truly understands the complexities of human relationships. With over 20 years of experience, I bring a deep well of wisdom, stability, and clinical insight to our sessions. While my foundation is seasoned, my commitment to your growth is always evolving; I am actively completing my advanced certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). My ideal clients are individuals and couples who feel exhausted by repetitive cycles and are ready for meaningful change. For couples, you might be facing intense marital distress, feeling like roommates, or constantly arguing without resolution.
Choosing a therapist is about finding someone who truly understands the complexities of human relationships. With over 20 years of experience, I bring a deep well of wisdom, stability, and clinical insight to our sessions. While my foundation is seasoned, my commitment to your growth is always evolving; I am actively completing my advanced certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). My ideal clients are individuals and couples who feel exhausted by repetitive cycles and are ready for meaningful change. For couples, you might be facing intense marital distress, feeling like roommates, or constantly arguing without resolution.
At Ebb & Flow Psychotherapy, we believe in supporting each person with compassion and care as they navigate life's challenges. In our work together, I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and empowered to show up as your authentic self.
Using a collaborative and strengths-based approach, we'll explore your experiences, honor the unique aspects of your identity, and work toward meaningful growth, resilience, and lasting change.
At Ebb & Flow Psychotherapy, we believe in supporting each person with compassion and care as they navigate life's challenges. In our work together, I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and empowered to show up as your authentic self.
Using a collaborative and strengths-based approach, we'll explore your experiences, honor the unique aspects of your identity, and work toward meaningful growth, resilience, and lasting change.
Healing can be one of the greatest, most challenging gifts to offer ourselves and earth around us. I would be honored to join you in that journey— offering support to (re)connect to your truest self. I love bringing in the power of art, nature, and community-building to resource you in this process.
Listening to our curiosity, interests, ideas, and feelings can often be that next step in living a more fulfilling life. I’m so glad you are following that and found yourself here if you are craving a greater sense of overall connection as we create space for all parts of you—emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically, etc!
Healing can be one of the greatest, most challenging gifts to offer ourselves and earth around us. I would be honored to join you in that journey— offering support to (re)connect to your truest self. I love bringing in the power of art, nature, and community-building to resource you in this process.
Listening to our curiosity, interests, ideas, and feelings can often be that next step in living a more fulfilling life. I’m so glad you are following that and found yourself here if you are craving a greater sense of overall connection as we create space for all parts of you—emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically, etc!
Our life experiences are layered, complex, and at times can feel overwhelming. Therapy offers us a safe and nurturing environment where we can explore these experiences, comprehend their effects, and nurture a sense of compassion as we move toward who we are intended to be. Dr. Hanna is passionate about supporting teens and adults struggling with OCD, life transitions, relationships, anxiety, and depression, as well as performance anxiety, transitions after injury, and identity. She integrates psychodynamic and holistic approaches in her work with clients.
Our life experiences are layered, complex, and at times can feel overwhelming. Therapy offers us a safe and nurturing environment where we can explore these experiences, comprehend their effects, and nurture a sense of compassion as we move toward who we are intended to be. Dr. Hanna is passionate about supporting teens and adults struggling with OCD, life transitions, relationships, anxiety, and depression, as well as performance anxiety, transitions after injury, and identity. She integrates psychodynamic and holistic approaches in her work with clients.
CBT and DBT skills to support in challenging the inner critic and with emotional regulation.
Relationships still feel difficult, even when you're trying your best. You may be reading the books, following relationship experts on social media, and genuinely trying to apply what you learn, yet still feeling unfulfilled in your relationships with loved ones. No matter how hard you try, the same familiar patterns keep showing up. You might feel frustrated when issues come up because, even though you know how you want to respond, your reactions seem to take over anyway. You replay conversations and overanalyze what you said or didn't say. Even through the struggle, you believe the life and relationships you want are possible.
CBT and DBT skills to support in challenging the inner critic and with emotional regulation.
Relationships still feel difficult, even when you're trying your best. You may be reading the books, following relationship experts on social media, and genuinely trying to apply what you learn, yet still feeling unfulfilled in your relationships with loved ones. No matter how hard you try, the same familiar patterns keep showing up. You might feel frustrated when issues come up because, even though you know how you want to respond, your reactions seem to take over anyway. You replay conversations and overanalyze what you said or didn't say. Even through the struggle, you believe the life and relationships you want are possible.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist. I began in this field 25+ years ago. My experience includes working in private practice (20yrs), and psychiatric inpatient and outpatient facilities. Primarily I specialize in stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult life situations, and relationships. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness modalities. I enjoy working with humanistic psychology as well as whatever modality that apply. Support is provided in an understanding, respectful and caring office setting work toward toward your goals.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist. I began in this field 25+ years ago. My experience includes working in private practice (20yrs), and psychiatric inpatient and outpatient facilities. Primarily I specialize in stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, difficult life situations, and relationships. I have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness modalities. I enjoy working with humanistic psychology as well as whatever modality that apply. Support is provided in an understanding, respectful and caring office setting work toward toward your goals.
You may be doing well - and still not feel well. You’re the one others depend on—capable, responsible, and always holding it together. Yet inside, you may feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or tired from constant pressure. Your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, struggle to rest without guilt, or feel like nothing you do is ever enough. Many of my clients are experts at pushing through, while longing to feel more at peace, connected, present. Therapy can be a place to pause, think differently, reconnect with yourself, and make changes before exhaustion becomes burnout.
You may be doing well - and still not feel well. You’re the one others depend on—capable, responsible, and always holding it together. Yet inside, you may feel anxious, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or tired from constant pressure. Your mind rarely slows down. You replay conversations, struggle to rest without guilt, or feel like nothing you do is ever enough. Many of my clients are experts at pushing through, while longing to feel more at peace, connected, present. Therapy can be a place to pause, think differently, reconnect with yourself, and make changes before exhaustion becomes burnout.
Helping Children Adjust to the changes in life. Confident and Understood Children make well-adjusted adults.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, frequent meltdowns, sadness, school stress, difficulty making friends, or behaviors that are hard to understand or redirect? Perhaps your child comes to you with worries, becomes overwhelmed by transitions, withdraws from the family, or has difficulty expressing what is happening inside. When a child is struggling, the entire family can feel the impact. Parents may find themselves wondering whether they are doing enough or how they can help without making things worse.
Helping Children Adjust to the changes in life. Confident and Understood Children make well-adjusted adults.
Is your child struggling with anxiety, frequent meltdowns, sadness, school stress, difficulty making friends, or behaviors that are hard to understand or redirect? Perhaps your child comes to you with worries, becomes overwhelmed by transitions, withdraws from the family, or has difficulty expressing what is happening inside. When a child is struggling, the entire family can feel the impact. Parents may find themselves wondering whether they are doing enough or how they can help without making things worse.
I help children, teens, and young adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation, life transitions, self-esteem, and intergenerational and immigrant family experiences.
I work with children and teens, young adults (college students and recent graduates), couples, and families. Some come seeking support for a child, others facing school stress and life transitions, and others hoping to reconnect as a family. However you arrive, I start by meeting you where you are. No two clients are the same, so I begin by understanding you. Therapy is built on trust and collaboration, and together we can figure out what's going on and what healing and growth might look like for you.
I help children, teens, and young adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, emotional regulation, life transitions, self-esteem, and intergenerational and immigrant family experiences.
I work with children and teens, young adults (college students and recent graduates), couples, and families. Some come seeking support for a child, others facing school stress and life transitions, and others hoping to reconnect as a family. However you arrive, I start by meeting you where you are. No two clients are the same, so I begin by understanding you. Therapy is built on trust and collaboration, and together we can figure out what's going on and what healing and growth might look like for you.
Lack of sleep takes a toll on every facet of our lives. Maybe you're tired of tossing and turning for hours every night, feeling exhausted but just can't fall asleep. Maybe you dread waking up in the middle of the night and counting the number of hours of sleep you might get before you have to get up and face another day. You may have tried all the usual sleep hygiene practices to fix your sleep, like cutting caffeine or limiting screen time, but sleep deprivation is still affecting your mood and energy level everyday. You're ready to stop worrying about sleep, feel rested in the morning, and get back into your life again.
Lack of sleep takes a toll on every facet of our lives. Maybe you're tired of tossing and turning for hours every night, feeling exhausted but just can't fall asleep. Maybe you dread waking up in the middle of the night and counting the number of hours of sleep you might get before you have to get up and face another day. You may have tried all the usual sleep hygiene practices to fix your sleep, like cutting caffeine or limiting screen time, but sleep deprivation is still affecting your mood and energy level everyday. You're ready to stop worrying about sleep, feel rested in the morning, and get back into your life again.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Emotional Regulation Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
- Vista
FAQ - Emotional Regulation Counseling
What are the signs that someone might struggle with emotional regulation?
Common signs that someone may struggle with emotional regulation include outbursts of strong emotion, such as anger or sadness, impulsive behavior, avoidance of difficult emotions, or extreme difficulty making decisions. People with emotional regulation difficulties may experience frequent mood swings or feel caught off guard by strong emotions. These experiences can affect personal, work, or school relationships, and may also contribute to or worsen mental health concerns.
How can therapy help with emotional regulation?
A therapist can help you understand emotional patterns and challenge automatic thoughts that may contribute to anger outbursts, impulsive behaviors, or other signs of emotion dysregulation. For instance, they may use worksheets, journaling exercises, or thought-reframing tools to help you identify triggers and respond differently. These activities often share the goal of creating more space between emotion and action. Over time, therapy can also help you recognize early warning signs of emotional distress before the emotions feel unmanageable.
Is emotional dysregulation a diagnosis?
Emotional dysregulation itself is not a diagnosis. Rather, it is a common symptom of several mental health conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and certain anxiety disorders. Therapy that helps improve emotional regulation can also help reduce the symptoms of related disorders. Emotional dysregulation is also often linked to life experiences such as trauma or childhood neglect. In some cases, these experiences may contribute to emotional regulation difficulties and increase the risk of developing mental health conditions.
What therapeutic approaches can help with emotion regulation?
Two common therapeutic approaches used to support emotion regulation are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). CBT helps people identify negative thoughts and thought patterns, with the goal of developing healthier ways of thinking and responding. DBT is related to CBT and was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, though it is now used for many other concerns. Emotion regulation is one of DBT’s “core skills,” alongside other skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance. Both CBT and DBT are skill-based, meaning that sessions focus on specific skills to manage emotions, such as thought records and problem-solving skills. This makes them different from traditional “talk therapy” approaches, as they place greater emphasis on learning and practicing specific strategies that can be used in moments of high emotional distress.
Can children and teens have therapy for emotional regulation?
Yes, children and teens, as well as adults, can benefit from therapy for emotional regulation. Many mental health concerns first appear in late childhood or adolescence, so therapy can help identify what may be part of normal development and what may require additional therapeutic support. Therapy can also help children and teens build lifelong emotional regulation skills. Learning these skills early can make it easier to use them during stressful or difficult situations later in life.