Lesbian Therapists in Encinitas, CA
Welcome! I am thrilled that you are considering therapy. Therapy is for anyone who is seeking personal growth, resilience for past or current trauma, suffering, and other difficult emotions, and support during the hard bits of life and living. Some of my clients have diagnoses of mood disorders, but most are simply trying to navigate life's challenges. I have particular expertise in working with grief, caregiving, self-identity, and enduring relational themes. Therapy helps my clients feel like they have a partner in their self-work and someone who is always rooting for them.
Welcome! I am thrilled that you are considering therapy. Therapy is for anyone who is seeking personal growth, resilience for past or current trauma, suffering, and other difficult emotions, and support during the hard bits of life and living. Some of my clients have diagnoses of mood disorders, but most are simply trying to navigate life's challenges. I have particular expertise in working with grief, caregiving, self-identity, and enduring relational themes. Therapy helps my clients feel like they have a partner in their self-work and someone who is always rooting for them.
“A real sign of progress is when we no longer punish ourselves for our imperfections” - Yung Pueblo. I believe that oftentimes our perceived “imperfections” hold stories of pain endured, and that acknowledging their existence, instead of hiding them away can be the first step towards healing. This, however, can be one of the most challenging things to do, as it requires unlearning sometimes lifetimes of messaging from the world around us. Issues such as depression, anxiety and trauma can cause us to feel off, disjointed and as though we need to “fix” the parts of us we perceive as imperfect.
“A real sign of progress is when we no longer punish ourselves for our imperfections” - Yung Pueblo. I believe that oftentimes our perceived “imperfections” hold stories of pain endured, and that acknowledging their existence, instead of hiding them away can be the first step towards healing. This, however, can be one of the most challenging things to do, as it requires unlearning sometimes lifetimes of messaging from the world around us. Issues such as depression, anxiety and trauma can cause us to feel off, disjointed and as though we need to “fix” the parts of us we perceive as imperfect.
My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental, empathetic, understanding, compassionate, and accepting. I am committed to social justice and advocacy for marginalized persons. I want to help inspire you to grow into the person you want to become, without shame. I work with clients who want to improve their quality of life, decrease distress, enhance relationships, resolve family conflict, better cope with life, and break free from unhealthy patterns. I specialize in treating: depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship problems, & unresolved conflict from childhood. I provide affirmative therapy for the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental, empathetic, understanding, compassionate, and accepting. I am committed to social justice and advocacy for marginalized persons. I want to help inspire you to grow into the person you want to become, without shame. I work with clients who want to improve their quality of life, decrease distress, enhance relationships, resolve family conflict, better cope with life, and break free from unhealthy patterns. I specialize in treating: depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, relationship problems, & unresolved conflict from childhood. I provide affirmative therapy for the LGBTQ2IA+ community.
You may look like you’re functioning on the outside while feeling exhausted internally. Maybe your mind gets stuck in loops of overthinking, doubt, intrusive thoughts, or “what ifs.” Maybe you’ve spent years trying to avoid certain feelings, memories, or parts of yourself just to get through the day. Therapy can be a space where you no longer have to do that alone. I specialize in working with OCD, trauma, and LGBTQ+ clients, and I approach therapy with warmth, and curiosity. I understand how isolating OCD can feel, especially when your thoughts don’t match who you are or what you value.
You may look like you’re functioning on the outside while feeling exhausted internally. Maybe your mind gets stuck in loops of overthinking, doubt, intrusive thoughts, or “what ifs.” Maybe you’ve spent years trying to avoid certain feelings, memories, or parts of yourself just to get through the day. Therapy can be a space where you no longer have to do that alone. I specialize in working with OCD, trauma, and LGBTQ+ clients, and I approach therapy with warmth, and curiosity. I understand how isolating OCD can feel, especially when your thoughts don’t match who you are or what you value.
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?
It is so lovely to see you here. Congratulations on taking the first (and sometimes hardest) step in improving your mental health and quality of life! I am a neuropsychologist, which means I specialize in the evaluation & diagnosis of brain disorders. I can help answer questions such as "Do I have memory difficulties...ADHD, a learning disorder, dementia, or brain changes from a head injury or other illness?" or "How can I improve my organization or memory while dealing with symptoms of my diagnosis such as ADHD or a stroke".
It is so lovely to see you here. Congratulations on taking the first (and sometimes hardest) step in improving your mental health and quality of life! I am a neuropsychologist, which means I specialize in the evaluation & diagnosis of brain disorders. I can help answer questions such as "Do I have memory difficulties...ADHD, a learning disorder, dementia, or brain changes from a head injury or other illness?" or "How can I improve my organization or memory while dealing with symptoms of my diagnosis such as ADHD or a stroke".
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world. I'm Dr. Lisette Montañez, a licensed psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group in Carlsbad and Vista. I help teens, adults, and couples untangle the emotional threads that weave through their past and present. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating relationship dynamics, processing trauma, or exploring your identity, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings at your own pace. I am actively taking new patients 4/1/2026.
Understanding our emotions can sometimes feel like navigating a maze without a map. From the earliest moments of our lives, our relationships shape who we are and how we relate to the world. I'm Dr. Lisette Montañez, a licensed psychologist at Coastal Therapy Group in Carlsbad and Vista. I help teens, adults, and couples untangle the emotional threads that weave through their past and present. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, navigating relationship dynamics, processing trauma, or exploring your identity, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore your feelings at your own pace. I am actively taking new patients 4/1/2026.
Somewhere along the way, the life you imagined started to feel out of reach. Maybe it's anxiety that lives in your body before your brain even registers why. Maybe it's a relationship cycling through the same painful patterns — or experiences you've carried for years without knowing how to set them down. You've tried pushing through. You've done the reading. And still, something keeps pulling you back. What if the missing piece isn't working harder, but finally understanding how your brain and nervous system have been responding — and giving them something better?
Somewhere along the way, the life you imagined started to feel out of reach. Maybe it's anxiety that lives in your body before your brain even registers why. Maybe it's a relationship cycling through the same painful patterns — or experiences you've carried for years without knowing how to set them down. You've tried pushing through. You've done the reading. And still, something keeps pulling you back. What if the missing piece isn't working harder, but finally understanding how your brain and nervous system have been responding — and giving them something better?
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.
I am accepting new clients for in person therapy!
Are you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself? Do you struggle to identify and express your emotions, leaving you feeling alone, isolated, or hopeless? You may be longing for love, acceptance, and meaningful connection but feel unsure how to take the first step. My ideal clients are women navigating depression, anxiety, identity development, and life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and providing affirming, inclusive care.
I am accepting new clients for in person therapy!
Are you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself? Do you struggle to identify and express your emotions, leaving you feeling alone, isolated, or hopeless? You may be longing for love, acceptance, and meaningful connection but feel unsure how to take the first step. My ideal clients are women navigating depression, anxiety, identity development, and life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and providing affirming, inclusive care.
I am licensed in CA, AZ and MN and can provide IN-PERSON in Minneapolis or Telehealth in all 3 States. Who doesn't want freedom in all aspects of life? I believe that true freedom comes from transformation of self from the inside out. We are not on this planet to struggle, rather to find the courage to let our light shine. If you feel stuck in your relationships, career or family; if inner peace and contentment elude you; if you feel lost and overwhelmed but aren’t sure why; if you feel that others got the instructions on how to do life but you missed the memo, perhaps it is time for a change. Life is short. You are worth this.
I am licensed in CA, AZ and MN and can provide IN-PERSON in Minneapolis or Telehealth in all 3 States. Who doesn't want freedom in all aspects of life? I believe that true freedom comes from transformation of self from the inside out. We are not on this planet to struggle, rather to find the courage to let our light shine. If you feel stuck in your relationships, career or family; if inner peace and contentment elude you; if you feel lost and overwhelmed but aren’t sure why; if you feel that others got the instructions on how to do life but you missed the memo, perhaps it is time for a change. Life is short. You are worth this.
New View Counseling w/ Helen Kuhn, LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I offer a blend of clinical expertise & academic knowledge to our work together. As a lecturer at the graduate level, I stay current with cutting-edge research & evidence based practices. With a sense of wonder & curiosity free from judgement I create a safe & trusted space. I explore with you the places you are feeling stuck, confused and/or depleted.
Serving individuals from all walks of life, I work with partners wanting to strengthen connection or ones who find themselves in crisis. Whether you are parents adjusting to divorce or couples just starting out, I can bring insight for meaningful connections & understanding.
I offer a blend of clinical expertise & academic knowledge to our work together. As a lecturer at the graduate level, I stay current with cutting-edge research & evidence based practices. With a sense of wonder & curiosity free from judgement I create a safe & trusted space. I explore with you the places you are feeling stuck, confused and/or depleted.
Serving individuals from all walks of life, I work with partners wanting to strengthen connection or ones who find themselves in crisis. Whether you are parents adjusting to divorce or couples just starting out, I can bring insight for meaningful connections & understanding.
EMDR Therapist for High Performers & Athletes -
From the outside, it may look like you have it all together—but internally, do you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or pressure to constantly perform? Have your usual coping strategies stopped working? Do you feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or stuck in patterns that are impacting your relationships, confidence, or ability to be present.
I work with high performers and athletes using a trauma-informed approach and EMDR therapy to help clients process underlying experiences, feel CALMER in the body and mind, and reconnect with themselves.
EMDR Therapist for High Performers & Athletes -
From the outside, it may look like you have it all together—but internally, do you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or pressure to constantly perform? Have your usual coping strategies stopped working? Do you feel emotionally exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or stuck in patterns that are impacting your relationships, confidence, or ability to be present.
I work with high performers and athletes using a trauma-informed approach and EMDR therapy to help clients process underlying experiences, feel CALMER in the body and mind, and reconnect with themselves.
You may be here because life has required you to live in survival mode for a long time, or because something important has recently ruptured or fallen apart. This can be shaped by ongoing stress, complex trauma, or years of adapting to circumstances that never fully allowed your system to feel safe or settled. You might not feel in crisis, yet you don’t feel at ease either. I work with individuals who are ready to move beyond coping and begin integrating what they have lived through, so life can be met with greater steadiness, clarity, and self-trust.
You may be here because life has required you to live in survival mode for a long time, or because something important has recently ruptured or fallen apart. This can be shaped by ongoing stress, complex trauma, or years of adapting to circumstances that never fully allowed your system to feel safe or settled. You might not feel in crisis, yet you don’t feel at ease either. I work with individuals who are ready to move beyond coping and begin integrating what they have lived through, so life can be met with greater steadiness, clarity, and self-trust.
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.
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.
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.
Life can be challenging at times, and it can be good to know that someone is on your side. If you are looking for love, but it seems impossible to find, if you are having trouble in your romantic relationship, if you are dealing with a difficult ex-partner, or you are experiencing sexual challenges, my passion is to help you experience your best life.
Life can be challenging at times, and it can be good to know that someone is on your side. If you are looking for love, but it seems impossible to find, if you are having trouble in your romantic relationship, if you are dealing with a difficult ex-partner, or you are experiencing sexual challenges, my passion is to help you experience your best life.
Accepting new clients as of: 3/15/26. Child Therapy in Encinitas, CA: for ages 5-11. Providing specialized support for your child's well-being. Are you worried about your child's social-emotional or behavioral struggles? Child-centered therapy can help. Taking the first step towards support can make a world of difference for your child's well-being. As an experienced child therapist in Encinitas, CA, I specialize in providing compassionate and effective in-person child therapy specifically designed for children ages 5-11. I help children navigate various challenges, fostering their emotional growth and resilience.
Accepting new clients as of: 3/15/26. Child Therapy in Encinitas, CA: for ages 5-11. Providing specialized support for your child's well-being. Are you worried about your child's social-emotional or behavioral struggles? Child-centered therapy can help. Taking the first step towards support can make a world of difference for your child's well-being. As an experienced child therapist in Encinitas, CA, I specialize in providing compassionate and effective in-person child therapy specifically designed for children ages 5-11. I help children navigate various challenges, fostering their emotional growth and resilience.
Welcoming a new baby—whether through pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption— can stir up excitement, uncertainty, joy, grief, hope, exhaustion, and everything in between. My sessions are designed to support individuals and couples as they prepare for and adjust to this season of change as well as to treat and prevent prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I also work with adults at any stage of life who are experiencing relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and other impactful life transitions including career changes. I offer a space to reflect, gain clarity, and care for your emotional wellbeing.
Welcoming a new baby—whether through pregnancy, surrogacy, or adoption— can stir up excitement, uncertainty, joy, grief, hope, exhaustion, and everything in between. My sessions are designed to support individuals and couples as they prepare for and adjust to this season of change as well as to treat and prevent prenatal and postpartum anxiety and depression. I also work with adults at any stage of life who are experiencing relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and other impactful life transitions including career changes. I offer a space to reflect, gain clarity, and care for your emotional wellbeing.
Trauma, grief/loss, divorce, abandonment, birth, parenting, career or life changes and stress can feel overwhelming. Clients are supported in the body/mind to regulate the nervous system to create greater ease and flow through life changes. The relationship to self, other and the Earth deepens through this process. Greater self-awareness, empowerment, embodied living, wellness, improving relationships, creating support, greater creativity, finding safety in the body, energy awareness, releasing trauma, nurturing and nourishing the self, lifting depression, holistic healing, and reducing stress and anxiety are often goals of clients
Trauma, grief/loss, divorce, abandonment, birth, parenting, career or life changes and stress can feel overwhelming. Clients are supported in the body/mind to regulate the nervous system to create greater ease and flow through life changes. The relationship to self, other and the Earth deepens through this process. Greater self-awareness, empowerment, embodied living, wellness, improving relationships, creating support, greater creativity, finding safety in the body, energy awareness, releasing trauma, nurturing and nourishing the self, lifting depression, holistic healing, and reducing stress and anxiety are often goals of clients
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Lesbian Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Cardiff
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- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
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- Valley Center
- Vista
Lesbian Therapists
What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialized understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organizations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.