Codependency Therapists in Poway, CA
The journey of healing the mind is rarely a one-way approach. Healing takes many directions, experiences, and approaches.
The journey of healing the mind is rarely a one-way approach. Healing takes many directions, experiences, and approaches.
My ideal clients are adults who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and relationship challenges. Many find themselves prioritizing others' needs, having difficulty setting boundaries, or repeating patterns that leave them feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Together, we explore the experiences and relationship dynamics that contribute to these struggles, helping clients gain insight, build healthier relationships, strengthen their sense of self, and create lasting change. My goal is to help clients feel more confident, authentic, and fulfilled in their lives and relationships.
My ideal clients are adults who struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and relationship challenges. Many find themselves prioritizing others' needs, having difficulty setting boundaries, or repeating patterns that leave them feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Together, we explore the experiences and relationship dynamics that contribute to these struggles, helping clients gain insight, build healthier relationships, strengthen their sense of self, and create lasting change. My goal is to help clients feel more confident, authentic, and fulfilled in their lives and relationships.
The right therapeutic relationship supports you beyond your mental health concerns into understanding yourself and living a life of purpose. While my clientele varies greatly, I help folks who are looking for personal evolution through self understanding. Whether you are seeking therapy due to ongoing symptoms, life transition, loss, or epiphany —together we can intuit what you are needing at this juncture in life. I work well with highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or those experiencing anxiety, depression, complex trauma or attachment and relationship concerns.
The right therapeutic relationship supports you beyond your mental health concerns into understanding yourself and living a life of purpose. While my clientele varies greatly, I help folks who are looking for personal evolution through self understanding. Whether you are seeking therapy due to ongoing symptoms, life transition, loss, or epiphany —together we can intuit what you are needing at this juncture in life. I work well with highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or those experiencing anxiety, depression, complex trauma or attachment and relationship concerns.
If anxiety, depression, or life transitions are weighing you down, I’m here to help. Using CBT and a solution-focused approach, I support clients in shifting unhelpful thoughts, discovering their strengths, and taking small, achievable steps forward. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, capable, and confident in your daily life.
If anxiety, depression, or life transitions are weighing you down, I’m here to help. Using CBT and a solution-focused approach, I support clients in shifting unhelpful thoughts, discovering their strengths, and taking small, achievable steps forward. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, capable, and confident in your daily life.
Great to meet you!
I specialize in helping people navigate the phase after medical treatment or recovery ends but life still doesn't feel right. As a licensed psychotherapist, brain tumor survivor, and breast cancer survivor, I understand the challenges that can remain long after others expect you to be "back to normal." Together, we'll address the emotional, cognitive, and nervous system impacts of illness, injury, and major life transitions. Healing isn't about returning to who you were—it's about creating a life that feels whole again!
Great to meet you!
I specialize in helping people navigate the phase after medical treatment or recovery ends but life still doesn't feel right. As a licensed psychotherapist, brain tumor survivor, and breast cancer survivor, I understand the challenges that can remain long after others expect you to be "back to normal." Together, we'll address the emotional, cognitive, and nervous system impacts of illness, injury, and major life transitions. Healing isn't about returning to who you were—it's about creating a life that feels whole again!
Michele R Madson Johnson Formerly Manker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I like working with individuals, couples, or families who are motivated to examine patterns in their thinking or behavior for positive change. I enjoy working in a collaborative manner where there is an active exchange and where my client is open to feeling some discomfort for change - no pain/no gain. I believe that we are all capable of change through insight and that our upbringing can result in both good and bad habits that are flexible as long as we are conscious. I enjoy bringing in spirituality/meaning of life discussions to further my clients self awareness and growth.
I like working with individuals, couples, or families who are motivated to examine patterns in their thinking or behavior for positive change. I enjoy working in a collaborative manner where there is an active exchange and where my client is open to feeling some discomfort for change - no pain/no gain. I believe that we are all capable of change through insight and that our upbringing can result in both good and bad habits that are flexible as long as we are conscious. I enjoy bringing in spirituality/meaning of life discussions to further my clients self awareness and growth.
I grew up in a pastoral family and raised in a multi-cultural and multi-generational church. Singing is one of my passions and I have been involved in worship with my mom most of my adult life. I am generally inquisitive, culturally competent, and embrace diversity. I ask a lot of questions. I incorporate Biblical perspectives in my practice (with clients who request it directly or express an interest in exploring God during our work together). I identify as a faith-baded therapist though all are welcome.
Please visit my website for specifics regarding specialities.
I grew up in a pastoral family and raised in a multi-cultural and multi-generational church. Singing is one of my passions and I have been involved in worship with my mom most of my adult life. I am generally inquisitive, culturally competent, and embrace diversity. I ask a lot of questions. I incorporate Biblical perspectives in my practice (with clients who request it directly or express an interest in exploring God during our work together). I identify as a faith-baded therapist though all are welcome.
Please visit my website for specifics regarding specialities.
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.
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.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying something that feels too heavy to bear?
Maybe anxiety, past experiences, or relationship patterns keep showing up in ways that create distress. You might feel disconnected from yourself, caught in cycles of fear, shame, or self-doubt—and ready for transformation.
I work with adults experienci trauma, anxiety, and life transitions who are ready for deeper, lasting change. Together, we create a safe, grounded space to process your experiences, understand your patterns, and reconnect with yourself.
I also support clients navigating the emotional impact of stigma, shame and isolation.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or carrying something that feels too heavy to bear?
Maybe anxiety, past experiences, or relationship patterns keep showing up in ways that create distress. You might feel disconnected from yourself, caught in cycles of fear, shame, or self-doubt—and ready for transformation.
I work with adults experienci trauma, anxiety, and life transitions who are ready for deeper, lasting change. Together, we create a safe, grounded space to process your experiences, understand your patterns, and reconnect with yourself.
I also support clients navigating the emotional impact of stigma, shame and isolation.
Hi! I'm a licensed counselor in NJ and CA working for 18 years with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I believe in a client centered approach where a safe, open environment is created and my client(s) is part of creating the counseling process. I utilize an integrative approach, pulling from different techniques that are best suited for a client's preferences and/or needs with a focus on client strengths. Progress looks like a client having more clarity and awareness of self, stability and calm within, harmony with how they interact with others and the world around them, and the ability to achieve desired goals.
Hi! I'm a licensed counselor in NJ and CA working for 18 years with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I believe in a client centered approach where a safe, open environment is created and my client(s) is part of creating the counseling process. I utilize an integrative approach, pulling from different techniques that are best suited for a client's preferences and/or needs with a focus on client strengths. Progress looks like a client having more clarity and awareness of self, stability and calm within, harmony with how they interact with others and the world around them, and the ability to achieve desired goals.
Welcome — my name is Darlene Meza (they/them), and I am a bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, teens, and families through healing and growth. My first goal in working together is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and comfortable being fully yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important step, and I’m honored to join you on that journey.
I have experience supporting clients through trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, and major life transitions.
Welcome — my name is Darlene Meza (they/them), and I am a bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking therapist who is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, teens, and families through healing and growth. My first goal in working together is to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and comfortable being fully yourself. Finding the right therapist is an important step, and I’m honored to join you on that journey.
I have experience supporting clients through trauma, anxiety, identity exploration, relationship challenges, emotional regulation, and major life transitions.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, supporting clients through challenges such as trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, life transitions, and interpersonal difficulties. I’m especially passionate about helping individuals and families build stronger connections and healthier patterns of communication.
I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, supporting clients through challenges such as trauma, anxiety, emotional regulation, life transitions, and interpersonal difficulties. I’m especially passionate about helping individuals and families build stronger connections and healthier patterns of communication.
Do you feel that something is missing but you don’t know what it is, or how to get it? Maybe you’re not as happy as you thought you’d be at this stage of your life or maybe you’re busier than you ever imagined and have difficulty taking time for yourself. Do you find yourself wondering, Will things get better? Will I ever feel truly happy? Is this all there is?
Do you feel that something is missing but you don’t know what it is, or how to get it? Maybe you’re not as happy as you thought you’d be at this stage of your life or maybe you’re busier than you ever imagined and have difficulty taking time for yourself. Do you find yourself wondering, Will things get better? Will I ever feel truly happy? Is this all there is?
Therapy can seem different or intimidating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. My aim is to create a thoughtful connection and help reduce any apprehensions by maintaining a relaxed demeanor, displaying genuine interest, and continually striving for authenticity. The process of therapy can help individuals or couples become unstuck. We all experience patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Gaining insight into these patterns helps us discover where change is necessary. Enacting change is always up to the individual or couple, but my goal is to help you get there to take charge.
Therapy can seem different or intimidating at times, but it doesn’t have to be. My aim is to create a thoughtful connection and help reduce any apprehensions by maintaining a relaxed demeanor, displaying genuine interest, and continually striving for authenticity. The process of therapy can help individuals or couples become unstuck. We all experience patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Gaining insight into these patterns helps us discover where change is necessary. Enacting change is always up to the individual or couple, but my goal is to help you get there to take charge.
Sandra Milstein-Ostrom
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
5 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately? Have you been this way for a while?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t. Maybe you’re weighed down by worry, whether it’s about your relationships, lack of purpose, finances, body image, or sleep. You might find yourself comparing your life to others, wondering why they seem to have it all together while you’re struggling just to get through the day.
If you’re tired of feeling tired, of carrying the weight alone, and feeling like you're stuck—it’s okay to ask for support. It's hard to go at it alone...you don't have to!
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not yourself lately? Have you been this way for a while?
You’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep pretending everything’s fine when it isn’t. Maybe you’re weighed down by worry, whether it’s about your relationships, lack of purpose, finances, body image, or sleep. You might find yourself comparing your life to others, wondering why they seem to have it all together while you’re struggling just to get through the day.
If you’re tired of feeling tired, of carrying the weight alone, and feeling like you're stuck—it’s okay to ask for support. It's hard to go at it alone...you don't have to!
A Psychedelic Integration Specialist, my practice focuses primarily on Harm Reduction and Integration of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness. With the philosophy of Compassion-based Awareness, I hope to assist you in understanding your Self so that you can experience the ups and downs of life with more ease and empowerment. Together, we can explore the change that is seeking you, identify ways of being and/or barriers that hold you back from living your imagined life. A wise being once said "Life is full of suffering, it is our relationship to that suffering that causes more suffering."
A Psychedelic Integration Specialist, my practice focuses primarily on Harm Reduction and Integration of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness. With the philosophy of Compassion-based Awareness, I hope to assist you in understanding your Self so that you can experience the ups and downs of life with more ease and empowerment. Together, we can explore the change that is seeking you, identify ways of being and/or barriers that hold you back from living your imagined life. A wise being once said "Life is full of suffering, it is our relationship to that suffering that causes more suffering."
I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, & codependency.
I utilize the highly effective methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). I have consistently experienced success with these techniques helping clients to recognize and break free from negative thought and interaction patterns, strengthen relationships, and to calm the mind and nervous system.
I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, & codependency.
I utilize the highly effective methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). I have consistently experienced success with these techniques helping clients to recognize and break free from negative thought and interaction patterns, strengthen relationships, and to calm the mind and nervous system.
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.
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.
See more therapy options for Poway
Nearby Codependency Therapists Searches for Poway
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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.


