Gestalt Therapists in La Jolla, CA
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Rafael Cortina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
In my work I utilize a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, which include
gestalt
exercises and experiments, dream work, imaginal dialogues, and emphatic reflection.
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.

Russell F Fuller
Psychologist, JD, PsyD, DCEP
Verified
Verified
Dr. Fuller offers a comprehensive method of psychotherapy which integrates elements from the humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, energy psychology,
gestalt
, and positive psychology fields. He works with each person individually to construct a useful approach to problem resolution in as efficient and cost-effective a manner as possible. Dr. Fuller also offers brief consulting services which address areas in which a person feels "blocked" or somehow unable to perform at their best, e.g., parenting, financial prosperity, forming healthy relationships, and peak performance in business or sports.

Samuel A. Newman
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
In my practice I use selected techniques from the areas of cognitive behavioral therapy, existentialism,
Gestalt
, humanistic, transpersonal and 12 step programs.
Are you struggling with relationships? Do you need help recovering from a traumatic event? Do you often feel sad and low on energy? Are you searching for ways to be more emotionally stable and less shut down? For over 25 years I have worked with individuals, couples, and families on a range of issues including substance abuse, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, codependency, couples counseling, pre-martial counseling and more. In a highly personalized and collaborative treatment style, I help people understand the deeper reasons for why difficulties keep repeating over and over.

Deborah Cosmetis
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I use a blend of theories and methods from my training in relational
gestalt
therapy, cognitive behavioral, humanistic, existential, positive psychology, and buddhist psychology.
Throughout life we are all faced with stressors, traumas, and times of transition. During these times, it can be helpful to speak to a professional for guidance as you navigate life’s unavoidable challenges. As a licensed psychologist, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and supportive space for self exploration and personal growth. Together we will explore the places you feel stuck, process past events, deepen self understanding, and cultivate self acceptance so that you may experience longer lasting happiness, more fulfilling connections, and a more meaningful life.
Waitlist for new clients

Inessa Freya Lieberman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
Verified
My approach is psychodynamic, family systems, guided meditation, inner child work, CBT,
Gestalt
, guided imagery, Inner Bonding, somatic healing, the Release Technique.
There's a saying, "Healing is the application of love to the places inside that hurt." I'm here to fully support you in tending to those places. Together we will journey into understanding the major themes and patterns in your life and what they are trying to teach you. 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 15 minute meet and greet to ensure we are a good fit.

Marlane Y Agriesti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified
Verified
Are you going through a major life transition? Have you been through emotional, physical, relationship or family trauma? Are you struggling with limiting or destructive relationship patterns, feeling anxious, experience panic, or struggle with self-esteem? Would you like to explore more creative approaches to the problems you face? I work especially well with people of all ages in search of healthier relationships, deep personal change and greater self-awareness. If you want to create a more balanced and fruitful life and claim your authentic voice and way in the world, I can help you navigate that journey with safety and trust.

Crystal Carson
Marriage & Family Therapist Intern
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I guide individuals & couples toward more clarity & calm using experiential, body based, relational psychotherapy that is both trauma informed & grounded in attachment theory. From grief to anxiety to existential questions, I collaborate with & support my clients in the creative process of developing thriving relationships & more meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Waitlist for new clients

Gabrielle Loomis-Annett
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LISAC, LPCC, EMDR, CCTP
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I work with women who have recently experienced a traumatic event and help them return to a sense of normal. I also work with women who have experienced traumas in the distant past but who have been feeling chronically anxious, depressed, out of control and/or hopeless. Perhaps you cannot remember the last time you did not feel anxious or depressed. Or perhaps your body being in stress for so many years has created health issues. Or perhaps you have turned to compulsive behaviors to escape or numb the pain such as over drinking, over eating, perfectionism, codependency, dieting, binge watching TV and more.

Alyssa Mass
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified
Verified
I work with clients of all ages and backgrounds to help them understand themselves better so they can feel more empowered within their lives and relationships.

Bryson Greaves
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Interpersonal relationships are powerful contributors to our overall health. Our intimate partner relationships, family relationships, work or peer relationships tend to affect us in meaningful ways. When our relational lives are strong and connected we feel satisfied, empowered, hopeful, and more confident. When our relational lives are hurting, we feel anxious, sad, pained, frustrated, and left not knowing what to do to improve it. I work with my clients to address the heart of their stressors working toward tangible results with lasting effects. I work collaboratively & passionately to create a safe, responsive, and supportive environment to address your needs.

The Center for Couples Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified
Verified
As a marriage and family psychotherapist for over 30 years, I am an experienced, eclectic clinician whose passion is helping couples become masters of their relationship and individuals become their best selves. Clients find me to be warm, active, engaged, and creative. I often use humor, metaphor, and therapeutic experiment to enliven sessions, and utilize tools for practice to support clients between sessions. I work to have each session build on the last and reach the client’s goals in timely and powerful ways. I am committed to having each person feel known, understood, supported and appreciated throughout the therapeutic process.

Rebecca Cummings
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, SEP, HHC
Verified
Verified
I help powerful women breakthrough childhood trauma that keeps them stuck. Is anxiety, fear, panic, and unhealed experiences from your past continuing to rule your life? Do you have trouble taking care of your whole self (mind, body spirit)? Overcoming addictive behaviors? Asking for you what you need in relationships? Knowing and aligning with your purpose? You are not crazy. Your nervous system is locked in chronic fight-flight-freeze patterns that keep you shut off from a thriving life, and your full vitality. I can help.

Natalie Davila
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified
Verified
I help clients mend their broken hearts and calm their overactive minds by joining them in their journey towards deeper self-awareness through kindness and compassion. I whole-heartedly believe in the beauty of each person's unique perspective, and at the same time, gently encourage clients to be mindful of the universal human experiences of love and loss. Thus, providing comfort while helping clients explore issues that are difficult or painful. My creative and empathetic approach can assist clients in breaking a repetitive mindset by allowing them to gain new perspective through fresh insights, support and empowerment.

Mayra Tobar
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I am committed to helping my clients find the version of self they desire and working together to create a safe space to heal and grow.
Not accepting new clients

Victoria Danzig
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Are you finding yourself triggered by something someone said or did? Are you responding in a way that feels familiar?
Do you wish you could have done it differently, but find yourself feeling and responding in the same way again?
I know how to help you make a shift and free you so you never get triggered again.

Lawrence T Woodburn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
We believe that therapy is an opportunity for enhancing the functioning of individuals and families because everyone deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. We are sensitive to our diverse community and strive to honor everyone’s beliefs and cultural values offering services tailored to meet the needs of our clients.

Julie K Peters
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, APCC
Verified
8 Endorsed
Verified
8 Endorsed
Welcome, I bring a strong skill base working in LGBTQIA+, addiction and PTSD communitites. I love working with Couples and families, and I'm passionate about helping students navigate studying and self-care. I'm here to help you utilize your innate creativity, and I'm excited to aid you as you enact new patterns in your relationship with yourself and others. You will experience me as an affirming clinician who values and acknowledges your marginalized identity and the intersection of the many roles you embody. You can expect kindness from me and a treatment space that expands to allow your unique perspective to shine.

Tonya Meeks
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I have extensive experience with dual diagnosis, addiction, & complex trauma. I have worked in private practice & residential and primary psychological treatment centers. I work as a drama therapist combining my clinical & performance background. I specialize in family working entire family system. I have direct and empathetic approach. Since becoming a mother I also, work on those areas specifically. In addition, I love working with artists, creative, and those wishing to explore or develop those areas. I know we are all creative and meant to be creating. I have a very intuitive nature with depth psychotherapist training.

Jaime Carrillo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
Hi there, my name is Jaime Carrillo and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I believe having someone to talk to is incredibly important. I try to offer a warm and collaborative approach with my clients, and provide a safe and non judgmental space to work through whatever struggles you are facing.

John Lee Evans Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
People want straight talk from a psychologist, not psychobabble. They don’t want a passive therapist who just listens. Nor do they want a know-it-all to tell them exactly what to do. They want a competent psychologist who gives real feedback about what he sees going on. They want someone with real life experience who can relate to their problems as a professional, a parent or a child. Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Evans had experience serving in the Peace Corps, running a business, getting married and having children.
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Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.