Family Therapy in Encinitas, CA

I specialize in children, teens, young adults and parenting, with over 20 years of experience counseling this population. Issues addressed include: behavior issues, anxiety, depression, OCD, school issues, family issues (including separated, divorced and blended families), self-esteem, peer issues, weight and eating issues including emotional eating, stress eating and binge eating, special needs, and clients living with chronic medical conditions. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and others. Counseling tailored to clients' needs.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Psychotherapist with over 12 years of experience working with Children (7+), Adolescents, Adults, Couples, Families, Schools, & running quarterly Teen Therapy groups. I've worked in a variety of milieus including Behavioral Health, Urgent Care, In-school Therapy, Child/Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Clinics (Rady Children’s, Bellevue Hospital, Center for Eating Disorders), & Inpatient Adult & Adolescent Units (The NY State Psychiatric Institute) in addition to 5 years in Private Practice with San Diego Kids First & The Halliday Center. I integrate traditional approaches w/ warm, creative, dynamic modalities.

I enjoy getting to know each individual I work with and finding methods that best work for them based on my education and experience. I have felt a passion for working with children and families since I started my schooling. I believe The Family is a unit and everyone has their own way of moving and contributing within the family system, even children! Hearing their perspectives can be helpful to positive behavior and connection.

As an experienced clinician, I am honored and happy to assist you and your loved ones on your path toward greater life satisfaction and peace of mind. I specialize in individual work with women and teenage girls, family and couples counseling, separation and divorce issues, trauma/abuse recovery and addiction recovery. I love to help children and adolescents express their feelings in a warm and relaxed environment in a garden setting. Addressing mood struggles as well as life challenges and transitions, my work is solution-focused, interactive and goal-oriented.

I’m glad you’re here! Finding the right therapist can be challenging, so here’s a little about how I work to help you decide if we might be a good fit. I specialize in working with adults and couples navigating what can sometimes be an overwhelming existence. Whether it’s managing anxiety, healing burnout, traversing relationship difficulties, navigating a life transition, or living with grief, I’m here to hold a warm, supportive space.

Do you struggle with recognizing your self worth and potential in life? Are you feeling hopeless and unsure how to move forward? If you answered yes to any of these questions you are not alone; I am here to help!

I have been working in psychology for 11 years. I truly love that my profession allows me to help people. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with individuals who are struggling, but are still able to allow me the privilege of assisting with their healing. I strongly believe that a central element to healing is the therapeutic relationship. This relationship is made primary in treatment to provide safety and the space necessary to process one's pain. It is the combination of a strong therapeutic relationship and the emotional space it affords, that allows significant healing to occur.

Hi! I'm Jennifer Sage, a dedicated Licensed Marriage and Family therapist specializing in working with adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma and addiction. With expertise in various therapies, I provide a compassionate and holistic approach to help you navigate your challenges, heal past wounds, and empower you on your journey towards growth and well-being. When faced with trauma and adversity, self esteem and self worth are often impacted, and feelings of unsafety and poor self image are often present. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in healing from life's challenges and coming back to self.

Is your unconscious decision-making getting in the way of the life you want and leading you to repeat the same patterns over and over again! Therapy can guide you in uncovering these internal processes and relational patterns, and lead you on a journey of discovery of how they influence and impact your understanding of self and how you relate to others. Whether you engage in therapy as an individual, couple, or family , there is unlimited potential to increase self-awareness, gain deeper understanding, build deeper connections and create more meaningful relationships.

Presently, my main focus has been the placement of adolescents and young adults who have fallen behind in school and have displayed behavioral problems at home and in school.

Are you (or is your child) overwhelmed and struggling to manage your emotions or life right now ? For over 25 years, I have been helping adults, children and families face and deal with life's challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, divorce and co-parenting, family conflict, and communication. You may be facing a new phase of life or having mild symptoms, or maybe you are dealing with a long-term and more complicated situation in which you are feeling stuck and helpless. Either way, I can give you the tools and provide the space for you to begin working towards a happier and more satisfying life.

Are you worried that you're drinking too much and might be an "alcoholic"? Do you have a teen who is drinking or smoking too much? Is drinking affecting work and relationships? Are family members saying cut down? Maybe drinking helps cope with stress and anxiety. Are you a family member of an "alcoholic" and aren't sure what to do?

HEALTHY! You are here because you, your family , your relationship's, your children, your life DESERVE IT! Life has its obstacles, its barriers, and many times, defeats. This can make us feel many feelings and emotions. But in the process, and as part of the journey, a collection of moments shape us into who we are and who we want to become. Along this path, comes peaks and valleys. The process of self-exploration starts with you!

Seeking therapy might feel like a huge leap of faith, and you might not even be sure if you’re ready. I get it. It’s really hard to get started, especially if you were taught to believe that therapy is “only for when things get really bad.” Let’s normalize going to therapy…for whatever reason you’d like: a break-up, a question about what’s next in your life, a vague feeling of something being off, a loss of any kind, a recent life change, family stuff, feeling down, feeling anxious, a concern about a relationship…the list goes on. No matter how big or small what you’re going through feels, I’m here to support you through it.

I acted as a "doula" (supportive birth companion) for friends and family members over the years, and I found this emotional support role to be a rich and rewarding one. This prompted me to transition from my career as an attorney to one as a therapist. As a licensed marriage and family therapist , I support individuals and couples encountering relationship challenges, emotional pain, grief and loss, and life transitions including new additions to the family and career changes.

Taking the first step to seek support and find healing can be incredibly challenging. I want to validate the fact that you have made it this far! In this space, you belong, and I am here to listen, to guide and support you. Building a healthy and positive relationship with my clients is an important key to therapy. The space that we create is one that will allow for identity exploration, growth and aid in developing a healthy relationship with yourself and those around you. My approach to therapy is through a strength-based, client-centered and trauma-informed lens.

Are you worried about your child? Is he/she defiant/aggressive or avoidant? Sometimes parents feel something is wrong yet can’t pinpoint a specific problem. I have had great success in helping parents with these problems. When you feel like you have tried everything possible and don't know what to do next, it's time to call a professional. I can help restore harmony to your family !

ARE YOU HAVING ANXIETY?...... Are you feeling stuck? .......Is your thinking cloudy and are you having problems concentrating on daily tasks?...........You don't feel the same and you don't know what you want. I have heard from many clients who are grieving the loss of a job, a divorce, or the loss of a loved one, that they don’t know who they are anymore. I am an experienced grief therapist and can help with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, family conflicts and loss. I got you.

Seeking Psychotherapy is a courageous and hopeful act. While each of us comes to therapy for different reasons, we all need acceptance, empathy, and support to examine our lives and make change. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and tailor my approach to the individual needs of my client. I have helped people with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, loss, trauma, addiction, parenting, and navigating difficult life transitions, such as divorce and remarriage.