Trauma Focused Therapists in West University Heights, San Diego, CA
You might need an unbiased 3rd party to process things. Maybe someone to understand what feelings you're going through? Or someone to hold up a mirror with a trauma-informed and compassionate lens. Whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, relationships, trauma, or difficult life transitions, we’ll collaborate together to help you be you. Sometimes we just need a soft place to land when we fall.
You might need an unbiased 3rd party to process things. Maybe someone to understand what feelings you're going through? Or someone to hold up a mirror with a trauma-informed and compassionate lens. Whether it be depression, anxiety, grief, relationships, trauma, or difficult life transitions, we’ll collaborate together to help you be you. Sometimes we just need a soft place to land when we fall.
I applaud your willingness to take this first and courageous step. Making the decision to begin therapy can be extremely difficult but the result can be highly rewarding--and life changing. I provide therapy services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and many other life or relationship problems.
Though I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, I have developed a passion and distinctive skill set for working with the college-aged/young adult population and their unique issues, finding that the work I am doing has not only been highly effective but also rewarding.
I applaud your willingness to take this first and courageous step. Making the decision to begin therapy can be extremely difficult but the result can be highly rewarding--and life changing. I provide therapy services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and many other life or relationship problems.
Though I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, I have developed a passion and distinctive skill set for working with the college-aged/young adult population and their unique issues, finding that the work I am doing has not only been highly effective but also rewarding.
You may be someone who feels curious about your inner world and ready to understand the patterns shaped by past relationships and experiences. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, questions about identity, trauma, or challenges with substance use — and find yourself stuck in familiar cycles, even when you deeply want change. Perhaps you carry pain that hasn’t had space to be held, or you’re tired of feeling disconnected from yourself or others. You’re seeking deeper self-understanding, emotional freedom, and more fulfilling relationships. In our work together, you’ll find a warm and reflective space in which you can heal.
You may be someone who feels curious about your inner world and ready to understand the patterns shaped by past relationships and experiences. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, questions about identity, trauma, or challenges with substance use — and find yourself stuck in familiar cycles, even when you deeply want change. Perhaps you carry pain that hasn’t had space to be held, or you’re tired of feeling disconnected from yourself or others. You’re seeking deeper self-understanding, emotional freedom, and more fulfilling relationships. In our work together, you’ll find a warm and reflective space in which you can heal.
I thrive working with adult survivors of childhood trauma, complex trauma, and relational trauma. I treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, addiction, codependency, and other relationship issues. I also enjoy helping people process grief and loss issues, set boundaries and improve self-care, and navigate life transitions. I work with identity issues and LGBTQIA+ community as well.
I thrive working with adult survivors of childhood trauma, complex trauma, and relational trauma. I treat anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, addiction, codependency, and other relationship issues. I also enjoy helping people process grief and loss issues, set boundaries and improve self-care, and navigate life transitions. I work with identity issues and LGBTQIA+ community as well.
I have training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Trauma-Informed LGBTQ+ Care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a strong interest in helping people navigate relationship issues, life transitions, and the impacts of trauma. I have extensive experience working with survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, military, and LGBTQ+. I have lived experience with recovering from childhood abuse, complex trauma, grief, addiction, economic hardship, and relationship issues.
I have training in Emotion Focused Therapy, Gottman Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, Trauma-Informed LGBTQ+ Care, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training.
I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a strong interest in helping people navigate relationship issues, life transitions, and the impacts of trauma. I have extensive experience working with survivors of childhood abuse and neglect, domestic violence, PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, military, and LGBTQ+. I have lived experience with recovering from childhood abuse, complex trauma, grief, addiction, economic hardship, and relationship issues.
You may notice the same themes repeating in your life—relationships that leave you questioning your worth, habits or substances that promise relief but pull you further from yourself, emotions that loop without resolution. These patterns aren’t failures; they’re messengers from the deeper self, signaling where healing is needed. Beneath the repetition lives something sacred: the part of you that learned to survive through protection, but now longs to live with freedom, connection, and truth.
You may notice the same themes repeating in your life—relationships that leave you questioning your worth, habits or substances that promise relief but pull you further from yourself, emotions that loop without resolution. These patterns aren’t failures; they’re messengers from the deeper self, signaling where healing is needed. Beneath the repetition lives something sacred: the part of you that learned to survive through protection, but now longs to live with freedom, connection, and truth.
Nasheili González Reihling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PPS, MA
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Hello, I’m Nasheili, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in providing culturally affirming therapy to individuals from mixed, international, and immigrant families. My work is centered around helping people navigate the complexities of relationship issues, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, self-esteem challenges, and trauma. I also have vast experience and love working with children and supporting families whose child or teen is struggling at school or/and home due to trauma, emotional regulation, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, autism, or LGBTQ + identity concerns.
Hello, I’m Nasheili, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in providing culturally affirming therapy to individuals from mixed, international, and immigrant families. My work is centered around helping people navigate the complexities of relationship issues, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, self-esteem challenges, and trauma. I also have vast experience and love working with children and supporting families whose child or teen is struggling at school or/and home due to trauma, emotional regulation, grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, ADHD, autism, or LGBTQ + identity concerns.
I believe that early in life we develop ways to cope with difficult experiences and environmental situations that we couldn’t control and throughout life those cope mechanisms become reinforced. For many of us there comes a point where some of the ways that we learned to exist in the world no longer adaptively serve us. This is often a time we find ourselves in therapy. I want to help you gain insight into those patterns and develop new ways of being in order to make positive changes. These changes often come from both evidence-based tools and deeper reflections. Visit my website to read more about me: www.drlouizalivschitz.com
I believe that early in life we develop ways to cope with difficult experiences and environmental situations that we couldn’t control and throughout life those cope mechanisms become reinforced. For many of us there comes a point where some of the ways that we learned to exist in the world no longer adaptively serve us. This is often a time we find ourselves in therapy. I want to help you gain insight into those patterns and develop new ways of being in order to make positive changes. These changes often come from both evidence-based tools and deeper reflections. Visit my website to read more about me: www.drlouizalivschitz.com
Sean Brannan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CHT
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Sean Brannan is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapist (CHt), & Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT#106207), specializing in hypnotherapy and relationship counseling. He works with men, women, couples, young adults and children. His work helps facilitate powerful life changes focused on the creation of a more meaningful, fulfilling life. "Our life's experiences are determined by a continual interaction of our mind, bodies, spirit, emotions, and relationships. Awareness and acceptance of these aspects of who we are is the key to creating an amazing life's journey".
Sean Brannan is a certified Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapist (CHt), & Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT#106207), specializing in hypnotherapy and relationship counseling. He works with men, women, couples, young adults and children. His work helps facilitate powerful life changes focused on the creation of a more meaningful, fulfilling life. "Our life's experiences are determined by a continual interaction of our mind, bodies, spirit, emotions, and relationships. Awareness and acceptance of these aspects of who we are is the key to creating an amazing life's journey".
Hans Reihling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
1 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Are you feeling disconnected or struggling to express your emotions in your relationship? I provide specialized counseling for men who are ready to work through problems that may be causing strain, including compulsive sexual behaviors. Together, we’ll explore the underlying issues that might be holding you back, helping you reconnect with your partner and find more balance in your life. You are so much more than the challenges you’re facing, and I believe in your potential to grow as a partner, parent, and individual. Reach out today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward the relationship and life you truly want.
Are you feeling disconnected or struggling to express your emotions in your relationship? I provide specialized counseling for men who are ready to work through problems that may be causing strain, including compulsive sexual behaviors. Together, we’ll explore the underlying issues that might be holding you back, helping you reconnect with your partner and find more balance in your life. You are so much more than the challenges you’re facing, and I believe in your potential to grow as a partner, parent, and individual. Reach out today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward the relationship and life you truly want.
Ixchel Carolina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, PhD, LMFT
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
You’ve carried so much for so long, maybe silently, maybe fiercely. My clients are often survivors of trauma, whether it be sexual abuse, childhood abuse, or other painful experiences. They’re deeply intuitive, yet feel disconnected from their bodies, parts, boundaries, or voice. They’re ready to shed survival patterns, reclaim their story, and reconnect with who they’ve always been. Healing starts with honoring all parts of you.
You’ve carried so much for so long, maybe silently, maybe fiercely. My clients are often survivors of trauma, whether it be sexual abuse, childhood abuse, or other painful experiences. They’re deeply intuitive, yet feel disconnected from their bodies, parts, boundaries, or voice. They’re ready to shed survival patterns, reclaim their story, and reconnect with who they’ve always been. Healing starts with honoring all parts of you.
Tara Olivia D'Mello Kamath
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, LMFT
3 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
Originally from India, I’ve lived in Singapore before settling in San Diego, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I believe that trauma—whether inherited from our ancestors or personally experienced, big or small—touches all of us in some way. These wounds often shape our beliefs, patterns, and behaviors beneath our awareness.
I hold a deep conviction that everyone has a purpose, no matter how big or small, and that healing past trauma is possible. My mission is to guide and support you on your unique healing journey toward a more conscious, fulfilling, and purposeful life.
Originally from India, I’ve lived in Singapore before settling in San Diego, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I believe that trauma—whether inherited from our ancestors or personally experienced, big or small—touches all of us in some way. These wounds often shape our beliefs, patterns, and behaviors beneath our awareness.
I hold a deep conviction that everyone has a purpose, no matter how big or small, and that healing past trauma is possible. My mission is to guide and support you on your unique healing journey toward a more conscious, fulfilling, and purposeful life.
Dr. Mark Gregory Karris
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MDiv, LMFT
2 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Hello! I'm Dr. Mark Gregory Karris. Based in California, I am the author of the transformative relationship book, Beyond Fairy Tales: A Couple's Guide to Finding Clarity, Doing the Work, and Building a Lasting Relationship. I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Transformative Couples Therapy (TCT), & trauma-informed, innovative techniques to help couples and individuals strengthen connections and overcome relationship challenges. With my background as a university professor, researcher, author, and workshop leader, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice. Sliding scale options may be available. Reach out today.
Hello! I'm Dr. Mark Gregory Karris. Based in California, I am the author of the transformative relationship book, Beyond Fairy Tales: A Couple's Guide to Finding Clarity, Doing the Work, and Building a Lasting Relationship. I specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Transformative Couples Therapy (TCT), & trauma-informed, innovative techniques to help couples and individuals strengthen connections and overcome relationship challenges. With my background as a university professor, researcher, author, and workshop leader, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice. Sliding scale options may be available. Reach out today.
My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued. Believing deeply in the power of positive human connection, we can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships. Conflict in romantic relationships is an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing. I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. Using Imago Relationship Therapy, couples learn invaluable tools and techniques to enhance closeness in relationships and teach partners how to resolve conflicts while maintaining a deep sense of connection.
My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued. Believing deeply in the power of positive human connection, we can learn the most about ourselves in the context of meaningful relationships. Conflict in romantic relationships is an opportunity for profound and powerful growth, learning, and healing. I welcome clients of all genders, sexualities, and relationship diversity. Using Imago Relationship Therapy, couples learn invaluable tools and techniques to enhance closeness in relationships and teach partners how to resolve conflicts while maintaining a deep sense of connection.
Dr. Montse Chavarria
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92116
As a human being, I recognize that taking the first step to seek therapy can be a scary yet courageous decision. I aim to provide a comfortable, and welcoming environment for individuals, couples and families by utilizing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and an attachment-based lens. I personally value my role in allowing clients to feel safe and secure to explore, express and develop different ways to find their journey to healing and find their inner strength.
As a human being, I recognize that taking the first step to seek therapy can be a scary yet courageous decision. I aim to provide a comfortable, and welcoming environment for individuals, couples and families by utilizing a client-centered, trauma-informed, and an attachment-based lens. I personally value my role in allowing clients to feel safe and secure to explore, express and develop different ways to find their journey to healing and find their inner strength.
The team at Therapy Changes is committed to providing focused guidance when you need it most - when going it alone can feel overwhelming and hopeless. Our therapists are all Licensed Clinical Psychologists in the state of California who have received extensive training to make assessments and guide treatment in a professional caring environment. Therapists at Therapy Changes believe in a positive, action-oriented approach to therapy. This approach begins by providing you with relief from the symptoms that negatively impact your life, teaching you tools and techniques to help you feel more like you again.
The team at Therapy Changes is committed to providing focused guidance when you need it most - when going it alone can feel overwhelming and hopeless. Our therapists are all Licensed Clinical Psychologists in the state of California who have received extensive training to make assessments and guide treatment in a professional caring environment. Therapists at Therapy Changes believe in a positive, action-oriented approach to therapy. This approach begins by providing you with relief from the symptoms that negatively impact your life, teaching you tools and techniques to help you feel more like you again.
Alverdette Miller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Anxiety is a common response to stress, a perceived threat, or a future event. Anxiety can be beneficial as it may keep you out of danger. However, anxiety, with its persistent patterns of worry, questioning and overthinking, can become problematic when it interferes with your everyday life. That's exhausting. It is important to know that there is hope. Living in anxiety doesn't have to be the norm. The brain can be retrained, and the patterns of anxiety can be disrupted. To begin your work towards improving your mental health, call today. You'll learn helpful techniques and responses to decreasing the effects of anxiety.
Anxiety is a common response to stress, a perceived threat, or a future event. Anxiety can be beneficial as it may keep you out of danger. However, anxiety, with its persistent patterns of worry, questioning and overthinking, can become problematic when it interferes with your everyday life. That's exhausting. It is important to know that there is hope. Living in anxiety doesn't have to be the norm. The brain can be retrained, and the patterns of anxiety can be disrupted. To begin your work towards improving your mental health, call today. You'll learn helpful techniques and responses to decreasing the effects of anxiety.
Marisa Padilla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
6 Endorsed
West University Heights, San Diego, CA 92108
Are you a Millennial or Gen Z individual struggling with relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed with relationship insecurity, uncertainty, or the exhaustion of dating? Do you wonder how you could feel less anxious and more secure? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship insecurity and attachment. Whether you are navigating a breakup, people-pleasing behaviors, low self-worth, anxious attachment, or boundary setting, I'm here to guide you toward emotional security in your relationships!
Are you a Millennial or Gen Z individual struggling with relationship challenges? Do you feel overwhelmed with relationship insecurity, uncertainty, or the exhaustion of dating? Do you wonder how you could feel less anxious and more secure? Now more than ever, individuals are feeling challenged in building and maintaining healthy connections, letting go of unhelpful relationship patterns, and navigating relationship insecurity and attachment. Whether you are navigating a breakup, people-pleasing behaviors, low self-worth, anxious attachment, or boundary setting, I'm here to guide you toward emotional security in your relationships!
I recognize that coming to therapy is a courageous first step and that you are taking a chance when you make that first appointment, especially when you are struggling. I consider it an honor to be entrusted by one seeking help. I demonstrate that honor by being committed to providing you with practical feedback in an empathetic and compassionate manner. With cognitive behavioral strategies, I provide techniques to manage and reduce negative symptoms by tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs.
I recognize that coming to therapy is a courageous first step and that you are taking a chance when you make that first appointment, especially when you are struggling. I consider it an honor to be entrusted by one seeking help. I demonstrate that honor by being committed to providing you with practical feedback in an empathetic and compassionate manner. With cognitive behavioral strategies, I provide techniques to manage and reduce negative symptoms by tailoring treatment to each individual’s needs.
Choosing to participate in therapy requires significant courage. It takes guts to ponder the question of whether and when it’s the right time to explore, understand, and create solutions. When you can embrace this courage, you feel relieved and inspired to live a more fulfilling life consistent with your values. Awareness of and understanding your behavioral patterns inspires you to transform your life. It is never too late to transform and grow. Change exists as a constant in our lives, and I embrace the opportunity to assist others in navigating through challenges, finding meaning, and improving life satisfaction.
Choosing to participate in therapy requires significant courage. It takes guts to ponder the question of whether and when it’s the right time to explore, understand, and create solutions. When you can embrace this courage, you feel relieved and inspired to live a more fulfilling life consistent with your values. Awareness of and understanding your behavioral patterns inspires you to transform your life. It is never too late to transform and grow. Change exists as a constant in our lives, and I embrace the opportunity to assist others in navigating through challenges, finding meaning, and improving life satisfaction.
Nearby Trauma Focused Therapists Searches for West University Heights, San Diego
- Balboa Park
- Bird Land
- Hillcrest
- Linda Vista
- Midtown
- Mission Hills
- Mission Valley
- Normal Heights
- North Hills
- North Park
- Old Town
- Park West