Life Transitions Therapists in Encinitas, CA
I specialize in treating depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction, offering compassionate support for life transitions, career counseling, and trauma.
We're hiring! The Halliday Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness is seeking Licensed Clinical Psychologists to join our established group practice in Encinitas and Carmel Valley. This opportunity is ideal for clinicians who value strong clinical work, consultation, and the flexibility of private practice. We offer a hybrid model, flexible scheduling, and full administrative support, including referrals, billing, and credentialing. Join a collaborative, collegial team committed to ethical care and professional growth. To apply, please email me your CV and a letter of interest.
I specialize in treating depression, bipolar disorder, and addiction, offering compassionate support for life transitions, career counseling, and trauma.
We're hiring! The Halliday Center for Psychotherapy and Wellness is seeking Licensed Clinical Psychologists to join our established group practice in Encinitas and Carmel Valley. This opportunity is ideal for clinicians who value strong clinical work, consultation, and the flexibility of private practice. We offer a hybrid model, flexible scheduling, and full administrative support, including referrals, billing, and credentialing. Join a collaborative, collegial team committed to ethical care and professional growth. To apply, please email me your CV and a letter of interest.
I have found that my direct style and approach are a good fit for both adolescents and adults of all ages who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions as well as social pressures.
My name is Diana Ashton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, CA. I work with adolescents and adults with a variety of presenting issues using psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and short-term solution-focused therapeutic techniques to help my clients find the answers that they are looking for. I grew up in a family with some trauma and I believe that I emerged wanting to not only heal myself but to help others heal as well. I have always had the ability to see a person as a whole picture and am not afraid to reach out and offer help.
I have found that my direct style and approach are a good fit for both adolescents and adults of all ages who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions as well as social pressures.
My name is Diana Ashton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, CA. I work with adolescents and adults with a variety of presenting issues using psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and short-term solution-focused therapeutic techniques to help my clients find the answers that they are looking for. I grew up in a family with some trauma and I believe that I emerged wanting to not only heal myself but to help others heal as well. I have always had the ability to see a person as a whole picture and am not afraid to reach out and offer help.
I support individuals navigating trauma and sexual trauma, anxiety, relational wounds, and major life transitions, and I also work with couples seeking repair and emotional safety after periods of rupture or disconnection.
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 support individuals navigating trauma and sexual trauma, anxiety, relational wounds, and major life transitions, and I also work with couples seeking repair and emotional safety after periods of rupture or disconnection.
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.
If you are experiencing relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, career transitions, and leadership challenges, It would be an honor to help guide you in these areas.
Life can feel overwhelming—marriages strained, relationships disconnected, anxiety constant, or transitions leaving you uncertain and unsure of your next step. I walk with individuals and couples with compassion and faith, using a Christian approach carefully tailored to your unique needs and goals. By blending biblical truth with proven therapy, we work together toward healing, restored hope, and deeper connection, helping you experience the lasting peace, joy, and wholeness God longs for in your life. I look forward to meeting you soon!
If you are experiencing relationship struggles, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, career transitions, and leadership challenges, It would be an honor to help guide you in these areas.
Life can feel overwhelming—marriages strained, relationships disconnected, anxiety constant, or transitions leaving you uncertain and unsure of your next step. I walk with individuals and couples with compassion and faith, using a Christian approach carefully tailored to your unique needs and goals. By blending biblical truth with proven therapy, we work together toward healing, restored hope, and deeper connection, helping you experience the lasting peace, joy, and wholeness God longs for in your life. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship/parenting issues, work stressors or navigating life transitions, I'm here to support you.
I'm so glad you are on your journey to finding the right therapist. Seeking out therapy can take both vulnerability and courage, and I commend you for taking this first step. Life is intense and I imagine you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, but you shouldn't have to manage it alone. With 16 years of experience, my compassionate, empathetic, and humorous nature allows me to build a trusting relationship with my clients, and I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment. My approach to therapy is collaborative, where we work together as a team to identify and address the challenges you're facing.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship/parenting issues, work stressors or navigating life transitions, I'm here to support you.
I'm so glad you are on your journey to finding the right therapist. Seeking out therapy can take both vulnerability and courage, and I commend you for taking this first step. Life is intense and I imagine you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, but you shouldn't have to manage it alone. With 16 years of experience, my compassionate, empathetic, and humorous nature allows me to build a trusting relationship with my clients, and I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment. My approach to therapy is collaborative, where we work together as a team to identify and address the challenges you're facing.
Treatment specialization includes: •Depression •Mood Disorders •Anxiety (including Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD) •PTSD •Grief Counseling •ADHD •Work, Career, and Parenting issues •Stress Management • Life Transitions •Addiction & Recovery •Conflict Resolution •Relationship Issues •Psychological Evaluations •Diagnostic Clarification
Dr. McKnight uses a bio-psycho-social model which looks at how biological, psychological, and social (or interpersonal) processes interact in each individual's life. She notes that “Wellness involves the mind and the body”. Her work incorporates how your unique personality and past experiences have influenced your life and how you view the world, as well as what is currently keeping your problems from being resolved and how to get past them. Her goal is to tailor an approach that works best for each unique individual through a collaborative discussion of your goals and needs.
Treatment specialization includes: •Depression •Mood Disorders •Anxiety (including Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, OCD) •PTSD •Grief Counseling •ADHD •Work, Career, and Parenting issues •Stress Management • Life Transitions •Addiction & Recovery •Conflict Resolution •Relationship Issues •Psychological Evaluations •Diagnostic Clarification
Dr. McKnight uses a bio-psycho-social model which looks at how biological, psychological, and social (or interpersonal) processes interact in each individual's life. She notes that “Wellness involves the mind and the body”. Her work incorporates how your unique personality and past experiences have influenced your life and how you view the world, as well as what is currently keeping your problems from being resolved and how to get past them. Her goal is to tailor an approach that works best for each unique individual through a collaborative discussion of your goals and needs.
Trauma and substance abuse may make it difficult for us to make vital life transitions and transformations.
I received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. I have core training in EMDR therapy, and additional training using EMDR in the treatment of childhood based emotional injuries. These injuries may affect a client's ability to regulate their emotions, and form close personal relationships.
Trauma and substance abuse may make it difficult for us to make vital life transitions and transformations.
I received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. I have core training in EMDR therapy, and additional training using EMDR in the treatment of childhood based emotional injuries. These injuries may affect a client's ability to regulate their emotions, and form close personal relationships.
I 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.
I help individuals navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions with compassion and clarity—walking alongside them as they find balance, strengthen connection, and create meaningful change in their lives.
My goal is to offer a calm and compassionate environment where you can feel truly heard, supported, and understood—without judgment. I work with children, teens, and adults who may be facing emotional struggles, low self-esteem, or relational difficulties. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Together, we’ll identify the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and work toward restoring balance, confidence, and self-trust.
I help individuals navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions with compassion and clarity—walking alongside them as they find balance, strengthen connection, and create meaningful change in their lives.
My goal is to offer a calm and compassionate environment where you can feel truly heard, supported, and understood—without judgment. I work with children, teens, and adults who may be facing emotional struggles, low self-esteem, or relational difficulties. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, grounded in the belief that meaningful change happens when you feel safe enough to explore your thoughts and emotions openly. Together, we’ll identify the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and work toward restoring balance, confidence, and self-trust.
I am an integrative psychologist who will support you mind, body, soul and emotions. I have over 30 years of experience and work with individuals, adolescents and young adults, couples and families. I offer transformational hypnotherapy to support you in releasing cellular and muscle memories, communication skills, cognitive reframing and I will support you step by step in living the life you would love to live. I specialize in transitions and releasing trauma both the mind and body patterning so you are free to become your best self.
I am an integrative psychologist who will support you mind, body, soul and emotions. I have over 30 years of experience and work with individuals, adolescents and young adults, couples and families. I offer transformational hypnotherapy to support you in releasing cellular and muscle memories, communication skills, cognitive reframing and I will support you step by step in living the life you would love to live. I specialize in transitions and releasing trauma both the mind and body patterning so you are free to become your best self.
I work in a wonderful group practice, and I help women and men with issues including relationship stress, life transitions, self-esteem, and career struggles.
My approach is warm, authentic and playful, drawing on both clinical training and real-life experience. Before becoming a therapist, I worked for years in the nonprofit sector directing community programs focused on parenting, relationship issues, and emotional well-being. My experience as a single mom has helped connect deeply with others.
I work in a wonderful group practice, and I help women and men with issues including relationship stress, life transitions, self-esteem, and career struggles.
My approach is warm, authentic and playful, drawing on both clinical training and real-life experience. Before becoming a therapist, I worked for years in the nonprofit sector directing community programs focused on parenting, relationship issues, and emotional well-being. My experience as a single mom has helped connect deeply with others.
Through Jungian Analysis and Psychotherapy, I work with your dreams, images and unconscious, to access and develop the individual potential you were meant to live. I can help you to develop a creative, ethical, stable and joy filled life and to fulfill your full potential as an individuated and consciously whole person.
Through Jungian Analysis and Psychotherapy, I work with your dreams, images and unconscious, to access and develop the individual potential you were meant to live. I can help you to develop a creative, ethical, stable and joy filled life and to fulfill your full potential as an individuated and consciously whole person.
From early development to late adulthood, we are in a continuous state of physiological, environmental, social, interpersonal, educational, and professional change. With change, tools are necessary to strengthen adversity, opportunity, autonomy, and life balance. All things considered, humans are social creatures and the need to connect with the self and others is essential for optimizing fulfillment in our lives.
From early development to late adulthood, we are in a continuous state of physiological, environmental, social, interpersonal, educational, and professional change. With change, tools are necessary to strengthen adversity, opportunity, autonomy, and life balance. All things considered, humans are social creatures and the need to connect with the self and others is essential for optimizing fulfillment in our lives.
Anxiety, depression, relationship stress, or a major life transition can make it hard to know what direction to take next.
I offer warm, collaborative support for individuals, couples, families, and children working through anxiety, relationship stress, life transitions, and concerns related to eating, body image, or bariatric surgery. I also provide therapy in English and Farsi for clients balancing cultural expectations or bicultural experiences.
Anxiety, depression, relationship stress, or a major life transition can make it hard to know what direction to take next.
I offer warm, collaborative support for individuals, couples, families, and children working through anxiety, relationship stress, life transitions, and concerns related to eating, body image, or bariatric surgery. I also provide therapy in English and Farsi for clients balancing cultural expectations or bicultural experiences.
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
I utilize an integrative approach that is individualized for each client and have focused my work on the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and supporting those within my LGBTQIA+ community.
“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.
I utilize an integrative approach that is individualized for each client and have focused my work on the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and supporting those within my LGBTQIA+ community.
“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.
I have specialized in working with families of aging or chronically ill patients, specifically patients with dementia and brain injury. I help the caregiver negotiate through the stress of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition to my practice focus, I enjoy working with adults seeking to improve their quality of life and are willing to do the work it takes to accomplish that.
I have specialized in working with families of aging or chronically ill patients, specifically patients with dementia and brain injury. I help the caregiver negotiate through the stress of caring for a loved one with a chronic illness such as Alzheimer's disease. In addition to my practice focus, I enjoy working with adults seeking to improve their quality of life and are willing to do the work it takes to accomplish that.
I’m an experienced therapist who works well with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and boundary setting.
Together, we will establish a supportive alliance so that you can make connections between past and present and identify obstacles that may be preventing you from living your life more fully. I incorporate Jungian therapy as well as mindfulness and body-centered techniques and work from a trauma-informed lens.
I’m an experienced therapist who works well with individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and boundary setting.
Together, we will establish a supportive alliance so that you can make connections between past and present and identify obstacles that may be preventing you from living your life more fully. I incorporate Jungian therapy as well as mindfulness and body-centered techniques and work from a trauma-informed lens.
I help highly sensitive, introspective clients navigate life transitions, heal from trauma, and work through relational and emotional challenges.
I specialize in helping sensitive, deep-thinking individuals heal from trauma, navigate anxiety, explore identity questions, and work through complex relationship and attachment dynamics. Many of the people I work with appear capable and composed on the outside and are used to handling a great deal on their own, yet feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. I offer collaborative, depth-oriented therapy and EMDR that is trauma-informed, intentionally paced, and designed to support meaningful, sustainable change.
I help highly sensitive, introspective clients navigate life transitions, heal from trauma, and work through relational and emotional challenges.
I specialize in helping sensitive, deep-thinking individuals heal from trauma, navigate anxiety, explore identity questions, and work through complex relationship and attachment dynamics. Many of the people I work with appear capable and composed on the outside and are used to handling a great deal on their own, yet feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from themselves. I offer collaborative, depth-oriented therapy and EMDR that is trauma-informed, intentionally paced, and designed to support meaningful, sustainable change.
You’re here because you expect more—from your performance, your mindset, and your life. As an athlete or high-performer, pressure, burnout, injury, or identity challenges can impact focus, confidence, and balance. I work with driven individuals to strengthen mental performance, resilience, and emotional regulation. My approach blends awareness-based practices and practical tools to uncover unintentional patterns and support purposeful action. I meet you where you are with patience and presence, helping you navigate life’s peaks and valleys while building sustainable performance and a life where you can truly thrive.
You’re here because you expect more—from your performance, your mindset, and your life. As an athlete or high-performer, pressure, burnout, injury, or identity challenges can impact focus, confidence, and balance. I work with driven individuals to strengthen mental performance, resilience, and emotional regulation. My approach blends awareness-based practices and practical tools to uncover unintentional patterns and support purposeful action. I meet you where you are with patience and presence, helping you navigate life’s peaks and valleys while building sustainable performance and a life where you can truly thrive.
See more therapy options for Encinitas
Nearby Life Transitions Therapists Searches for Encinitas
- Bonsall
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
FAQ - Life Transitions Counseling
What counts as a life transition?
A life transition is any change in life circumstances that requires a person to adapt, whether in their relationships, identity, responsibilities, or daily routine. Major life transitions may include getting married, starting a new career, becoming a parent, navigating the loss of a close loved one, retiring, experiencing a major change in health, or moving to a new area. Life transitions can also be smaller or more gradual, such as graduating to a new school, recovering from an injury, taking on more responsibility at work, or adjusting to a new phase of life. Both major and minor transitions can affect mental health, especially when they involve uncertainty, stress, grief, or changes in how a person sees themselves.
How do I know if I need therapy for a life transition?
Life transitions can bring up a wide range of emotions, and it is normal for someone to feel anxious, confused, stressed, sad, or emotionally unsteady. These reactions may be especially common in the weeks or months following a major change. However, if these feelings begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, sleep, work, or a person’s ability to care for themselves, it may be worth seeking support. A person does not need to wait until symptoms feel severe to ask for help; in fact, many people seek therapy proactively to prepare for a major life transition. For example, couples may see a therapist ahead of expecting their first child as a way to strengthen their relationship prior to becoming parents.
How can therapy help with life transitions?
Therapy can help you cope with both expected and unexpected life transitions by providing a space to process how a change is affecting your life, relationships, identity, or emotional well-being. For example, someone who has recently become a parent may use therapy to talk through changes in their identity, stress in their relationship, or feelings of overwhelm. A therapist can also help you make sense of what you are feeling, identify the root causes of stress, and develop coping strategies for managing the uncertainty that can come from major life changes.
What therapeutic approaches work best for life transitions?
The best therapeutic approach depends on what you are struggling with most. If intrusive thoughts or anxiety are the main concern, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help people identify painful thought patterns and develop coping strategies to manage them. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people make space for painful emotions and accepting their circumstances while reconnecting with their values. For those navigating major relationship changes, couples or family counseling may be a good option. Lastly, for someone navigating career-related concerns, career counselors or coaches may be a good option. When considering what type of therapy may be best, consider the logistical components. For instance, CBT is often limited to a specified number of sessions, whereas more traditional talk therapy approaches can go on for years. In addition, consider whether you will be seeking online or in-person therapy; if you are in the process of moving or seeking a therapist for support around a topic that is not available in your immediate area, online therapy may be a good fit.
How do I find a therapist for life transition counseling?
The Psychology Today Therapist Directory allows people to search for therapists who specialize in life transitions. Use the “Specialties” filter and select “Life transitions” to find therapists who have indicated experience in life transitions. You may also select filters related to a specific transition, such as career counseling, divorce, grief, premarital counseling, or parenting. When comparing options, it is helpful to look for therapists whose profiles specifically mention experience with life transitions or specific types of transitions. Practical factors such as insurance, location, and online or in-person availability are also important. Once you have identified a few therapists who seem like a good fit, reach out to schedule an initial consultation.