Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in San Marcos, CA
Nathan (he/him) is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Nathan specializes in complex sexual identities, orientation to gender, and diverse relationship/life-styles. Nathan serves a wide variety of clients of all ages and treatment needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and stress, sexual health, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Nathan (he/him) is a compassionate and experienced psychotherapist with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. Nathan specializes in complex sexual identities, orientation to gender, and diverse relationship/life-styles. Nathan serves a wide variety of clients of all ages and treatment needs, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues and stress, sexual health, and LGBTQIA+ issues.
Janell's therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral, addressing negative thoughts clients use to define events. Her main focus includes anxiety and depression.
Janell enjoys gardening, line dancing, walking and exercising. Her recent endeavor is making baskets out of pine needles.
Janell's therapeutic approach is cognitive behavioral, addressing negative thoughts clients use to define events. Her main focus includes anxiety and depression.
Janell enjoys gardening, line dancing, walking and exercising. Her recent endeavor is making baskets out of pine needles.
Melanie draws from a variety of therapeutic techniques and uses short term treatment planning with achievable goals, giving attention to deeper issues when appropriate. Her compassion and acceptance underscore her focus on helping people learn skills and develop strategies to achieve sustainable results.
In her free time Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, her dog, horseback riding and the outdoors.
Melanie draws from a variety of therapeutic techniques and uses short term treatment planning with achievable goals, giving attention to deeper issues when appropriate. Her compassion and acceptance underscore her focus on helping people learn skills and develop strategies to achieve sustainable results.
In her free time Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, her dog, horseback riding and the outdoors.
The modalities of care I integrate include evidence-based practices, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT.
Hi there, my name is Aurora San Pedro and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of CA. Challenges are inevitable and being able to move beyond them requires effort to find what works best for you. Our minds are like a GARDEN. What we choose to nourish, will grow and what will grow will lead to our actions and behaviors. I am here to help you plant (replant) seeds that will help you live the life you truly want to have. When experiencing hardship, the resilience, courage and strength it takes to prioritize your needs can be challenging. I want to provide reassurance that you are not alone in getting there.
The modalities of care I integrate include evidence-based practices, such as CBT, DBT, and ACT.
Hi there, my name is Aurora San Pedro and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of CA. Challenges are inevitable and being able to move beyond them requires effort to find what works best for you. Our minds are like a GARDEN. What we choose to nourish, will grow and what will grow will lead to our actions and behaviors. I am here to help you plant (replant) seeds that will help you live the life you truly want to have. When experiencing hardship, the resilience, courage and strength it takes to prioritize your needs can be challenging. I want to provide reassurance that you are not alone in getting there.
Hi, first I want to commend you for having the courage to reach out. It is very humbling to admit that we don't feel well or we aren't behaving like the person we want to be. Therapy is a hopeful non judgmental place where healing and growth can happen. I have benefited myself from professional help and will be along side you to join you in whatever goals you set for yourself. The human condition comes along with many challenges and powerful emotions we cannot avoid, but I do believe there is a way to handle them with grace and self love. And to tend to those wounds without letting them drive us.
Hi, first I want to commend you for having the courage to reach out. It is very humbling to admit that we don't feel well or we aren't behaving like the person we want to be. Therapy is a hopeful non judgmental place where healing and growth can happen. I have benefited myself from professional help and will be along side you to join you in whatever goals you set for yourself. The human condition comes along with many challenges and powerful emotions we cannot avoid, but I do believe there is a way to handle them with grace and self love. And to tend to those wounds without letting them drive us.
" My approach combines IFS, ACT, somatic work, and a bit of DBT-inspired tools, all guided by the therapeutic relationship.
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
" My approach combines IFS, ACT, somatic work, and a bit of DBT-inspired tools, all guided by the therapeutic relationship.
Lately, you’ve been reacting in ways that don’t feel like you. You're snapping faster, overthinking everything, struggling to relax even when you get a moment. You keep telling yourself you should be able to handle this, but something feels off. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or deep in motherhood, things feel louder, harder, and more constant than they used to. You’re still showing up, but quietly wondering, "what is happening to me?" It's exhausting trying to keep up appearances when you feel this way inside. I help moms in this exact place slow things down, make sense of what’s underneath, and start feeling steady again.
Together, we’ll use Mindfulness and Acceptance ( ACT) to help you stay grounded, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
It can be exhausting to carry intrusive thoughts and feelings of anxiety or depression on your own. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can finally feel heard and validated. As a strength-based therapist, I don’t just focus on the struggle—I work alongside you to identify your existing resilience and create goals that move you forward. Together, we’ll integrate self-care and coping strategies into your daily routine so you can reclaim your peace of mind, free from guilt and stress.
Together, we’ll use Mindfulness and Acceptance ( ACT) to help you stay grounded, and Motivational Interviewing (MI).
It can be exhausting to carry intrusive thoughts and feelings of anxiety or depression on your own. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can finally feel heard and validated. As a strength-based therapist, I don’t just focus on the struggle—I work alongside you to identify your existing resilience and create goals that move you forward. Together, we’ll integrate self-care and coping strategies into your daily routine so you can reclaim your peace of mind, free from guilt and stress.
Integrative Mental Health: Accepting New Clients
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
I work with children, teens, and young adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to understand their emotions. Many come to therapy during times of transition, identity exploration, or after difficult experiences. My team and I support them by creating a safe, supportive space where they feel seen and heard, while helping them build insight, coping skills, and confidence to navigate life with greater clarity and resilience.
I work with children, teens, and young adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to understand their emotions. Many come to therapy during times of transition, identity exploration, or after difficult experiences. My team and I support them by creating a safe, supportive space where they feel seen and heard, while helping them build insight, coping skills, and confidence to navigate life with greater clarity and resilience.
Jennifer has extensive experience working with clients from a diverse range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to therapy is centered around empathic, non-judgmental connection and draws upon a variety of theoretical perspectives, including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based strategies. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief/loss, adjustment problems, and parenting.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jennifer has extensive experience working with clients from a diverse range of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Her approach to therapy is centered around empathic, non-judgmental connection and draws upon a variety of theoretical perspectives, including cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness-based strategies. Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, grief/loss, adjustment problems, and parenting.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
For most of us, life can be hard and difficult to navigate. Life stressors can make you feel defeated and unable to be present. It’s important to talk about tough topics. People are hesitant to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and thoughts for fear of judgment when the reality is that we all are human and share similar negative thoughts and experiences. The more we are able to talk about it, the more we understand and can focus on supporting each other. We also experience loss, hopelessness, moments of feeling overwhelmed or lost. Let’s get better together where you feel safe and respected to do so. You deserve wellness!
For most of us, life can be hard and difficult to navigate. Life stressors can make you feel defeated and unable to be present. It’s important to talk about tough topics. People are hesitant to be honest and vulnerable with their feelings and thoughts for fear of judgment when the reality is that we all are human and share similar negative thoughts and experiences. The more we are able to talk about it, the more we understand and can focus on supporting each other. We also experience loss, hopelessness, moments of feeling overwhelmed or lost. Let’s get better together where you feel safe and respected to do so. You deserve wellness!
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel difficult, but it can also be the beginning of real change and relief. With more than 20 years of experience as an LMFT I provide a supportive and practical approach to helping adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. I have extensive experience helping clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use and dual diagnosis, anger and stress management, family conflict, parenting challenges, and major life transitions. My goal in therapy is to create a safe, respectful space where clients feel heard and supported while also developing practical tools to move forward.
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel difficult, but it can also be the beginning of real change and relief. With more than 20 years of experience as an LMFT I provide a supportive and practical approach to helping adults, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. I have extensive experience helping clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use and dual diagnosis, anger and stress management, family conflict, parenting challenges, and major life transitions. My goal in therapy is to create a safe, respectful space where clients feel heard and supported while also developing practical tools to move forward.
Jamillah Pargo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
It is imperative for clinicians to encourage self- acceptance, support patient's rights to self-determination, assist with embracing change, and recognizing each patient's personal strengths to aid in recovery.
Are you experiencing Hopelessness, Sadness, Worthlessness, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, or Fear? Do you lay awake at night WORRYING about EVERYTHING? Are your worries or fears a constant cycle? Do you avoid interaction with loved ones, or maybe you don't want to be a burden to family or friends, so you begin isolating from everyone? Do you ever say, “I can’t take this anymore?” Do you feel alone in your problems? You are not alone, whether you're dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Health Crisis, Midlife Crisis, or just unsure how to move forward in life, assisting adults redefine life is my passion & purpose.
It is imperative for clinicians to encourage self- acceptance, support patient's rights to self-determination, assist with embracing change, and recognizing each patient's personal strengths to aid in recovery.
Are you experiencing Hopelessness, Sadness, Worthlessness, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, or Fear? Do you lay awake at night WORRYING about EVERYTHING? Are your worries or fears a constant cycle? Do you avoid interaction with loved ones, or maybe you don't want to be a burden to family or friends, so you begin isolating from everyone? Do you ever say, “I can’t take this anymore?” Do you feel alone in your problems? You are not alone, whether you're dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Health Crisis, Midlife Crisis, or just unsure how to move forward in life, assisting adults redefine life is my passion & purpose.
Ms. Clair is a Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years experience treating adults in various settings including private practice, hospitals, residential chemical dependency, trauma centers, and military bases. She is client centered and bases treatment on each person's unique needs. Catherine is known for her direct, authentic, and deeply empathic style. She offers a broad array of traditional approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy, family of origin work, 12-step informed recovery concepts, as well as support for relationship transitions, LGBTQ, and young adult issues.
Ms. Clair is a Marriage Family Therapist with over 20 years experience treating adults in various settings including private practice, hospitals, residential chemical dependency, trauma centers, and military bases. She is client centered and bases treatment on each person's unique needs. Catherine is known for her direct, authentic, and deeply empathic style. She offers a broad array of traditional approaches such as cognitive behavior therapy, family of origin work, 12-step informed recovery concepts, as well as support for relationship transitions, LGBTQ, and young adult issues.
My treatment approach is primarily informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Person-centered therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Corina Mendoza, LMFT- Bilingual & Bicultural Therapist. As a bilingual and bicultural mental health therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, integrating diverse cultural insights with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in cultural competence, allowing me to connect with people in a meaningful way and offer therapy that fully respects and integrates their cultural identities. I aim to foster a therapeutic space where people feel understood, empowered, and supported throughout their journey.
My treatment approach is primarily informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Person-centered therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Corina Mendoza, LMFT- Bilingual & Bicultural Therapist. As a bilingual and bicultural mental health therapist, I bring a unique perspective to my practice, integrating diverse cultural insights with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in cultural competence, allowing me to connect with people in a meaningful way and offer therapy that fully respects and integrates their cultural identities. I aim to foster a therapeutic space where people feel understood, empowered, and supported throughout their journey.
My theoretical approach combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), as well as mindfulness skills and emotion regulation skills.
Do you feel like no matter how much you achieve, it’s never enough? Are you constantly stressed and overwhelmed, while pushing yourself to do more? Do you struggle to slow down and feel proud of what you've accomplished? If you've learned to tie your worth to your productivity, I can help you break this cycle.
In our work together, I'll help you explore the root cause of your anxiety, perfectionism, and inner critic. I'll help you learn practical tools to regulate your emotions and calm your nervous system to break the cycles of that keep you feeling stuck. Therapy with me is a space where you don't have to keep it all together.
My theoretical approach combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), as well as mindfulness skills and emotion regulation skills.
Do you feel like no matter how much you achieve, it’s never enough? Are you constantly stressed and overwhelmed, while pushing yourself to do more? Do you struggle to slow down and feel proud of what you've accomplished? If you've learned to tie your worth to your productivity, I can help you break this cycle.
In our work together, I'll help you explore the root cause of your anxiety, perfectionism, and inner critic. I'll help you learn practical tools to regulate your emotions and calm your nervous system to break the cycles of that keep you feeling stuck. Therapy with me is a space where you don't have to keep it all together.
Dr. Emilia Ramirez is both from Texas and California, loves what she does and considers it her calling. She has worked in the field of social services for approximately 25 years and began her training as a therapist in 2015. Dr. Ramirez completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate in 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this, she obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2009 in Dallas Texas and graduated as a fourth-generation Longhorn from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001, After completing graduate school, she moved back to California and is here to stay.
Dr. Emilia Ramirez is both from Texas and California, loves what she does and considers it her calling. She has worked in the field of social services for approximately 25 years and began her training as a therapist in 2015. Dr. Ramirez completed her Clinical Psychology doctorate in 2011 in Dallas, Texas. Prior to this, she obtained a Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2009 in Dallas Texas and graduated as a fourth-generation Longhorn from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2001, After completing graduate school, she moved back to California and is here to stay.
I have experience supporting diverse populations and enjoy helping clients navigate family boundaries, particularly when cultural expectations and generational differences are involved. For many individuals with immigrant family backgrounds, balancing personal goals with family values can feel complicated, and therapy can be a space to explore those dynamics and find a path that feels authentic.
My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I aim to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward greater clarity, confidence, and balance.
I have experience supporting diverse populations and enjoy helping clients navigate family boundaries, particularly when cultural expectations and generational differences are involved. For many individuals with immigrant family backgrounds, balancing personal goals with family values can feel complicated, and therapy can be a space to explore those dynamics and find a path that feels authentic.
My style is warm, practical, and collaborative. I aim to meet clients where they are while helping them move toward greater clarity, confidence, and balance.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both forensic and community settings. I’ve worked with individuals facing complex presentations, including trauma and a range of mental health challenges.
Through this work, I’ve learned that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, heard, and truly understood. I aim to create that kind of environment in therapy.
I combine evidence-based approaches with warmth and openness to provide support that is both effective and grounded in genuine human connection.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with experience in both forensic and community settings. I’ve worked with individuals facing complex presentations, including trauma and a range of mental health challenges.
Through this work, I’ve learned that everyone deserves a space where they feel safe to be themselves, heard, and truly understood. I aim to create that kind of environment in therapy.
I combine evidence-based approaches with warmth and openness to provide support that is both effective and grounded in genuine human connection.
Integrative Mental Health: Accepting New Clients
Associate Clinical Social Worker, ASW
1 Endorsed
San Marcos, CA 92069
I integrate EMDR with evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness to support healing and meaningful change.
I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences that continue to impact their present. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure of their direction. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where they can slow down, better understand their patterns, and begin building the tools and confidence needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
I integrate EMDR with evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness to support healing and meaningful change.
I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, self-doubt, relationship stress, or past experiences that continue to impact their present. Many come to therapy feeling stuck, overthinking, or unsure of their direction. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where they can slow down, better understand their patterns, and begin building the tools and confidence needed to move forward with clarity and resilience.
Dr. Yvonne Love helps teens, adults, and seniors in California build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and regain a sense of balance when life feels overwhelming. Practicing at LifeStance Health, she provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care through individual therapy and couples therapy, supporting patients across California with concerns ranging from everyday stress to complex psychological conditions. A core passion of Dr.Dr. Yvonne Love helps teens, adults, and seniors in California build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and regain a sense of balance when life feels overwhelming. Practicin
Dr. Yvonne Love helps teens, adults, and seniors in California build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and regain a sense of balance when life feels overwhelming. Practicing at LifeStance Health, she provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health care through individual therapy and couples therapy, supporting patients across California with concerns ranging from everyday stress to complex psychological conditions. A core passion of Dr.Dr. Yvonne Love helps teens, adults, and seniors in California build emotional resilience, improve relationships, and regain a sense of balance when life feels overwhelming. Practicin
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Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists Searches for San Marcos
- Bonsall
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
- Vista
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists
How does acceptance and commitment therapy work?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages a person to listen to their self-talk. A person’s inner dialog can be indicative of how they treat themselves. ACT also encourages self-compassion; this can lead to a better understanding of negative thought patterns and emotional states. This understanding can then lead the individual to needed behavior change.
What are the goals of acceptance and commitment therapy?
The goal of acceptance and commitment is to expand a person’s psychological flexibility, a trait that encourages an individual to live in the present moment and to accept all their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, even ones that are difficult such as sadness and anxiety. In ACT, this acceptance is congruent with the individual’s values and beliefs.
Does acceptance and commitment therapy work for depression?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is effective for depression because it allows the individual to view their discomfort and suffering differently. Depressive feelings about relationship heartaches, for example, are a part of life. A despondent person learns to let go of their struggles and instead view their painful thoughts and feelings with compassion. This will lead the individual toward positive change.
How long are people typically in acceptance and commitment therapy?
A typical acceptance and commitment therapy session is 50 minutes long with one session per week. Treatment for common problems such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties can last between eight weeks to four months. However, more severe cases may require more than one session a week and/or a longer time frame for treatment.