Emotional Regulation Therapists in Santee, CA
Nicolee Birtcher at Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
1 Endorsed
Santee, CA 92071
Nicolee supports clients navigating identity, relationship patterns, emotional regulation, mental health and substance use concerns, and major life transitions.
Nicolee is passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults navigating identity, relationships, emotional challenges, and major life transitions. She also has experience working with adults experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. Nicolee creates a safe, affirming space where clients can explore past experiences, family and relationship patterns, and their sense of self. Through a collaborative approach, she helps clients navigate complex emotional challenges while honoring their unique experiences and strengths.
Nicolee supports clients navigating identity, relationship patterns, emotional regulation, mental health and substance use concerns, and major life transitions.
Nicolee is passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults navigating identity, relationships, emotional challenges, and major life transitions. She also has experience working with adults experiencing mental health and substance use concerns. Nicolee creates a safe, affirming space where clients can explore past experiences, family and relationship patterns, and their sense of self. Through a collaborative approach, she helps clients navigate complex emotional challenges while honoring their unique experiences and strengths.
I’ve had the privilege of working with people who are used to pushing themselves, showing up, and performing, but sometimes that same drive can leave you feeling stuck. I’m especially interested in working with athletes and high performers dealing with pressure, anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or simply feeling like something is off. You don’t have to be an athlete to work with me, though. Sometimes the thing getting in the way of performance isn’t a performance problem at all. Therapy gives us room to figure out what’s actually going on underneath it.
I’ve had the privilege of working with people who are used to pushing themselves, showing up, and performing, but sometimes that same drive can leave you feeling stuck. I’m especially interested in working with athletes and high performers dealing with pressure, anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or simply feeling like something is off. You don’t have to be an athlete to work with me, though. Sometimes the thing getting in the way of performance isn’t a performance problem at all. Therapy gives us room to figure out what’s actually going on underneath it.
I’m glad our paths have crossed. Sometimes life brings changes, losses, and challenges that can feel like too much to carry alone. I work with adults and older adults navigating relationships, family changes, grief, divorce, loneliness, aging, and life transitions. Therapy is a place to slow down, feel heard, and talk openly without judgment. I’ll meet you with warmth, compassion, and genuine care. Together, we’ll work through what feels heavy, reconnect with your strengths, and find a path forward with greater peace, connection, and meaning.
I’m glad our paths have crossed. Sometimes life brings changes, losses, and challenges that can feel like too much to carry alone. I work with adults and older adults navigating relationships, family changes, grief, divorce, loneliness, aging, and life transitions. Therapy is a place to slow down, feel heard, and talk openly without judgment. I’ll meet you with warmth, compassion, and genuine care. Together, we’ll work through what feels heavy, reconnect with your strengths, and find a path forward with greater peace, connection, and meaning.
I'm glad you're here! Starting therapy takes a lot of vulnerability, and finding the right fit is vital. I take a collaborative, inclusive, and client-centered approach to encourage your autonomy in therapy. With 11 years of experience in the mental health field, I have supported clients in a variety of settings with a wide range of needs. I specialize in working with PTSD, depression/anxiety, and life transitions. In particular, I have significant experience and passion for working with the following client groups: college/graduate students, military/veterans, working professionals, and mental health in pregnancy/postpartum.
I'm glad you're here! Starting therapy takes a lot of vulnerability, and finding the right fit is vital. I take a collaborative, inclusive, and client-centered approach to encourage your autonomy in therapy. With 11 years of experience in the mental health field, I have supported clients in a variety of settings with a wide range of needs. I specialize in working with PTSD, depression/anxiety, and life transitions. In particular, I have significant experience and passion for working with the following client groups: college/graduate students, military/veterans, working professionals, and mental health in pregnancy/postpartum.
I work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and those seeking to better understand the roots of their struggles. We'll look beneath the surface to empower you to build resilience that isn't just performance, and find a path that actually feels like yours. Whether you know exactly what's holding you back or just know something needs to change, we'll uncover what's keeping you stuck, build healthy coping strategies, and develop the inner strength and confidence to navigate life's challenges. My clients are ready to reflect, do the work, and create lasting change, and I'm here to guide them every step of the way.
I work with clients suffering from anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and those seeking to better understand the roots of their struggles. We'll look beneath the surface to empower you to build resilience that isn't just performance, and find a path that actually feels like yours. Whether you know exactly what's holding you back or just know something needs to change, we'll uncover what's keeping you stuck, build healthy coping strategies, and develop the inner strength and confidence to navigate life's challenges. My clients are ready to reflect, do the work, and create lasting change, and I'm here to guide them every step of the way.
I believe that therapy is a conversation between two human beings, not an interrogation. It can be difficult to seek help, and I work hard to create a space that feels comforting, nonjudgmental, and safe enough where we can be our authentic selves.
I view therapy as a collaborative process. The client is in the driver’s seat, and I’m the navigator riding shotgun, providing directions and probably eating all the snacks.
I bring an analytical mind, a tender heart, and a healthy dose of humor to the room. It is my belief that therapy can include both hard conversations and moments of genuine laughter, sometimes simultaneously.
I believe that therapy is a conversation between two human beings, not an interrogation. It can be difficult to seek help, and I work hard to create a space that feels comforting, nonjudgmental, and safe enough where we can be our authentic selves.
I view therapy as a collaborative process. The client is in the driver’s seat, and I’m the navigator riding shotgun, providing directions and probably eating all the snacks.
I bring an analytical mind, a tender heart, and a healthy dose of humor to the room. It is my belief that therapy can include both hard conversations and moments of genuine laughter, sometimes simultaneously.
Sometimes what brings you to therapy is only the beginning of the story. You may be carrying something from your past, feeling stuck in patterns that no longer fit, or trying to understand yourself in a new way. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families, with a particular interest in trauma, identity, LGBTQIA+ clients, and kink-affirming relationships. I want to understand you as a whole person, not just the reason you walked through my door.
Sometimes what brings you to therapy is only the beginning of the story. You may be carrying something from your past, feeling stuck in patterns that no longer fit, or trying to understand yourself in a new way. I work with teens, adults, couples, and families, with a particular interest in trauma, identity, LGBTQIA+ clients, and kink-affirming relationships. I want to understand you as a whole person, not just the reason you walked through my door.
More Therapists Nearby
If you're looking for an empathetic, reliable therapist, I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe exploring life's challenges. Whether you're navigating current stressors, processing past experiences, working through relationship dynamics, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, therapy can provide an opportunity for meaningful growth and lasting change. We'll identify recurring patterns, gain insight into the factors shaping your experiences, strengthen your relationships, and develop practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
If you're looking for an empathetic, reliable therapist, I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe exploring life's challenges. Whether you're navigating current stressors, processing past experiences, working through relationship dynamics, or seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, therapy can provide an opportunity for meaningful growth and lasting change. We'll identify recurring patterns, gain insight into the factors shaping your experiences, strengthen your relationships, and develop practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Have you been Googling "how to help my anxious kid" after an exhausting bedtime, or checking WebMD for OCD symptoms at midnight to see if they match yours? You might feel overwhelmed from trying to "fix" it on your own. Whether it's social anxiety, worry that won't quit, panic, or anxiety-based behavioral issues, I work with people who are ready to finally feel better — and families ready to heal together. Some of my favorite people to work with are kids, teens, young adults, and the families who love them — people who are doing their best but feel like anxiety is running the show.
Have you been Googling "how to help my anxious kid" after an exhausting bedtime, or checking WebMD for OCD symptoms at midnight to see if they match yours? You might feel overwhelmed from trying to "fix" it on your own. Whether it's social anxiety, worry that won't quit, panic, or anxiety-based behavioral issues, I work with people who are ready to finally feel better — and families ready to heal together. Some of my favorite people to work with are kids, teens, young adults, and the families who love them — people who are doing their best but feel like anxiety is running the show.
I provide individualized support for anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning, emotional regulation, behavior, social skills, and school-related stress.
With a strong passion for helping children manage mental health challenges such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, my mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can thrive. I also offer parent consultations for any guidance or support that may be needed to help support their child in the school setting.
I provide individualized support for anxiety, ADHD, executive functioning, emotional regulation, behavior, social skills, and school-related stress.
With a strong passion for helping children manage mental health challenges such as trauma, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, my mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can thrive. I also offer parent consultations for any guidance or support that may be needed to help support their child in the school setting.
I enjoy working with those experiencing relationship issues, anxiety, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and identity exploration.
As a first generation Vietnamese-Chinese American, I understand the challenges of blending your home and cultural values with Western values in a way that aligns with who you are today. It is very common to feel a disconnect when trying to juggle expectations and societal norms for how our lives ‘should’ be especially when it does not match who we truly are. I believe in working collaboratively with clients to explore, question, and discover new ways of thinking and being that aligns with the person they want to be.
I enjoy working with those experiencing relationship issues, anxiety, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, and identity exploration.
As a first generation Vietnamese-Chinese American, I understand the challenges of blending your home and cultural values with Western values in a way that aligns with who you are today. It is very common to feel a disconnect when trying to juggle expectations and societal norms for how our lives ‘should’ be especially when it does not match who we truly are. I believe in working collaboratively with clients to explore, question, and discover new ways of thinking and being that aligns with the person they want to be.
Many come to me feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, attachment wounds, or emotional dysregulation.
I specialize in trauma, attachment, and relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and adolescents. Using EMDR, EFIT/EFCT, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches, I help clients heal from painful experiences, regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Many come to me feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, attachment wounds, or emotional dysregulation.
I specialize in trauma, attachment, and relationship therapy for individuals, couples, and adolescents. Using EMDR, EFIT/EFCT, Somatic Experiencing, DBT, and other evidence-based approaches, I help clients heal from painful experiences, regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and create lasting, meaningful change.
My passion is to help people find that moment in their lives when they can truly love themselves and tap into their internal strength. I would love to be a part of your support network as you move forward in your journey towards happiness. I specialize in military life, veterans, domestic violence, child abuse, relationships, family, life transitions, grief and loss, work, and parenting.
I am licensed in the State of California, Florida, Colorado, Maine, and Idaho.
My passion is to help people find that moment in their lives when they can truly love themselves and tap into their internal strength. I would love to be a part of your support network as you move forward in your journey towards happiness. I specialize in military life, veterans, domestic violence, child abuse, relationships, family, life transitions, grief and loss, work, and parenting.
I am licensed in the State of California, Florida, Colorado, Maine, and Idaho.
I work with teens, young adults, and families navigating eating disorders, OCD/anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and self harm.
My approach is compassionate yet structured, tailored to each person’s strengths, needs, developmental stage, and family context and is grounded in evidence-based approaches such as: DBT, FBT, ACT, and ERP in order to help clients make meaningful changes in everyday life.
I work with teens, young adults, and families navigating eating disorders, OCD/anxiety, emotion dysregulation, and self harm.
My approach is compassionate yet structured, tailored to each person’s strengths, needs, developmental stage, and family context and is grounded in evidence-based approaches such as: DBT, FBT, ACT, and ERP in order to help clients make meaningful changes in everyday life.
I commend you for making the decision to begin therapy and appreciate your consideration to allow me to be the one to walk beside you and support you on your healing journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion and commitment to provide compassionate, non-judgmental, and client centered therapy. I have worked
with individuals from all walks of life and have helped them navigate the complexities of their emotional and mental health challenges and improve their overall life satisfaction
and well-being. I look forward to doing the same with you.
I commend you for making the decision to begin therapy and appreciate your consideration to allow me to be the one to walk beside you and support you on your healing journey. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion and commitment to provide compassionate, non-judgmental, and client centered therapy. I have worked
with individuals from all walks of life and have helped them navigate the complexities of their emotional and mental health challenges and improve their overall life satisfaction
and well-being. I look forward to doing the same with you.
Do you find yourself hitting the same wall, going through the motions, or wondering why joy seems far away? Some experiences we face feel too tough to figure out. You don't have to brave this alone!
Do you find yourself hitting the same wall, going through the motions, or wondering why joy seems far away? Some experiences we face feel too tough to figure out. You don't have to brave this alone!
Therapy can be complex, courageous and a difficult decision, but sometimes we just know when it's time to try something different. While challenging periods in life and relationships can overwhelm, they can also facilitate desired change and deeper connection with self and others. Different kinds of traumatic experiences can cause a disconnect between what our head knows and what our body is telling us We will learn together how to reconnect your mind and body so we can access the inner wisdom and strengths that you already possess. We will grow into integrating these capacities in ways that work for you in your current life.
Therapy can be complex, courageous and a difficult decision, but sometimes we just know when it's time to try something different. While challenging periods in life and relationships can overwhelm, they can also facilitate desired change and deeper connection with self and others. Different kinds of traumatic experiences can cause a disconnect between what our head knows and what our body is telling us We will learn together how to reconnect your mind and body so we can access the inner wisdom and strengths that you already possess. We will grow into integrating these capacities in ways that work for you in your current life.
I’m so glad you’re here! Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I am passionate about supporting individuals who are experiencing the effects of complex trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional burnout, relational challenges, and patterns of people-pleasing that can leave them feeling disconnected from themselves and others.
I’m so glad you’re here! Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I am passionate about supporting individuals who are experiencing the effects of complex trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional burnout, relational challenges, and patterns of people-pleasing that can leave them feeling disconnected from themselves and others.
I provide therapy to those seeking an authentic and compassionate provider. I have clinical expertise in helping individuals who are overwhelmed with intense emotion learn to manage their distress in an adaptive and meaningful way. My experience includes working with individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and general life transition difficulties. I have extensive experience supporting adolescents and young adults navigate mental health and life-transition related challenges.
I provide therapy to those seeking an authentic and compassionate provider. I have clinical expertise in helping individuals who are overwhelmed with intense emotion learn to manage their distress in an adaptive and meaningful way. My experience includes working with individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, suicidal ideation, self-injurious behavior, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and general life transition difficulties. I have extensive experience supporting adolescents and young adults navigate mental health and life-transition related challenges.
Relationships can bring out both our deepest longings and our oldest wounds. I work with adults and couples who want to better understand their relationship patterns, heal from trauma, and create stronger connections—with themselves and others. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, I help women and men navigate relationship struggles, disconnection, betrayal, and questions about separation or divorce. Whether we work individually or as a couple, therapy is a place to understand what’s beneath the patterns, heal what keeps getting activated, and move forward with greater clarity and connection.
Relationships can bring out both our deepest longings and our oldest wounds. I work with adults and couples who want to better understand their relationship patterns, heal from trauma, and create stronger connections—with themselves and others. Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and EMDR, I help women and men navigate relationship struggles, disconnection, betrayal, and questions about separation or divorce. Whether we work individually or as a couple, therapy is a place to understand what’s beneath the patterns, heal what keeps getting activated, and move forward with greater clarity and connection.
See more therapy options for Santee
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FAQ - Emotional Regulation Counseling
What are the signs that someone might struggle with emotional regulation?
Common signs that someone may struggle with emotional regulation include outbursts of strong emotion, such as anger or sadness, impulsive behavior, avoidance of difficult emotions, or extreme difficulty making decisions. People with emotional regulation difficulties may experience frequent mood swings or feel caught off guard by strong emotions. These experiences can affect personal, work, or school relationships, and may also contribute to or worsen mental health concerns.
How can therapy help with emotional regulation?
A therapist can help you understand emotional patterns and challenge automatic thoughts that may contribute to anger outbursts, impulsive behaviors, or other signs of emotion dysregulation. For instance, they may use worksheets, journaling exercises, or thought-reframing tools to help you identify triggers and respond differently. These activities often share the goal of creating more space between emotion and action. Over time, therapy can also help you recognize early warning signs of emotional distress before the emotions feel unmanageable.
Is emotional dysregulation a diagnosis?
Emotional dysregulation itself is not a diagnosis. Rather, it is a common symptom of several mental health conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and certain anxiety disorders. Therapy that helps improve emotional regulation can also help reduce the symptoms of related disorders. Emotional dysregulation is also often linked to life experiences such as trauma or childhood neglect. In some cases, these experiences may contribute to emotional regulation difficulties and increase the risk of developing mental health conditions.
What therapeutic approaches can help with emotion regulation?
Two common therapeutic approaches used to support emotion regulation are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). CBT helps people identify negative thoughts and thought patterns, with the goal of developing healthier ways of thinking and responding. DBT is related to CBT and was originally developed for borderline personality disorder, though it is now used for many other concerns. Emotion regulation is one of DBT’s “core skills,” alongside other skills like mindfulness and distress tolerance. Both CBT and DBT are skill-based, meaning that sessions focus on specific skills to manage emotions, such as thought records and problem-solving skills. This makes them different from traditional “talk therapy” approaches, as they place greater emphasis on learning and practicing specific strategies that can be used in moments of high emotional distress.
Can children and teens have therapy for emotional regulation?
Yes, children and teens, as well as adults, can benefit from therapy for emotional regulation. Many mental health concerns first appear in late childhood or adolescence, so therapy can help identify what may be part of normal development and what may require additional therapeutic support. Therapy can also help children and teens build lifelong emotional regulation skills. Learning these skills early can make it easier to use them during stressful or difficult situations later in life.