Codependency Therapists in La Jolla, CA
Many of the adults I work with come to therapy because they're feeling worried, overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or relationship challenges, but they can't always pinpoint why they feel the way they do.
As we work together, we begin to uncover the patterns that may be contributing to these struggles. Understanding these patterns isn't about dwelling on the past, it's about making sense of the present so you can respond differently moving forward.
Many of the adults I work with come to therapy because they're feeling worried, overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or relationship challenges, but they can't always pinpoint why they feel the way they do.
As we work together, we begin to uncover the patterns that may be contributing to these struggles. Understanding these patterns isn't about dwelling on the past, it's about making sense of the present so you can respond differently moving forward.
If you are easily overwhelmed, have feelings of chronic anxiety or depression or are struggling to find balance or purpose in your life, I can help. I specialize in reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, healing trauma, and recovering from addictions and co-dependency. In our time together, we will focus on alleviating distressing symptoms while addressing underlying causes. As greater awareness is achieved, old, destructive patterns will fall away. You will integrate new and effective ways of living, achieving your ideal balance of body, mind and spirit.
If you are easily overwhelmed, have feelings of chronic anxiety or depression or are struggling to find balance or purpose in your life, I can help. I specialize in reducing anxiety, overcoming depression, healing trauma, and recovering from addictions and co-dependency. In our time together, we will focus on alleviating distressing symptoms while addressing underlying causes. As greater awareness is achieved, old, destructive patterns will fall away. You will integrate new and effective ways of living, achieving your ideal balance of body, mind and spirit.
I believe therapy can be a challenging and illuminating journey in which you have the chance to learn more about yourself, your approach/perspective on life, and the dynamics in important relationships. Throughout the therapy process, I view my clients through a lens of strength where common life dilemmas are seen as an opportunity to develop a stronger capacity for personal understanding and nurture deeper, more intimate relationships. Whether you are seeking support in response to relationship concerns, life transitions, addiction/recovery, or are the loved one of an addict, therapy can help identify & clarify underlying feelings & patterns of behavior.
I believe therapy can be a challenging and illuminating journey in which you have the chance to learn more about yourself, your approach/perspective on life, and the dynamics in important relationships. Throughout the therapy process, I view my clients through a lens of strength where common life dilemmas are seen as an opportunity to develop a stronger capacity for personal understanding and nurture deeper, more intimate relationships. Whether you are seeking support in response to relationship concerns, life transitions, addiction/recovery, or are the loved one of an addict, therapy can help identify & clarify underlying feelings & patterns of behavior.
Whether you're healing from childhood or relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, codependency, navigating a major life transition, or reconnecting with your sense of self, therapy can help you move beyond survival and begin creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
Together, we'll uncover the patterns that once helped you survive but no longer serve you. Therapy with me is a space where you can show up fully—without performing or holding it all together. We'll process the impact of trauma, rebuild trust in yourself, strengthen healthy boundaries, and create relationships that feel safer, more balanced, and authentic.
Whether you're healing from childhood or relational trauma, narcissistic abuse, codependency, navigating a major life transition, or reconnecting with your sense of self, therapy can help you move beyond survival and begin creating a life that feels more aligned with who you are.
Together, we'll uncover the patterns that once helped you survive but no longer serve you. Therapy with me is a space where you can show up fully—without performing or holding it all together. We'll process the impact of trauma, rebuild trust in yourself, strengthen healthy boundaries, and create relationships that feel safer, more balanced, and authentic.
Life is a journey and it is all about how you navigate the ups and downs of this journey. I would be honored to assist you along your path and help navigate the difficult decisions along the way. Are you at a crossroads in your life or work or relationships? Not feeling joy in most areas of your life? Can you not be your true, authentic self with others and loved ones? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please reach out and take your first step in making yourself a priority! You are not alone.
Life is a journey and it is all about how you navigate the ups and downs of this journey. I would be honored to assist you along your path and help navigate the difficult decisions along the way. Are you at a crossroads in your life or work or relationships? Not feeling joy in most areas of your life? Can you not be your true, authentic self with others and loved ones? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, please reach out and take your first step in making yourself a priority! You are not alone.
You give so much of yourself to your relationships, yet often feel unseen, unheard, and emotionally drained. You replay conversations, question your reactions, and wonder if you're asking for too much. Keeping the peace is exhausting, but setting boundaries brings guilt and anxiety. Over time, you've lost trust in your own judgment and feel disconnected from who you are and what you need.
I help adults understand these patterns, rebuild self-trust, strengthen boundaries, and create healthier relationships. Together, we work toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.
You give so much of yourself to your relationships, yet often feel unseen, unheard, and emotionally drained. You replay conversations, question your reactions, and wonder if you're asking for too much. Keeping the peace is exhausting, but setting boundaries brings guilt and anxiety. Over time, you've lost trust in your own judgment and feel disconnected from who you are and what you need.
I help adults understand these patterns, rebuild self-trust, strengthen boundaries, and create healthier relationships. Together, we work toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.
I help people who feel stuck — in their careers, in their relationships, or just in life — find more clarity, connection, and joy. Many people I work with are successful on the outside but feel exhausted on the inside. They might be struggling with workaholism, feeling 'blah' about their relationships, dealing with the impact of trauma, or learning how to finally set boundaries that stick. They come to me feeling frustrated with talking about the same things over and over again but not feeling any better.
I help people who feel stuck — in their careers, in their relationships, or just in life — find more clarity, connection, and joy. Many people I work with are successful on the outside but feel exhausted on the inside. They might be struggling with workaholism, feeling 'blah' about their relationships, dealing with the impact of trauma, or learning how to finally set boundaries that stick. They come to me feeling frustrated with talking about the same things over and over again but not feeling any better.
I help you gently untangle patterns of codependency, release emotional blocks, and rediscover your inner guidance.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, or disconnected from your sense of purpose? You are not alone. I work with children, teens, and adults to navigate challenges at school, work, and home, as well as major life transitions. Together, we will create a supportive space to explore what’s been holding you back and develop practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.
I help you gently untangle patterns of codependency, release emotional blocks, and rediscover your inner guidance.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands, stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, or disconnected from your sense of purpose? You are not alone. I work with children, teens, and adults to navigate challenges at school, work, and home, as well as major life transitions. Together, we will create a supportive space to explore what’s been holding you back and develop practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.
Jennifer Pearlman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MA, NCC, LPCC, CA & NJ
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
For over 15 years, I've helped people work through anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My approach blends talk therapy with body-based practices including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hakomi, and Craniosacral-informed techniques. I've seen how much of what we carry lives not just in our thoughts, but in our breath, our tension, and our nervous system. Healing happens not just through insight, but through reconnecting with your body. Our work can help you feel safe enough to make positive changes, inside and out.
For over 15 years, I've helped people work through anxiety, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges. My approach blends talk therapy with body-based practices including Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, Hakomi, and Craniosacral-informed techniques. I've seen how much of what we carry lives not just in our thoughts, but in our breath, our tension, and our nervous system. Healing happens not just through insight, but through reconnecting with your body. Our work can help you feel safe enough to make positive changes, inside and out.
Are you A GUY who feels confused and clueless about how to create a deeper emotional connection with your intimate partner? Perhaps just as important, is it possible for you to do that in a way that would not sacrifice your sense of masculinity?!? Not only is it possible for you to learn how to speak the Truth of how you feel in a way that will feel masculine, but it will also become a source of personal strength that will help you build a more mature and honest relationship with yourself and with the person you love. I have specialized in working with adult men for 35 years.
Are you A GUY who feels confused and clueless about how to create a deeper emotional connection with your intimate partner? Perhaps just as important, is it possible for you to do that in a way that would not sacrifice your sense of masculinity?!? Not only is it possible for you to learn how to speak the Truth of how you feel in a way that will feel masculine, but it will also become a source of personal strength that will help you build a more mature and honest relationship with yourself and with the person you love. I have specialized in working with adult men for 35 years.
Therapy for high-functioning professionals in California who look stable and successful but feel internally stuck, lost, or incomplete. Maybe you have experienced Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). This phenomenon occurs when your caregivers weren't able or willing to adequately respond to your emotional needs as they emerge in you. If you grew up in this way, you are inevitably suppressing or walling off your emotions as an adult because you were taught that your emotions aren’t important or valid. CEN is largely invisible, and therein lies its power.
Therapy for high-functioning professionals in California who look stable and successful but feel internally stuck, lost, or incomplete. Maybe you have experienced Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN). This phenomenon occurs when your caregivers weren't able or willing to adequately respond to your emotional needs as they emerge in you. If you grew up in this way, you are inevitably suppressing or walling off your emotions as an adult because you were taught that your emotions aren’t important or valid. CEN is largely invisible, and therein lies its power.
If you are seeking straight to the point, no bullshit, authentic, and kind, I am the therapist for you. I treat the military community, first responders, trauma, addiction, and stressors that are holding you back from feeling like you are getting the most out of life. People who enjoy working with me are those looking to dig deep, talk about hard topics, be lovingly challenged from time to time, who want to live their lives with emotional freedom, and do all of this in a nonjudgmental space. My patients know that I am not interested in telling you what to do, judging, or coaching you how to live your life.
If you are seeking straight to the point, no bullshit, authentic, and kind, I am the therapist for you. I treat the military community, first responders, trauma, addiction, and stressors that are holding you back from feeling like you are getting the most out of life. People who enjoy working with me are those looking to dig deep, talk about hard topics, be lovingly challenged from time to time, who want to live their lives with emotional freedom, and do all of this in a nonjudgmental space. My patients know that I am not interested in telling you what to do, judging, or coaching you how to live your life.
If you’re looking for a therapist who just nods, smiles politely, and asks “How does that make you feel?” while you vent for an hour with zero direction… I’m not your guy. I’m not here to waste your time or let you walk away empty-handed. I’m direct. I’m engaged. I give clear feedback and practical strategies. If you want real change, not just a sounding board, then we’ll be a great fit. Effective therapy requires engagement, consistency & follow-through. Because here’s the truth: transformation happens through three things: clarity, specificity, and your consistent effort. Therapy is a strategic investment to help you move forward.
If you’re looking for a therapist who just nods, smiles politely, and asks “How does that make you feel?” while you vent for an hour with zero direction… I’m not your guy. I’m not here to waste your time or let you walk away empty-handed. I’m direct. I’m engaged. I give clear feedback and practical strategies. If you want real change, not just a sounding board, then we’ll be a great fit. Effective therapy requires engagement, consistency & follow-through. Because here’s the truth: transformation happens through three things: clarity, specificity, and your consistent effort. Therapy is a strategic investment to help you move forward.
Finding the support you need, in the form of a therapist, can feel daunting. Will she understand me? Will she get it? Will she judge me or think I'm crazy? These questions can get in the way of receiving the healing that is available to you. The only way to answer those questions is to take the next step and pick up the phone. By doing so, you set into motion the possibility of complete resolution from the circumstances that bring you suffering. "Vulnerability is the birthplace of everything we are hungry for." -Brene Brown.
Finding the support you need, in the form of a therapist, can feel daunting. Will she understand me? Will she get it? Will she judge me or think I'm crazy? These questions can get in the way of receiving the healing that is available to you. The only way to answer those questions is to take the next step and pick up the phone. By doing so, you set into motion the possibility of complete resolution from the circumstances that bring you suffering. "Vulnerability is the birthplace of everything we are hungry for." -Brene Brown.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." You have the ability to heal from the deepest of wounds and the most challenging of circumstances. I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. We will journey into unburdening parts that have kept you stuck and scared, so you can operate more fully from your true self. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." You have the ability to heal from the deepest of wounds and the most challenging of circumstances. I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. We will journey into unburdening parts that have kept you stuck and scared, so you can operate more fully from your true self. This increased level of awareness can help you access your strength and intuition, eliminate negative self talk and choose a more fulfilling relationship with yourself, others and life. I offer a complimentary 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.
We will honor how your nervous system adapted to survive, while you use the safety of our therapeutic space to break generational cycles, uphold boundaries, heal codependency and burnout.
Perfectionism, people pleasing and masking have helped you to survive, yet cannot help you to thrive. You can explain your patterns and attachment style, but you feel stuck as you stay in cycles from painful past experiences. You want healthy, connected relationships with yourself and others, but stress, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, or attachment wounds are in your way.
For many BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and highly sensitive adults, trauma and anxiety are cumulative and ongoing. You deserve compassionate, affirming support to process complex experiences from racial stress, minority stress, and generational survival patterns.
We will honor how your nervous system adapted to survive, while you use the safety of our therapeutic space to break generational cycles, uphold boundaries, heal codependency and burnout.
Perfectionism, people pleasing and masking have helped you to survive, yet cannot help you to thrive. You can explain your patterns and attachment style, but you feel stuck as you stay in cycles from painful past experiences. You want healthy, connected relationships with yourself and others, but stress, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, or attachment wounds are in your way.
For many BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and highly sensitive adults, trauma and anxiety are cumulative and ongoing. You deserve compassionate, affirming support to process complex experiences from racial stress, minority stress, and generational survival patterns.
Are you having self-doubts, nagging worries, dread about the future, or feeling exhausted from life’s stressors? Have you experienced a recent loss? Are you wrestling with a major decision or life transition? If so, and you want to speak with someone who feels comfortable like a friend, but has practical knowledge help you overcome your challenges, reach out to me. I have helped hundreds of clients feel better by getting better sleep, reducing anxiety and worries, and feeling more calm, confident, and satisfied with their lives.
Are you having self-doubts, nagging worries, dread about the future, or feeling exhausted from life’s stressors? Have you experienced a recent loss? Are you wrestling with a major decision or life transition? If so, and you want to speak with someone who feels comfortable like a friend, but has practical knowledge help you overcome your challenges, reach out to me. I have helped hundreds of clients feel better by getting better sleep, reducing anxiety and worries, and feeling more calm, confident, and satisfied with their lives.
I have extensive experience with substance use, codependency, and recovery support.
Finding a therapist who truly sees and understands you can make all the difference. I specialize in supporting individuals and couples within our LGBTQIA+ community, offering an affirming space for every stage of self-discovery and/or recovery from addiction. Whether you’re exploring your gender and or sexual identity, navigating transition, seeking self-acceptance, or processing experiences of discrimination—while also managing challenges like anxiety, depression, substance use addiction, medication management, or bipolar disorder—I’m here to support you with compassion and authenticity.
I have extensive experience with substance use, codependency, and recovery support.
Finding a therapist who truly sees and understands you can make all the difference. I specialize in supporting individuals and couples within our LGBTQIA+ community, offering an affirming space for every stage of self-discovery and/or recovery from addiction. Whether you’re exploring your gender and or sexual identity, navigating transition, seeking self-acceptance, or processing experiences of discrimination—while also managing challenges like anxiety, depression, substance use addiction, medication management, or bipolar disorder—I’m here to support you with compassion and authenticity.
Welcome! And congratulations on taking the first step toward feeling better. It is not uncommon for people to feel scared about setting up a counseling appointment. My nonjudgmental and supportive style can create a safe atmosphere. My focus is on a strength-based approach, empowering clients to utilize their unique strengths to overcome challenges. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating.
Welcome! And congratulations on taking the first step toward feeling better. It is not uncommon for people to feel scared about setting up a counseling appointment. My nonjudgmental and supportive style can create a safe atmosphere. My focus is on a strength-based approach, empowering clients to utilize their unique strengths to overcome challenges. My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating.
You may feel stuck in negative thought patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, unresolved trauma, or struggle with food and body image. You’re seeking emotional balance, a stronger connection to yourself, daily resilience, and relief from anxiety or depression. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Healing begins when you feel safe, seen, and supported. Together, we'll reduce symptoms, explore root causes, and create change. You deserve clarity, peace, and the freedom to thrive.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," Ralph Waldo Emerson.
You may feel stuck in negative thought patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, intrusive thoughts, unresolved trauma, or struggle with food and body image. You’re seeking emotional balance, a stronger connection to yourself, daily resilience, and relief from anxiety or depression. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start. Healing begins when you feel safe, seen, and supported. Together, we'll reduce symptoms, explore root causes, and create change. You deserve clarity, peace, and the freedom to thrive.
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us," Ralph Waldo Emerson.
See more therapy options for La Jolla
Nearby Codependency Therapists Searches for La Jolla
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- La Mesa
- Lemon Grove
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- Santee
- Solana Beach
Codependency Therapists
What therapy types help with codependency problems?
Both couples and family therapy and cognitive and behavioral therapy (CBT) can help with the relationship difficulties referred to as codependency. Such problems typically include inappropriate feelings of responsibility for a loved one’s destructive behavior, irrational patterns of thinking about such behavior, and family interaction patterns in which the needs of one troubled member override the needs of others in a household.
What happens in therapy for codependency?
Spouses and family members learn and practice how to interact and support each other in a healthy way without sacrificing their own needs or well-being. They learn the limits of their responsibility for their loved ones and correct faulty patterns of thinking and feeling that underlie codependent behavior. Individuals may be encouraged to nurture an array of social relationships and to cultivate their own talents and interests so that they develop a healthy sense of self outside the family.
How does therapy help a person or couple overcome codependency?
Therapy helps people establish healthy ways of being in a relationship. Spouses and family members learn how to nurture and support one another without sacrificing their own needs or allowing the needs of one person to dominate the dynamic. Individuals learn how to say no and set boundaries, and how to maintain their own identity and self-esteem. Therapy helps people understand that they are not responsible for the feelings and actions of others. It also helps individuals deal with the turbulence that can come from living with a person suffering from such conditions as substance abuse and mental illness.
What is the goal of therapy for codependency?
One goal of therapy for codependency is to alleviate feelings of responsibility for and correct irrational patterns of thinking about loved ones whose behavioral problems override the needs of others in a household. Therapy helps people establish healthy boundaries of behavior and speak up for their own needs in a relationship. In addition, people learn how to maintain a healthy relationship, one in which both parties give and receive equally and are able to retain their own identity.