Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in North Hills, San Diego, CA

Sharing our inner experiences with someone can often feel frightening, which is exactly why I place such an importance on connection and acceptance in the therapeutic process. I aim to create a safe environment that will invite my clients to delve deeper into their personal narrative, as I truly believe we are not built to process emotions alone. As humans, we all have a propensity to grow and become our true selves, unfortunately we aren’t always gifted with the circumstances to allow it. I am passionate about creating a space for not only self-discovery and self acceptance , but to allow clients to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Your decision to seek psychotherapy provides a unique opportunity to process the challenges you are currently experiencing, identify your values, and develop the skills needed to reach your goals. I enjoy working with adults, couples, and families. I strive to provide quality treatment in a warm, collaborative setting.

Do you struggle with emotion regulation, relationship problems, body image, negative thoughts? Unprocessed trauma causes a lot of pain and can be confusing to navigate. It colors every aspect of our lives. I specialize in treating disordered eating, eating disorders, body image, anxiety and other women's health issues.

Dr. Maddy Brener, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in San Diego, California has over a decade of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with a diverse range of children, teens, adults, and seniors with a wide variety of diagnoses ranging from generalized anxiety and major depression to chronic paranoid schizophrenia and personality disorders. Dr. Brener's particular areas of expertise include LGBTQIA+ issues, nonmonogamy/polyamory, kink/BDSM, chronic pain, negative self-talk, military service-related issues, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and interpersonal communication.

I have been in practice as a licensed psychologist for over twenty years in California. My areas of expertise include depression and anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, addiction and recovery, stress and anger management,, work-related and life-transition issues,, physical health and chronic illness.

As a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, I work collaboratively with my patients and provide them a warm, nurturing and nonjudgmental, safe space. I teach and offer tools to help guide them from a state of feeling stuck or hopeless to feeling a true sense of resiliency and inspiration to live a healthier life. I am dedicated to exploring, identifying, and understanding the core issues that impact my patients’ lives; by using evidence-based treatments, I help my patients bring self-awareness and insight to the forefront, which then creates the needed healing to further develop a healthier sense of self and overall life improvement.

I’m a bilingual (Spanish-English) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am passionate about working with couples and guiding individuals in navigating relational issues and facilitating healthy interactions because I am a strong believer that we can heal and grow through safe and nurturing relationships. I also have experience working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, self esteem, and other life transitions.

I am a pre-licensed psychologist and a registered psychological associate working under the supervision of Dr. Kaila Smith and Dr. Lisa Black to complete my post-doctoral training for licensure working with adolescents, adults, and couples. I have extensive training in treating mood and anxiety disorders, trauma/PTSD, relationship issues, grief and loss, and chronic illnesses. I have experience working with individuals in the U.S. Military and their families. At this time, I provide telehealth services remotely.

My professional belief is that you are the expert of your life. I am present to walk along side of you as a partner, and provide further guidance through this particular moment in your life story. Despite whatever challenges you may be facing, my hope is that by the end of our time together, you are walking a path which leads to a more meaningful life, guided by what is most important to you.

I help men and women in their 20s and 30s navigate the challenges of modern life. Our fast-paced world can be demanding, and it's essential to prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Whether you're experiencing anxiety or stress, feeling stuck in your career, or facing relationship challenges, we'll work together to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. Therapy can enhance your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, empowering you to experience more joy and resilience in facing life's challenges.

Does your anxiety seem too big to conquer? We’ll climb that mountain with you. We help people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and stress by giving them tools and strategies to overcome their problems and live a better, happier life. In addition to counseling, we provide a variety of psychological testing services including neuropsychological, academic, vocational, and pre-employment evaluations, and developmental evaluations, including Autism Assessments.

Bilingual: English/Spanish. AASECT- Certified Sex Therapist. I value being present in the moment, having self-compassion and acceptance for oneself before working on relationships with others. I practice through a holistic lens and a mindful perspective, teaching clients some of the same techniques that I myself practice regularly to cope with the complex challenges life often brings. In my clinical practice, I hold the belief that my client is the expert of their own life and I am here to help you identify your own personal goals and support you on your journey to achieve them.

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and/or trauma I am here to help. I have worked in community clinics and public service settings including UC San Diego and VA San Diego and am experienced in providing evidence based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT ), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE).

Anxiety and depression are easy words to use, experiencing either can halt your ability to move on with simple to more complex life challenges. Trying harder is not the answer, when you find yourself in transition, due to a major loss, acting out family members or serious medical and financial challenges. What you need is an advocate. Additionally with a deep understanding of what it means to be in or have been in a Narcissistic relationship the recovery from possibly years of abuse, requires the help of a professional who can help you see the patterns of narcissism, and unravel the damage it has done to you,

I am passionate about the resiliency of the human spirit in healing from trauma, creating and nurturing engaging relationships, and finding our way through life’s transitions. I view therapy as a tool to create a safe space to show up authentically and work toward living the life you seek. My work is with children (8 & up), teens, adults, & couples who are healing from trauma, working on identity, body image, and self-esteem, experiencing anxiety, depression, & stress, recovering from narcissistic, sexual, or domestic abuse, having difficulty with dating & relationships, & working through divorce, co-parenting, & blending families.

The hardest part of finding support is often taking the first step - especially when we are overwhelmed. My experience is working with diverse populations including Latina/o/x, Chicana/o/x, Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have supported people with various issues including, with anxiety, depression, caregiver stress, relational issues, social/racial identity, dealing with health conditions, struggling with sleep, the elderly, peripartum and postpartum parents, healthcare workers experiencing burnout. I am passionate about helping individuals transition from thriving to surviving.

Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in grief, trauma, and anxiety. Additionally, I have experience supporting clients through life changes, relationships, and depression. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy or you are looking to restart therapy, I would be honored to support you as you heal and grow.