Body Image Therapists in Oceanside, CA
Therapy, while helpful, can be complicated by systemic and environmental concerns. As a Queer and neurodivergent Filipino immigrant, I honor the struggles young adults, adults, and older adults face living in our rapidly-changing society, specializing in supporting them through life transitions, relationships, and emotional concerns to build their lives through a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and affirming framework.
Therapy, while helpful, can be complicated by systemic and environmental concerns. As a Queer and neurodivergent Filipino immigrant, I honor the struggles young adults, adults, and older adults face living in our rapidly-changing society, specializing in supporting them through life transitions, relationships, and emotional concerns to build their lives through a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and affirming framework.
Sydney Hafer, Balance and Bloom
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
2 Endorsed
Online Only
You may feel worn down by an eating disorder, complex trauma, or the weight of mood and anxiety symptoms that make daily life feel overwhelming. Maybe perfectionism keeps you stuck, your body feels like a battleground, or old wounds shape how you see yourself and your relationships. You want relief, safety, and space to breathe. In our work together, we create a compassionate, grounded place to heal, strengthen your voice, and build a life that feels authentic, peaceful, and wholly your own.
You may feel worn down by an eating disorder, complex trauma, or the weight of mood and anxiety symptoms that make daily life feel overwhelming. Maybe perfectionism keeps you stuck, your body feels like a battleground, or old wounds shape how you see yourself and your relationships. You want relief, safety, and space to breathe. In our work together, we create a compassionate, grounded place to heal, strengthen your voice, and build a life that feels authentic, peaceful, and wholly your own.
Hi! I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 28 years of experience working with individuals and relationships across a range of settings, from community mental health to private practice. My approach is interactive, dynamic, and deeply engaged, because I believe real progress happens when therapy feels like a genuine partnership. Whether you're navigating long-standing challenges or facing something new, I'm here to help you move forward. I currently see clients via Telehealth and can't wait to connect with you!
Hi! I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 28 years of experience working with individuals and relationships across a range of settings, from community mental health to private practice. My approach is interactive, dynamic, and deeply engaged, because I believe real progress happens when therapy feels like a genuine partnership. Whether you're navigating long-standing challenges or facing something new, I'm here to help you move forward. I currently see clients via Telehealth and can't wait to connect with you!
Dr. Sabrina Dawn
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, NCC, LPCC-S, LPCC, IMHP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My ideal client feels a sense of unease, perhaps questioning their path or feeling disconnected from their authentic self. They need a safe space to explore these feelings without judgment and a guide to help them understand their inner world. Their goal is to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, aligned with their values and strengths. They want clarity, self-acceptance, and the tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience. Ultimately, they seek a deeper connection with themselves and a greater sense of purpose. They want to understand why they feel the way they do and how to create lasting positive change.
My ideal client feels a sense of unease, perhaps questioning their path or feeling disconnected from their authentic self. They need a safe space to explore these feelings without judgment and a guide to help them understand their inner world. Their goal is to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life, aligned with their values and strengths. They want clarity, self-acceptance, and the tools to navigate life's challenges with resilience. Ultimately, they seek a deeper connection with themselves and a greater sense of purpose. They want to understand why they feel the way they do and how to create lasting positive change.
I'm glad you are reaching out for support during difficult times. Therapy can help. I specialize in working with queer and trans folx and couples/partners of all identities and backgrounds. With me you will find a safe and affirming environment in which your problems are understood and your own identity is embraced and celebrated; you will feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I am accepting new clients and I offer services statewide via telehealth.
I'm glad you are reaching out for support during difficult times. Therapy can help. I specialize in working with queer and trans folx and couples/partners of all identities and backgrounds. With me you will find a safe and affirming environment in which your problems are understood and your own identity is embraced and celebrated; you will feel seen, heard, validated, and supported. I am accepting new clients and I offer services statewide via telehealth.
I believe therapy is a tool to disrupt patterns that can keep us from what we are seeking and can help us form an improved relationship with ourselves and our own inner landscape. I would love to support you in your therapeutic process!
In our work together, I will get to know you at the pace you are most comfortable with and approach you with warmth and without judgment. Since being a person can be messy and confusing, healing and growth can feel non-linear, but that doesn't mean we aren't making progress. I hope our sessions together can highlight your strengths and sense of purpose and meaning and leave you feeling more hope.
I believe therapy is a tool to disrupt patterns that can keep us from what we are seeking and can help us form an improved relationship with ourselves and our own inner landscape. I would love to support you in your therapeutic process!
In our work together, I will get to know you at the pace you are most comfortable with and approach you with warmth and without judgment. Since being a person can be messy and confusing, healing and growth can feel non-linear, but that doesn't mean we aren't making progress. I hope our sessions together can highlight your strengths and sense of purpose and meaning and leave you feeling more hope.
Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma.
My approach is trauma-informed and attachment-based, integrating somatic therapy, parts work (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR. Rather than only talking through problems, we work with what’s happening underneath them, including your nervous system, protective patterns, and unprocessed emotions, so change can happen at a deeper, more lasting level.
Some notice patterns around self-worth, body image, or a strong inner critic, while others feel the impact of past experiences or trauma.
My approach is trauma-informed and attachment-based, integrating somatic therapy, parts work (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR. Rather than only talking through problems, we work with what’s happening underneath them, including your nervous system, protective patterns, and unprocessed emotions, so change can happen at a deeper, more lasting level.
I believe symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating with us. Learning to recognize our symptoms as messages to listen to, we start making sense of the chaos, and feel less out of control. I’m committed to helping you get that kind of relief and clarity, so that it becomes easier to explore the roots of what gets you stuck. The therapy I offer is experiential and relational, providing the context to name what needs to heal, process what's overwhelming, build psychological skills and confidence, grow in compassion, strengthen relationships, and find a path forward with greater freedom, meaning, and hope.
I believe symptoms are often the body’s way of communicating with us. Learning to recognize our symptoms as messages to listen to, we start making sense of the chaos, and feel less out of control. I’m committed to helping you get that kind of relief and clarity, so that it becomes easier to explore the roots of what gets you stuck. The therapy I offer is experiential and relational, providing the context to name what needs to heal, process what's overwhelming, build psychological skills and confidence, grow in compassion, strengthen relationships, and find a path forward with greater freedom, meaning, and hope.
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.
Sandra Milstein-Ostrom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Maybe you’re weighed down by worry, whether it’s about your relationships, lack of purpose, finances, body image, or sleep.
The truth is: you can feel better. Life can have meaning again. You can wake up with a sense of purpose, feel more connected to the people around you, and experience real joy—not just fleeting moments, but a deeper, lasting sense of satisfaction. We’ll work to uncover the person you truly are, the one who’s been buried under stress, doubt, and shame.
Maybe you’re weighed down by worry, whether it’s about your relationships, lack of purpose, finances, body image, or sleep.
The truth is: you can feel better. Life can have meaning again. You can wake up with a sense of purpose, feel more connected to the people around you, and experience real joy—not just fleeting moments, but a deeper, lasting sense of satisfaction. We’ll work to uncover the person you truly are, the one who’s been buried under stress, doubt, and shame.
Therapy for Kids, Teens, Couples, Families with Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief.
You want a therapist who sees the whole you - not just the symptoms, but the trauma, neurodivergence, culture, and wounded parts you carry. If you feel disconnected from yourself or wonder why your relationships feel so difficult, you are not alone.
Integrating Trauma informed play therapy, Western clinical psychology, and Eastern mind–body practices; we will navigate these deeper layers with compassion, helping you calm the chatter and find peace.
Therapy for Kids, Teens, Couples, Families with Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief.
You want a therapist who sees the whole you - not just the symptoms, but the trauma, neurodivergence, culture, and wounded parts you carry. If you feel disconnected from yourself or wonder why your relationships feel so difficult, you are not alone.
Integrating Trauma informed play therapy, Western clinical psychology, and Eastern mind–body practices; we will navigate these deeper layers with compassion, helping you calm the chatter and find peace.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, therapy should feel like a place where you can slow down, feel understood, and be yourself. I offer a calm, welcoming environment where we can make sense of life's challenges together. I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, and emotional stress. My approach is individualized, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care that supports lasting growth and healing.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your child, therapy should feel like a place where you can slow down, feel understood, and be yourself. I offer a calm, welcoming environment where we can make sense of life's challenges together. I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship concerns, and emotional stress. My approach is individualized, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based care that supports lasting growth and healing.
My ideal clients are adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. Many have spent years putting others first while carrying emotional pain, chronic stress, difficulty focusing, or unresolved trauma. Others are coping with grief, obsessive thoughts, parenting challenges, or family conflict and are ready to heal, build resilience, and create lasting, meaningful change.
My ideal clients are adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. Many have spent years putting others first while carrying emotional pain, chronic stress, difficulty focusing, or unresolved trauma. Others are coping with grief, obsessive thoughts, parenting challenges, or family conflict and are ready to heal, build resilience, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Julia Malone | CA, AZ, VA Couple & EMDR
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
11 Endorsed
Oceanside, CA 92054
Feeling like "It's me, HI, I'm the problem it's me"? The anxiety and overwhelm just feel too much and you're looking for a place to unpack some painful memories from the past. As you've gotten older, navigated relationships, or have had children of your own, you have really been struggling to feel confident and find clarity in navigating life's challenges. I'm Julia and I help adults work through generational (complex) trauma alleviate their anxiety, change patterns of perfectionism, people pleasing, and codependency and connect deeply with themselves and those they love. Let's break cycles of generational trauma together!
Feeling like "It's me, HI, I'm the problem it's me"? The anxiety and overwhelm just feel too much and you're looking for a place to unpack some painful memories from the past. As you've gotten older, navigated relationships, or have had children of your own, you have really been struggling to feel confident and find clarity in navigating life's challenges. I'm Julia and I help adults work through generational (complex) trauma alleviate their anxiety, change patterns of perfectionism, people pleasing, and codependency and connect deeply with themselves and those they love. Let's break cycles of generational trauma together!
James Schweikert has nine years of experience as a psychotherapist in Southern California and spent seven years at UCSD clinics treating individuals with complex mental health disorders. He currently maintains a private practice in Oceanside, California, offering telehealth psychotherapy services to residents across the state seeking support for their mental health challenges.
James Schweikert has nine years of experience as a psychotherapist in Southern California and spent seven years at UCSD clinics treating individuals with complex mental health disorders. He currently maintains a private practice in Oceanside, California, offering telehealth psychotherapy services to residents across the state seeking support for their mental health challenges.
You might look like you have it together on the outside, but inside you feel anxious, disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, or stuck in painful relationship patterns that keep repeating. Maybe you overthink, people-please, shut down, feel chronically “not enough,” or struggle to feel secure and connected in close relationships. You may already understand your patterns intellectually, yet still not feel fundamentally different internally or relationally.
You might look like you have it together on the outside, but inside you feel anxious, disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed, or stuck in painful relationship patterns that keep repeating. Maybe you overthink, people-please, shut down, feel chronically “not enough,” or struggle to feel secure and connected in close relationships. You may already understand your patterns intellectually, yet still not feel fundamentally different internally or relationally.
At The Village Lighthouse, we know that learning and development look different for every child, teen, and adult. Whether your child is struggling in school or you're seeking answers about your own learning or emotional needs, we’re here to help guide the way.
Our team includes Licensed Educational Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), allowing us to support not only learning needs but also emotional well-being. We specialize in working with trauma and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
At The Village Lighthouse, we know that learning and development look different for every child, teen, and adult. Whether your child is struggling in school or you're seeking answers about your own learning or emotional needs, we’re here to help guide the way.
Our team includes Licensed Educational Psychologists and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), allowing us to support not only learning needs but also emotional well-being. We specialize in working with trauma and use evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness practices.
Even when your body is still, your brain won’t stop running and it’s exhausting. You’re used to pushing through but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, especially when you have such high expectations for yourself. What if you could feel comfortable letting your mind wander without worrying about what path it will take you down? That probably sounds scary because you know how many paths it can go down, and it goes fast, but it is possible. You have a strong sense of empathy towards others, now it’s time to show yourself that same compassion.
Even when your body is still, your brain won’t stop running and it’s exhausting. You’re used to pushing through but that doesn’t mean it’s easy, especially when you have such high expectations for yourself. What if you could feel comfortable letting your mind wander without worrying about what path it will take you down? That probably sounds scary because you know how many paths it can go down, and it goes fast, but it is possible. You have a strong sense of empathy towards others, now it’s time to show yourself that same compassion.
I help neurodivergent adults and mixed-neurotype couples build stronger, more connected relationships. When ADHD, autism, AuDHD, or other neurodivergent traits are misunderstood, partners often mistake neurological differences for lack of effort, caring, or compatibility. I help couples replace frustration and conflict with deeper understanding, effective communication, emotional connection, and practical strategies that work for both partners. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that different brains bring different strengths—not deficits.
I help neurodivergent adults and mixed-neurotype couples build stronger, more connected relationships. When ADHD, autism, AuDHD, or other neurodivergent traits are misunderstood, partners often mistake neurological differences for lack of effort, caring, or compatibility. I help couples replace frustration and conflict with deeper understanding, effective communication, emotional connection, and practical strategies that work for both partners. My approach is neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed, and grounded in the belief that different brains bring different strengths—not deficits.
You may be the woman surviving in “go mode” — appearing capable and high functioning on the outside while internally carrying anxiety, emotional exhaustion, relationship stress, unresolved trauma, or a constant sense of overwhelm. Even while managing daily responsibilities, you are stuck in patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or disconnection from yourself and others, despite deeply wanting things to feel different. EMDR therapy helps reprocess painful and overwhelming experiences, so you no longer feel emotionally stuck in the past, creating space to move forward.
You may be the woman surviving in “go mode” — appearing capable and high functioning on the outside while internally carrying anxiety, emotional exhaustion, relationship stress, unresolved trauma, or a constant sense of overwhelm. Even while managing daily responsibilities, you are stuck in patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, people-pleasing, or disconnection from yourself and others, despite deeply wanting things to feel different. EMDR therapy helps reprocess painful and overwhelming experiences, so you no longer feel emotionally stuck in the past, creating space to move forward.
See more therapy options for Oceanside
Nearby Body Image Therapists Searches for Oceanside
- Camp Pendleton
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Carlsbad
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Clemente
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Body Image Therapists
How does body image affect mental health?
Poor body image can influence mental health because it can reduce self-esteem and decrease functioning in other areas of one's life. Negative body image may hinder someone's ability to perform daily tasks, including professional and social responsibilities, because they may feel self-conscious or shame surrounding their appearance; a desire to change one's body as a result of negative body image can also trigger behaviors such as extreme dieting, excessive exercise, or obsessive social media comparison. Poor body image is associated with a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, although many people experience negative body image even in the absence of meeting the diagnostic criteria for any mental health disorders.
What does it mean to have a positive body image?
Body image refers to how one internally perceives their appearance and internally "talks" to themself about their body. Positive body image is therefore indicative of a positive perception of one's self and positive internal self-talk that underscores one's strengths. People who have good body image often have higher self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence, and they also often recognize how external factors, such as social media or relationship patterns, can influence body image. While body image can change at different life stages and in response to various triggers, practicing self-acceptance and a body-positive mindset can help maintain a more stable sense of positive body image.
Is body image the same as self-esteem?
Body image and self-esteem are often related, but they are distinct concepts. Self-esteem is a broader term that can be shaped by a number of factors outside of body image, including one's functioning at school or in the workplace; it refers to one's capacity to handle various life challenges. Poor body image can be one way in which one's self-esteem is reduced. Reduced self-esteem as a result of poor body image can cause individuals to feel negative about their appearance, withdraw from social interactions, and/or rely on harmful behaviors as a coping mechanism. A "body positive" approach to body image therapy is therefore often used to encourage a more positive view of one's self and thus encourage better self-esteem.
What type of therapy is best to foster a positive body image?
The type of therapy best suited to improve body image depends on each person, as there is not a single therapy specific to body image improvement. That said, many individuals with poor body image benefit from therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. CBT can be used to help challenge distorted or negative thoughts about one's body, while ACT and mindfulness practices can facilitate a more positive body image through self-acceptance and identification of one's personal strengths. Regardless of treatment type, clients should look for body image therapists who encourage the development of a sense of self outside of their external appearance and help clients reduce unwanted behaviors developed as a result of poor self-esteem, such as dieting or disordered eating patterns.