Brainspotting Therapists in La Mesa, CA
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My work is grounded in EMDR and Brainspotting trauma-focused, somatic approaches.
You may understand why your patterns exist — and still feel unable to change them. Many people I work with have already done therapy and have insight into their history, relationships, and triggers. And yet, the same emotional reactions, anxiety, or relationship dynamics keep resurfacing — often when you least expect them.
That’s not because you’re failing at therapy. It’s because trauma doesn’t live only in the mind.
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My work is grounded in EMDR and Brainspotting trauma-focused, somatic approaches.
You may understand why your patterns exist — and still feel unable to change them. Many people I work with have already done therapy and have insight into their history, relationships, and triggers. And yet, the same emotional reactions, anxiety, or relationship dynamics keep resurfacing — often when you least expect them.
That’s not because you’re failing at therapy. It’s because trauma doesn’t live only in the mind.
I artfully blend my over 2o years of professional mental health experience, including DBT, ACT, and other evidence-based somatic modalities like Brainspotting, with energy and ancestral healing modalities like mindfulness, yoga, and other energetic healing modalities.
Starting your therapy journey is a huge step so first off, congratulations! Whether you have years of therapy and other healing work under your belt or if this is your first time working with someone like me, I'm here to make sure this experience is as meaningful and transformative as you envision it to be.
I artfully blend my over 2o years of professional mental health experience, including DBT, ACT, and other evidence-based somatic modalities like Brainspotting, with energy and ancestral healing modalities like mindfulness, yoga, and other energetic healing modalities.
Starting your therapy journey is a huge step so first off, congratulations! Whether you have years of therapy and other healing work under your belt or if this is your first time working with someone like me, I'm here to make sure this experience is as meaningful and transformative as you envision it to be.
I’m a Master Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) provider and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), with advanced training in Brainspotting, ART, EMDR, and ACT.
You can move beyond just coping. Imagine feeling calm in your body and clear in your mind—more connected, more at ease, and no longer defined by your past. I blend ART, Brainspotting, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients shift deep emotional patterns and reconnect with their authentic selves.
I’m a Master Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) provider and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II), with advanced training in Brainspotting, ART, EMDR, and ACT.
You can move beyond just coping. Imagine feeling calm in your body and clear in your mind—more connected, more at ease, and no longer defined by your past. I blend ART, Brainspotting, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients shift deep emotional patterns and reconnect with their authentic selves.
Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. I take the time to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and tailor our sessions to fit your unique needs. Some tools help gently process painful memories, while others build your capacity to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Many clients find relief faster than they expected—even if they’ve tried therapy before. I integrate mindfulness, IFS-informed and DBT-informed strategies, along with cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques and insight-oriented work to support lasting growth. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, present, and emotionally free.
Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. I take the time to understand what’s happening beneath the surface and tailor our sessions to fit your unique needs. Some tools help gently process painful memories, while others build your capacity to manage overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Many clients find relief faster than they expected—even if they’ve tried therapy before. I integrate mindfulness, IFS-informed and DBT-informed strategies, along with cutting-edge, evidence-based techniques and insight-oriented work to support lasting growth. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, present, and emotionally free.
As a compassionate and attuned therapist and Brainspotting practitioner, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and transform the challenges you face.
First and most important is the relationship between therapist and client. It is based on respect and trust and it is the foundation to the work that happens in the therapy process. I am an interactive, attuned and trauma informed therapist. I provide a safe space and support to reach your goals and overcome the things that may be holding you back.
As a compassionate and attuned therapist and Brainspotting practitioner, my mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to explore and transform the challenges you face.
First and most important is the relationship between therapist and client. It is based on respect and trust and it is the foundation to the work that happens in the therapy process. I am an interactive, attuned and trauma informed therapist. I provide a safe space and support to reach your goals and overcome the things that may be holding you back.
People have an unlimited capacity for growth and change. People come to therapy for a wide range of reasons. My role as a therapist is to assist you in working towards your goals by offering support, validation, as well as practical tools that will assist you in working towards achieving those goals.
People have an unlimited capacity for growth and change. People come to therapy for a wide range of reasons. My role as a therapist is to assist you in working towards your goals by offering support, validation, as well as practical tools that will assist you in working towards achieving those goals.
I have specialized training to help with Trauma with EMDR and Brainspotting.
I enjoy helping others reach their full potential by gaining courage and confidence while learning ways to overcome the obstacles life can bring. Such as a loss of a loved one whether unexpectedly or naturally, issues with marriage or family relationships, divorce, health changes or addictions. My goal is to support my clients through a difficult time, help them to have hope, and tap into their inner resilience. I have experience with complicated grief. My heart is to walk along side those that have been affected by violent or unexpected death during an unbearable time, supporting them toward healing.
I have specialized training to help with Trauma with EMDR and Brainspotting.
I enjoy helping others reach their full potential by gaining courage and confidence while learning ways to overcome the obstacles life can bring. Such as a loss of a loved one whether unexpectedly or naturally, issues with marriage or family relationships, divorce, health changes or addictions. My goal is to support my clients through a difficult time, help them to have hope, and tap into their inner resilience. I have experience with complicated grief. My heart is to walk along side those that have been affected by violent or unexpected death during an unbearable time, supporting them toward healing.
Sessions will include talk therapy utilizing DBT, ACT, brainspotting, and narrative therapy.
Are feeling lost in life? Is your confidence is at an all-time low? Are you are seeking a sense of meaning or purpose in your life that you can't seem to find no matter how hard you try? Do you wish you could just switch it all off and unplug from what's happening? Do you just feel like something is missing in your life? If so, I'm here to help. I am an authentic, engaging, soulful healer who uses my identity as a Black-disabled woman to provide culturally, LGBTQIA, disability, and gender-affirming care.
Sessions will include talk therapy utilizing DBT, ACT, brainspotting, and narrative therapy.
Are feeling lost in life? Is your confidence is at an all-time low? Are you are seeking a sense of meaning or purpose in your life that you can't seem to find no matter how hard you try? Do you wish you could just switch it all off and unplug from what's happening? Do you just feel like something is missing in your life? If so, I'm here to help. I am an authentic, engaging, soulful healer who uses my identity as a Black-disabled woman to provide culturally, LGBTQIA, disability, and gender-affirming care.
I also offer Brainspotting and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy as powerful interventions to increase cognitive flexibility, neuroplasticity, and healing.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
I also offer Brainspotting and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy as powerful interventions to increase cognitive flexibility, neuroplasticity, and healing.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
Are you feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Involved in a painful relationship? Do you want to decrease your suffering? We are here to help. The process of change can be painful, but it also offers opportunity for growth. If you are interested in making life changes, or are contemplating making changes in your life, then I invite you to contact us. At ADR Wellness we provide a nonjudgmental and safe environment. We offer research proven methods to help identify problems and create constructive solutions for difficult life issues.
Are you feeling stressed? Overwhelmed? Involved in a painful relationship? Do you want to decrease your suffering? We are here to help. The process of change can be painful, but it also offers opportunity for growth. If you are interested in making life changes, or are contemplating making changes in your life, then I invite you to contact us. At ADR Wellness we provide a nonjudgmental and safe environment. We offer research proven methods to help identify problems and create constructive solutions for difficult life issues.
My name is Alex, and I am happy that you have found your way to my psychology today profile. I believe that human beings possess and innate ability to move toward happiness and health, but sometimes adversity, life transitions, and challenging life experiences can get in the way of leading productive and meaningful lives. Having tools to help cope with difficult emotions brought on by change and uncertainty can have a powerful impact on your mental and physical health.
My name is Alex, and I am happy that you have found your way to my psychology today profile. I believe that human beings possess and innate ability to move toward happiness and health, but sometimes adversity, life transitions, and challenging life experiences can get in the way of leading productive and meaningful lives. Having tools to help cope with difficult emotions brought on by change and uncertainty can have a powerful impact on your mental and physical health.
Brainspotting Intensives Rachel Chavez, LCSW, PPS
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPS
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I combine the transformative power of Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills and Family Systems to promote healing and expansion for individuals, couples and families.
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that utilizes relevant eye position with somatic awareness to access and release the effects of trauma to facilitate healing on a subconscious level. DBT Skills facilitate growth on a conscious level and Family Systems work strengthens connection within the family.
I combine the transformative power of Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills and Family Systems to promote healing and expansion for individuals, couples and families.
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that utilizes relevant eye position with somatic awareness to access and release the effects of trauma to facilitate healing on a subconscious level. DBT Skills facilitate growth on a conscious level and Family Systems work strengthens connection within the family.
EMDR & Brainspotting Intensives available in person and virtually.
Hello and welcome! My name is Jessica Millanponce and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.I want to start by saying how honored I am that you took the time to learn a little bit about me and my clinical care approach. It is my belief and experience that complex-relationship trauma and attachment injuries show up in our lives and are the catalyst for symptoms that resemble anxiety, depression, dissociation, hyperactivity and various mood disorders. My approach to care is and has to be gentle, self-guided and compassionate as we explore the inner parts of Self that need attention, unburdening and healing.
EMDR & Brainspotting Intensives available in person and virtually.
Hello and welcome! My name is Jessica Millanponce and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.I want to start by saying how honored I am that you took the time to learn a little bit about me and my clinical care approach. It is my belief and experience that complex-relationship trauma and attachment injuries show up in our lives and are the catalyst for symptoms that resemble anxiety, depression, dissociation, hyperactivity and various mood disorders. My approach to care is and has to be gentle, self-guided and compassionate as we explore the inner parts of Self that need attention, unburdening and healing.
Lea Walchshauser
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, 53663
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Not accepting new clients
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I incorporate brainspotting and somatic approaches that help process experiences stored in the nervous system and body.
Life's challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed stuck and repeating patterns, or disconnected from ourselves and the people we care about. Therapy provides a space to slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and begin creating meaningful change. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges and life transitions. My approach integrates brain-based, somatic and relational therapies to support both emotional insight and nervous system regulation.
In addition to traditional talk therapy, I incorporate brainspotting and somatic approaches that help process experiences stored in the nervous system and body.
Life's challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed stuck and repeating patterns, or disconnected from ourselves and the people we care about. Therapy provides a space to slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and begin creating meaningful change. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over a decade of experience supporting individuals and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges and life transitions. My approach integrates brain-based, somatic and relational therapies to support both emotional insight and nervous system regulation.
More Therapists Nearby
Let’s face it, we are on this earth for too long to be consumed with sadness, self-doubt, poor motivation or anxiety. You may be caught up in a belief that you can’t change your life, but let me assure you that it IS possible. If you let yourself dream for a moment, and I mean really dream, what does your life look like? Are you content? Are you energized? Are you reaching your potential? My role as your therapist is to guide, support and motivate you to help you discover what is holding you back and develop new and healthy ways of thinking that can lead to a more positive emotional state.
Let’s face it, we are on this earth for too long to be consumed with sadness, self-doubt, poor motivation or anxiety. You may be caught up in a belief that you can’t change your life, but let me assure you that it IS possible. If you let yourself dream for a moment, and I mean really dream, what does your life look like? Are you content? Are you energized? Are you reaching your potential? My role as your therapist is to guide, support and motivate you to help you discover what is holding you back and develop new and healthy ways of thinking that can lead to a more positive emotional state.
I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting for the treatment of trauma, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment resistant depression.
I assist individuals in overcoming their inner pain, and learning to face the challenges of life from a place of strength, compassion, and connection. As your ally in healing, I can help you process the emotions, memories and experiences that may underly your current suffering, so that you’re free to feel connected with yourself, with others, and with life. Sometimes past traumas become trapped in our bodies and minds, and we need help to feel safe in ourself and our relationships. My approach is based on these principles: Efficacy (I use Evidence Based modalities), collaboration, individualized care, and warm relational connection.
I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting for the treatment of trauma, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for treatment resistant depression.
I assist individuals in overcoming their inner pain, and learning to face the challenges of life from a place of strength, compassion, and connection. As your ally in healing, I can help you process the emotions, memories and experiences that may underly your current suffering, so that you’re free to feel connected with yourself, with others, and with life. Sometimes past traumas become trapped in our bodies and minds, and we need help to feel safe in ourself and our relationships. My approach is based on these principles: Efficacy (I use Evidence Based modalities), collaboration, individualized care, and warm relational connection.
Hola, I'm glad you're here! I am First Generation bilingual Spanish speaking Licensed Therapist. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and individuals serving the BIPOC and Latinx communities. I specialize in attachment issues, healing childhood, and generational trauma, FirstGen life transitions, trauma, and anxiety. I utilize modalities that best fit your needs. As a FirstGen and millennial myself, I am truly motivated to destigmatize mental health and help you heal!
I also conduct Immigration Evaluations in a trauma informed manner.
Hola, I'm glad you're here! I am First Generation bilingual Spanish speaking Licensed Therapist. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and individuals serving the BIPOC and Latinx communities. I specialize in attachment issues, healing childhood, and generational trauma, FirstGen life transitions, trauma, and anxiety. I utilize modalities that best fit your needs. As a FirstGen and millennial myself, I am truly motivated to destigmatize mental health and help you heal!
I also conduct Immigration Evaluations in a trauma informed manner.
We offer therapy for Pacific Mind Health patients who are also receiving care through our medication management program, providing a connected and supportive treatment experience. Veronica Calkins is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, and relationships. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family and couples therapy. She is certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and deep-brain theta stimulation.
We offer therapy for Pacific Mind Health patients who are also receiving care through our medication management program, providing a connected and supportive treatment experience. Veronica Calkins is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma, crisis, grief, anxiety, and relationships. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family and couples therapy. She is certified in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and deep-brain theta stimulation.
Strong influences: Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting & EMDR, Spiritual Psychology, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy & Adlerian Healing of Early Memories.
People often enter therapy during times of emotional pain, uncertainty or at a time when they are seeking more meaning in their lives. Each person has within them a powerful impulse toward growth and healing. I trust that impulse and trust the therapeutic relationship to reveal your strengths, wisdom, and the next steps to your growth and healing. There is something of value in even the most difficult circumstances. When these circumstances are approached with an openness to learning, major transformations can take place. I find that the willingness to look inside yourself is a key factor in your healing.
Strong influences: Gestalt Therapy, Brainspotting & EMDR, Spiritual Psychology, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy & Adlerian Healing of Early Memories.
People often enter therapy during times of emotional pain, uncertainty or at a time when they are seeking more meaning in their lives. Each person has within them a powerful impulse toward growth and healing. I trust that impulse and trust the therapeutic relationship to reveal your strengths, wisdom, and the next steps to your growth and healing. There is something of value in even the most difficult circumstances. When these circumstances are approached with an openness to learning, major transformations can take place. I find that the willingness to look inside yourself is a key factor in your healing.
If you're someone who always puts others first, achieves without feeling "enough", or is navigating the tension between others expectations and your own path, I'm here to support! My aim is to help you detangle complex emotions, making sense of those times when your thinking conflicts with your feeling. Through co-curiosity and compassion toward all the parts of you, your nervous system will have an opportunity to build the self-trust that makes everything else feel possible and meaningful - even after ugly things happen. I look forward to helping you feel like the most confident, grounded, aligned and empowered version of you!
If you're someone who always puts others first, achieves without feeling "enough", or is navigating the tension between others expectations and your own path, I'm here to support! My aim is to help you detangle complex emotions, making sense of those times when your thinking conflicts with your feeling. Through co-curiosity and compassion toward all the parts of you, your nervous system will have an opportunity to build the self-trust that makes everything else feel possible and meaningful - even after ugly things happen. I look forward to helping you feel like the most confident, grounded, aligned and empowered version of you!
See more therapy options for La Mesa
Nearby Brainspotting Therapists Searches for La Mesa
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Brainspotting Therapists
How does brainspotting work?
Brainspotting works by using eye positioning to identify and process traumatic memories so that a client is better able to move forward and live with less fear. The theory behind brainspotting is that by identifying where a person looks when thinking of traumatic memories, a therapist will be able to guide them to focus on that spot and work with the client to get them out of the “fight, flight, freeze” response associated with the traumatic memory.
Is brainspotting an evidence-based therapy?
Brainspotting is a theory-based alternative therapy. It is one of the newest forms of treatment, so very little research has been completed that examines the mechanism by which it works. The theory behind brainspotting is that eye position can be linked to areas of the brain that store and process memory.
How effective is brainspotting?
Because it is such a new treatment, the effectiveness of brainspotting cannot be quantified. Some people have found it to be effective on its own, or in conjunction with other types of therapy. It is considered an alternative therapy, and it is popular with people for whom more traditional therapies have proven ineffective.
How long does brainspotting take to work?
A typical brainspotting session will last between 60 to 90 minutes. There is no required number of sessions needed to complete brainspotting therapy, but in many cases it is delivered over the course of about six sessions. Clients are encouraged to rate their level of distress prior to a session and again following a session, and to track progress.