Gestalt Therapists in San Diego, CA
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or just wanting to understand yourself better, I’m here to support you. My goal is for you to build deeper insight so you feel more confident, grounded, and connected within your life and relationships.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or just wanting to understand yourself better, I’m here to support you. My goal is for you to build deeper insight so you feel more confident, grounded, and connected within your life and relationships.
I provide therapy services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are seeking help navigating and optimizing their life and relationship. Though I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, I have developed a passion and distinct skill set for working with the adolescents/young adults and their unique challenges including mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety, unfulfilling jobs or relationships, issues with families of origin, difficulties with motivation, facing concerning life transitions, or problems with addictive behaviors.
I provide therapy services for adolescents, adults, couples, and families who are seeking help navigating and optimizing their life and relationship. Though I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, I have developed a passion and distinct skill set for working with the adolescents/young adults and their unique challenges including mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety, unfulfilling jobs or relationships, issues with families of origin, difficulties with motivation, facing concerning life transitions, or problems with addictive behaviors.
I work with individuals and couples to uncover their true selves while navigating through the obstacles that may be affecting their mental health and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem struggles, or life transitions, I am here to support you in overcoming those challenges.
Using a blend of humanistic and mindful approaches, I help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and improve emotional regulation, so you can create lasting positive change.
I work with individuals and couples to uncover their true selves while navigating through the obstacles that may be affecting their mental health and well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem struggles, or life transitions, I am here to support you in overcoming those challenges.
Using a blend of humanistic and mindful approaches, I help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and improve emotional regulation, so you can create lasting positive change.
You're the one people call capable, the person others rely upon. You ask good questions, you notice what others miss, and you tend to give people far more understanding than you give yourself. You're used to doing a lot while carrying more than people see. You've gotten so good at managing your own feelings alone that you stopped expecting anyone to help you carry them. This often looks like anxiety, unresolved trauma, and relationship patterns that keep repeating, or a childhood where you learned to handle everything on your own. Now, you're no longer trying to just get by... you're ready for things to change.
You're the one people call capable, the person others rely upon. You ask good questions, you notice what others miss, and you tend to give people far more understanding than you give yourself. You're used to doing a lot while carrying more than people see. You've gotten so good at managing your own feelings alone that you stopped expecting anyone to help you carry them. This often looks like anxiety, unresolved trauma, and relationship patterns that keep repeating, or a childhood where you learned to handle everything on your own. Now, you're no longer trying to just get by... you're ready for things to change.
Hello, I am offering LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care and trauma-focused treatment. Within the LGBTQIA+ services, I provide gender-affirming psychotherapy, hormone replacement evaluations, and surgery letters for top and bottom surgery based on need, diagnosis, and treatment plan. For trauma-focused treatment, I offer evidence-based psychotherapy such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, ACT for PTSD, and CBT-TF. I also offer a holistic approach grounded in humanistic-existential-experiential psychotherapies that honor the whole person sitting across from me.
Hello, I am offering LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Care and trauma-focused treatment. Within the LGBTQIA+ services, I provide gender-affirming psychotherapy, hormone replacement evaluations, and surgery letters for top and bottom surgery based on need, diagnosis, and treatment plan. For trauma-focused treatment, I offer evidence-based psychotherapy such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, ACT for PTSD, and CBT-TF. I also offer a holistic approach grounded in humanistic-existential-experiential psychotherapies that honor the whole person sitting across from me.
I believe that change is possible for everyone, no matter their circumstances. Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, relationship troubles or things that seem like no one could understand, there is hope in that struggle. Therapy can be a powerful tool to experience lasting change in whatever it is you are going through. I try to take a unique, holistic approach by blending psychological tools with a somatic perspective. This creates a process that is more experiential in nature, which I believe is an important building block for change.
I believe that change is possible for everyone, no matter their circumstances. Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, relationship troubles or things that seem like no one could understand, there is hope in that struggle. Therapy can be a powerful tool to experience lasting change in whatever it is you are going through. I try to take a unique, holistic approach by blending psychological tools with a somatic perspective. This creates a process that is more experiential in nature, which I believe is an important building block for change.
My approach is always person-centered. I want to help clients build from their own strengths, values, and goals. We will take our time. We will work to build trust. As we progress we can explore difficult questions and choices. With trust, compassion, & confidence comes clarity and the chance to make real changes in our lives.
I have worked in trauma therapy and crisis treatment. I have sat across from people during difficult conversations and intense realizations and I have seen the relief, confidence, and joy that can follow. I want you to experience this as well, no matter what you face.
My approach is always person-centered. I want to help clients build from their own strengths, values, and goals. We will take our time. We will work to build trust. As we progress we can explore difficult questions and choices. With trust, compassion, & confidence comes clarity and the chance to make real changes in our lives.
I have worked in trauma therapy and crisis treatment. I have sat across from people during difficult conversations and intense realizations and I have seen the relief, confidence, and joy that can follow. I want you to experience this as well, no matter what you face.
I understand that life happens to all of us. You can feel overwhelmed by unexpected situations, unfortunate losses and unendurable psychological pains. Exposure to high levels of prolonged stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Intense anxiety or panic attacks and social isolation are common experiences. Seeking help means that you are ready to work and bring your life into a healthier balance. Through self-acceptance and care, you can gain more tools to improve your lifestyle and relationships. By listening attentively with non-judgmental empathy, I provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting.
I understand that life happens to all of us. You can feel overwhelmed by unexpected situations, unfortunate losses and unendurable psychological pains. Exposure to high levels of prolonged stress can lead to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. Intense anxiety or panic attacks and social isolation are common experiences. Seeking help means that you are ready to work and bring your life into a healthier balance. Through self-acceptance and care, you can gain more tools to improve your lifestyle and relationships. By listening attentively with non-judgmental empathy, I provide ongoing support with therapeutic insight and expertise in a confidential setting.
I utilize a holistic approach to address issues and bring about deep healing of the mind/body/spirit. We can work together to resolve your relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting problems, low self-esteem, spiritual issues, grief, or any other difficult life experience that you may be dealing with. I am here to provide you with a safe, empathetic space in which to share and discover the meaning in the suffering that you've been experiencing in order to be able to heal from it on a deep level and improve your life.
I utilize a holistic approach to address issues and bring about deep healing of the mind/body/spirit. We can work together to resolve your relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting problems, low self-esteem, spiritual issues, grief, or any other difficult life experience that you may be dealing with. I am here to provide you with a safe, empathetic space in which to share and discover the meaning in the suffering that you've been experiencing in order to be able to heal from it on a deep level and improve your life.
Hello! (I'm currently only accepting waitlist clients. Thank you!) As your counselor, I will work to create a space for you to feel welcomed, protected and cared for. You will find the freedom to bring your truest self: all of your joys, shame and pain. Here we will walk together-at your pace-towards a deeper understanding of yourself in order to build an authentic life. I have found my passion in working with teens and adults who find themselves in painful places, whether from traumatic experiences or from the inner voices of shame, and working together towards healing and peace.
Hello! (I'm currently only accepting waitlist clients. Thank you!) As your counselor, I will work to create a space for you to feel welcomed, protected and cared for. You will find the freedom to bring your truest self: all of your joys, shame and pain. Here we will walk together-at your pace-towards a deeper understanding of yourself in order to build an authentic life. I have found my passion in working with teens and adults who find themselves in painful places, whether from traumatic experiences or from the inner voices of shame, and working together towards healing and peace.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—especially when you've spent years carrying so much on your own. Many of my clients are high-achieving adults navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, cultural expectations, parenthood, or the pressure to be everything for everyone.
My work integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and depth-oriented psychotherapy to help you heal patterns that no longer serve you, reconnect with your authentic self, and create a life that feels more grounded and meaningful.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming—especially when you've spent years carrying so much on your own. Many of my clients are high-achieving adults navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, cultural expectations, parenthood, or the pressure to be everything for everyone.
My work integrates EMDR, somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and depth-oriented psychotherapy to help you heal patterns that no longer serve you, reconnect with your authentic self, and create a life that feels more grounded and meaningful.
I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults, particularly those navigating anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, and life transitions. My approach is supportive and collaborative, helping clients build the skills needed to manage challenges and embrace their unique strengths.
I specialize in working with teenagers and young adults, particularly those navigating anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, and life transitions. My approach is supportive and collaborative, helping clients build the skills needed to manage challenges and embrace their unique strengths.
Sean Brannan is a licensed MFT & certified hypnotherapist. He is best known for his work as a hypnotherapist, and psychotherapy. He works with men, women, couples, and adolescents. His work helps facilitate powerful life changes focused on the creation of a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Sean Brannan is a licensed MFT & certified hypnotherapist. He is best known for his work as a hypnotherapist, and psychotherapy. He works with men, women, couples, and adolescents. His work helps facilitate powerful life changes focused on the creation of a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
Working with children, teenagers, adults, and families has been my priority for the past decade in order to help them develop the skills they need to build healthy lives. My goal is to create a safe environment in which individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and free of judgment. I believe in working as a team in order to help each person develop insight in themselves and their situation, while cultivating their strengths, and highlighting their resiliency. When needed, I involve parents, families, psychiatrists, and physicians in order to ensure collaboration to increase the client's support within treatment.
Working with children, teenagers, adults, and families has been my priority for the past decade in order to help them develop the skills they need to build healthy lives. My goal is to create a safe environment in which individuals feel comfortable expressing themselves openly and free of judgment. I believe in working as a team in order to help each person develop insight in themselves and their situation, while cultivating their strengths, and highlighting their resiliency. When needed, I involve parents, families, psychiatrists, and physicians in order to ensure collaboration to increase the client's support within treatment.
Hello, my name is Katie Kaufman, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I offer therapy and coaching services to young adults and adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, ADD & ADHD, stress, work/career, self-love, self-esteem, life purpose and meaning, life transitions, relationship issues, grief and loss, and more. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for young adults and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and purpose, social pressures, school/work/career, and relationships.
Hello, my name is Katie Kaufman, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I offer therapy and coaching services to young adults and adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, ADD & ADHD, stress, work/career, self-love, self-esteem, life purpose and meaning, life transitions, relationship issues, grief and loss, and more. I have found that my style and approach is a good fit for young adults and adults who may be dealing with the challenges of life transitions and purpose, social pressures, school/work/career, and relationships.
As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the most meticulous therapy expertise will be utilized during your counseling sessions. I offer a problem solving Systemic approach to therapy including an understanding of your goals for treatment and working together to solve these problems in a focused, planned way. The treatment will look at the system in which you and your challenge exists including family, work, religion, society, etc., and seek to understand how these factors affect your situation. Potentially, this new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and happiness as an individual, couple, or family.
As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the most meticulous therapy expertise will be utilized during your counseling sessions. I offer a problem solving Systemic approach to therapy including an understanding of your goals for treatment and working together to solve these problems in a focused, planned way. The treatment will look at the system in which you and your challenge exists including family, work, religion, society, etc., and seek to understand how these factors affect your situation. Potentially, this new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and happiness as an individual, couple, or family.
My theoretical approaches include CBT, Solution Focused, positive psychology, multicultural, eclectic, behavioral therapy, person-centered, mindfulness-based, and Gestalt.
Maria Ballesteros, LPCC I am passionate about helping people overcome obstacles that are affecting their ability to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and happy life. I believe in creating an environment where clients can grow and explore their issues. I work with adults that are dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. I will provide a safe and secure environment where clients can share, explore, grow, and heal from your present struggles and past pains.
My theoretical approaches include CBT, Solution Focused, positive psychology, multicultural, eclectic, behavioral therapy, person-centered, mindfulness-based, and Gestalt.
Maria Ballesteros, LPCC I am passionate about helping people overcome obstacles that are affecting their ability to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and happy life. I believe in creating an environment where clients can grow and explore their issues. I work with adults that are dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, and life transitions. I will provide a safe and secure environment where clients can share, explore, grow, and heal from your present struggles and past pains.
Hi there, I'm Daylin.
I began my career in mental health with a deep passion for supporting others through the challenges we all face. As a clinical social worker and human, I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every person. My approach to therapy is rooted in a humanistic and attachment-based approach where I prioritize the therapeutic alliance to create a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space. I show up with curiosity, care, and respect for your lived experience, so that talking about the heavy topics can feel less overwhelming.
Hi there, I'm Daylin.
I began my career in mental health with a deep passion for supporting others through the challenges we all face. As a clinical social worker and human, I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of every person. My approach to therapy is rooted in a humanistic and attachment-based approach where I prioritize the therapeutic alliance to create a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space. I show up with curiosity, care, and respect for your lived experience, so that talking about the heavy topics can feel less overwhelming.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or conflict in your relationships? Do you feel stuck in patterns that leave you disconnected or overwhelmed? I work with adults, couples, and families to create space for healing, growth, and deeper connection.
With over 15 years of experience in private practice, hospitals, and clinics, I bring both breadth and depth to my work. My personal background of living and traveling in different countries has also given me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the many ways people make sense of life. This allows me to meet each client with openness, respect, and genuine curiosity.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or conflict in your relationships? Do you feel stuck in patterns that leave you disconnected or overwhelmed? I work with adults, couples, and families to create space for healing, growth, and deeper connection.
With over 15 years of experience in private practice, hospitals, and clinics, I bring both breadth and depth to my work. My personal background of living and traveling in different countries has also given me a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and the many ways people make sense of life. This allows me to meet each client with openness, respect, and genuine curiosity.
Insight Care Counseling: The beauty of this -our shared life’s journey- is that we can aspire to embody its greatest gifts -love, fulfillment, clarity and peace. And yet, at times, we encounter challenges and changes that bring forth feelings of stress, depression, anxiety -or numbness and disorientation. And it is often at these junctures that psychotherapy can help; for in essence, the therapeutic journey is about finding richness even while in the land of disenchantment … and healing even while walking through pain.
Insight Care Counseling: The beauty of this -our shared life’s journey- is that we can aspire to embody its greatest gifts -love, fulfillment, clarity and peace. And yet, at times, we encounter challenges and changes that bring forth feelings of stress, depression, anxiety -or numbness and disorientation. And it is often at these junctures that psychotherapy can help; for in essence, the therapeutic journey is about finding richness even while in the land of disenchantment … and healing even while walking through pain.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Gestalt Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- National City
- Poway
- Santee
- Solana Beach
- Spring Valley
Gestalt Therapists
What is gestalt therapy?
Gestalt therapy is based on the idea that to address unresolved negative feelings, emotions must be not only discussed but also actively expressed in the present moment. The term is from a German word meaning “whole,” and gestalt therapists believe that people should be considered whole entities made up of mind, body, and emotions. Gestalt sessions are rooted in the notion that a client’s total self must be discovered, explored, and confronted, so that they can take greater responsibility for themselves and their behavior, learn to satisfy their own needs while still respecting the needs of others, and reconnect with feelings they might otherwise deny.
How does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy sessions do not just involve talking with a therapist. Clients may take part in role-playing, re-enactment, or artistic exercises like drawing and painting, with the goal of becoming more aware of negative thought patterns that limit happiness. One common gestalt exercise is “the empty chair,” in which a client sits across from an empty chair representing a partner, relative, boss, or a part of themselves—and, with the therapist’s encouragement, improvises a dialog with it. The intention is to bring the emotions raised by past conflicts into the present and work through them in the moment.
How long does gestalt therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for gestalt therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. New patients should understand that it may take some time to become comfortable with gestalt exercises but once they do, they should expect sessions to extend for a number of months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions.
Does gestalt therapy work?
Gestalt therapy has generally been found to be as effective as other forms of talk therapy in helping people living with anxiety, depression, phobias, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders, as well as helping individuals reduce conflict in relationships. Gestalt techniques, on their own or in combination with other therapies, can also be effective in managing physical ailments including ulcerative colitis, migraines, and back spasms. It should be noted that some people may have trouble adapting to gestalt therapy’s lack of formal structure or to a therapist’s close observations of their body language and emotions; others may struggle to commit to techniques that feel unnatural, like the empty chair exercise.