Jewish Therapists in Santee, CA
Life presents many obstacles and sometimes they are difficult to overcome on our own. If you are struggling to overcome a life challenge (small or large), I am here to help. These challenges may include relationship issues, divorce, exposure to trauma, abuse, car accident, communication difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse and any other issue you want to address. I specialize in working directly with first responders and their families, crisis intervention, trauma-related care, addictions, co-occurring disorders, grief and relationship issues.
Life presents many obstacles and sometimes they are difficult to overcome on our own. If you are struggling to overcome a life challenge (small or large), I am here to help. These challenges may include relationship issues, divorce, exposure to trauma, abuse, car accident, communication difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, abuse and any other issue you want to address. I specialize in working directly with first responders and their families, crisis intervention, trauma-related care, addictions, co-occurring disorders, grief and relationship issues.
Hi there, 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 8 years of experience practicing therapy, 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 perinatal mental health.
Hi there, 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 8 years of experience practicing therapy, 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 perinatal mental health.
Sometimes changes in life aren't what you expected, or weren't expected at all. No matter what you are going through, you are likely experiencing uncertainty. There is hope. I have over 40 years of experience working with children and adults. My aim is to collaborate with you regarding your priorities for treatment in order to help you in setting goals for your mental health that you can achieve.
Sometimes changes in life aren't what you expected, or weren't expected at all. No matter what you are going through, you are likely experiencing uncertainty. There is hope. I have over 40 years of experience working with children and adults. My aim is to collaborate with you regarding your priorities for treatment in order to help you in setting goals for your mental health that you can achieve.
I have been an LCSW ( Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in CA for the past 4 years. In my practice, my focus areas are navigating anxiety & life stressors & depression. Through a variety of evidence-based therapeutic practices. I prefer to focus on client centered therapy in order to meet the client where they are at. Therefore my approach’s vary based on individual client needs. I have experience utilizing CBT & Solution Focused Therapy & Psychodynamic Therapy.
I have been an LCSW ( Licensed Clinical Social Worker) in CA for the past 4 years. In my practice, my focus areas are navigating anxiety & life stressors & depression. Through a variety of evidence-based therapeutic practices. I prefer to focus on client centered therapy in order to meet the client where they are at. Therefore my approach’s vary based on individual client needs. I have experience utilizing CBT & Solution Focused Therapy & Psychodynamic Therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
If you've found me here then you must be gearing up to make some changes in your life. Maybe you're worrying too much and happy too little. Maybe you're feeling lost, hopeless, or in a rut. Wherever you are, you've decided you want to feel better and be better, and you've shown the courage to ask for support. What a wonderful thing. My work with you will be collaborative, caring, and non-judgmental. I will help you reconnect to your inner-resources and strengths, to build new coping skills and problem-solving strategies, and to then apply those new ways of "being" in order to live a life that feels fulfilling and joyful to you.
If you've found me here then you must be gearing up to make some changes in your life. Maybe you're worrying too much and happy too little. Maybe you're feeling lost, hopeless, or in a rut. Wherever you are, you've decided you want to feel better and be better, and you've shown the courage to ask for support. What a wonderful thing. My work with you will be collaborative, caring, and non-judgmental. I will help you reconnect to your inner-resources and strengths, to build new coping skills and problem-solving strategies, and to then apply those new ways of "being" in order to live a life that feels fulfilling and joyful to you.
You’re tired of not feeling well, but hesitate to reach out to a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anyone really help me? On the surface, you function well in life, but deep down you feel like you’re not truly “showing up” or that you don’t fully “belong.” It’s as if your authentic self is hiding, sensing that being fully you might not be safe. There may be parts of your life story that may explain why you feel uncomfortable, different from others, or weighed down by anxiety or sadness. I would love to work with you in therapy to explore these issues and help you improve your daily life and feel more fully yourself.
You’re tired of not feeling well, but hesitate to reach out to a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anyone really help me? On the surface, you function well in life, but deep down you feel like you’re not truly “showing up” or that you don’t fully “belong.” It’s as if your authentic self is hiding, sensing that being fully you might not be safe. There may be parts of your life story that may explain why you feel uncomfortable, different from others, or weighed down by anxiety or sadness. I would love to work with you in therapy to explore these issues and help you improve your daily life and feel more fully yourself.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or pulled in too many directions? Life transitions, emotional fatigue, anxiety, grief, or challenges in relationships can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and others. I offer a calm, collaborative space where we slow down and listen to what your body is holding. Using relational and somatic-informed approaches, we build grounding, ease, and help you become more of who you truly are. We'll walk toward relief and lasting change together so you can feel more alive.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or pulled in too many directions? Life transitions, emotional fatigue, anxiety, grief, or challenges in relationships can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and others. I offer a calm, collaborative space where we slow down and listen to what your body is holding. Using relational and somatic-informed approaches, we build grounding, ease, and help you become more of who you truly are. We'll walk toward relief and lasting change together so you can feel more alive.
I treat people who are ready to make meaningful change in their lives so that their lives feel worth living.
I treat people who are ready to make meaningful change in their lives so that their lives feel worth living.
Do your feelings of sadness, anxiety, shame, irritability or jealousy overwhelm you? Do you feel stuck or doubtful of yourself? You are not alone! In treatment, I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental space, where we can identify your goals, work through the challenges in your life, and practice acceptance, self care, and self validation. Accepting the process of change may feel frightening and overwhelming, it is my goal to be beside you as you embark on a journey of growth and clarity.
Do your feelings of sadness, anxiety, shame, irritability or jealousy overwhelm you? Do you feel stuck or doubtful of yourself? You are not alone! In treatment, I aim to provide a safe and non-judgmental space, where we can identify your goals, work through the challenges in your life, and practice acceptance, self care, and self validation. Accepting the process of change may feel frightening and overwhelming, it is my goal to be beside you as you embark on a journey of growth and clarity.
Perhaps you find yourself wondering "Why does everything feel so much harder for me than it does for other people?" Something feels "off" or "out of sync" in your relationships, in your energy level, your ability to focus or your motivation. You want to find more joy and meaning in life but feel like you need help developing the skills to make that hope a reality. You are willing to put in the work to create the life you desire but first you need a supportive, empathetic professional with data informed interventions proven to improve your relationships, anxiety, grief, trauma, or depression symptoms. Reach out today to begin.
Perhaps you find yourself wondering "Why does everything feel so much harder for me than it does for other people?" Something feels "off" or "out of sync" in your relationships, in your energy level, your ability to focus or your motivation. You want to find more joy and meaning in life but feel like you need help developing the skills to make that hope a reality. You are willing to put in the work to create the life you desire but first you need a supportive, empathetic professional with data informed interventions proven to improve your relationships, anxiety, grief, trauma, or depression symptoms. Reach out today to begin.
Feeling stuck but you can’t quite figure out how to change it?
Maybe you’re caught between competing pressures in a relationship, unsure about a major life decision, or frustrated that old patterns keep repeating. You might understand why things are the way they are—but still feel unable to move forward.
For over 12 years, I’ve helped people work through that exact place: where insight is there, but real change feels out of reach.
Feeling stuck but you can’t quite figure out how to change it?
Maybe you’re caught between competing pressures in a relationship, unsure about a major life decision, or frustrated that old patterns keep repeating. You might understand why things are the way they are—but still feel unable to move forward.
For over 12 years, I’ve helped people work through that exact place: where insight is there, but real change feels out of reach.
Many of my clients are thoughtful, capable adults carrying unresolved pain or chronic stress that quietly blocks their growth. I help people process trauma, reduce anxiety, and regain clarity and direction. Together we work through what is keeping you stuck and build tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and stronger relationships. If you are ready to feel steadier and more intentional, I invite you to reach out.
Many of my clients are thoughtful, capable adults carrying unresolved pain or chronic stress that quietly blocks their growth. I help people process trauma, reduce anxiety, and regain clarity and direction. Together we work through what is keeping you stuck and build tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and stronger relationships. If you are ready to feel steadier and more intentional, I invite you to reach out.
It's a challenge to be in this world. You want to be considerate and kind; you also want to fulfill your potential. Were you were raised with a lot of "shoulds"? Were you told to control or ignore your feelings? Sometimes tremendous potential for love can be blocked by pain from the past, or anxiety about the future. But you can learn to accept and love yourself. And that can change your life.
It's a challenge to be in this world. You want to be considerate and kind; you also want to fulfill your potential. Were you were raised with a lot of "shoulds"? Were you told to control or ignore your feelings? Sometimes tremendous potential for love can be blocked by pain from the past, or anxiety about the future. But you can learn to accept and love yourself. And that can change your life.
We all have a story to tell. Our lives are full of hopes and dreams, fears and struggles. No matter if the client in front of me is a twenty year old struggling with their gender or sexual identity, a couple in their 40's experiencing mismatched desire, or a 60 year old with sexual dysfunction concerns, we all need someone to listen and support us. I consider myself to be an empathetic therapist. I want to support my client as best as I can. I also know that it isn't easy to go to therapy and I want to be someone who starts with where the client is at, but also know that I can be direct at times if needed, and softer at other times.
We all have a story to tell. Our lives are full of hopes and dreams, fears and struggles. No matter if the client in front of me is a twenty year old struggling with their gender or sexual identity, a couple in their 40's experiencing mismatched desire, or a 60 year old with sexual dysfunction concerns, we all need someone to listen and support us. I consider myself to be an empathetic therapist. I want to support my client as best as I can. I also know that it isn't easy to go to therapy and I want to be someone who starts with where the client is at, but also know that I can be direct at times if needed, and softer at other times.
I am also committed to providing culturally responsive care for the Jewish community, offering a supportive space to explore identity, belonging, and the impact of antisemitism.
I'm Mai, AMFT (159934). I provide virtual therapy in California to teens, adults, and couples looking to improve their relationships to themselves or others.
Using Gottman and EFT, I work with couples to help you understand your patterns, explore intimacy, communicate more effectively, and break cycles of conflict and disconnection.
I also work with teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or burnout. Even when things appear fine on paper, you may still feel exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what you truly want in dating, career, or friendships.
I am also committed to providing culturally responsive care for the Jewish community, offering a supportive space to explore identity, belonging, and the impact of antisemitism.
I'm Mai, AMFT (159934). I provide virtual therapy in California to teens, adults, and couples looking to improve their relationships to themselves or others.
Using Gottman and EFT, I work with couples to help you understand your patterns, explore intimacy, communicate more effectively, and break cycles of conflict and disconnection.
I also work with teens and adults who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, or burnout. Even when things appear fine on paper, you may still feel exhausted, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of what you truly want in dating, career, or friendships.
With the current rise of antisemitism world wide, I have also expanded my focus on helping Jewish individuals struggling with the personal and intergenerational impacts of antisemitism.
Have you spent your life trying to be “the strong one,” holding everything together while quietly falling apart inside? I work with adults who look like they have it all together, high-achieving, responsible, and driven, but who carry an exhausting inner world of self-criticism, pressure, and quiet pain. Many are professionals who’ve learned to survive by pushing harder, achieving more, and never letting their guard down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in an endless loop of self-doubt, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing this alone.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you are not broken.
With the current rise of antisemitism world wide, I have also expanded my focus on helping Jewish individuals struggling with the personal and intergenerational impacts of antisemitism.
Have you spent your life trying to be “the strong one,” holding everything together while quietly falling apart inside? I work with adults who look like they have it all together, high-achieving, responsible, and driven, but who carry an exhausting inner world of self-criticism, pressure, and quiet pain. Many are professionals who’ve learned to survive by pushing harder, achieving more, and never letting their guard down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or trapped in an endless loop of self-doubt, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to keep doing this alone.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you, because you are not broken.
I offer therapy to high achieving women, mothers, and young professionals. I help with struggles related to perfectionism, balance, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges. A primary focus in my practice is in self or late diagnosed ADHD and Autism. I help individuals better understand themselves, manage overwhelm, reduce masking, and build a life that truly honors their unique strengths and needs. Therapy can be a space to learn how to let go, and feel safe breaking down old beliefs that might be holding you back. I also help women and couples navigate infertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
I offer therapy to high achieving women, mothers, and young professionals. I help with struggles related to perfectionism, balance, anxiety, burnout, life transitions, and relationship challenges. A primary focus in my practice is in self or late diagnosed ADHD and Autism. I help individuals better understand themselves, manage overwhelm, reduce masking, and build a life that truly honors their unique strengths and needs. Therapy can be a space to learn how to let go, and feel safe breaking down old beliefs that might be holding you back. I also help women and couples navigate infertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
Human beings have great capacity for growth and change. Having a supportive guide through the process is both helpful and meaningful. My role is to help clients find their strengths and apply them to the areas in which they struggle. I work well with people who have realized their lives are not going the way they want, but can't quite figure out how to do things differently. I am an interactive, engaged, supportive and collaborative therapist. I genuinely enjoy helping people be in the world the in the ways they wish to be.
Human beings have great capacity for growth and change. Having a supportive guide through the process is both helpful and meaningful. My role is to help clients find their strengths and apply them to the areas in which they struggle. I work well with people who have realized their lives are not going the way they want, but can't quite figure out how to do things differently. I am an interactive, engaged, supportive and collaborative therapist. I genuinely enjoy helping people be in the world the in the ways they wish to be.
Hello, I'm Andrea Martel, an LCSW with over 25 years of experience with individuals with various challenges such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and relationship issues. I also counsel clients who are LGBTQIA+, have parenting issues, infertility and postpartum depression, and have substance abuse issues. My training and skills are in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapy, and Client-centered modalities. I feel the relationship with your counselor is paramount, and I want you to feel safe. I will meet you where you are and help you through your journey.
Hello, I'm Andrea Martel, an LCSW with over 25 years of experience with individuals with various challenges such as depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, and relationship issues. I also counsel clients who are LGBTQIA+, have parenting issues, infertility and postpartum depression, and have substance abuse issues. My training and skills are in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapy, and Client-centered modalities. I feel the relationship with your counselor is paramount, and I want you to feel safe. I will meet you where you are and help you through your journey.
My hope is that all of my clients will begin to approach both themselves and their world with more gentleness. With so many beautiful moments to capture, do you ever stop and notice what it is that you attend to? These are the things that are filling your life. I believe that small moments are actually opportunities to develop more peaceful encounters with ourselves. Fortunately, we can recreate the way we speak to ourselves. I have over fifteen years of experience and have treated children, adolescents and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety and learning differences.
My hope is that all of my clients will begin to approach both themselves and their world with more gentleness. With so many beautiful moments to capture, do you ever stop and notice what it is that you attend to? These are the things that are filling your life. I believe that small moments are actually opportunities to develop more peaceful encounters with ourselves. Fortunately, we can recreate the way we speak to ourselves. I have over fifteen years of experience and have treated children, adolescents and adults with trauma, depression, anxiety and learning differences.
See more therapy options for Santee
Nearby Jewish Therapists Searches for Santee
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Chula Vista
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- Lakeside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- Solana Beach
Jewish Therapists
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
Therapists and clients don’t need to share the same background to be able to work together, but a therapist whose training includes a focus on cultural competence may be better able to form a therapeutic bond with individuals from a range of backgrounds, as they will have experience tailoring their approach to each client—and will be prepared to acknowledge and consider the effects of cultural forces, such as discrimination, that may contribute to that client’s concerns. With a professional who has such training, a client should feel comfortable discussing sensitive issues without feeling that they need to self-censor.
How can I recognize an effective Jewish therapist?
As with members of any religious or ethnic group, just because two people happen to be Jewish does not guarantee that they will share the same values, knowledge, or experiences. A Jewish client seeking a therapist who shares their cultural identity, or for whom it’s important that a therapist share their religious beliefs, may want to discuss a professional’s Jewish background with them before beginning therapy. For someone who seeks justification for major life changes in their religious tradition, or in biblical writings, finding a therapist who is comfortable framing guidance in that context may be especially valuable.
Would a Jewish therapist have unique training?
No, but they should have the same training and certification as any other mental health professional, as well as experience with a range of evidence-based techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. A therapist with this type of experience should be able to help any client feel comfortable and safe, which is essential for a therapeutic alliance. Once this is established, a potential client may want to find out more about the therapist’s Jewish background.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with Jewish clients?
A client can directly ask a therapist if they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and if so, whether these individuals sought counseling for faith-related issues or marital or familial issues in which their Jewish background was a factor. A client may also wish to ask a potential therapist whether they incorporate Jewish teachings and values into their own professional work.
Who is included in Psychology Today’s directory of Jewish therapists?
The directory of Jewish therapists includes professionals who have opted to share their cultural background on their profiles. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their background, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.The directory also shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Jewish clients and/or communities.