Emotionally Focused Therapists in San Diego, CA

I’m a trauma focused therapist and utilize EMDR, TF-CBT, Mindfulness, Meditation, Emotionally Focused, Solution Focused, CBT, Expressive Arts, Play therapy, and Psychoeducation.
Hi. I’m Rose Corzine, LCSW. I’m a Child and Family therapist with years of experience. My passion is working with children and families in order to restore harmony in the home. When you are struggling in making a meaningful emotional connection with your child or spouse, it may be time to seek assistance. I offer parent consultations and individual child therapy, 8 years and up, and family therapy. Building healthy relationships with the families I work with allows me to understand their family system better and utilize current strengths to build and repair broken relationships and restore positive functioning.
I’m a trauma focused therapist and utilize EMDR, TF-CBT, Mindfulness, Meditation, Emotionally Focused, Solution Focused, CBT, Expressive Arts, Play therapy, and Psychoeducation.
Hi. I’m Rose Corzine, LCSW. I’m a Child and Family therapist with years of experience. My passion is working with children and families in order to restore harmony in the home. When you are struggling in making a meaningful emotional connection with your child or spouse, it may be time to seek assistance. I offer parent consultations and individual child therapy, 8 years and up, and family therapy. Building healthy relationships with the families I work with allows me to understand their family system better and utilize current strengths to build and repair broken relationships and restore positive functioning.

Lisa Graff-Marsh LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
They are Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and Mindfulness.
I have been a private practice therapist since February 1992. The client population that comes through my office are individuals and couples that are struggling in various ways. My passion is to help people get in touch with their authentic selves, access core emotions, become more present in their lives, more connected, in touch and able to identify the sensations that happen inside one's body. This happens through compassion, connection, empathy, curiosity and the realization you do not have to struggle alone. This process helps the client to live a fuller, more satisfying productive life.
They are Accelerated Dynamic Experiential Psychotherapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and Mindfulness.
I have been a private practice therapist since February 1992. The client population that comes through my office are individuals and couples that are struggling in various ways. My passion is to help people get in touch with their authentic selves, access core emotions, become more present in their lives, more connected, in touch and able to identify the sensations that happen inside one's body. This happens through compassion, connection, empathy, curiosity and the realization you do not have to struggle alone. This process helps the client to live a fuller, more satisfying productive life.

Miriam Torres Brinkmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92106
Trained in Gottman, EFT, EMDR, and hypnotherapy, I help couples rebuild trust and individuals heal from anxiety and past wounds.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or struggling with life’s challenges? I help couples and individuals find clarity, connection, and confidence. Whether you're facing relationship distress, anxiety, or major life decisions, I provide a supportive space for growth. I offer discernment counseling for couples unsure about their future and couples intensives for deep, transformative work. Using evidence-based approaches, I help clients heal from the past, navigate the present, and move toward a more fulfilling future.
Trained in Gottman, EFT, EMDR, and hypnotherapy, I help couples rebuild trust and individuals heal from anxiety and past wounds.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationship or struggling with life’s challenges? I help couples and individuals find clarity, connection, and confidence. Whether you're facing relationship distress, anxiety, or major life decisions, I provide a supportive space for growth. I offer discernment counseling for couples unsure about their future and couples intensives for deep, transformative work. Using evidence-based approaches, I help clients heal from the past, navigate the present, and move toward a more fulfilling future.

Cindy Way: Hope Therapy Group
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
I also have training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Method.
My specialty is working with individuals, couples, and families that are impacted by their relationship/marital issues, divorce, blended families, parenting/co-parenting, different- abilities (disability), and chronic pain/illness. Additionally, I apply a trauma-informed lens toward life experiences supporting PTSD/C-PTSD, Generational/Intergenerational Trauma, Cultural/Racial Trauma, and Military-related trauma.
I also have training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy and Gottman Method.
My specialty is working with individuals, couples, and families that are impacted by their relationship/marital issues, divorce, blended families, parenting/co-parenting, different- abilities (disability), and chronic pain/illness. Additionally, I apply a trauma-informed lens toward life experiences supporting PTSD/C-PTSD, Generational/Intergenerational Trauma, Cultural/Racial Trauma, and Military-related trauma.

My approach is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), centering your experience, and working relationally.
I was born in Belarus and grew up in Israel before moving to San Diego and starting a family here. The transitions I experienced throughout my life have taught me the importance of a secure base. I believe that humans need connection and that feeling safely connected, seen, and accepted drives us to explore and move in the world in our chosen ways.
My approach is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), centering your experience, and working relationally.
I was born in Belarus and grew up in Israel before moving to San Diego and starting a family here. The transitions I experienced throughout my life have taught me the importance of a secure base. I believe that humans need connection and that feeling safely connected, seen, and accepted drives us to explore and move in the world in our chosen ways.

Elizabeth Anne Deig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92110
With couples I use a combination of Gottman Method, Attachment Theory, and EFT to identify past injuries and unmet attachment needs and how to create the relationship you long for.
Our life experiences and social influences inform the ways that we cope, sometimes leading us in directions we do not desire and into ways of being in relationships that can be destructive. My belief is that at the heart of each and every human there are strengths and preferred narratives to be discovered and there is an innate ability to cultivate self-compassion, to heal from the past, to learn to communicate our needs and desires, and ultimately to create healthy relationships. I am passionate about supporting you in achieving lasting connection, joy, and fulfillment in your relationships.
With couples I use a combination of Gottman Method, Attachment Theory, and EFT to identify past injuries and unmet attachment needs and how to create the relationship you long for.
Our life experiences and social influences inform the ways that we cope, sometimes leading us in directions we do not desire and into ways of being in relationships that can be destructive. My belief is that at the heart of each and every human there are strengths and preferred narratives to be discovered and there is an innate ability to cultivate self-compassion, to heal from the past, to learn to communicate our needs and desires, and ultimately to create healthy relationships. I am passionate about supporting you in achieving lasting connection, joy, and fulfillment in your relationships.

I am an EMDR Certified Therapist, have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, ego state interventions, and CBT.
Do you feel like you and your partner are stuck in a place where you are misunderstood, out of synch, and angry- no matter how hard and how sincerely you try to connect? Does a part of you want to make positive choices and life improvements while another part of you feels stuck in pursuing activities that make you feel ashamed, lost, or numb? Or do you feel like the ways that you have coped for most of your life are no longer working or are getting in the way of you moving forward, but you aren’t sure how to change? This can feel so frustrating and confusing- you may not even feel like you can describe what it’s like for you!
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist, have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, ego state interventions, and CBT.
Do you feel like you and your partner are stuck in a place where you are misunderstood, out of synch, and angry- no matter how hard and how sincerely you try to connect? Does a part of you want to make positive choices and life improvements while another part of you feels stuck in pursuing activities that make you feel ashamed, lost, or numb? Or do you feel like the ways that you have coped for most of your life are no longer working or are getting in the way of you moving forward, but you aren’t sure how to change? This can feel so frustrating and confusing- you may not even feel like you can describe what it’s like for you!

Marlee has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and offers a collaborative and client centered approach to therapy.
Marlee is a dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a passion for helping individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Marlee specializes in relational healing, guiding clients to deeper emotional connections and healthier patterns of interaction.
Marlee has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and offers a collaborative and client centered approach to therapy.
Marlee is a dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a passion for helping individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Marlee specializes in relational healing, guiding clients to deeper emotional connections and healthier patterns of interaction.

Monica Whitlock
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92110
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and use this method to help clients re-learn how to protect the connection between them and to relate authentically with each other, even after enduring crises in the relationship.
I specialize in couple and family therapy, and in working with college students. I also work with individuals experiencing professional burnout, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My style is authentic and practical. I work collaboratively with you to help you gain clarity, perhaps think differently, and ultimately improve your quality of life. I use clinical methods informed by neuroscience that bring about symptom resolution and coherence.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy and use this method to help clients re-learn how to protect the connection between them and to relate authentically with each other, even after enduring crises in the relationship.
I specialize in couple and family therapy, and in working with college students. I also work with individuals experiencing professional burnout, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My style is authentic and practical. I work collaboratively with you to help you gain clarity, perhaps think differently, and ultimately improve your quality of life. I use clinical methods informed by neuroscience that bring about symptom resolution and coherence.

I often use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief therapy with my clients.
Do you struggle showing up for yourself? Life can be challenging, whether you are facing the normal adjustments of adolescence, such as building your self-esteem or working to develop a sense of personal identity, struggling to express your wants and needs, or making sense of how to navigate your relationships with family members or romantic partners. Perhaps you’re a new father, adjusting to the rapidly changing dynamics of your family life. Do you find yourself feeling unable to “get it right”, or having trouble showing up for your partner?
I often use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocess, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief therapy with my clients.
Do you struggle showing up for yourself? Life can be challenging, whether you are facing the normal adjustments of adolescence, such as building your self-esteem or working to develop a sense of personal identity, struggling to express your wants and needs, or making sense of how to navigate your relationships with family members or romantic partners. Perhaps you’re a new father, adjusting to the rapidly changing dynamics of your family life. Do you find yourself feeling unable to “get it right”, or having trouble showing up for your partner?

Hayley Eglash
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
In my therapy practice, I utilize a combination of methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IFS (internal family systems), EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing), & EFT (emotion-focused therapy).
I’m Hayley, a LMFT, experienced in working with individuals and couples. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, high-functioning anxiety, hyper-independence, or trauma. They may notice a pattern of not feeling good enough, adequate, or worthy no matter how hard they try. This tends to impact their ability to rely on others, feel connected in their relationships, or authentically connect to themselves. Often my couples feel stuck in miscommunication, conflict, and disconnection. They feel alone even when together, angry, or stuck wishing for a relationship that "could be" instead of leaning into the relationship that "is".
In my therapy practice, I utilize a combination of methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), IFS (internal family systems), EMDR (eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing), & EFT (emotion-focused therapy).
I’m Hayley, a LMFT, experienced in working with individuals and couples. Many of my clients struggle with perfectionism, high-functioning anxiety, hyper-independence, or trauma. They may notice a pattern of not feeling good enough, adequate, or worthy no matter how hard they try. This tends to impact their ability to rely on others, feel connected in their relationships, or authentically connect to themselves. Often my couples feel stuck in miscommunication, conflict, and disconnection. They feel alone even when together, angry, or stuck wishing for a relationship that "could be" instead of leaning into the relationship that "is".
Meet Our Emotionally Focused Therapists

Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE) offers a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, Emotionally Focused, and Gottman Method, tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families.
As a therapist at CFMHE, I am deeply committed to fostering human connection and supporting individuals through their mental and emotional journeys. Driven by a genuine desire to help people lead more positive and fulfilling lives, I bring a unique empathy to my practice, shaped by my personal experiences navigating anxiety and embracing a speech impairment. These experiences, coupled with my work with young children, have equipped me with the tools to serve individuals, couples, and adults with compassion and respect, creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment.
Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE) offers a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including CBT, DBT, Emotionally Focused, and Gottman Method, tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families.
As a therapist at CFMHE, I am deeply committed to fostering human connection and supporting individuals through their mental and emotional journeys. Driven by a genuine desire to help people lead more positive and fulfilling lives, I bring a unique empathy to my practice, shaped by my personal experiences navigating anxiety and embracing a speech impairment. These experiences, coupled with my work with young children, have equipped me with the tools to serve individuals, couples, and adults with compassion and respect, creating a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment.

Couples & Trauma Therapist - Dr. Nicole Asencio
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
I help individuals and couples heal and build secure relationships using EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and an attachment-based approach.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when relationships feel disconnected or past experiences continue to impact the present. My ideal client is a couple longing to rebuild a secure, loving connection or an individual carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or stress. They want to feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate these challenges.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that fosters healing, resilience, and connection. Reach out to schedule an appointment—I’d love to support you on your journey.
I help individuals and couples heal and build secure relationships using EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and an attachment-based approach.
Life can feel overwhelming, especially when relationships feel disconnected or past experiences continue to impact the present. My ideal client is a couple longing to rebuild a secure, loving connection or an individual carrying the weight of trauma, anxiety, or stress. They want to feel heard, understood, and supported as they navigate these challenges.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Together, we’ll create a path forward that fosters healing, resilience, and connection. Reach out to schedule an appointment—I’d love to support you on your journey.

Marion Herzog
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I typically practice Narrative Therapy with aspects of Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hello! I commend you for taking this step. I typically work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, identity work/exploration, and how all of this can impact community and societal views. I strongly believe that the client is the expert of their own life, and I hope to make therapy a collaborative process as opposed to the therapist being seen as the sole person with all the answers. I also strongly believe that society has an impact on how we view ourselves in the world. This can often not alight with our own beliefs or how we identify. As a result, we often have conversations regarding deconstructing societal ideas.
I typically practice Narrative Therapy with aspects of Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hello! I commend you for taking this step. I typically work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, identity work/exploration, and how all of this can impact community and societal views. I strongly believe that the client is the expert of their own life, and I hope to make therapy a collaborative process as opposed to the therapist being seen as the sole person with all the answers. I also strongly believe that society has an impact on how we view ourselves in the world. This can often not alight with our own beliefs or how we identify. As a result, we often have conversations regarding deconstructing societal ideas.

Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR)
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.
Further, I have advanced training in three evidence-based models of psychotherapy ( emotionally focused therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR)
Acute and long-standing stress can trigger emotions, thoughts, and reactions that shape our sense of self and our relationships. If you find it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors, stay emotionally regulated, and connect to others, I can help. My approach to therapy is compassionate, culturally responsive, collaborative, and non-pathologizing. Further, I am informed by multiple evidence-based perspectives and believe that societal influences significantly contribute to the way people receive, process, and respond to stress, problems, trauma, and relationships.

I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy as well as other modes of therapy.
I help couples connect. I specialize in helping couples feeling disconnected from each other; communicate better, heal from injuries to the relationship or simply start out right in their marriages. I provide a safe structure where couples can share openly, understand why they argue and begin breaking the negative cycle they get stuck in during arguments. Finding a pathway to stay connected as a couple can change your relationship.
I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy as well as other modes of therapy.
I help couples connect. I specialize in helping couples feeling disconnected from each other; communicate better, heal from injuries to the relationship or simply start out right in their marriages. I provide a safe structure where couples can share openly, understand why they argue and begin breaking the negative cycle they get stuck in during arguments. Finding a pathway to stay connected as a couple can change your relationship.

Anthony Matthews (Certified Eft Therapist)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92110
Contact Anthony Matthews, a Certified EFT Therapist, for a free 15-minute consultation at (619) 514-2553.
Are you and your partner finding yourselves entangled in a recurring cycle of blame or withdrawal? Perhaps the challenge lies in expressing vulnerability, fearing it may ignite conflict. Are you yearning to communicate your emotions and needs authentically, or are you navigating the delicate process of rebuilding trust after the trauma of an affair or other relational injury? In my 10-year experience as a Couples Therapist, I have witnessed the excruciating pain that can accompany feelings of abandonment or fear within a romantic partnership.
Contact Anthony Matthews, a Certified EFT Therapist, for a free 15-minute consultation at (619) 514-2553.
Are you and your partner finding yourselves entangled in a recurring cycle of blame or withdrawal? Perhaps the challenge lies in expressing vulnerability, fearing it may ignite conflict. Are you yearning to communicate your emotions and needs authentically, or are you navigating the delicate process of rebuilding trust after the trauma of an affair or other relational injury? In my 10-year experience as a Couples Therapist, I have witnessed the excruciating pain that can accompany feelings of abandonment or fear within a romantic partnership.

My modalities include: CBT, EFT, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Solution Focused Therapy.
When I think about why and who I am able to help - it's because I have survived over and over again. From the family trauma that started my therapy journey to horrific life events, life transitions, grief/loss, identity crisis, relationship abuse, overcoming narcissists, ...and at the same time losing and then repairing my faith in God. If you are still reading and connect to some of what I've written, then I know your pain and that you just want it to stop. You want to heal and move forward. Because somewhere deep down - you know it's possible.
My modalities include: CBT, EFT, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, and Solution Focused Therapy.
When I think about why and who I am able to help - it's because I have survived over and over again. From the family trauma that started my therapy journey to horrific life events, life transitions, grief/loss, identity crisis, relationship abuse, overcoming narcissists, ...and at the same time losing and then repairing my faith in God. If you are still reading and connect to some of what I've written, then I know your pain and that you just want it to stop. You want to heal and move forward. Because somewhere deep down - you know it's possible.

I work with a trauma-informed lens, using Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) with couples.
I am deeply invested in helping individuals and couples work through the challenging issues that life throws at all of us. I believe it is possible for us all to pursue meaningful goals, in open partnership with the people we love (or will love), in ways that resonate with our deepest values. I am co-author, with Dr. Irvin Yalom, of Hour of the Heart.
I work with a trauma-informed lens, using Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) with couples.
I am deeply invested in helping individuals and couples work through the challenging issues that life throws at all of us. I believe it is possible for us all to pursue meaningful goals, in open partnership with the people we love (or will love), in ways that resonate with our deepest values. I am co-author, with Dr. Irvin Yalom, of Hour of the Heart.

Jeffrey Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) is shown to be effective by research, and is a good fit for my orientation, which is humanistic and grounded in the science of attachment and neurobiology.
Is your relationship in jeopardy? Reconnecting couples in crisis is my specialty, and helping couples realize their relationship goals is my passion. Whether PTSD, depression, anxiety or addictions are sapping your relationship of vitality, an infidelity has ruptured your trust, or your conversations end in fights and stony silence, you can rely on me to help restore health and secure attachment to your lives. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addictive cravings, traumatic memories, low self-esteem, grief, anger, or fear, together we can use the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to get you unstuck.
Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) is shown to be effective by research, and is a good fit for my orientation, which is humanistic and grounded in the science of attachment and neurobiology.
Is your relationship in jeopardy? Reconnecting couples in crisis is my specialty, and helping couples realize their relationship goals is my passion. Whether PTSD, depression, anxiety or addictions are sapping your relationship of vitality, an infidelity has ruptured your trust, or your conversations end in fights and stony silence, you can rely on me to help restore health and secure attachment to your lives. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, addictive cravings, traumatic memories, low self-esteem, grief, anger, or fear, together we can use the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to get you unstuck.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- National City
- Poway
- Santee
- Spring Valley
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.