Lesbian Therapists in San Marcos, CA
Everyone deals with anxiety at various times in their life. Some people have a hard time navigating their anxiety for many different reasons. If you are finding that your anxiety has gotten the best of you, it can be helpful to talk with someone who is able to connect you to your best thinking. That is a skill I have been practicing for over 20 years...connecting people to their best thinking to help them start doing their part differently.
Everyone deals with anxiety at various times in their life. Some people have a hard time navigating their anxiety for many different reasons. If you are finding that your anxiety has gotten the best of you, it can be helpful to talk with someone who is able to connect you to your best thinking. That is a skill I have been practicing for over 20 years...connecting people to their best thinking to help them start doing their part differently.
I’m passionate about providing the direction when my clients have a destination! When you know what your wellbeing looks like I will help you get there with self exploration and visible action!
I love working with clients who are making life transitions and building resilience.
I’m passionate about providing the direction when my clients have a destination! When you know what your wellbeing looks like I will help you get there with self exploration and visible action!
I love working with clients who are making life transitions and building resilience.
You are tired of beating yourself up and questioning your worth. You spread yourself thin caring and doing for others, and still feel as though you are unworthy of their love. It's hard for you to stand by your own needs and boundaries. You feel guilty for asking for too much and ashamed of not being enough. You spend a lot of time worrying about what people think of you, cringing at every interaction you have, and ruminating over every mistake. Your body feels tense and on edge. Your heartbeat is fast and your breathing is shallow. You can hear all the nasty ways in which you are talking to yourself, but you can’t make it stop.
You are tired of beating yourself up and questioning your worth. You spread yourself thin caring and doing for others, and still feel as though you are unworthy of their love. It's hard for you to stand by your own needs and boundaries. You feel guilty for asking for too much and ashamed of not being enough. You spend a lot of time worrying about what people think of you, cringing at every interaction you have, and ruminating over every mistake. Your body feels tense and on edge. Your heartbeat is fast and your breathing is shallow. You can hear all the nasty ways in which you are talking to yourself, but you can’t make it stop.
You've been carrying something heavy — maybe for years. Whether it's anxiety that hums beneath every interaction, a relationship that keeps hitting the same wall, or a past experience that still shapes the way you show up in the world, you're here because something needs to change. A lot of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside and quietly exhausted on the inside. Men navigating what it means to actually open up. Clients in relationships that are trying to understand themselves and their partners better. People who've tried to outthink their trauma — and found it doesn't work that way.
You've been carrying something heavy — maybe for years. Whether it's anxiety that hums beneath every interaction, a relationship that keeps hitting the same wall, or a past experience that still shapes the way you show up in the world, you're here because something needs to change. A lot of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside and quietly exhausted on the inside. Men navigating what it means to actually open up. Clients in relationships that are trying to understand themselves and their partners better. People who've tried to outthink their trauma — and found it doesn't work that way.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about your next steps? Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, or relationship challenges, I’m here to help. I provide a supportive and collaborative space where you can feel safe to explore, heal, and grow—at your own pace and in your own way. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. I tailor each session to your unique goals, preferences, and strengths.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about your next steps? Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, or relationship challenges, I’m here to help. I provide a supportive and collaborative space where you can feel safe to explore, heal, and grow—at your own pace and in your own way. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach. I tailor each session to your unique goals, preferences, and strengths.
Do you feel overwhelmed or full of anxiety, no matter what you do or try? Do you desire to feel different but struggle with where to start? Do you feel disconnected from your true self or your goals? Maybe you feel stuck and unable to enjoy the things you used to love. Are you feeling like you struggle to connect to others? You might not even remember a time when you didn't feel this way. But one thing is for sure: You are ready for some RELIEF. You're ready to feel like you can BREATHE and ENJOY again. You are ready to feel connected, calm, and confident again. Most of all, you're ready to start living the life you desire!
Do you feel overwhelmed or full of anxiety, no matter what you do or try? Do you desire to feel different but struggle with where to start? Do you feel disconnected from your true self or your goals? Maybe you feel stuck and unable to enjoy the things you used to love. Are you feeling like you struggle to connect to others? You might not even remember a time when you didn't feel this way. But one thing is for sure: You are ready for some RELIEF. You're ready to feel like you can BREATHE and ENJOY again. You are ready to feel connected, calm, and confident again. Most of all, you're ready to start living the life you desire!
Hablo Español. I support people and couples who experience depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, and people who identify as neurodivergent and/or have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I strive to support people who yearn to rediscover for them what makes life worth it. I also strive to support people who want to rekindle a fire within them, especially for passions like music, art, sports, gardening, etc.. I also strive to provide a healing space where one can let go of impactful life experiences, such as trauma, that they carry with them. I strive to challenge norms and harmful expectations that plague one's self-worth.
Hablo Español. I support people and couples who experience depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, and people who identify as neurodivergent and/or have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I strive to support people who yearn to rediscover for them what makes life worth it. I also strive to support people who want to rekindle a fire within them, especially for passions like music, art, sports, gardening, etc.. I also strive to provide a healing space where one can let go of impactful life experiences, such as trauma, that they carry with them. I strive to challenge norms and harmful expectations that plague one's self-worth.
I take people on a journey of initiation and reclamation to remember their true essence. My own path has involved listening within and following my heart's guidance. This allows me to offer a unique perspective aimed at healing and stepping into your wholeness. I received my master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco and have over ten years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse issues, and life transitions.
I take people on a journey of initiation and reclamation to remember their true essence. My own path has involved listening within and following my heart's guidance. This allows me to offer a unique perspective aimed at healing and stepping into your wholeness. I received my master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of San Francisco and have over ten years of experience working with anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse issues, and life transitions.
I am a licensed MFT who has been in practice for over 21 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe. I work with adults and adolescents. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life. My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, ADHD, stress management, sleep disorders, crisis counseling, grief counseling, and relationships.
I am a licensed MFT who has been in practice for over 21 years. I have extensive experience treating a wide variety of issues and psychological disorders from the most mild to the most severe. I work with adults and adolescents. My approach is warm, positive and compassionate. I can help you to achieve your personal goals, more effectively manage your emotions and stressors and develop strategies that will promote positive self-growth and lead you to and a more satisfying life. My specialties include anxiety and depressive disorders, ADHD, stress management, sleep disorders, crisis counseling, grief counseling, and relationships.
Dr. Goldwaser's practice is focused on anxiety, depression, chronic pain, life transitions, divorce and relationship issues, insomnia, and stress management. He also helps people with recovery from drugs and alcohol. He can help you feel better rapidly using a direct, but warm style to help you facilitate change and achieve your goals. Dr. Goldwaser can also help you overcome barriers to success, so you can be the best version of yourself.
Dr. Goldwaser's practice is focused on anxiety, depression, chronic pain, life transitions, divorce and relationship issues, insomnia, and stress management. He also helps people with recovery from drugs and alcohol. He can help you feel better rapidly using a direct, but warm style to help you facilitate change and achieve your goals. Dr. Goldwaser can also help you overcome barriers to success, so you can be the best version of yourself.
I work with individuals to improve their mental health and well-being. This is often focused around concerns with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career and school stress, grief/ loss, and pregnancy/ postpartum issues. I am extremely passionate about supporting maternal mental health and young adults finding their way.
In therapy, I believe the most important factor is the relationship between therapist and client. Therefore, I work from a collaborative, empathic, and nonjudgmental approach to assist you with gaining insight and finding solutions for the challenges you are facing.
I work with individuals to improve their mental health and well-being. This is often focused around concerns with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career and school stress, grief/ loss, and pregnancy/ postpartum issues. I am extremely passionate about supporting maternal mental health and young adults finding their way.
In therapy, I believe the most important factor is the relationship between therapist and client. Therefore, I work from a collaborative, empathic, and nonjudgmental approach to assist you with gaining insight and finding solutions for the challenges you are facing.
Therapeutic and Wellness Solution Center
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AMFT, CST
San Marcos, CA 92069
Do you find yourself thinking "I need to see a therapist." Then realize that you have been thinking this for months but haven't been able to make an appointment because you're just too busy and overwhelmed. Do you look at your spouse and think where did the spark go? Can you remember the last time that you were happy and enjoyed any aspect of your day? Or are you done with watching your child struggle with social skills, feelings of anxiety or accepting "no" as an answer. Then its time to give us a call and start making the improvements and changes you want in your life.
Do you find yourself thinking "I need to see a therapist." Then realize that you have been thinking this for months but haven't been able to make an appointment because you're just too busy and overwhelmed. Do you look at your spouse and think where did the spark go? Can you remember the last time that you were happy and enjoyed any aspect of your day? Or are you done with watching your child struggle with social skills, feelings of anxiety or accepting "no" as an answer. Then its time to give us a call and start making the improvements and changes you want in your life.
As a certified EMDR therapist, I would love to help you break free from your past in order to live a fuller, more meaningful life in the present. If traumatic memories, depression, or anxiety are keeping you feeling stuck, I can help you find healing. Trauma is stored in the nervous system, and can leave you feeling constantly on edge, or completely checked-out. I incorporate somatic interventions into my work to also help your body work through the trauma that you may not have words for. My office is place where you can safely explore your issues, feeling unconditionally accepted and supported throughout the process.
As a certified EMDR therapist, I would love to help you break free from your past in order to live a fuller, more meaningful life in the present. If traumatic memories, depression, or anxiety are keeping you feeling stuck, I can help you find healing. Trauma is stored in the nervous system, and can leave you feeling constantly on edge, or completely checked-out. I incorporate somatic interventions into my work to also help your body work through the trauma that you may not have words for. My office is place where you can safely explore your issues, feeling unconditionally accepted and supported throughout the process.
I prefer to work with adults and couples who are invested in learning more about themselves and their relationships as a means to address the problems they currently experience. I view problems as opportunities for growth and see my role as helping you draw on your personal resources to become the person you wish to be. I have worked with all age groups and a wide range of problems in clinical, university, and private practice settings. Professional activities include teaching and supervising psychology graduate students and professional therapists, writing, editing, conducting workshops and presentations, and serving my profession.
I prefer to work with adults and couples who are invested in learning more about themselves and their relationships as a means to address the problems they currently experience. I view problems as opportunities for growth and see my role as helping you draw on your personal resources to become the person you wish to be. I have worked with all age groups and a wide range of problems in clinical, university, and private practice settings. Professional activities include teaching and supervising psychology graduate students and professional therapists, writing, editing, conducting workshops and presentations, and serving my profession.
I am Heather MInshall. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost 20 years of experience. Additionally, I hold a doctorate in psychotherapy. My focus is to bring internal relief to the external stimulus as well as to bring recognition to the maladaptive patterns that have been created.
I am open to listening to everyone who is in need of finding the motivation to change old patterns. Learning how to communicate with ourselves, is the first step, learning how to communicate our needs with others is the next step. I also am skilled in working with couples and their communication struggles.
I am Heather MInshall. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with almost 20 years of experience. Additionally, I hold a doctorate in psychotherapy. My focus is to bring internal relief to the external stimulus as well as to bring recognition to the maladaptive patterns that have been created.
I am open to listening to everyone who is in need of finding the motivation to change old patterns. Learning how to communicate with ourselves, is the first step, learning how to communicate our needs with others is the next step. I also am skilled in working with couples and their communication struggles.
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
My clients are often facing a serious illness, their own diagnosis or a loved one's, along with the grief that comes before and after a loss. Others are moving through a major life transition: new parenthood, career change, divorce, or an empty nest. They come to me exhausted from holding everything together, unsure how to keep functioning while carrying so much. Together, we build a steady place to process what's happening, find words for feelings that resist neat language, and rebuild enough footing to keep showing up for their life and the people in it.
My clients are often facing a serious illness, their own diagnosis or a loved one's, along with the grief that comes before and after a loss. Others are moving through a major life transition: new parenthood, career change, divorce, or an empty nest. They come to me exhausted from holding everything together, unsure how to keep functioning while carrying so much. Together, we build a steady place to process what's happening, find words for feelings that resist neat language, and rebuild enough footing to keep showing up for their life and the people in it.
Molly Burns - Personal Evolution Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Serves Area
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed out or sad to the point that you can't live the life you want? Do you want to feel better & have a life worth living? Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP) is a team of therapists that use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to overcome social anxiety, depression, communication & relationship issues, family conflict, panic, excessive worry & depression. We provide much more than traditional talk therapy & help you get results to help control your emotions & your life. By doing this we can help more quickly.
I specialize in treating issues related to the various life cycle transitions of individuals and families, parenting and child behavioral issues, and families with mental illness by providing a systemic perspective that is non-judgmental and alerts clients to the possibility and potential of creating happier life experiences for themselves.
I specialize in treating issues related to the various life cycle transitions of individuals and families, parenting and child behavioral issues, and families with mental illness by providing a systemic perspective that is non-judgmental and alerts clients to the possibility and potential of creating happier life experiences for themselves.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
When we've lost touch with our truer self, life is just harder. If you're not as present and engaged in your life as you'd like, you may also find your body weighing in through symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and unhelpful patterns of behavior. Underlying such symptoms are often vital, "offline" parts of ourselves that a good therapeutic alliance can help you to identify, strengthen and expand. If you're experiencing a readiness to take your online search for a therapist to the next level, I offer a brief phone consultation to help determine goodness of fit.
See more therapy options for San Marcos
Nearby Lesbian Therapists Searches for San Marcos
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
- Vista
Lesbian Therapists
What is lesbian-affirming therapy?
Lesbian-affirming therapy is a type of mental health support that fully affirms and reflects a client's lesbian identity. It is rooted in acceptance and does not attempt to change or question an individual's sexual orientation. In this type of therapy, clients work with a therapist who understands the unique experiences of lesbian women. This support is especially important, as research shows that lesbian individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to heterosexual populations. Lesbian-affirming therapy acknowledges that lesbian individuals may encounter specific stressors—such as coming out challenges, family rejection, workplace discrimination, and minority stress—that require specialized understanding and intervention. Lesbian-affirming therapists often work with clients across all age groups, from adolescents navigating their emerging identity to adults and older individuals addressing life transitions and relationship concerns. Many therapists also provide couples therapy for lesbian partners, helping them navigate relationship dynamics, communication challenges, or external stressors that may impact their relationship. It is important to note that therapists provide talk therapy and counseling services but do not prescribe medication—if medication is needed for conditions like depression or anxiety, they will coordinate care with a psychiatrist or primary care physician who can provide psychiatric medication management alongside therapeutic support.
Why should I see a lesbian therapist?
Some clients prefer to work with lesbian therapists who may bring personal lived experience to the therapeutic relationship. Choosing to work with a lesbian therapist can offer a deeper sense of connection, comfort, and shared understanding. A therapist who identifies as lesbian may require clients to give less background explanation—whether it’s about navigating romantic relationships, feeling unseen in certain spaces, or processing the impact of past relationship challenges. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. However, a non-lesbian therapist with strong training and a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ affirmation can be equally effective. The most important factor is finding a therapist who respects your identity and fosters trust, safety, and understanding. Additionally, many lesbian-affirming therapists can connect clients to other providers or community-based resources—such as bisexual support groups or LGBTQ+ organizations—that offer additional affirming spaces for connection.
How do I find a lesbian therapist?
The Psychology Today online directory is a helpful tool for finding lesbian-affirming therapists. You can use search filters to identify therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ care and work specifically with bisexual clients. You can also filter by clinical specialties, therapeutic approaches, accepted insurance, session costs, and languages spoken to find the right fit. Look for profiles where therapists explicitly mention working with lesbian clients, or where they describe their approach as identity-affirming, inclusive, or trauma-informed. Many providers will also list their own identities, which may help you find someone with shared lived experience if that is important to you. You can also look for credentials or continuing education in areas such as LGBTQ+ mental health, trauma-informed care, and intersectionality.