Brainspotting Therapists in San Diego, CA

Photo of Melisa Alonzo, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Melisa Alonzo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92130
Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the changes in your life? Maybe you are postpartum and overwhelmed, crying more than you thought you would, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself. Maybe parenting—this thing you thought would come naturally—feels impossibly hard, lonely, or triggering. Maybe the spark has left your marriage and you've started having an affair, or you are feeling upside down having just discovered your partner is having an affair. Whatever you're going through, you feel isolated—like there’s no one to turn to, no one to confide in. Your mind is flooded with racing thoughts, and it’s exhausting.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with all the changes in your life? Maybe you are postpartum and overwhelmed, crying more than you thought you would, or feeling like you’ve lost yourself. Maybe parenting—this thing you thought would come naturally—feels impossibly hard, lonely, or triggering. Maybe the spark has left your marriage and you've started having an affair, or you are feeling upside down having just discovered your partner is having an affair. Whatever you're going through, you feel isolated—like there’s no one to turn to, no one to confide in. Your mind is flooded with racing thoughts, and it’s exhausting.
(619) 304-8392 View (619) 304-8392
Photo of Dr. Sesen Negash, Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Sesen Negash
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92182
I also have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems, and Brainspotting.
Stress—whether short-term or ongoing—can strongly affect how we feel about ourselves and how we connect with others. If you’re finding it hard to manage stress, regulate your emotions, or maintain meaningful relationships, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive. I use evidence-based methods and pay close attention to how social and cultural contexts shape each person’s experiences with stress, trauma, and relationships. To promote healing and growth, I draw on a range of therapeutic strategies tailored to your needs.
I also have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems, and Brainspotting.
Stress—whether short-term or ongoing—can strongly affect how we feel about ourselves and how we connect with others. If you’re finding it hard to manage stress, regulate your emotions, or maintain meaningful relationships, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and culturally responsive. I use evidence-based methods and pay close attention to how social and cultural contexts shape each person’s experiences with stress, trauma, and relationships. To promote healing and growth, I draw on a range of therapeutic strategies tailored to your needs.
(858) 358-5951 View (858) 358-5951
Photo of Dr. Haran Kingstan, Psychologist, PsyD
Dr. Haran Kingstan
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102
I also offer Brainspotting and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy as powerful interventions to increase cognitive flexibility, neuroplasticity, and healing.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
I also offer Brainspotting and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy as powerful interventions to increase cognitive flexibility, neuroplasticity, and healing.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that humans are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
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Photo of Emily Andersen - Emily Andersen, Eating Disorders, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Emily Andersen, Eating Disorders
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92127
I am also trained in Brainspotting for trauma work
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Are you ready to stop constantly being in your head and being critical of everything you do, feeling disconnected from everyone and yourself? Let's do this work together and move toward weight neutrality and body trust. And in the process, let's increase our confidence and stop letting anxiety and fear make the decisions for you.
I am also trained in Brainspotting for trauma work
Do you struggle with your relationship with food and your body? Are you ready to stop constantly being in your head and being critical of everything you do, feeling disconnected from everyone and yourself? Let's do this work together and move toward weight neutrality and body trust. And in the process, let's increase our confidence and stop letting anxiety and fear make the decisions for you.
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Photo of Nastassja Vargas - RenuVitality, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
RenuVitality
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
San Diego, CA 92108
I use modalities such as somatic psychotherapy, brainspotting, schema therapy, tapping, neuro-nutrient support, inner child work, and reparenting.
In today’s world, many of us are navigating growing pressures and increasingly complex circumstances. The effects of these experiences can manifest in countless ways such as challenges in relationships, anxiety, unprocessed trauma or deeply held negative beliefs about ourselves. The weight of it all can feel immense. Feeling stuck in cycles of difficult emotions is a deeply human experience, yet finding the right support can often feel out of reach—that’s where I can help. I’m here to help you explore how your personal and collective pasts have shaped who you are today, so we can access the innate wisdom within you needed to heal.
I use modalities such as somatic psychotherapy, brainspotting, schema therapy, tapping, neuro-nutrient support, inner child work, and reparenting.
In today’s world, many of us are navigating growing pressures and increasingly complex circumstances. The effects of these experiences can manifest in countless ways such as challenges in relationships, anxiety, unprocessed trauma or deeply held negative beliefs about ourselves. The weight of it all can feel immense. Feeling stuck in cycles of difficult emotions is a deeply human experience, yet finding the right support can often feel out of reach—that’s where I can help. I’m here to help you explore how your personal and collective pasts have shaped who you are today, so we can access the innate wisdom within you needed to heal.
(619) 914-6358 View (619) 914-6358
Photo of Whitney Donahue, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Whitney Donahue
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
My integrated approach draws from person-centered therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, and mindfulness, allowing me to tailor therapy to each client’s goals.
My specialties are neurodiversity, siblings of people with disabilities, and unpacking white supremacist culture. I celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent experiences and place great importance on equity, justice, and cultural humility. I recognize that everyday challenges can intersect with deep trauma, and both deserve caring attention.
My integrated approach draws from person-centered therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, and mindfulness, allowing me to tailor therapy to each client’s goals.
My specialties are neurodiversity, siblings of people with disabilities, and unpacking white supremacist culture. I celebrate and affirm LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent experiences and place great importance on equity, justice, and cultural humility. I recognize that everyday challenges can intersect with deep trauma, and both deserve caring attention.
(619) 824-1308 View (619) 824-1308
Photo of Susan Heemstra - The Heart of the Matter Relationship Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
The Heart of the Matter Relationship Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92110
We believe people possess the inner strength, imagination, and determination to meet life’s challenges, but sometimes we get stuck and forget that we have these abilities. Individual therapy presents an opportunity to understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviors in new ways. There are times when the challenges in life may lead to anxiety, depression, helplessness and despair. You may be feeling frightened, insecure, alone and lacking direction. We take the time to listen to your problems and understand your situation to help you live a fuller, more joyful and positive life.
We believe people possess the inner strength, imagination, and determination to meet life’s challenges, but sometimes we get stuck and forget that we have these abilities. Individual therapy presents an opportunity to understand your feelings, thoughts and behaviors in new ways. There are times when the challenges in life may lead to anxiety, depression, helplessness and despair. You may be feeling frightened, insecure, alone and lacking direction. We take the time to listen to your problems and understand your situation to help you live a fuller, more joyful and positive life.
(619) 768-2395 View (619) 768-2395
Photo of Laurie Chapman, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Laurie Chapman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92122
I work to help clients reach their highest potential through the use of strategic and solution-focused strategies targeted to achieve therapy goals. I am also an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) consultant and HypnoBreathwork Coach and use these approaches to treat trauma and other issues in individual and Intensive contexts. Clients struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, complex mood disorders, recovering from a traumatic experience, or have an unresolved relationship issue are ideal clients for me. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I can see you in-person or via teletherapy.
I work to help clients reach their highest potential through the use of strategic and solution-focused strategies targeted to achieve therapy goals. I am also an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) consultant and HypnoBreathwork Coach and use these approaches to treat trauma and other issues in individual and Intensive contexts. Clients struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, complex mood disorders, recovering from a traumatic experience, or have an unresolved relationship issue are ideal clients for me. I work with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I can see you in-person or via teletherapy.
(619) 324-3776 View (619) 324-3776
Photo of Mercedeh Lew - SomaMind Therapy, CHT
SomaMind Therapy
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123
Most people come to me because talking hasn’t been enough. They’re tired of overthinking, tired of feeling like something’s off, and they want to actually feel different—not just understand things better. I use hypnotherapy and Brainspotting to work with the deeper parts of the mind where real change happens. This isn’t about quick fixes or reliving trauma—it’s about helping your system finally let go of what it’s been holding onto. I keep things honest, direct, and grounded. If that’s what you’re looking for, we’ll probably work well together.
Most people come to me because talking hasn’t been enough. They’re tired of overthinking, tired of feeling like something’s off, and they want to actually feel different—not just understand things better. I use hypnotherapy and Brainspotting to work with the deeper parts of the mind where real change happens. This isn’t about quick fixes or reliving trauma—it’s about helping your system finally let go of what it’s been holding onto. I keep things honest, direct, and grounded. If that’s what you’re looking for, we’ll probably work well together.
(619) 371-4866 View (619) 371-4866
Photo of Jennifer Rehor - Affirming Therapy Center, Marriage & Family Therapist
Affirming Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123
The core value of Affirming Therapy Center (ATC) is in our name. “Affirming” is both the nature and the goal of ATC’s work as a dedicated resource supporting Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) in California. This core value is embodied by providing you with professional, open-minded care in a space that acknowledges and celebrates your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcome and valued here.
The core value of Affirming Therapy Center (ATC) is in our name. “Affirming” is both the nature and the goal of ATC’s work as a dedicated resource supporting Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity (GSRD) in California. This core value is embodied by providing you with professional, open-minded care in a space that acknowledges and celebrates your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcome and valued here.
(619) 404-5095 View (619) 404-5095
Photo of Christian Ernest Urias, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Christian Ernest Urias
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
San Diego, CA 92104
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Do you feel not present in your life? It is sometimes difficult to feel like yourself in an ever changing and unpredictable world combined with life stressors. You are not alone and there is hope. Hello, my name is Christian Urias and I am a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience working with adults, couples and adolescents. I have a passion for working with my clients to help create positive changes, and support them to improve their lives and achieve their life's goals. I help couples establish trust, build friendship and create a system of shared meaning together.
Feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Do you feel not present in your life? It is sometimes difficult to feel like yourself in an ever changing and unpredictable world combined with life stressors. You are not alone and there is hope. Hello, my name is Christian Urias and I am a bilingual Marriage and Family Therapist. I have 10 years of experience working with adults, couples and adolescents. I have a passion for working with my clients to help create positive changes, and support them to improve their lives and achieve their life's goals. I help couples establish trust, build friendship and create a system of shared meaning together.
(619) 949-3918 View (619) 949-3918
Photo of Erick Santos, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, IFS, BSP
Erick Santos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, EMDR, IFS, BSP
San Diego, CA 92103
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.
(760) 254-8569 View (760) 254-8569
Photo of Sonia Xochitl Correa, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Sonia Xochitl Correa
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I am newly Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 5+ years of experience working with various populations such as children, teens, and adults. My ideal client is someone 12+ going through a major life transition and/or realizing the need to address current and past emotional wounds. Someone who may struggle with co-occuring disorders such as anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD or addictions seeking alternative approaches outside of just talk therapy.
I am newly Licensed Marriage and Family therapist with 5+ years of experience working with various populations such as children, teens, and adults. My ideal client is someone 12+ going through a major life transition and/or realizing the need to address current and past emotional wounds. Someone who may struggle with co-occuring disorders such as anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD or addictions seeking alternative approaches outside of just talk therapy.
(707) 691-0681 View (707) 691-0681
Photo of Madeline Falcone, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CBP
Madeline Falcone
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CBP
San Diego, CA 92130
After spending several years as an educator, I earned my MFT and opened Falcone Institute, a holistic psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic practice. I provide an individualized, heart-centered, and intuitive approach to healing and learning through complementary and alternative methodologies. My expertise and ability to ‘see’ and acknowledge each child’s and family’s specific needs provides a ray of hope for client families.
After spending several years as an educator, I earned my MFT and opened Falcone Institute, a holistic psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic practice. I provide an individualized, heart-centered, and intuitive approach to healing and learning through complementary and alternative methodologies. My expertise and ability to ‘see’ and acknowledge each child’s and family’s specific needs provides a ray of hope for client families.
(858) 251-8511 View (858) 251-8511
Photo of Noor Gorgees, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Noor Gorgees
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
My name is Noor Gorgees and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with individuals, couples, kids, and families and I have special interests and experience treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and grief. I practice therapy from a place of intentional presence and deep emotional safety. My style is grounded, compassionate, and relational. I prioritize creating space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood without judgement. I balance clinical skill with human connection where I help you slow down, explore your inner world, and move toward insight and emotional regulation.
My name is Noor Gorgees and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I work with individuals, couples, kids, and families and I have special interests and experience treating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and grief. I practice therapy from a place of intentional presence and deep emotional safety. My style is grounded, compassionate, and relational. I prioritize creating space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood without judgement. I balance clinical skill with human connection where I help you slow down, explore your inner world, and move toward insight and emotional regulation.
(619) 940-1552 View (619) 940-1552
Photo of Stacey D Downing, Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, Coach
Stacey D Downing
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, Coach
Online Only
We are here to thrive, not just survive. As a licensed therapist, Shamanic practitioner and former bodyworker, I am here to help the soul searchers, truth seekers, and those on a quest to rediscover their authentic selves towards overall health and healing. I will support you on your journey to shed the layers of fear, shame, trauma and pain. I will help you on your spiritual or self healing journey, providing additional support as you encounter life's challenges. When the walls come down, and the truth of the authentic self begins to emerge, it may be difficult, but we will move through it together. We will identify triggers and blockages, and look into things such as unhealthy attachments, cognitive distortions (negative thoughts) and “less than healthy” belief systems. It doesn’t matter whether they came from trauma in childhood, abuse, unhealthy relationships, grief or loss, I am here to help. By identifying, processing, and releasing that which no longer serves you will allow the true healing to finally begin and set your feet on the path you were meant to walk.
We are here to thrive, not just survive. As a licensed therapist, Shamanic practitioner and former bodyworker, I am here to help the soul searchers, truth seekers, and those on a quest to rediscover their authentic selves towards overall health and healing. I will support you on your journey to shed the layers of fear, shame, trauma and pain. I will help you on your spiritual or self healing journey, providing additional support as you encounter life's challenges. When the walls come down, and the truth of the authentic self begins to emerge, it may be difficult, but we will move through it together. We will identify triggers and blockages, and look into things such as unhealthy attachments, cognitive distortions (negative thoughts) and “less than healthy” belief systems. It doesn’t matter whether they came from trauma in childhood, abuse, unhealthy relationships, grief or loss, I am here to help. By identifying, processing, and releasing that which no longer serves you will allow the true healing to finally begin and set your feet on the path you were meant to walk.
(858) 251-1074 View (858) 251-1074
Photo of Jasna Korkaric, Counselor, LPCC
Jasna Korkaric
Counselor, LPCC
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103
I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, and enjoy helping clients heal from trauma.
Entering therapy can be difficult and it is very important to find a therapist with whom you connect well. My goal in therapeutic relationship is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment to honor vulnerability required to make changes in one's life. My approach is collaborative. I believe everyone has a unique story and inherent wisdom. I hope to be able to help uncover that and assist with teaching necessary skills to cope and to make changes needed to get desired results.
I am trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, and enjoy helping clients heal from trauma.
Entering therapy can be difficult and it is very important to find a therapist with whom you connect well. My goal in therapeutic relationship is to create a safe, non-judgmental environment to honor vulnerability required to make changes in one's life. My approach is collaborative. I believe everyone has a unique story and inherent wisdom. I hope to be able to help uncover that and assist with teaching necessary skills to cope and to make changes needed to get desired results.
(858) 780-5061 View (858) 780-5061
Photo of Mindy Le Tran, Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Mindy Le Tran
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Sometimes it can be really challenging to make time for ourselves and for our mental health. For some of us, it's even more difficult when our identities and culture held no space for our feelings or emotions. We may have had to put up with crossed boundaries, invalidated feelings, unrealistic expectations, and conditional love that depended on how much we have accomplished. Those difficult and maybe even traumatic experiences that we, and our families, have lived through may have been written off as "this is just how things are." Although we may want to rest and pause, we instead might begin to feel shame or guilt for doing so.
Sometimes it can be really challenging to make time for ourselves and for our mental health. For some of us, it's even more difficult when our identities and culture held no space for our feelings or emotions. We may have had to put up with crossed boundaries, invalidated feelings, unrealistic expectations, and conditional love that depended on how much we have accomplished. Those difficult and maybe even traumatic experiences that we, and our families, have lived through may have been written off as "this is just how things are." Although we may want to rest and pause, we instead might begin to feel shame or guilt for doing so.
(619) 374-9918 View (619) 374-9918
Photo of Jl Zbacnik - The Recovering Therapist, Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
The Recovering Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
San Diego, CA 92108
I use Brainspotting, which is a brain based therapy for healing trauma.
I work with clients who are in recovery from addiction. I help them get to the root of their addictive issue, so they can stop substituting addictive behavior and heal.
I use Brainspotting, which is a brain based therapy for healing trauma.
I work with clients who are in recovery from addiction. I help them get to the root of their addictive issue, so they can stop substituting addictive behavior and heal.
(619) 393-4412 View (619) 393-4412
Photo of Brittani Williams - Healmatic Group Practice, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Healmatic Group Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I use EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing, Inner Parts Work, and Ancestral Healing in my practice.
Welcome! Healmatic Group Practice, led by Brittani Williams, LCSW, is an inclusive therapy space that fosters healing for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Healmatic’s approach is grounded in the acknowledgment of the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit, guided by a trauma-informed framework and a deep commitment to healing justice principles.
I use EMDR, Brainspotting, Cognitive Processing, Inner Parts Work, and Ancestral Healing in my practice.
Welcome! Healmatic Group Practice, led by Brittani Williams, LCSW, is an inclusive therapy space that fosters healing for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Healmatic’s approach is grounded in the acknowledgment of the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit, guided by a trauma-informed framework and a deep commitment to healing justice principles.
(619) 374-2369 View (619) 374-2369

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Brainspotting Therapists
How does brainspotting work?
Brainspotting works by using eye positioning to identify and process traumatic memories so that a client is better able to move forward and live with less fear. The theory behind brainspotting is that by identifying where a person looks when thinking of traumatic memories, a therapist will be able to guide them to focus on that spot and work with the client to get them out of the “fight, flight, freeze” response associated with the traumatic memory.

Is brainspotting an evidence-based therapy?
Brainspotting is a theory-based alternative therapy. It is one of the newest forms of treatment, so very little research has been completed that examines the mechanism by which it works. The theory behind brainspotting is that eye position can be linked to areas of the brain that store and process memory.

How effective is brainspotting?
Because it is such a new treatment, the effectiveness of brainspotting cannot be quantified. Some people have found it to be effective on its own, or in conjunction with other types of therapy. It is considered an alternative therapy, and it is popular with people for whom more traditional therapies have proven ineffective.

How long does brainspotting take to work?
A typical brainspotting session will last between 60 to 90 minutes. There is no required number of sessions needed to complete brainspotting therapy, but in many cases it is delivered over the course of about six sessions. Clients are encouraged to rate their level of distress prior to a session and again following a session, and to track progress.