First Responders Therapists in Solana Beach, CA
The strongest person is the one who asks for help when they are stuck or overwhelmed. Working together we can find the steps and strategies to overcome life's challenges and live our most successful, best lives.
The strongest person is the one who asks for help when they are stuck or overwhelmed. Working together we can find the steps and strategies to overcome life's challenges and live our most successful, best lives.
Erin Kownacki
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, RYT
6 Endorsed
Solana Beach, CA 92075
Are you seeking a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you or your teen to manage anxiety, explore your identity or increase relationship skills? You are in the right place. I specialize in supporting teens, couples, and individuals with healing, reconnecting, and learning to trust themselves again. If you are ready to grow and looking to go deeper in therapy, my direct and collaborative approach might be what you are looking for. I know this process can be difficult and I want you to know that it takes courage to seek out support. I am supervised by Karolyn Johnson, LMFT 81409.
Are you seeking a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space for you or your teen to manage anxiety, explore your identity or increase relationship skills? You are in the right place. I specialize in supporting teens, couples, and individuals with healing, reconnecting, and learning to trust themselves again. If you are ready to grow and looking to go deeper in therapy, my direct and collaborative approach might be what you are looking for. I know this process can be difficult and I want you to know that it takes courage to seek out support. I am supervised by Karolyn Johnson, LMFT 81409.
Using an intuitive, strengths-based approach, I guide my clients on their journey of healing and thriving as they manage stress, anxiety, trauma, and/or addictions. I work with adults and children to help calm their nervous systems, turn down distress and anxiety, release the pain and trauma from past experiences, and let go of behaviors they no longer wish to engage in. As an EMDRIA approved EMDR Consultant I have the training and experience to help individuals recover from traumatic experiences or relationships, whether recent or from the past, and find the tools to live their best lives today.
Using an intuitive, strengths-based approach, I guide my clients on their journey of healing and thriving as they manage stress, anxiety, trauma, and/or addictions. I work with adults and children to help calm their nervous systems, turn down distress and anxiety, release the pain and trauma from past experiences, and let go of behaviors they no longer wish to engage in. As an EMDRIA approved EMDR Consultant I have the training and experience to help individuals recover from traumatic experiences or relationships, whether recent or from the past, and find the tools to live their best lives today.
We offer emergency family and couple intensive.
I'm a somatic therapist who specializes in EMDR. The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves. I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals and couples make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential, and live their best life. I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.
We offer emergency family and couple intensive.
I'm a somatic therapist who specializes in EMDR. The thing that sparks the most joy for me as a therapist is being the catalyst for positive change. A guide to help individuals find peace within themselves. I love being able to shed light on shadows that might have been overlooked, helping individuals and couples make permanent changes in order for them to reach their full potential, and live their best life. I believe that through our own introspection and deep work we can unlock a world of opportunities.
I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. My approach combines insight, practical tools, and emotional support to help clients feel more grounded, empowered, and connected to themselves. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, emotional overwhelm, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting high-functioning individuals who feel emotionally exhausted, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.
I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore anxiety, trauma, stress, life transitions, and self-esteem challenges. My approach combines insight, practical tools, and emotional support to help clients feel more grounded, empowered, and connected to themselves. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, stress, emotional overwhelm, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy supporting high-functioning individuals who feel emotionally exhausted, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward healing, and I’m honored to walk beside you in this meaningful journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or overwhelming life transitions, I believe in our brain’s ability to reprocess painful experiences and develop new patterns of safety and self-compassion. I work with adults, couples, and teens using a personalized approach that integrates EMDR, and evidence-based modalities to meet your unique needs.
Seeking therapy is a courageous step toward healing, and I’m honored to walk beside you in this meaningful journey. Whether you're navigating anxiety, trauma, or overwhelming life transitions, I believe in our brain’s ability to reprocess painful experiences and develop new patterns of safety and self-compassion. I work with adults, couples, and teens using a personalized approach that integrates EMDR, and evidence-based modalities to meet your unique needs.
More Therapists Nearby
I specialize in working with first responders, law enforcement, and federal employees and provide individual and family treatment.
I enjoy working with individuals and families who want to change conflicting dynamics, communication breakdowns, and dysfunctional patterns/relationships. I am trained in several trauma-focused and evidence-based treatments for those seeking support to rebound from traumatic events and difficult life transitions. Currently I am NOT providing Couples Therapy.
I specialize in working with first responders, law enforcement, and federal employees and provide individual and family treatment.
I enjoy working with individuals and families who want to change conflicting dynamics, communication breakdowns, and dysfunctional patterns/relationships. I am trained in several trauma-focused and evidence-based treatments for those seeking support to rebound from traumatic events and difficult life transitions. Currently I am NOT providing Couples Therapy.
I specialize in supporting first responders and their families, offering trauma-informed care that addresses chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and the impact of critical incidents.
I help individuals, couples, and families navigate trauma, anxiety, burnout, addiction, and relationship challenges. I strive to help those looking to reconnect with themselves and the people they care about, regain balance, and move through life’s challenges with more clarity and ease. My therapy style is warm, straightforward, and conversational. If you’re used to holding everything together, this is your chance to set it down for an hour.
I specialize in supporting first responders and their families, offering trauma-informed care that addresses chronic stress, compassion fatigue, and the impact of critical incidents.
I help individuals, couples, and families navigate trauma, anxiety, burnout, addiction, and relationship challenges. I strive to help those looking to reconnect with themselves and the people they care about, regain balance, and move through life’s challenges with more clarity and ease. My therapy style is warm, straightforward, and conversational. If you’re used to holding everything together, this is your chance to set it down for an hour.
Hola yo soy Natalie! With a holistic lense, I welcome you to consider different reasons that are leading to manifestations of depression, and anxiety. During our time, we will discussed the development of you, and how to start undoing patterns that are no longer serving you in reaching goals you are setting in place. These patterns include conflict with those around you, and how you better navigate those relationships.
Hola yo soy Natalie! With a holistic lense, I welcome you to consider different reasons that are leading to manifestations of depression, and anxiety. During our time, we will discussed the development of you, and how to start undoing patterns that are no longer serving you in reaching goals you are setting in place. These patterns include conflict with those around you, and how you better navigate those relationships.
I work with a diverse range of clients, including those in high-pressure roles such as first responders, veterans, and athletes, as well as individuals facing everyday stress, life transitions, and emotional challenges.
My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic therapy, and I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help you process experiences, build insight, and develop healthier coping tools. We focus on feeling grounded and connected to yourself.
I work with a diverse range of clients, including those in high-pressure roles such as first responders, veterans, and athletes, as well as individuals facing everyday stress, life transitions, and emotional challenges.
My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to you. I draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and psychodynamic therapy, and I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help you process experiences, build insight, and develop healthier coping tools. We focus on feeling grounded and connected to yourself.
I specialize in trauma/PTSD, substance use, military, LEOs, self-defeating behaviors, anger mastery, family of origin issues, marriage/couples counseling, emotional stability, family counseling, parenting, rebuilding healthy relationships and behaviors.
Hello. I am Dr. Alan Acre, clinical psychologist. I was the clinical director of a trauma clinic in San Diego for over four years. If you’re looking for a quality private counseling session with a provider that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I like helping clients conquer difficulties by using evidenced based treatments that allow you to engage life with a peaceful mind, a healthy outlook, and joy. We'll learn how to stop white knuckling life's problems and proudly use effective techniques to engage our family, friends, and co-workers with. Call me for a free consult, or I can help match you with one of our therapists.
I specialize in trauma/PTSD, substance use, military, LEOs, self-defeating behaviors, anger mastery, family of origin issues, marriage/couples counseling, emotional stability, family counseling, parenting, rebuilding healthy relationships and behaviors.
Hello. I am Dr. Alan Acre, clinical psychologist. I was the clinical director of a trauma clinic in San Diego for over four years. If you’re looking for a quality private counseling session with a provider that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I like helping clients conquer difficulties by using evidenced based treatments that allow you to engage life with a peaceful mind, a healthy outlook, and joy. We'll learn how to stop white knuckling life's problems and proudly use effective techniques to engage our family, friends, and co-workers with. Call me for a free consult, or I can help match you with one of our therapists.
My passion lies in supporting first responders, veterans, military personnel, and their families, but my experience extends to working with individuals from all backgrounds, including civilians.
Using a trauma-informed, integrative approach, I tailor my therapy to your needs, incorporating evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to help you heal and regain control over your life.
My passion lies in supporting first responders, veterans, military personnel, and their families, but my experience extends to working with individuals from all backgrounds, including civilians.
Using a trauma-informed, integrative approach, I tailor my therapy to your needs, incorporating evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to help you heal and regain control over your life.
I work with athletes, first responders and adults struggling with performance anxiety and self-doubt.
I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, performance pressure, burnout and unresolved past trauma. Client's that I work with often feel intense physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts that feel out of control, and are usually "pushing through" the symptoms until the event is over- only for it to happen all over agin when the next challenge arises. I work with clients through somatic exercises, cognitive work and deeper brain work through eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to resolve the core conflicts of distress and reduce daily symptoms.
I work with athletes, first responders and adults struggling with performance anxiety and self-doubt.
I specialize in helping adults manage anxiety, performance pressure, burnout and unresolved past trauma. Client's that I work with often feel intense physical symptoms of anxiety, racing thoughts that feel out of control, and are usually "pushing through" the symptoms until the event is over- only for it to happen all over agin when the next challenge arises. I work with clients through somatic exercises, cognitive work and deeper brain work through eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to resolve the core conflicts of distress and reduce daily symptoms.
The most powerful aspect of therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist, which provides a foundation of trust and unconditional acceptance, so that through your therapeutic journey, you have an opportunity to experience wholeness and healing to live a flourishing life. Having worked in a school system for 17 years, I have seen first hand the effect of toxic stress, pain, loneliness, hurt, disappointment, and trauma on the lives of teenagers and adults. I am passionate about guiding both teens and adults on their journey toward healing, providing tools to experience connection, restoration, and wholeness.
The most powerful aspect of therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist, which provides a foundation of trust and unconditional acceptance, so that through your therapeutic journey, you have an opportunity to experience wholeness and healing to live a flourishing life. Having worked in a school system for 17 years, I have seen first hand the effect of toxic stress, pain, loneliness, hurt, disappointment, and trauma on the lives of teenagers and adults. I am passionate about guiding both teens and adults on their journey toward healing, providing tools to experience connection, restoration, and wholeness.
I often work with first responders and military personnel who perform well under pressure but struggle with connection, stress, or repeating patterns.
I help individuals and couples break stuck patterns and improve connection. Using EMDR, CPT, PE, and Neuropsychotherapy, I target how the brain and nervous system drive behavior. My approach is direct, structured, and focused on real, lasting change.
I often work with first responders and military personnel who perform well under pressure but struggle with connection, stress, or repeating patterns.
I help individuals and couples break stuck patterns and improve connection. Using EMDR, CPT, PE, and Neuropsychotherapy, I target how the brain and nervous system drive behavior. My approach is direct, structured, and focused on real, lasting change.
Dr. Ariel
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PsyD, LPCC, CEO
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I work with first responders, veterans, and their families, as well as others navigating high-stress, high-stakes circumstances.
My approach is structured, practical, and tailored to real life. I use EMDR, parts work, and trauma-informed strategies to identify what is getting in the way, process difficult experiences, and build healthier ways of responding. The goal is not simply to talk about symptoms, but to help you function and feel better in the life you actually live.
I work with first responders, veterans, and their families, as well as others navigating high-stress, high-stakes circumstances.
My approach is structured, practical, and tailored to real life. I use EMDR, parts work, and trauma-informed strategies to identify what is getting in the way, process difficult experiences, and build healthier ways of responding. The goal is not simply to talk about symptoms, but to help you function and feel better in the life you actually live.
I provide a direct, supportive, and empowering space where clients can show up authentically and feel genuinely understood. My approach is grounded in collaboration. I work alongside you to identify patterns, build insight, and develop practical tools that support lasting change. I integrate evidence-based practices with a strong emphasis on psychoeducation, helping you better understand yourself and your experiences. I will challenge you while also supporting you. My goal is to help you feel more confident, regulated, and in control of your life. Lasting change starts here, and we will build it together with clarity and intention.
I provide a direct, supportive, and empowering space where clients can show up authentically and feel genuinely understood. My approach is grounded in collaboration. I work alongside you to identify patterns, build insight, and develop practical tools that support lasting change. I integrate evidence-based practices with a strong emphasis on psychoeducation, helping you better understand yourself and your experiences. I will challenge you while also supporting you. My goal is to help you feel more confident, regulated, and in control of your life. Lasting change starts here, and we will build it together with clarity and intention.
Moving? Breaking up? A new job? Transitions are complex and sometimes a minefield to navigate emotionally. It can be hard to understand when everything else seems to align but something in your heart feels off. Perhaps you are in a midst of a change you never imagined would happen to you like a divorce or termination from a well loved job. Don't get stuck there! Let us work together to create space for the kind of life you have been dreaming about.
Moving? Breaking up? A new job? Transitions are complex and sometimes a minefield to navigate emotionally. It can be hard to understand when everything else seems to align but something in your heart feels off. Perhaps you are in a midst of a change you never imagined would happen to you like a divorce or termination from a well loved job. Don't get stuck there! Let us work together to create space for the kind of life you have been dreaming about.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution.
With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
I specialize in EMDR and Brainspotting for First Responders, Veterans, and survivors of trauma.
You aren’t looking for traditional talk therapy; you’re looking to resolve the physiological aftermath of high-stakes stress. Whether you are a First Responder, Veteran, or survivor of complex trauma, "white-knuckling" your way through the day isn't working. I specialize in high-acuity trauma recovery, moving beyond simple conversation into neurological resolution.
With 13+ years of experience, I use EMDR and Brainspotting to target distress where it lives: in the nervous system. My approach is direct, clinical, and built for those who have seen the unthinkable.
John How, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Medical Director of Stella Mental Health Irvine and San Diego (located in Encinitas).
At Stella Mental Health, we offer a holistic, multi-modality approach that combines traditional psychological treatments with innovative, effective treatments such as Spravato (esketamine), ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration and talk therapy.
John How, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and Medical Director of Stella Mental Health Irvine and San Diego (located in Encinitas).
At Stella Mental Health, we offer a holistic, multi-modality approach that combines traditional psychological treatments with innovative, effective treatments such as Spravato (esketamine), ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration and talk therapy.
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Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.