Self-Harming Therapists in San Diego, CA
Chang "Raphael" Liu possesses over six years of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex mental health challenges. He employs a holistic, trauma-informed approach, recognizing the profound impact past experiences have on present well-being. Raphael specializes in helping clients effectively manage symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma. Furthermore, he has extensive expertise in addressing the unique developmental struggles faced by adolescents, offering targeted strategies for identity formation, peer pressure, and navigating familial transitions.
Chang "Raphael" Liu possesses over six years of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex mental health challenges. He employs a holistic, trauma-informed approach, recognizing the profound impact past experiences have on present well-being. Raphael specializes in helping clients effectively manage symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma. Furthermore, he has extensive expertise in addressing the unique developmental struggles faced by adolescents, offering targeted strategies for identity formation, peer pressure, and navigating familial transitions.
My main philosophy when providing care for clients is creating a safe space where the client can feel comfortable opening up and sharing which is an imperative aspect of the relationship-building phase of therapy. I have a relaxed conversational style which often helps with clients who may be apprehensive or nervous. I value my clients’ voices and view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership. We will work together to overcome obstacles and challenges and celebrate successes.
My main philosophy when providing care for clients is creating a safe space where the client can feel comfortable opening up and sharing which is an imperative aspect of the relationship-building phase of therapy. I have a relaxed conversational style which often helps with clients who may be apprehensive or nervous. I value my clients’ voices and view the therapeutic relationship as a partnership. We will work together to overcome obstacles and challenges and celebrate successes.
Life is always changing, and we can adapt to that change. I use a mix of existential and solution-focused approaches toward helping clients identify and realize both meaningful and targeted treatment goals. I have many years of experience treating anxiety, depression, and addiction, among other life challenges.
Life is always changing, and we can adapt to that change. I use a mix of existential and solution-focused approaches toward helping clients identify and realize both meaningful and targeted treatment goals. I have many years of experience treating anxiety, depression, and addiction, among other life challenges.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes that healing happens best in a space where you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. I don’t come to this work believing that life is easy or that growth happens without struggle—I’ve been through hard times myself, and those experiences shape the way I show up for my clients: with empathy, humility, and respect for how tough life can be.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes that healing happens best in a space where you feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported. I don’t come to this work believing that life is easy or that growth happens without struggle—I’ve been through hard times myself, and those experiences shape the way I show up for my clients: with empathy, humility, and respect for how tough life can be.
I love offering a safe and supportive space to process relationships, anxiety, depression, and other difficulties that can come as you navigate life and the constant changes and shifts that occur. My goal is to provide you with skills and perspective as you work towards your best self. I primarily use talk therapy and lean towards a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and person-centered approach in my technique, but often shake things up depending on your needs. I love working with clients to discover and focus on strengths and solutions. I am passionate about working with adults going through life transitions.
I love offering a safe and supportive space to process relationships, anxiety, depression, and other difficulties that can come as you navigate life and the constant changes and shifts that occur. My goal is to provide you with skills and perspective as you work towards your best self. I primarily use talk therapy and lean towards a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and person-centered approach in my technique, but often shake things up depending on your needs. I love working with clients to discover and focus on strengths and solutions. I am passionate about working with adults going through life transitions.
You’re drawn to therapy not because you’re in crisis, but because something in you is shifting. You feel the weight of old patterns, old stories, or inherited wounds you’re finally ready to meet. Maybe you can sense a version of yourself trying to emerge, or you’re longing for a space where you don’t have to fragment who you are. You want a therapist who can sit with depth, intuition, ancestry, identity, and the quiet parts of your inner world without rushing or shrinking it.
You’re drawn to therapy not because you’re in crisis, but because something in you is shifting. You feel the weight of old patterns, old stories, or inherited wounds you’re finally ready to meet. Maybe you can sense a version of yourself trying to emerge, or you’re longing for a space where you don’t have to fragment who you are. You want a therapist who can sit with depth, intuition, ancestry, identity, and the quiet parts of your inner world without rushing or shrinking it.
My name is Jonah Givelber. I am a licensed social worker with many years of experience working with children and their families. Using kindness, support, and humor I try to guide my clients toward a resolution of their problems. I have worked with many children experiencing trouble following directions at school and at home. I have worked with many clients impacted by ADHD and anger-management issues. Many of the children I’ve worked with struggled with low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness.
My name is Jonah Givelber. I am a licensed social worker with many years of experience working with children and their families. Using kindness, support, and humor I try to guide my clients toward a resolution of their problems. I have worked with many children experiencing trouble following directions at school and at home. I have worked with many clients impacted by ADHD and anger-management issues. Many of the children I’ve worked with struggled with low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness.
I specialize in helping you feel comfortable talking about the core issues that might be underlying the reasons for seeking therapy at a no-pressure pace. I enjoy working with people who are unsure about therapy as well as those experienced and enthusiastic. My approach is person-centered, with an emphasis on evidence-based interventions from cognitive behavior therapy. Depending on your reasons for seeking therapy my style might be informal or structured. I see my work as that of a guide who can help you better understand yourself, your needs, your strengths, and your goals.
I specialize in helping you feel comfortable talking about the core issues that might be underlying the reasons for seeking therapy at a no-pressure pace. I enjoy working with people who are unsure about therapy as well as those experienced and enthusiastic. My approach is person-centered, with an emphasis on evidence-based interventions from cognitive behavior therapy. Depending on your reasons for seeking therapy my style might be informal or structured. I see my work as that of a guide who can help you better understand yourself, your needs, your strengths, and your goals.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the therapy approach for BPD with the most research studies showing its effectiveness. The clinic director received 10 years of intensive DBT training from Marsha Linehan who developed DBT over 30 years ago to help people with BPD, suicidal behavior, and self-injury. The DBT Center of San Diego (DBTCSD) is the only clinic in San Diego providing all DBT modalities to adults and adolescents: DBT individual therapy, skills groups, 24-hrs per day skills coaching, and therapist consultation team. We also treat other emotion dysregulation and impulse-control disorders such as bipolar disorder, explosive anger, and addiction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the therapy approach for BPD with the most research studies showing its effectiveness. The clinic director received 10 years of intensive DBT training from Marsha Linehan who developed DBT over 30 years ago to help people with BPD, suicidal behavior, and self-injury. The DBT Center of San Diego (DBTCSD) is the only clinic in San Diego providing all DBT modalities to adults and adolescents: DBT individual therapy, skills groups, 24-hrs per day skills coaching, and therapist consultation team. We also treat other emotion dysregulation and impulse-control disorders such as bipolar disorder, explosive anger, and addiction.
My focus is on helping couples rebuild trust, communicate openly, and reconnect after periods of disconnection or conflict. I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and the lingering impact of relational trauma. I especially enjoy working with couples in non-traditional relationships—whether that means open relationships, queer partnerships, or those redefining what connection looks like. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a grounded approach to helping people feel seen and supported in their relationships—with others and themselves.
My focus is on helping couples rebuild trust, communicate openly, and reconnect after periods of disconnection or conflict. I also work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, and the lingering impact of relational trauma. I especially enjoy working with couples in non-traditional relationships—whether that means open relationships, queer partnerships, or those redefining what connection looks like. I bring warmth, curiosity, and a grounded approach to helping people feel seen and supported in their relationships—with others and themselves.
For over 10 years, I have been in the field working with youth, families, and adults through various life challenges toward a more enriching and fulfilling life. I love facilitating the therapeutic process because I believe that everyone deserves to be acknowledged and to have their voice found and heard. In the therapeutic work, I take into account the many identities we embody and how society and culture impact our mental health. It brings me great satisfaction and humility to be in a role where my clinical knowledge, skills, and warm approach nourishes transformation from distress to confidence and contentment.
For over 10 years, I have been in the field working with youth, families, and adults through various life challenges toward a more enriching and fulfilling life. I love facilitating the therapeutic process because I believe that everyone deserves to be acknowledged and to have their voice found and heard. In the therapeutic work, I take into account the many identities we embody and how society and culture impact our mental health. It brings me great satisfaction and humility to be in a role where my clinical knowledge, skills, and warm approach nourishes transformation from distress to confidence and contentment.
In May 2007, I graduated from California State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and shortly after, earned a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling, emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. I began my career as a therapist working with juvenile offenders and youth who’d been diagnosed with severe mental health issues. I quickly recognized that many adults who were tasked with raising these troubled youth were struggling with issues that prevented them from being active caretakers. As a result, working with hurting adults became my passion.
In May 2007, I graduated from California State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and shortly after, earned a Master’s of Science degree in Counseling, emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy. I began my career as a therapist working with juvenile offenders and youth who’d been diagnosed with severe mental health issues. I quickly recognized that many adults who were tasked with raising these troubled youth were struggling with issues that prevented them from being active caretakers. As a result, working with hurting adults became my passion.
I am Sergio Ibanez, LCSW. My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5 +) using client-center approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches including, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc.). I am bilingual, English and Spanish. My client focus is ages 5 years and up. Provide individual, couples, and family therapy.
I am Sergio Ibanez, LCSW. My focus is to provide support and guidance. I provide individual, couples, and family therapy (ages 5 +) using client-center approach. I use a wide variety of therapeutic approaches including, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), etc.). I am bilingual, English and Spanish. My client focus is ages 5 years and up. Provide individual, couples, and family therapy.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships? Are you struggling to break free from
unhealthy patterns or coping skills? You don’t have to embark on your healing journey
alone. Whether you’re healing from heartbreak or loss, overcoming trauma, or working
toward developing healthier relationships, I can support you with identifying and setting
healthy boundaries and truly rediscovering yourself. Together, we can create a path
toward clarity, self-worth, and deeper connections. If this resonates with you, I’d be
happy to work alongside you.
Are you feeling stuck in your relationships? Are you struggling to break free from
unhealthy patterns or coping skills? You don’t have to embark on your healing journey
alone. Whether you’re healing from heartbreak or loss, overcoming trauma, or working
toward developing healthier relationships, I can support you with identifying and setting
healthy boundaries and truly rediscovering yourself. Together, we can create a path
toward clarity, self-worth, and deeper connections. If this resonates with you, I’d be
happy to work alongside you.
I’m a licensed therapist who provides compassionate, evidence-based care using approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and supportive therapy. I help clients navigate anxiety, mood concerns, trauma, and life transitions in a collaborative, grounded, and practical way so they can feel more regulated, empowered, and enlightened.
I’m a licensed therapist who provides compassionate, evidence-based care using approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and supportive therapy. I help clients navigate anxiety, mood concerns, trauma, and life transitions in a collaborative, grounded, and practical way so they can feel more regulated, empowered, and enlightened.
Perhaps you are at this web site because you are experiencing a major life transition or grieving the loss of someone you love. Maybe you're feeling depressed, anxious, alienated, or numb. I have joined this web site because I would like to help. I love working with people as they examine their inner psychological worlds, life experiences, and hopes. I feel quite privileged to share in the journey to increased wholeness and the deeper sense of psychological well being.
Perhaps you are at this web site because you are experiencing a major life transition or grieving the loss of someone you love. Maybe you're feeling depressed, anxious, alienated, or numb. I have joined this web site because I would like to help. I love working with people as they examine their inner psychological worlds, life experiences, and hopes. I feel quite privileged to share in the journey to increased wholeness and the deeper sense of psychological well being.
I help individuals and couples move beyond old patterns and create lasting change through narrative, relational, and trauma-informed therapy.
Are you tired of therapy that only offers coping strategies without creating meaningful change? Have you ever felt frustrated with therapy that stops at validating your struggles instead of helping you move beyond them? Are you looking for something deeper—for transformation in your life and relationships, not just temporary relief from symptoms?
If you’re ready for a different kind of therapy—one that invites clarity, change, and a renewed sense of direction—I’d be honored to meet with you.
I help individuals and couples move beyond old patterns and create lasting change through narrative, relational, and trauma-informed therapy.
Are you tired of therapy that only offers coping strategies without creating meaningful change? Have you ever felt frustrated with therapy that stops at validating your struggles instead of helping you move beyond them? Are you looking for something deeper—for transformation in your life and relationships, not just temporary relief from symptoms?
If you’re ready for a different kind of therapy—one that invites clarity, change, and a renewed sense of direction—I’d be honored to meet with you.
At some point in our lives, it is not uncommon to find ourselves struggling with emotional pain and daily life challenges. I believe that humans have a large capacity to be autonomous, resilient, and self-directed. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and safe environment, where clients can begin to understand and work through the complexities of their emotional and behavioral challenges. I tailor treatment to my client’s strengths and goals, assisting them in breaking maladaptive coping strategies and poor habits while acquiring effective coping skills, which promote new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to others.
At some point in our lives, it is not uncommon to find ourselves struggling with emotional pain and daily life challenges. I believe that humans have a large capacity to be autonomous, resilient, and self-directed. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and safe environment, where clients can begin to understand and work through the complexities of their emotional and behavioral challenges. I tailor treatment to my client’s strengths and goals, assisting them in breaking maladaptive coping strategies and poor habits while acquiring effective coping skills, which promote new ways of thinking, behaving, and relating to others.
Are you suffering from relationship pain, stress or traumatic memories? Do you find yourself struggling with health, career and financial issues? I have been helping people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship problems for over 20 years. I am an expert in helping my clients get out of emotional distress and into healthy thinking and living. I offer tools to assist in effective communication, boundary setting, stress management and conflict resolution. I help clients to manage difficult emotions, overcome negative thinking, feel more confident, and create loving relationships. I also specialize in EMDR.
Are you suffering from relationship pain, stress or traumatic memories? Do you find yourself struggling with health, career and financial issues? I have been helping people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship problems for over 20 years. I am an expert in helping my clients get out of emotional distress and into healthy thinking and living. I offer tools to assist in effective communication, boundary setting, stress management and conflict resolution. I help clients to manage difficult emotions, overcome negative thinking, feel more confident, and create loving relationships. I also specialize in EMDR.
I believe therapy is a space to get curious, feel safe, and begin to reflect, repair, and grow. I work with children, young adults, and families, supporting them through the messy, meaningful work of growing up. My approach is trauma-informed and rooted in the belief that healing honors both challenge and strength, pain and hope – the power of and. I have experience working with clients managing anxiety, depression, challenging behaviors, life changes, and big emotions.
I believe therapy is a space to get curious, feel safe, and begin to reflect, repair, and grow. I work with children, young adults, and families, supporting them through the messy, meaningful work of growing up. My approach is trauma-informed and rooted in the belief that healing honors both challenge and strength, pain and hope – the power of and. I have experience working with clients managing anxiety, depression, challenging behaviors, life changes, and big emotions.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Self-Harming Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- El Cajon
- Imperial Beach
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Lemon Grove
- National City
- Santee
- Spring Valley
Self-Harming Therapists
How does therapy for self-harm work?
A person may turn to self-injury so that they can distract themselves from their stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances. Therapy can address the cause of an individual’s suffering. A therapist can help a person understand why they may want to self-harm and help the person learn new methods of coping. A person may have poor emotion regulation, and treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is helpful for breaking this behaviour. In addition, treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy can help a person manage their tolerance of distress.
Which therapies are best for self-harm?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, and mentalisation-based therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are common approaches for people who have painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual cope with distress, regulate emotions, and manage impulsive urges.
Does the tendency to self-harm mean the person is suicidal?
Having this urge does not mean the individual suffers from suicidal ideation. People who want to self-injure look to distract or alleviate themselves from the pain they are experiencing. People with suicidal tendencies want to end life altogether. However, this does not mean a person with the intent to self-harm will not attempt suicide.
How often and how long are therapy sessions for self-harm?
As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Clients may see improvement within 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, maybe, a six-month period. People, especially those with co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, may need to continue therapy for up to 12 to 18 months.