Couples Counseling Therapists in Escondido, CA
I help couples find more satisfaction and intimacy in their relationships.
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist helping my clients find more congruency and peace in their lives. People often believe that their feelings of anxiety and depression are their individual problem or failure, but very often these feelings are just a normal response to a challenging world. They come to their first session worried that they are crazy or deficient in some way, but they’re not.
I help couples find more satisfaction and intimacy in their relationships.
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist helping my clients find more congruency and peace in their lives. People often believe that their feelings of anxiety and depression are their individual problem or failure, but very often these feelings are just a normal response to a challenging world. They come to their first session worried that they are crazy or deficient in some way, but they’re not.
I work comfortably with couples and individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I utilize a person-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are and actively listening to their needs. My approches integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and self-compassion strategies to provide tailored support and promote growth. Trauma-Informed to help with individuals with depression and anxiety.
I work comfortably with couples and individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I utilize a person-centered approach, meeting individuals where they are and actively listening to their needs. My approches integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and self-compassion strategies to provide tailored support and promote growth. Trauma-Informed to help with individuals with depression and anxiety.
These could be about relationships, life events, or any negative experience.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not a residential facility. We provide outpatient care only.
These could be about relationships, life events, or any negative experience.
PLEASE NOTE: We are not a residential facility. We provide outpatient care only.
My goal is to assist you in discovering a broader level of consciousness; to grow and heal through developing a more authentic relationship with yourself and to experience greater health and joy in every aspect of your life.
Through the unique connection of therapy you can learn to balance acceptance and change. By identifying self protective behaviors and defenses you can understand their origins, purpose, and how they may now be causing more suffering than protection. The symptoms of these barriers manifest as depression, anxiety, addiction, relational conflict, substance abuse, loneliness and physical illness. You can learn to challenge and release these old beliefs and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others. Through the balancing process of acceptance versus change you can develop new understanding that promotes healing and growth.
My goal is to assist you in discovering a broader level of consciousness; to grow and heal through developing a more authentic relationship with yourself and to experience greater health and joy in every aspect of your life.
Through the unique connection of therapy you can learn to balance acceptance and change. By identifying self protective behaviors and defenses you can understand their origins, purpose, and how they may now be causing more suffering than protection. The symptoms of these barriers manifest as depression, anxiety, addiction, relational conflict, substance abuse, loneliness and physical illness. You can learn to challenge and release these old beliefs and discover new ways of relating to yourself and others. Through the balancing process of acceptance versus change you can develop new understanding that promotes healing and growth.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), based in California, with over 30 years experience providing psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and couples.
Although I have lots of great experience, I continue to grow from work with my therapy clients and strive to understand them fully.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), based in California, with over 30 years experience providing psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and couples.
Although I have lots of great experience, I continue to grow from work with my therapy clients and strive to understand them fully.
The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
My practice is filled with marital/ relationship/employment problems. I am also a child psychologist, so I subspecialize in ADHD/learning disabilities. Anxiety, depression and Addiction issues are very common. All managed care programs are accepted, if that is best for the client.
The subjects are Assertiveness, How To Change Children's Behavior (Quickly), How to Assess and Treat ADHD (Children and Adults), Self Esteem, Why Relationships Fail, How to diagnose and Treat Anxiety, Anger Management, Types I and II,, Kids and Divorce, Child Visitation and Self-Esteem, How To Change Teenagers Behavior, The Psychology of Procrastination, The Psychology of Guilt, The Psychology of Forgiveness and Weight Loss (Free), The Psychology of All Addictions and How to Diagnose and Treat Mood Disorders.
My practice is filled with marital/ relationship/employment problems. I am also a child psychologist, so I subspecialize in ADHD/learning disabilities. Anxiety, depression and Addiction issues are very common. All managed care programs are accepted, if that is best for the client.
They may be a child struggling at school, a teen navigating identity and relationships, or an adult longing for deeper healing.
I offer trauma-informed, strengths-based therapy for children, teens, adults, and families facing anxiety, trauma, school stress, and life transitions. With a background in school social work, I support the whole person with compassion, curiosity, and care—creating space for healing, growth, and lasting change.
They may be a child struggling at school, a teen navigating identity and relationships, or an adult longing for deeper healing.
I offer trauma-informed, strengths-based therapy for children, teens, adults, and families facing anxiety, trauma, school stress, and life transitions. With a background in school social work, I support the whole person with compassion, curiosity, and care—creating space for healing, growth, and lasting change.
Each person deserves to be treated as a unique individual and two strengths I have toward that goal are patience and the ability to listen fully. I work to identify specific issues which can be addressed by techniques from schools of thought such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Each person deserves to be treated as a unique individual and two strengths I have toward that goal are patience and the ability to listen fully. I work to identify specific issues which can be addressed by techniques from schools of thought such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
My clients and I work together toward making the changes they desire, whether they be life changes (including recovery from trauma), changes in behavior (for example, addictive behaviors), or changes in how they view themselves and those around them. My ideal client seeks healing and self-fulfillment.
My clients and I work together toward making the changes they desire, whether they be life changes (including recovery from trauma), changes in behavior (for example, addictive behaviors), or changes in how they view themselves and those around them. My ideal client seeks healing and self-fulfillment.
My practice is a safe haven for those dealing with grief, anxiety, and life transitions. I also have a deep understanding of men’s work, addressing the unique challenges faced by men in today’s society. Whether you’re seeking to heal from past wounds or striving to thrive in your personal life, I am here to support your journey. I believe that everyone has the innate capacity to heal and grow. My role is to facilitate this process, offering a supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
My practice is a safe haven for those dealing with grief, anxiety, and life transitions. I also have a deep understanding of men’s work, addressing the unique challenges faced by men in today’s society. Whether you’re seeking to heal from past wounds or striving to thrive in your personal life, I am here to support your journey. I believe that everyone has the innate capacity to heal and grow. My role is to facilitate this process, offering a supportive space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Hello, my name is Dr. Michael Bjornson. Most of my clients simply refer to me as Dr. "B". I have been a licensed clinical psychologist for over 26 years, with active licenses in California, Utah, and Wyoming. I am honored that you are considering me to help you in whatever life challenges have led you to seek help. Whether this may be your first-time seeking help or not, I recognize starting therapy is a big decision requiring courage and trust in another human being, to be there for you in a professional, caring capacity, to facilitate and guide you through important and difficult concerns.
Hello, my name is Dr. Michael Bjornson. Most of my clients simply refer to me as Dr. "B". I have been a licensed clinical psychologist for over 26 years, with active licenses in California, Utah, and Wyoming. I am honored that you are considering me to help you in whatever life challenges have led you to seek help. Whether this may be your first-time seeking help or not, I recognize starting therapy is a big decision requiring courage and trust in another human being, to be there for you in a professional, caring capacity, to facilitate and guide you through important and difficult concerns.
My areas of specialty include: couples therapy, first responders/law enforcement professionals, Native American/Alaska Natives, LGBTQ+, high-conflict couples, trauma, depression, grief and loss, child and teen therapy and many other life transition problems.
I have experience in dealing with a wide range of clinical and relational problems. I have worked with everything from eating disorders to parenting issues, depression to anxiety, trauma to life transitions, acute crisis situations, stress debriefing, and beyond. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and trauma informed care.
My areas of specialty include: couples therapy, first responders/law enforcement professionals, Native American/Alaska Natives, LGBTQ+, high-conflict couples, trauma, depression, grief and loss, child and teen therapy and many other life transition problems.
I have experience in dealing with a wide range of clinical and relational problems. I have worked with everything from eating disorders to parenting issues, depression to anxiety, trauma to life transitions, acute crisis situations, stress debriefing, and beyond. I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and trauma informed care.
Are you dissatisfied with your relationships or feel unable to change your life?
I have been a licensed therapist since 1990. My specialties include treatment of depression, anxiety and addictive disorders. I work with adults and adolescents, and have extensive experience working with children.
Are you dissatisfied with your relationships or feel unable to change your life?
I have been a licensed therapist since 1990. My specialties include treatment of depression, anxiety and addictive disorders. I work with adults and adolescents, and have extensive experience working with children.
At times, it can be challenging to maintain emotional balance amid stress, adversity, or the demands of daily life. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD are common responses—but there is hope and support to help you navigate these challenges and create a life with less suffering and more meaning. I offer evidence-based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), I'm a member of IOCDF, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy. Together, we’ll identify your unique triggers and develop effective strategies to empower you to regain control, build resilience, and move toward your potential.
At times, it can be challenging to maintain emotional balance amid stress, adversity, or the demands of daily life. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and OCD are common responses—but there is hope and support to help you navigate these challenges and create a life with less suffering and more meaning. I offer evidence-based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), I'm a member of IOCDF, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and psychodynamic therapy. Together, we’ll identify your unique triggers and develop effective strategies to empower you to regain control, build resilience, and move toward your potential.
I bring empathy, understanding, experience, and perspective to client issues in a humanistic approach which enables clients to see how they influence and are influenced by their relationships with family, friends, co-workers, community, and society.
I specialize in treating issues related to the various life cycle transitions of individuals and families, parenting and child behavioral issues, and families with mental illness by providing a systemic perspective that is non-judgmental and alerts clients to the possibility and potential of creating happier life experiences for themselves.
I bring empathy, understanding, experience, and perspective to client issues in a humanistic approach which enables clients to see how they influence and are influenced by their relationships with family, friends, co-workers, community, and society.
I specialize in treating issues related to the various life cycle transitions of individuals and families, parenting and child behavioral issues, and families with mental illness by providing a systemic perspective that is non-judgmental and alerts clients to the possibility and potential of creating happier life experiences for themselves.
I specialize in relapse prevention, anger management, self-worth, individual, and couple's issues.
I use CBT- Cognitive restructuring and Behavior modification. CBT helps you explore the role of your core beliefs and behaviors in your interaction with self and others. I also use EFT for couples. Emotional Focus Therapy focuses on helping couples identify the emotional context of communication rather than the verbal/nonverbal content.
I specialize in relapse prevention, anger management, self-worth, individual, and couple's issues.
I use CBT- Cognitive restructuring and Behavior modification. CBT helps you explore the role of your core beliefs and behaviors in your interaction with self and others. I also use EFT for couples. Emotional Focus Therapy focuses on helping couples identify the emotional context of communication rather than the verbal/nonverbal content.
My ideal client has an awareness of their presenting problem (unproductive thought pattern, emotions or behavior), and is ready to release it. The client realizes something is not working and ready to breakthrough their current situation. Many have often tried other traditional therapy or personal development and may even have hit a mental health crisis (anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, etc.) Some clients simply want to level-up their mindset to further their personal, relational or career goals. Many choose to work with me with issues of self-love/confidence, emotional/relational instability, or behavioral change.
My ideal client has an awareness of their presenting problem (unproductive thought pattern, emotions or behavior), and is ready to release it. The client realizes something is not working and ready to breakthrough their current situation. Many have often tried other traditional therapy or personal development and may even have hit a mental health crisis (anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, rage, etc.) Some clients simply want to level-up their mindset to further their personal, relational or career goals. Many choose to work with me with issues of self-love/confidence, emotional/relational instability, or behavioral change.
Susan Blansett-McAllister
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Escondido, CA 92025
Waitlist for new clients
I see therapy as a self-discovery process, in which a client seeks to solve problems in a safe and positive environment under the guidance of a professional. I believe that anxiety, depression and negative stress can be resolved more effectively, when there is understanding that basic steps must be taken to first stabilize one's life then one's passion and purpose in life can be addressed to find self-fulfillment. I especially enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages, who are in the midst of life transitions.
I see therapy as a self-discovery process, in which a client seeks to solve problems in a safe and positive environment under the guidance of a professional. I believe that anxiety, depression and negative stress can be resolved more effectively, when there is understanding that basic steps must be taken to first stabilize one's life then one's passion and purpose in life can be addressed to find self-fulfillment. I especially enjoy working with adolescents and adults of all ages, who are in the midst of life transitions.
Sitting at the cross roads of life not knowing which direction to take or perhaps cemented in the very spot where we stand, seems to be where many find themselves today. With the weight of past traumas, present stress and frustrations, and future worries of what is to come sitting upon our shoulders, we attempt to carry even more weight from our families and friends. At some point our shoulders begin to give amongst the burden that cannot be carried alone. We find ourselves in distress feeling hopeless, helpless and broken.
Sitting at the cross roads of life not knowing which direction to take or perhaps cemented in the very spot where we stand, seems to be where many find themselves today. With the weight of past traumas, present stress and frustrations, and future worries of what is to come sitting upon our shoulders, we attempt to carry even more weight from our families and friends. At some point our shoulders begin to give amongst the burden that cannot be carried alone. We find ourselves in distress feeling hopeless, helpless and broken.
I enjoy helping individuals and families struggling with personal issues varying from mental health and addiction to relationship or family problems, stress, bereavement, emotional pain, abuse and more.
I am well versed in addressing a wide array of the types of problems that bring people to seek therapy, including but not limited to addictions, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, pain management, life transitions and trauma
I enjoy helping individuals and families struggling with personal issues varying from mental health and addiction to relationship or family problems, stress, bereavement, emotional pain, abuse and more.
I am well versed in addressing a wide array of the types of problems that bring people to seek therapy, including but not limited to addictions, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, grief, pain management, life transitions and trauma
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Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.