Lesbian Therapists in Solana Beach, CA
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.
Welcome! I am thrilled that you are considering therapy. Therapy is for anyone who is seeking personal growth, resilience for past or current trauma, suffering, and other difficult emotions, and support during the hard bits of life and living. Some of my clients have diagnoses of mood disorders, but most are simply trying to navigate life's challenges. I have particular expertise in working with grief, caregiving, self-identity, and enduring relational themes. Therapy helps my clients feel like they have a partner in their self-work and someone who is always rooting for them.
Welcome! I am thrilled that you are considering therapy. Therapy is for anyone who is seeking personal growth, resilience for past or current trauma, suffering, and other difficult emotions, and support during the hard bits of life and living. Some of my clients have diagnoses of mood disorders, but most are simply trying to navigate life's challenges. I have particular expertise in working with grief, caregiving, self-identity, and enduring relational themes. Therapy helps my clients feel like they have a partner in their self-work and someone who is always rooting for them.
I am accepting new clients for in person therapy!
Are you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself? Do you struggle to identify and express your emotions, leaving you feeling alone, isolated, or hopeless? You may be longing for love, acceptance, and meaningful connection but feel unsure how to take the first step. My ideal clients are women navigating depression, anxiety, identity development, and life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and providing affirming, inclusive care.
I am accepting new clients for in person therapy!
Are you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself? Do you struggle to identify and express your emotions, leaving you feeling alone, isolated, or hopeless? You may be longing for love, acceptance, and meaningful connection but feel unsure how to take the first step. My ideal clients are women navigating depression, anxiety, identity development, and life transitions. I am especially passionate about working with members of the LGBTQ+ community and providing affirming, inclusive care.
Finding a therapist can be daunting, but remember, you made it this far, and it takes courage and vulnerability to seek support. Whether it’s work-life balance, stress and burnout, fertility or trying to conceive struggles, pregnancy and postpartum stress, relationship concerns, family conflict, anxiety, self-esteem or other emotional health issues, you are not ALONE. Life can be difficult to navigate but I have hope that together we can achieve your goals, identify your strengths and get to a point where you are living authentically and fully. BILINGUAL: Spanish & English
Finding a therapist can be daunting, but remember, you made it this far, and it takes courage and vulnerability to seek support. Whether it’s work-life balance, stress and burnout, fertility or trying to conceive struggles, pregnancy and postpartum stress, relationship concerns, family conflict, anxiety, self-esteem or other emotional health issues, you are not ALONE. Life can be difficult to navigate but I have hope that together we can achieve your goals, identify your strengths and get to a point where you are living authentically and fully. BILINGUAL: Spanish & English
Are you feeling so overwhelmed by problems that you've given up hope things will ever change? Do you lose sleep worrying that whatever you do won't be enough? I'd like to help you re-discover your strengths so you can accomplish what seems impossible. Whether it's a dream to begin a new career, to overcome the lingering effects of childhood neglect or trauma, or to raise happy, healthy children, I can help.
Are you feeling so overwhelmed by problems that you've given up hope things will ever change? Do you lose sleep worrying that whatever you do won't be enough? I'd like to help you re-discover your strengths so you can accomplish what seems impossible. Whether it's a dream to begin a new career, to overcome the lingering effects of childhood neglect or trauma, or to raise happy, healthy children, I can help.
I offer a customized approach to all my clients and do not limit myself to one type of treatment modality. I limit my client load in order to provide my clients with more personalized care. My clients are afforded a customized psychological evaluation tailored to answering specific referral questions. With this unique approach, every client will be able to reach their treatment goals more efficiently, by getting the results they want faster. In my concierge counseling practice, I offer extended time in sessions, weekend appointments, mobile visits, phone sessions, priority email reply and feedback.
I offer a customized approach to all my clients and do not limit myself to one type of treatment modality. I limit my client load in order to provide my clients with more personalized care. My clients are afforded a customized psychological evaluation tailored to answering specific referral questions. With this unique approach, every client will be able to reach their treatment goals more efficiently, by getting the results they want faster. In my concierge counseling practice, I offer extended time in sessions, weekend appointments, mobile visits, phone sessions, priority email reply and feedback.
Life looks good on the outside, but inside it feels harder than it should. You may question yourself, feel misaligned, or struggle to connect deeply with your partner. Intimacy, emotional or physical, feels stuck, distant, or filled with shame or anxiety. You might want to feel calm in your body, closeness in your relationships, or simply to feel more like yourself. My clients want relief from old wounds and patterns that keep them shut down. They hope to feel more present, authentic, and connected, allowing them to live a life that feels aligned inside and out.
Life looks good on the outside, but inside it feels harder than it should. You may question yourself, feel misaligned, or struggle to connect deeply with your partner. Intimacy, emotional or physical, feels stuck, distant, or filled with shame or anxiety. You might want to feel calm in your body, closeness in your relationships, or simply to feel more like yourself. My clients want relief from old wounds and patterns that keep them shut down. They hope to feel more present, authentic, and connected, allowing them to live a life that feels aligned inside and out.
You may be a late-diagnosed or self-diagnosed neurodivergent adult—autistic, ADHD, or both—who functions well on the surface but feels chronically exhausted beneath it. Years of masking—monitoring your tone, reactions, productivity, attention, and social cues—can quietly lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense that life requires constant effort. I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults who are ready to reduce masking, rebuild energy, and develop a way of living that supports their nervous system, values, & long-term independence.
You may be a late-diagnosed or self-diagnosed neurodivergent adult—autistic, ADHD, or both—who functions well on the surface but feels chronically exhausted beneath it. Years of masking—monitoring your tone, reactions, productivity, attention, and social cues—can quietly lead to burnout, anxiety, and a sense that life requires constant effort. I specialize in working with neurodivergent adults who are ready to reduce masking, rebuild energy, and develop a way of living that supports their nervous system, values, & long-term independence.
I specialize working with individuals experiencing a variety of life's challenges and mental health issues, such as life transitions and adjustments, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship and family issues, coping skills, new parent parenting, effects of the pandemic, eating disorders, children and parents of and going through divorce, bullying and other issues that arise around teens and social media. I often work with pre-teens, teens and young adults.
I specialize working with individuals experiencing a variety of life's challenges and mental health issues, such as life transitions and adjustments, anxiety, depression, self esteem, relationship and family issues, coping skills, new parent parenting, effects of the pandemic, eating disorders, children and parents of and going through divorce, bullying and other issues that arise around teens and social media. I often work with pre-teens, teens and young adults.
I can help because I have over 25 years of experience in psychology but more than twice that as a caring human being striving to find my own way. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, in prisons and in private practice, with people with all kinds of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Equally important than any experience I might bring to the therapy session, I bring compassion, empathy and an understanding that we're all just doing the best we can.
I can help because I have over 25 years of experience in psychology but more than twice that as a caring human being striving to find my own way. I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, in prisons and in private practice, with people with all kinds of psychological difficulties including depression, anxiety and Schizophrenia. Equally important than any experience I might bring to the therapy session, I bring compassion, empathy and an understanding that we're all just doing the best we can.
My passion is for people and their relationships. Eastern thought teaches us that pain is inevitable, suffering is optional; life and relationships have the ability to create struggles in everyday life that creates pain, but it is through our attitudes, behaviors, and meaning that we place ourselves in situations where we create our own suffering. By helping people find the tools to cultivate their unique skills, I believe we can find the hope and fulfillment to overcome our suffering. My focus is on individuals and couples as they search for connection, intimacy, love and success.
My passion is for people and their relationships. Eastern thought teaches us that pain is inevitable, suffering is optional; life and relationships have the ability to create struggles in everyday life that creates pain, but it is through our attitudes, behaviors, and meaning that we place ourselves in situations where we create our own suffering. By helping people find the tools to cultivate their unique skills, I believe we can find the hope and fulfillment to overcome our suffering. My focus is on individuals and couples as they search for connection, intimacy, love and success.
I am a trauma-specialist working with a range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, family counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs. Working in a wide variety of settings has allowed me to cultivate my clinical skills and versatility in the following areas. Treatment specialization includes: Abuse & Trauma Recovery, EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), EMDR with Children & Adolescents, Registered Play Therapist, Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & Mood disorders, Grief & Loss Counseling, Blended Families & Divorce, Child Custody Evaluations, Parent Mediation, Co-parenting Facilitation & Reunification Therapy.
I am a trauma-specialist working with a range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, family counseling and beyond. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my clients individual needs. Working in a wide variety of settings has allowed me to cultivate my clinical skills and versatility in the following areas. Treatment specialization includes: Abuse & Trauma Recovery, EMDR (EMDRIA Certified), EMDR with Children & Adolescents, Registered Play Therapist, Therapy for Depression, Anxiety & Mood disorders, Grief & Loss Counseling, Blended Families & Divorce, Child Custody Evaluations, Parent Mediation, Co-parenting Facilitation & Reunification Therapy.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples who feel disconnected, reactive, or unsure of themselves despite managing daily life. Individuals may struggle to tolerate emotions, feel grounded in who they are, or experience shame, numbness, or a lack of meaning. Couples may feel stuck in cycles of conflict or distance, with emotional or sexual intimacy feeling strained or unsafe. These clients want more than coping strategies, they want to build emotional capacity, develop a stronger sense of self, and experience deeper, more authentic connection within themselves and their relationships.
My ideal clients are individuals and couples who feel disconnected, reactive, or unsure of themselves despite managing daily life. Individuals may struggle to tolerate emotions, feel grounded in who they are, or experience shame, numbness, or a lack of meaning. Couples may feel stuck in cycles of conflict or distance, with emotional or sexual intimacy feeling strained or unsafe. These clients want more than coping strategies, they want to build emotional capacity, develop a stronger sense of self, and experience deeper, more authentic connection within themselves and their relationships.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I work with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, life transitions, school or academic stress, and feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your teen, therapy offers a space to feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. Together, we'll explore what's getting in the way, build practical coping skills, strengthen confidence and self-awareness, and create meaningful change so you can feel more connected, resilient, and empowered in your daily life.
Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I work with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem challenges, relationship concerns, life transitions, school or academic stress, and feeling stuck, disconnected, or overwhelmed. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or your teen, therapy offers a space to feel heard, understood, and accepted without judgment. Together, we'll explore what's getting in the way, build practical coping skills, strengthen confidence and self-awareness, and create meaningful change so you can feel more connected, resilient, and empowered in your daily life.
If you are facing loss, trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I would be honored to support you. My experience includes working with adults and adolescents in a private practice, a community college, and a hospice on a wide range of issues. I have accompanied clients from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds through their life journeys. I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional, and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.
If you are facing loss, trauma, life transitions, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, I would be honored to support you. My experience includes working with adults and adolescents in a private practice, a community college, and a hospice on a wide range of issues. I have accompanied clients from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds through their life journeys. I am a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Certified Mindfulness Informed Professional, and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.
Hello! I am a passionate therapist interested in walking with you down the road of self discovery. We will work collaboratively in achieving an overall sense of holistic health best suited for your needs. I provide individual, couple, and family therapy in a safe, therapeutic environment. I will support and guide you in learning and practicing new, effective, and healthy ways of living. I integrate various psychological and Eastern methodologies. We will confront present issues as well as empower you to live life to your fullest potential. I believe in creating a harmonious balance between mind, body and spirit.
Hello! I am a passionate therapist interested in walking with you down the road of self discovery. We will work collaboratively in achieving an overall sense of holistic health best suited for your needs. I provide individual, couple, and family therapy in a safe, therapeutic environment. I will support and guide you in learning and practicing new, effective, and healthy ways of living. I integrate various psychological and Eastern methodologies. We will confront present issues as well as empower you to live life to your fullest potential. I believe in creating a harmonious balance between mind, body and spirit.
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
Do you Over-Think things? Over-Experience your emotions? Do you struggle to focus or complete tasks? Difficulty sleeping? Putting off your mental health is no longer an option! With over 75 clinical experts, WellPsyche and MediPsych providers provide Empathetic Psychotherapy and Personalized Medication Management services for Children, Adolescents, and Adults. 100% of our visits are conducted via Zoom, and we are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Meet with your psychiatrist from the privacy and convenience of home or work. We are simplifying the mental health experience so you can become the best version of you!
As a psychotherapist, I believe utilizing evidence-based psychotherapy interventions are crucial in providing effective and ethical treatment. By incorporating these strategies, I am ensuring that my clients receive interventions that have been scientifically validated and have demonstrated positive outcomes. This approach also emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment to the individual's unique needs and preferences.
As a psychotherapist, I believe utilizing evidence-based psychotherapy interventions are crucial in providing effective and ethical treatment. By incorporating these strategies, I am ensuring that my clients receive interventions that have been scientifically validated and have demonstrated positive outcomes. This approach also emphasizes the importance of tailoring treatment to the individual's unique needs and preferences.
Let’s say it...life can be hard! It takes courage to ask for help and I’m here to help you develop greater self-understanding and to cope with your concerns better. Family and relationship problems, microaggressions and discriminations, financial stress, work and academic demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unmanaged self-critical thoughts and rejection of our natural emotions make it worse and can lead to depression and excess anxiety. You may find that the coping strategies you’ve used in the past are no longer working for you. Well, I am here to help support your journey towards building the sort of life you want.
Let’s say it...life can be hard! It takes courage to ask for help and I’m here to help you develop greater self-understanding and to cope with your concerns better. Family and relationship problems, microaggressions and discriminations, financial stress, work and academic demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unmanaged self-critical thoughts and rejection of our natural emotions make it worse and can lead to depression and excess anxiety. You may find that the coping strategies you’ve used in the past are no longer working for you. Well, I am here to help support your journey towards building the sort of life you want.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in self-doubt, or impacted by past experiences, you’re not alone. You may notice it not only in your thoughts, but in your body through tension, restlessness, feeling on edge, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re a teen navigating intense emotions or an adult wanting to feel more grounded, confident, and secure, therapy can offer a supportive place to begin.
Together, we’ll create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, better understand what’s coming up, and reconnect with your mind, body, and sense of self.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stuck in self-doubt, or impacted by past experiences, you’re not alone. You may notice it not only in your thoughts, but in your body through tension, restlessness, feeling on edge, or feeling disconnected from yourself. Whether you’re a teen navigating intense emotions or an adult wanting to feel more grounded, confident, and secure, therapy can offer a supportive place to begin.
Together, we’ll create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, better understand what’s coming up, and reconnect with your mind, body, and sense of self.
See more therapy options for Solana Beach
Nearby Lesbian Therapists Searches for Solana Beach
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Diego
- San Marcos
- 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.