LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Escondido, CA
Tired of feeling anxious, overwhelmed? Like you don't know where else to turn? We all have a story to tell, but not everyone feels empowered to share theirs. There are ALWAYS reasons why you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, chronically stressed, angry, or depressed. We will uncover each and every one of your symptoms and put the pieces of the puzzle together so that you can feel content and secure - inside and out.
Tired of feeling anxious, overwhelmed? Like you don't know where else to turn? We all have a story to tell, but not everyone feels empowered to share theirs. There are ALWAYS reasons why you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, chronically stressed, angry, or depressed. We will uncover each and every one of your symptoms and put the pieces of the puzzle together so that you can feel content and secure - inside and out.
We are interactive, empathetic therapist and provide support, understanding, practical feedback and guidance. Sometimes we're just not meeting personal, professional, or social needs. By working together, we can develop awareness and effectively address life challenges to find balance in your life. Treatment is personalized to you or your child and the specific situation. Our amazing therapists at Hilber Psychological Services are ready to work with you!
We are interactive, empathetic therapist and provide support, understanding, practical feedback and guidance. Sometimes we're just not meeting personal, professional, or social needs. By working together, we can develop awareness and effectively address life challenges to find balance in your life. Treatment is personalized to you or your child and the specific situation. Our amazing therapists at Hilber Psychological Services are ready to work with you!
I also provide LGBTQ+ and trans-affirming therapy for individuals exploring gender identity, sexual identity, relationships, and self-esteem.
My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and collaborative, rooted in deep respect for your story. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where we’ll work toward emotional healing, clarity, and meaningful change while building practical tools and new ways of thinking.
I also provide LGBTQ+ and trans-affirming therapy for individuals exploring gender identity, sexual identity, relationships, and self-esteem.
My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and collaborative, rooted in deep respect for your story. I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where we’ll work toward emotional healing, clarity, and meaningful change while building practical tools and new ways of thinking.
Carrie Poulson LCSW. CERT: I am a psychotherapist, and certified art therapist who specializes in family of origin trauma, co-dependency issues, anxiety and depression. I live in Escondido, California where I maintain a private practice. I conduct experiential groups, workshops, and individual counseling sessions. I know that going to therapy can be scary, however I am very understanding, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth, with relaxing, yet transformative, sessions. I understand. I have a trauma history of my own and have been in your shoes. I know the way to a better life! Don't be afraid to take this step.
Carrie Poulson LCSW. CERT: I am a psychotherapist, and certified art therapist who specializes in family of origin trauma, co-dependency issues, anxiety and depression. I live in Escondido, California where I maintain a private practice. I conduct experiential groups, workshops, and individual counseling sessions. I know that going to therapy can be scary, however I am very understanding, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth, with relaxing, yet transformative, sessions. I understand. I have a trauma history of my own and have been in your shoes. I know the way to a better life! Don't be afraid to take this step.
My name is Abigail and I'm a queer, neurodivergent therapist who strives to create a safe and comfortable space for therapy.
I approach individual therapy through an eclectic approach, but I lean toward Internal Family Systems/parts work, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I additionally draw from CBT/DBT in my work with clients.
My name is Abigail and I'm a queer, neurodivergent therapist who strives to create a safe and comfortable space for therapy.
I approach individual therapy through an eclectic approach, but I lean toward Internal Family Systems/parts work, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I additionally draw from CBT/DBT in my work with clients.
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 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.
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.
As a nonprofit agency, we’re dedicated to strengthening the social and mental well-being of children, youth, adults, and families, in our community. With offices in Escondido, Fallbrook, and Vista, we provide stable, nurturing environments that foster resilience and positive growth. We offer a wide range of therapeutic services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply need guidance in navigating life’s complexities, we are here to help.
As a nonprofit agency, we’re dedicated to strengthening the social and mental well-being of children, youth, adults, and families, in our community. With offices in Escondido, Fallbrook, and Vista, we provide stable, nurturing environments that foster resilience and positive growth. We offer a wide range of therapeutic services designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, couple, or family. Whether you’re seeking support for a specific issue or simply need guidance in navigating life’s complexities, we are here to help.
Seeking out therapy can be challenging on its own, yet you have taken the first step to finding that support, and I would be happy to be part of that journey with you. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you gain insight, build confidence, and create meaningful change.
Seeking out therapy can be challenging on its own, yet you have taken the first step to finding that support, and I would be happy to be part of that journey with you. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your needs, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help you gain insight, build confidence, and create meaningful change.
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'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.
My specialties include: anxiety, depression, emotional coping, sexual behaviors, conflict resolution, development and life transitions, grief, LGBTQ+, substance abuse and addiction, and much more.
I am a mental health clinician and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with individuals and groups in the interest of achieving optimal mental health and progress towards desired goals. Using a systemic therapy approach I assist my clients in reevaluating past and present difficulties so they may move successfully through transitional periods of life into a happy, balanced future. I encourage a holistic approach towards wellness. I am a mental health clinician and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
My specialties include: anxiety, depression, emotional coping, sexual behaviors, conflict resolution, development and life transitions, grief, LGBTQ+, substance abuse and addiction, and much more.
I am a mental health clinician and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with individuals and groups in the interest of achieving optimal mental health and progress towards desired goals. Using a systemic therapy approach I assist my clients in reevaluating past and present difficulties so they may move successfully through transitional periods of life into a happy, balanced future. I encourage a holistic approach towards wellness. I am a mental health clinician and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
I am Rev. Dr. Monika Maria Grace and I welcome you to my page! In our first session together, I also welcome you to my real or virtual office and I invite you to make it your own safe space. I explain that therapy is a process, a relationship, and an adventure. It's also a gift of discovery and renewal that only you can give to yourself, especially in our challenging days. In this process, my role is to listen, to support, to challenge, to guide, and to celebrate you as you are becoming more courageous to face the parts of yourself you were avoiding, more accepting of yourself and of others, and fully present in your life.
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 Name is Alexandra Murillo and I am a licensed clinical social worker. Reconnecting individuals to their passions, values and creating a meaningful life that is worth living.
My Name is Alexandra Murillo and I am a licensed clinical social worker. Reconnecting individuals to their passions, values and creating a meaningful life that is worth living.
Are you or a family member struggling emotionally, feeling anxious, hurt, angry or depressed? Is this affecting you in one or more areas of your life? We all face challenges at times; having a supportive and caring person to help you through that journey can make all the difference. My role as a therapist is to serve as a guide to help the client identify and express their needs and wants, as well as assist the client in recognizing their strengths and ability to cope, heal and grow.
Are you or a family member struggling emotionally, feeling anxious, hurt, angry or depressed? Is this affecting you in one or more areas of your life? We all face challenges at times; having a supportive and caring person to help you through that journey can make all the difference. My role as a therapist is to serve as a guide to help the client identify and express their needs and wants, as well as assist the client in recognizing their strengths and ability to cope, heal and grow.
Tired of feeling burned out? I am an expert in treating anxiety, trauma, addictions, sleep problems, but also qualified to evaluate a range of commonly co-occurring mental health conditions like depression. I do more than just talk therapy! At every visit, I teach evidenced-based skills that have been rigorously tested. I have developed a consultation style to therapy based on my experiences as a psychologist integrated in medical teams. This style allows me to consider treatment from multiple perspectives and this generally leads to earlier improvement, fewer overall visits, faster feedback and treatment.
Tired of feeling burned out? I am an expert in treating anxiety, trauma, addictions, sleep problems, but also qualified to evaluate a range of commonly co-occurring mental health conditions like depression. I do more than just talk therapy! At every visit, I teach evidenced-based skills that have been rigorously tested. I have developed a consultation style to therapy based on my experiences as a psychologist integrated in medical teams. This style allows me to consider treatment from multiple perspectives and this generally leads to earlier improvement, fewer overall visits, faster feedback and treatment.
I'd say my upbringing inspired me from my home to school. I have seen and heard mental health being mentioned as important and encouraged to take care of. I'd say full circle of having gone to therapy, becoming a therapist, and providing therapy is rewarding in itself, I'd have to put a paragraph explaining why, so I'll leave it as that.
I look at therapy as a unique relationship that both mirrors and overlaps qualities of a good friend, parent, sibling, partner, etc., where both the therapist and client focus on tackling the concerns he/she presents in therapy.
I'd say my upbringing inspired me from my home to school. I have seen and heard mental health being mentioned as important and encouraged to take care of. I'd say full circle of having gone to therapy, becoming a therapist, and providing therapy is rewarding in itself, I'd have to put a paragraph explaining why, so I'll leave it as that.
I look at therapy as a unique relationship that both mirrors and overlaps qualities of a good friend, parent, sibling, partner, etc., where both the therapist and client focus on tackling the concerns he/she presents in therapy.
Have you always been complimented on your strength? Or even your courage? During times when you've felt like crumbling? Do you put on a happy face just trying to make it through the day? Do you not allow yourself to sit with the emotion? Trouble communicating your wants and needs to your partner? Are you carrying the weight of things beyond your control? Has there been a shift in your family? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, I would love to offer you a space to be heard, be seen, gain insight, and develop strategies that put you into the driver's seat of your life journey.
Have you always been complimented on your strength? Or even your courage? During times when you've felt like crumbling? Do you put on a happy face just trying to make it through the day? Do you not allow yourself to sit with the emotion? Trouble communicating your wants and needs to your partner? Are you carrying the weight of things beyond your control? Has there been a shift in your family? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, I would love to offer you a space to be heard, be seen, gain insight, and develop strategies that put you into the driver's seat of your life journey.
Christi E Chaffee
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
2 Endorsed
Escondido, CA 92025
Waitlist for new clients
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.
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.
People who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and many other emotionally painful conditions just wish they had someone to talk to. Multiple traumas often occur over time, often within an atmosphere of attachment disordered relationships, neglect, and/or abandonment. You may have experienced child abuse, sexual abuse, grief, and loss. You may have grown up with family addiction/ partner addiction. At this point in your life you want answers to why you end up in the same relationships, and you need assurance things can change.
People who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and many other emotionally painful conditions just wish they had someone to talk to. Multiple traumas often occur over time, often within an atmosphere of attachment disordered relationships, neglect, and/or abandonment. You may have experienced child abuse, sexual abuse, grief, and loss. You may have grown up with family addiction/ partner addiction. At this point in your life you want answers to why you end up in the same relationships, and you need assurance things can change.
See more therapy options for Escondido
Nearby LGBTQ+ Therapists Searches for Escondido
- Bonsall
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Poway
- Ramona
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
- Vista
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.