Family Therapy in San Diego, CA
Rafael Cortina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA, MMAC, CCCPT-I
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92122
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States.
In my work I utilize a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, which include gestalt exercises and experiments, dream work, imaginal dialogues, and emphatic reflection. These techniques are used to help clients, gain awareness and acceptance of their true self, restore self-regulation, regain responsibility, and re-own their power and potential
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States.
In my work I utilize a wide variety of therapeutic techniques, which include gestalt exercises and experiments, dream work, imaginal dialogues, and emphatic reflection. These techniques are used to help clients, gain awareness and acceptance of their true self, restore self-regulation, regain responsibility, and re-own their power and potential
My areas of specialty are: Trauma and PTSD; Relationship Issues; Depression and Anxiety; Cultural Identity; Family Dynamics; Evidence based treatments.
Finding the right therapist is an important step in your journey toward healing and growth. I offer a unique combination of deep understanding and practical solutions. My approach integrates psychodynamic theory with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which allows us to address both immediate concerns and deeper underlying issues. I believe that while our past experiences shape us, we have the power to create meaningful change in the present.
My areas of specialty are: Trauma and PTSD; Relationship Issues; Depression and Anxiety; Cultural Identity; Family Dynamics; Evidence based treatments.
Finding the right therapist is an important step in your journey toward healing and growth. I offer a unique combination of deep understanding and practical solutions. My approach integrates psychodynamic theory with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, which allows us to address both immediate concerns and deeper underlying issues. I believe that while our past experiences shape us, we have the power to create meaningful change in the present.
Using collaborative therapy, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, I provide a supportive space to heal, grow, and build resilience.
A warm welcome! My ideal client is an individual or couple facing relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, or trauma. They feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and seek clarity, emotional balance, and deeper connections. They want tools to manage stress, communicate effectively, heal past wounds, and build resilience. They seek therapy to regain control, find purpose, and create fulfilling relationships. My approach provides support, insight, and practical strategies to navigate their journey toward growth and well-being.
Using collaborative therapy, family systems, and cognitive-behavioral techniques, I provide a supportive space to heal, grow, and build resilience.
A warm welcome! My ideal client is an individual or couple facing relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, major life transitions, or trauma. They feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and seek clarity, emotional balance, and deeper connections. They want tools to manage stress, communicate effectively, heal past wounds, and build resilience. They seek therapy to regain control, find purpose, and create fulfilling relationships. My approach provides support, insight, and practical strategies to navigate their journey toward growth and well-being.
My name is Lauren Hoekstra and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples.
My counseling style is warm, non-judgmental, collaborative, and encouraging. I base my approach on the needs of my clients, whether they are trying to find more insight within themselves, discover new ways of thinking, or overcome past traumas. I specialize in using attachment theory, CBT, solution-focused theory, and play therapy.
My name is Lauren Hoekstra and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who has experience working with children, teens, adults, and couples.
My counseling style is warm, non-judgmental, collaborative, and encouraging. I base my approach on the needs of my clients, whether they are trying to find more insight within themselves, discover new ways of thinking, or overcome past traumas. I specialize in using attachment theory, CBT, solution-focused theory, and play therapy.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), my passion for supporting others through life's transitions stems from personal experience.
At the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), we're committed to providing accessible, high-quality mental health care. Through our secure telehealth platform, I offer supportive therapy to clients throughout California. My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore your feelings, gain insights, and develop the tools needed to thrive.
As a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee at the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), my passion for supporting others through life's transitions stems from personal experience.
At the Center for Mental Health Excellence (CFMHE), we're committed to providing accessible, high-quality mental health care. Through our secure telehealth platform, I offer supportive therapy to clients throughout California. My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore your feelings, gain insights, and develop the tools needed to thrive.
Hans Reihling
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy to help individuals and couples explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships.
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.
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy to help individuals and couples explore emotions, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships.
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.
I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in trauma recovery, self-awareness, and communication.
My approach is grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused approaches. I also encourage clients to make healthy lifestyle changes which I feel can greatly contribute to mental health. We will work at building insight, resilience, and tools that support lasting change.
I am licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I specialize in trauma recovery, self-awareness, and communication.
My approach is grounded in mindfulness, compassion, and evidence-based practices like EMDR, CBT, DBT, and Solution Focused approaches. I also encourage clients to make healthy lifestyle changes which I feel can greatly contribute to mental health. We will work at building insight, resilience, and tools that support lasting change.
COUPLES: Are you struggling with feeling close and connected with your partner or other loved ones? Do you feel like you get caught in the same cycle over little (and big) topics? Do you want to become best friends and lovers again? INDIVIDUALS: Do you want to feel more free to be yourself? More confident in your choices? Perhaps there are some emotional wounds that need healing and/or you need to feel less alone with yourself and with those you love. ALL: Do you want to love and respect the opposite sex (or your own) better? Feel safer in relationships again? It's never too late to uncover your true self and to truly live.
COUPLES: Are you struggling with feeling close and connected with your partner or other loved ones? Do you feel like you get caught in the same cycle over little (and big) topics? Do you want to become best friends and lovers again? INDIVIDUALS: Do you want to feel more free to be yourself? More confident in your choices? Perhaps there are some emotional wounds that need healing and/or you need to feel less alone with yourself and with those you love. ALL: Do you want to love and respect the opposite sex (or your own) better? Feel safer in relationships again? It's never too late to uncover your true self and to truly live.
Mila Almquist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MACC, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92109
Do you ever feel so sad about the loss of a job, the loss of a friend, or the death of a family member, that you can't seem to move past it?
Answers can be found in your story. I hold space for you to share your frustrations, concerns, struggles, betrayals, confusion, pain and loneliness, with compassion and without judgement.
Do you ever feel so sad about the loss of a job, the loss of a friend, or the death of a family member, that you can't seem to move past it?
Answers can be found in your story. I hold space for you to share your frustrations, concerns, struggles, betrayals, confusion, pain and loneliness, with compassion and without judgement.
I was born in Belarus and grew up in Israel before moving to San Diego and starting a family here.
My approach is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), centering your experience, and working relationally. Also important and central to our work together is a trauma-informed, non-pathologizing, collaborative, present, and empathic stance. I value you and look forward to getting to know you.
I was born in Belarus and grew up in Israel before moving to San Diego and starting a family here.
My approach is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), centering your experience, and working relationally. Also important and central to our work together is a trauma-informed, non-pathologizing, collaborative, present, and empathic stance. I value you and look forward to getting to know you.
Lauren Appleby
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92129
I look forward to supporting your family on this journey toward feeling more like yourselves again.
Hello and welcome! I’m Lauren and I work primarily with children through college-age adults, and I'm passionate about supporting individuals during these important and sometimes challenging years. I have experience helping with concerns like anxiety, school refusal, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, social issues, and ADHD. My goal is to create a warm, inviting space where your child, teen, or young adult can grow and develop the coping strategies they need to navigate everyday life. Together, we’ll work on building resilience, managing emotions, and boosting self-esteem.
I look forward to supporting your family on this journey toward feeling more like yourselves again.
Hello and welcome! I’m Lauren and I work primarily with children through college-age adults, and I'm passionate about supporting individuals during these important and sometimes challenging years. I have experience helping with concerns like anxiety, school refusal, depression, OCD, autism spectrum disorder, social issues, and ADHD. My goal is to create a warm, inviting space where your child, teen, or young adult can grow and develop the coping strategies they need to navigate everyday life. Together, we’ll work on building resilience, managing emotions, and boosting self-esteem.
Meet Our Family Therapy
Jacqueline Bonelli Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
My name is Jacque Smith, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in the mental health field for over 25 years.
My sessions are collaborative and reflective. I have helped many individual clients with chronic irritability; anxiety; depression; procrastination; lack of assertiveness and with trauma symptoms. I help couples understand their conflicts and create safer ways to communicate, negotiate and repair; to navigate parenting, neurodiversity, and empty nesting.
My name is Jacque Smith, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist working in the mental health field for over 25 years.
My sessions are collaborative and reflective. I have helped many individual clients with chronic irritability; anxiety; depression; procrastination; lack of assertiveness and with trauma symptoms. I help couples understand their conflicts and create safer ways to communicate, negotiate and repair; to navigate parenting, neurodiversity, and empty nesting.
My clients may have: combat & other military trauma (I am an OIF Veteran also) child abuse - survivors of violence or abuse by supervisors - severe nightmares/night terrors (See my book, No More Nightmares: How to Use Planned Dream Intervention to End Nightmares) - survivors of torture - difficult couple or family issues
Immediate trauma availability, I can safely contain and resolve even most gruesome trauma retired military & OIF Vet, & work with my clients to develop specific goals that improve the quality of their lives.Practicing therapy for 30 years in military & civilian settings, and practice action-oriented, 'trauma-informed therapy,' (trauma is relative). I use EMDR & EMDR-Flash Technique for more effective results.Expert in prevention & treatment of trauma mood disorders, sleep disorders (Exceptional treatment for nightmares!), rapid resolution of relationship issues for families and couples of any gender & orientation.
My clients may have: combat & other military trauma (I am an OIF Veteran also) child abuse - survivors of violence or abuse by supervisors - severe nightmares/night terrors (See my book, No More Nightmares: How to Use Planned Dream Intervention to End Nightmares) - survivors of torture - difficult couple or family issues
Immediate trauma availability, I can safely contain and resolve even most gruesome trauma retired military & OIF Vet, & work with my clients to develop specific goals that improve the quality of their lives.Practicing therapy for 30 years in military & civilian settings, and practice action-oriented, 'trauma-informed therapy,' (trauma is relative). I use EMDR & EMDR-Flash Technique for more effective results.Expert in prevention & treatment of trauma mood disorders, sleep disorders (Exceptional treatment for nightmares!), rapid resolution of relationship issues for families and couples of any gender & orientation.
Elizabeth Donahue-Marucheau, LCSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92121
My treatment approach is integrative, blending top-down methods with bottom-up techniques like mindfulness and Internal Family Systems.
I have been in private practice since 1991, bringing over 30 years of experience—both professionally and in marriage. I specialize in Couples Therapy, offering traditional weekly sessions, private intensives (one couple over a weekend), and small group retreats (3-5 couples over a weekend).
My approach is grounded in neuroscience, developmental theories, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory. I am trained in five couples therapy models: Gottman, PACT, IFIO, the Developmental Model, and the Relational Model.
Intensives and retreats take place at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. To learn more and watch a video, please visit my website.
My treatment approach is integrative, blending top-down methods with bottom-up techniques like mindfulness and Internal Family Systems.
I have been in private practice since 1991, bringing over 30 years of experience—both professionally and in marriage. I specialize in Couples Therapy, offering traditional weekly sessions, private intensives (one couple over a weekend), and small group retreats (3-5 couples over a weekend).
My approach is grounded in neuroscience, developmental theories, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory. I am trained in five couples therapy models: Gottman, PACT, IFIO, the Developmental Model, and the Relational Model.
Intensives and retreats take place at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. To learn more and watch a video, please visit my website.
My name is Elliot Horowitz, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I've been in practice for many years now.
I am comfortable working with any sort of client who suffers from Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Stress, and Substance Use. I am a therapist that makes clients feel safe, heard, and cared about.
My name is Elliot Horowitz, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I've been in practice for many years now.
I am comfortable working with any sort of client who suffers from Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Drug Abuse, Dual Diagnosis, Stress, and Substance Use. I am a therapist that makes clients feel safe, heard, and cared about.
Jessie (she/they) is a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families.
Jessie has extensive experience in narrative, strengths-based, radical acceptance, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. Her work is highly collaborative, nonjudgmental, and utilizes authentic curiosity to aide clients in a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and tools to help navigate challenges. Treatment focuses on creating healthy patterns
Jessie (she/they) is a Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families.
Jessie has extensive experience in narrative, strengths-based, radical acceptance, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches. Her work is highly collaborative, nonjudgmental, and utilizes authentic curiosity to aide clients in a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and tools to help navigate challenges. Treatment focuses on creating healthy patterns
Psychotherapy of San Diego, Dr Silbert RN,CNS,PHD
Psychologist, RN, CNS, PhD, FACCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Experience a genuine relationship with DrD as you travel through your developmental history, family connections, and most importantly sense of self, to gain the logistics of where and why you are at this place in your professional and personal life.
Dr Silbert promotes healing and strengthening of the capable inner self. The individual is enhanced positively by a belief in the ability to cope with the human condition and the emotional upheaval exacerbated by the winding road of life's journey. From the initial consultation with Dr. Silbert she remains an active verbal participant in your treatment. She most emphatically "listens" and "sees" you in a genuine attempt to validate the importance and significance of what you say and how you are feeling. Evaluation of the problems and strategies for effective intervention are discussed with the individual from the first consult until completion of treatment.
Experience a genuine relationship with DrD as you travel through your developmental history, family connections, and most importantly sense of self, to gain the logistics of where and why you are at this place in your professional and personal life.
Dr Silbert promotes healing and strengthening of the capable inner self. The individual is enhanced positively by a belief in the ability to cope with the human condition and the emotional upheaval exacerbated by the winding road of life's journey. From the initial consultation with Dr. Silbert she remains an active verbal participant in your treatment. She most emphatically "listens" and "sees" you in a genuine attempt to validate the importance and significance of what you say and how you are feeling. Evaluation of the problems and strategies for effective intervention are discussed with the individual from the first consult until completion of treatment.
Nina Dhaliwal
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Establish healthier boundaries with coworkers, family, and friends.
You've been taking care of others for as long as you can remember. You’ve always sacrificed your own well-being to help those around you. A friend broke up with her partner, so you’re the shoulder to cry on. There was a problem with a client at work, so you fixed it. Your husband and kids rely on you for everything from getting dressed to eating meals. “As long as everyone else is happy,” you tell yourself, “Then I’m fine.” But you’re not fine. You’ve completely lost touch with yourself and don’t have the time or energy to find your way back. You’re filled with guilt whenever you try to take a moment for yourself. It feels hopeless.
Establish healthier boundaries with coworkers, family, and friends.
You've been taking care of others for as long as you can remember. You’ve always sacrificed your own well-being to help those around you. A friend broke up with her partner, so you’re the shoulder to cry on. There was a problem with a client at work, so you fixed it. Your husband and kids rely on you for everything from getting dressed to eating meals. “As long as everyone else is happy,” you tell yourself, “Then I’m fine.” But you’re not fine. You’ve completely lost touch with yourself and don’t have the time or energy to find your way back. You’re filled with guilt whenever you try to take a moment for yourself. It feels hopeless.
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist practicing in San Diego, with in-person locations in Banker's Hill and Carlsbad.
If you've felt that no matter what you do or how hard you try, you keep running into the same issues. If so, your unconscious might be directing your life. I'll provide framework for discerning and healing specific roadblocks that keep you and your relationships from reaching their full potential.
I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist practicing in San Diego, with in-person locations in Banker's Hill and Carlsbad.
If you've felt that no matter what you do or how hard you try, you keep running into the same issues. If so, your unconscious might be directing your life. I'll provide framework for discerning and healing specific roadblocks that keep you and your relationships from reaching their full potential.
My name is Alyssia Malloian, and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who historically has professional experience working with children and teens in a school based setting.
I enjoy working with children, and adolescents experiencing anxiety, adjustment challenges, stress management, self-esteem challenges, and relational problems. My therapeutic orientation traditionally aligns with taking humanistic approaches with my clients meaning I create a space that is warm, judgment free, encouraging, and most importantly, enjoyable.
My name is Alyssia Malloian, and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who historically has professional experience working with children and teens in a school based setting.
I enjoy working with children, and adolescents experiencing anxiety, adjustment challenges, stress management, self-esteem challenges, and relational problems. My therapeutic orientation traditionally aligns with taking humanistic approaches with my clients meaning I create a space that is warm, judgment free, encouraging, and most importantly, enjoyable.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.