Body Image Therapists in Poway, CA
Each of us has a unique purpose to live in this world and through varied experiences we become disconnected from this inspiration. I'm dedicated to helping my clients rediscover their sense of self and guiding them towards a path of healing and resilience. In sessions we will join together so that you can reconnect to your purpose and live in an embodied way. I specialize in working with families, couples, and individuals who have been impacted by severe mental illness, substance use, intergenerational trauma, grief, identity confusion, disappointment, and feelings of powerlessness.
Each of us has a unique purpose to live in this world and through varied experiences we become disconnected from this inspiration. I'm dedicated to helping my clients rediscover their sense of self and guiding them towards a path of healing and resilience. In sessions we will join together so that you can reconnect to your purpose and live in an embodied way. I specialize in working with families, couples, and individuals who have been impacted by severe mental illness, substance use, intergenerational trauma, grief, identity confusion, disappointment, and feelings of powerlessness.
I believe every person has a story. Our outward story, or the mask we wear, may look sunny, bright and full of life and laughter. It can include our job or career, our family, where you live, hobbies and activities we enjoy and so much more. What happens if we take the mask off and examine the story underneath? Is it full of cobwebs and stories you thought you left behind? Anxiety, depression, problems in relationships, trauma. What if the story behind the mask isn't so sunny and bright? If you are interested in starting the path to healing what’s underneath the mask I am here to help.
I believe every person has a story. Our outward story, or the mask we wear, may look sunny, bright and full of life and laughter. It can include our job or career, our family, where you live, hobbies and activities we enjoy and so much more. What happens if we take the mask off and examine the story underneath? Is it full of cobwebs and stories you thought you left behind? Anxiety, depression, problems in relationships, trauma. What if the story behind the mask isn't so sunny and bright? If you are interested in starting the path to healing what’s underneath the mask I am here to help.
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.
Are you feeling alone in managing your diabetes/other chronic illness, and struggling with the burnout, grief, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that come with it? I provide a safe space where we can unpack it all and work together to improve your emotional well-being.
I found Strive to Thrive Psychology to improve the quality of life and mental health of adults living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, mood disorders and other chronic invisible illnesses/invisible disability, as well as supporting their caregivers and loved ones. I would be honored to be a part of your journey to live your best life.
Are you feeling alone in managing your diabetes/other chronic illness, and struggling with the burnout, grief, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that come with it? I provide a safe space where we can unpack it all and work together to improve your emotional well-being.
I found Strive to Thrive Psychology to improve the quality of life and mental health of adults living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, mood disorders and other chronic invisible illnesses/invisible disability, as well as supporting their caregivers and loved ones. I would be honored to be a part of your journey to live your best life.
Therapy isn't about becoming someone different—it's about understanding yourself, breaking free from patterns that keep you stuck, and creating a life that feels more like your own. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, stress, grief, and emotional distress. Together, we'll build insight, develop practical skills, and create lasting change using evidence-based approaches. My goal is to help you leave therapy feeling more confident, capable, and equipped to navigate life's challenges.
Therapy isn't about becoming someone different—it's about understanding yourself, breaking free from patterns that keep you stuck, and creating a life that feels more like your own. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, stress, grief, and emotional distress. Together, we'll build insight, develop practical skills, and create lasting change using evidence-based approaches. My goal is to help you leave therapy feeling more confident, capable, and equipped to navigate life's challenges.
Things in life aren't going how you want? Are you stressed all the time? Maybe you feel sad, mad, or lost, and others don't understand. Sometimes life looks okay from the outside, but it doesn't feel that way. Has your relationship changed and you're not sure how to fix it? I'm here to help! Let's look at what you want, what you need, and how we can work together to help you move toward making your life satisfying. I enjoy helping people work toward making their lives more content, more fulfilling, and characterized by happier relationships. Feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if I seem like a good fit.
Things in life aren't going how you want? Are you stressed all the time? Maybe you feel sad, mad, or lost, and others don't understand. Sometimes life looks okay from the outside, but it doesn't feel that way. Has your relationship changed and you're not sure how to fix it? I'm here to help! Let's look at what you want, what you need, and how we can work together to help you move toward making your life satisfying. I enjoy helping people work toward making their lives more content, more fulfilling, and characterized by happier relationships. Feel free to reach out for a consultation to see if I seem like a good fit.
Current Openings Available (Mon-Fri: 4-8pm and Sat: 8am-12pm): Meet Natasha Mills, a dedicated and compassionate therapist who believes that healing can be both effective and, yes, even a little fun! Specializing in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, Natasha has a passion for helping clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and PTSD.
Current Openings Available (Mon-Fri: 4-8pm and Sat: 8am-12pm): Meet Natasha Mills, a dedicated and compassionate therapist who believes that healing can be both effective and, yes, even a little fun! Specializing in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD, Natasha has a passion for helping clients navigate the challenges of anxiety, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB), Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and PTSD.
Are you interested in changing the way you think and feel about yourself in order to promote self esteem, develop healthy relationships and achieve personal goals? If so, I am here to support you in making those changes to live the life you deserve. I specialize in helping people identify patterns in their lives preventing them from resolving life’s challenges. By primarily utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, I help clients change negative thinking and behavioral patterns to increase self-esteem, personal growth, and meaningful connections.
Are you interested in changing the way you think and feel about yourself in order to promote self esteem, develop healthy relationships and achieve personal goals? If so, I am here to support you in making those changes to live the life you deserve. I specialize in helping people identify patterns in their lives preventing them from resolving life’s challenges. By primarily utilizing a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach, I help clients change negative thinking and behavioral patterns to increase self-esteem, personal growth, and meaningful connections.
I am a client-centered therapist who borrows from various treatment modalities depending on the client's needs. I meet you where you are in your journey as you are the expert on your life. My specialty is with mood issues, the LGBTQ+ population, and trauma, but I have a lot of experience with many other issues as well. It would be lovely to meet you!
I am a client-centered therapist who borrows from various treatment modalities depending on the client's needs. I meet you where you are in your journey as you are the expert on your life. My specialty is with mood issues, the LGBTQ+ population, and trauma, but I have a lot of experience with many other issues as well. It would be lovely to meet you!
Hi there, I'm really glad you're here.
Looking for a therapist can feel overwhelming- but when you find someone who truly gets you, it can make all the difference. My hope is to be that person for you. I'm a first generation Mexican-American therapist, and while most of my sessions are in English, I also speak Spanish and enjoy working with bilingual and bicultural clients. I know how important it is to feel seen and understood, especially when navigating different parts of your identity and life experiences. I work with adults who are facing anxiety, depression, major life changes, grief, substance use, or women's issues.
Hi there, I'm really glad you're here.
Looking for a therapist can feel overwhelming- but when you find someone who truly gets you, it can make all the difference. My hope is to be that person for you. I'm a first generation Mexican-American therapist, and while most of my sessions are in English, I also speak Spanish and enjoy working with bilingual and bicultural clients. I know how important it is to feel seen and understood, especially when navigating different parts of your identity and life experiences. I work with adults who are facing anxiety, depression, major life changes, grief, substance use, or women's issues.
Do you often think "My life is unfulfilling ", or hear that critical voice saying, “You will never be good enough." Do you feel unworthy and undeserving? "Thinking about “the times I messed up”, or of having made “wrong” decisions and choices, being tired of letting my emotions rule”. You have hope and dreams which seem beyond your reach…Many people feel lack of confidence in themselves that likely began when they were young, hurtful words or experiences which led to negative self-images, causing "imposter syndrome." Many people have experienced trauma that led to undiagnosed PTSD.
Call me to schedule.
Do you often think "My life is unfulfilling ", or hear that critical voice saying, “You will never be good enough." Do you feel unworthy and undeserving? "Thinking about “the times I messed up”, or of having made “wrong” decisions and choices, being tired of letting my emotions rule”. You have hope and dreams which seem beyond your reach…Many people feel lack of confidence in themselves that likely began when they were young, hurtful words or experiences which led to negative self-images, causing "imposter syndrome." Many people have experienced trauma that led to undiagnosed PTSD.
Call me to schedule.
Anxiety, mood shifts, health concerns and trauma all negatively impact our relationships at work and in our personal lives. It is often difficult to reach out for help from a professional. Yet with the right therapist, especially a doctoral level psychologist who is non-judgmental, respectful and skilled and understands these conditions, you don’t have to struggle in isolation anymore. My therapeutic approach is person centered, collaborative, compassionate, and strength-based. My goal is to work at a pace that is comfortable for you to tailor treatment to meet your personal needs. I am also attuned to culturally sensitive issues.
Anxiety, mood shifts, health concerns and trauma all negatively impact our relationships at work and in our personal lives. It is often difficult to reach out for help from a professional. Yet with the right therapist, especially a doctoral level psychologist who is non-judgmental, respectful and skilled and understands these conditions, you don’t have to struggle in isolation anymore. My therapeutic approach is person centered, collaborative, compassionate, and strength-based. My goal is to work at a pace that is comfortable for you to tailor treatment to meet your personal needs. I am also attuned to culturally sensitive issues.
Are you stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, or painful relationship patterns that just won't change no matter how hard you try? I am a bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) therapist with 25 + years of experience in mental health including agency work, community mental health, hospital outpatient and private practice. I bring a depth of clinical knowledge that will be tailored to your needs.
Are you stuck in cycles of anxiety, depression, or painful relationship patterns that just won't change no matter how hard you try? I am a bilingual/bicultural (English/Spanish) therapist with 25 + years of experience in mental health including agency work, community mental health, hospital outpatient and private practice. I bring a depth of clinical knowledge that will be tailored to your needs.
Imagine an insightful, action-oriented therapy that empowers you to break free from negative feelings, anxiety, or difficult relationships—without taking years. Using proven tools that have helped thousands, I’ll guide you toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with low self-esteem, chronic stress, or relationship challenges, my approach will help you build healthier thought patterns, improve communication, and regain control. Let’s work together to heal trauma, boost your confidence, and create lasting emotional resilience.
Imagine an insightful, action-oriented therapy that empowers you to break free from negative feelings, anxiety, or difficult relationships—without taking years. Using proven tools that have helped thousands, I’ll guide you toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with low self-esteem, chronic stress, or relationship challenges, my approach will help you build healthier thought patterns, improve communication, and regain control. Let’s work together to heal trauma, boost your confidence, and create lasting emotional resilience.
Are you and your partner or loved one stuck in the same painful arguments over and over, wondering how to make a change? Perhaps you aren't sure how to move through a major life transition like a move, loss or child. Maybe you're a parent watching your teen struggle—whether it’s mood swings, anxiety, defiance, or tension at home—and you're not sure what to do next. I help couples rebuild connection and communication, and I support teens and families through conflict, unwanted behavior, addiction, anxiety, school refusal and attention struggles. I will help you get out of the vicious cycle that is seemingly endless and exhausting.
Are you and your partner or loved one stuck in the same painful arguments over and over, wondering how to make a change? Perhaps you aren't sure how to move through a major life transition like a move, loss or child. Maybe you're a parent watching your teen struggle—whether it’s mood swings, anxiety, defiance, or tension at home—and you're not sure what to do next. I help couples rebuild connection and communication, and I support teens and families through conflict, unwanted behavior, addiction, anxiety, school refusal and attention struggles. I will help you get out of the vicious cycle that is seemingly endless and exhausting.
Nice to meet you, I'm Jennifer James. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm passionate about helping my clients experience healing and learn the skills that they need to manage challenges in their lives and relationships. I typically work with clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and relationship problems. I have expertise in working with trauma, abuse, and domestic violence as well. My therapeutic approach is somewhat eclectic. I blend pieces of person-centered therapy with self-compassion, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Nice to meet you, I'm Jennifer James. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm passionate about helping my clients experience healing and learn the skills that they need to manage challenges in their lives and relationships. I typically work with clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and relationship problems. I have expertise in working with trauma, abuse, and domestic violence as well. My therapeutic approach is somewhat eclectic. I blend pieces of person-centered therapy with self-compassion, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I have been providing mental health services to a wide range of clients for more than 18 years. I’ve worked in crisis settings as well as private practice, providing services for individuals with severe mental health issues as well as co-occurring disorders. I have expertise in grief, trauma, and substance abuse counseling. I have a holistic approach to providing mental health services and believe that the key to success is to incorporate physical and mental health and a comprehensive way. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman, and Motivational Interviewing. I am fluent in Russian.
I have been providing mental health services to a wide range of clients for more than 18 years. I’ve worked in crisis settings as well as private practice, providing services for individuals with severe mental health issues as well as co-occurring disorders. I have expertise in grief, trauma, and substance abuse counseling. I have a holistic approach to providing mental health services and believe that the key to success is to incorporate physical and mental health and a comprehensive way. I am trained in CBT, DBT, ACT, Gottman, and Motivational Interviewing. I am fluent in Russian.
I’m Allison, Owner and Clinical Director of Patch Counseling. We specialize in helping pre-teens/teens, young adults, and parents navigate the often overwhelming transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Many families come to us when their child who once seemed to be thriving begins struggling emotionally, academically, or socially during middle school, high school, or college. At Patch Counseling, we “speak teen” and help bridge communication gaps while providing responsive, personalized care that supports resilience, confidence, and healthier relationships.
I’m Allison, Owner and Clinical Director of Patch Counseling. We specialize in helping pre-teens/teens, young adults, and parents navigate the often overwhelming transition from childhood into adolescence and adulthood. Many families come to us when their child who once seemed to be thriving begins struggling emotionally, academically, or socially during middle school, high school, or college. At Patch Counseling, we “speak teen” and help bridge communication gaps while providing responsive, personalized care that supports resilience, confidence, and healthier relationships.
Parenthood can be blissful and full of love. It can be an immediate bond and bring families together. It can also be scary, traumatic and isolating. Every journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum parenthood has a story. I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, are overstimulated, or stuck in reactive cycles. You do not have to suffer in silence. You are not alone.
Parenthood can be blissful and full of love. It can be an immediate bond and bring families together. It can also be scary, traumatic and isolating. Every journey from trying to conceive, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum parenthood has a story. I support individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, are overstimulated, or stuck in reactive cycles. You do not have to suffer in silence. You are not alone.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re carrying anxiety, stress, relationship struggles, past hurt, or the pressure of trying to hold everything together on your own. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel supported, and not have to navigate those challenges alone. My goal is to create an environment where you feel safe, understood, and comfortable showing up exactly as you are.
Life can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re carrying anxiety, stress, relationship struggles, past hurt, or the pressure of trying to hold everything together on your own. Therapy offers a space to slow down, feel supported, and not have to navigate those challenges alone. My goal is to create an environment where you feel safe, understood, and comfortable showing up exactly as you are.
See more therapy options for Poway
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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.