Christian Therapists in Vista, CA
Seeking mental health therapy is a powerful step toward personal growth and healing. It takes courage to confront life’s challenges and prioritize your well-being. In therapy, I provide the tools and support to help you navigate difficulties and thrive. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered. I utilize integrative modalities (CBT, Solution-Focused, EMDR & more) to meet each client’s unique needs. My experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, communication, parenting, adoption-related issues, grief, adult ADHD, and trauma.
Seeking mental health therapy is a powerful step toward personal growth and healing. It takes courage to confront life’s challenges and prioritize your well-being. In therapy, I provide the tools and support to help you navigate difficulties and thrive. My approach is trauma-informed and client-centered. I utilize integrative modalities (CBT, Solution-Focused, EMDR & more) to meet each client’s unique needs. My experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions, communication, parenting, adoption-related issues, grief, adult ADHD, and trauma.
Most of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or carrying heavy experiences they’ve tried to push through on their own. Many of whom are military veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking, or professionals with highly sensitive roles who need a safe, confidential space to process trauma. They’re often dealing with PTSD, anxiety, flashbacks, or relationship struggles, and they’re ready for real change. I can help by combining EMDR with practical, evidence-based tools to reprocess painful memories so they no longer control your present. You’ll gain clarity, reduce anxiety, rebuild trust in yourself again.
Most of my clients come to me feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or carrying heavy experiences they’ve tried to push through on their own. Many of whom are military veterans, first responders, survivors of human trafficking, or professionals with highly sensitive roles who need a safe, confidential space to process trauma. They’re often dealing with PTSD, anxiety, flashbacks, or relationship struggles, and they’re ready for real change. I can help by combining EMDR with practical, evidence-based tools to reprocess painful memories so they no longer control your present. You’ll gain clarity, reduce anxiety, rebuild trust in yourself again.
Summer can be a season of growth! Just as nature flourishes in the warmth and light, this season can be an opportunity to invest in your own growth journey.
Hi I'm Kelsey, and I help college students and moms overcome stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. I meet with clients in California (in-person and virtual) and South Carolina (virtual).
Working with me, you will develop skills and insight that will help you meet your personal goals. This time of year can bring on a lot of stressors. I can help you through this season and help empower you to make confident choices.
Summer can be a season of growth! Just as nature flourishes in the warmth and light, this season can be an opportunity to invest in your own growth journey.
Hi I'm Kelsey, and I help college students and moms overcome stress, anxiety, and overwhelm. I meet with clients in California (in-person and virtual) and South Carolina (virtual).
Working with me, you will develop skills and insight that will help you meet your personal goals. This time of year can bring on a lot of stressors. I can help you through this season and help empower you to make confident choices.
As a woman of faith, I understand the values and concerns of my Christian clients, and I know the power of God to heal and restore.
I do very deep work with my individual, married, and group clients: healing the wounds that underlie compulsions and addictions, depression and anxiety, anger and abuse, codependency and sexual problems. I often find that an unrecognized power imbalance is at the root of couple's conflict, and I specialize in all aspects of sex addiction recovery.
As a woman of faith, I understand the values and concerns of my Christian clients, and I know the power of God to heal and restore.
I do very deep work with my individual, married, and group clients: healing the wounds that underlie compulsions and addictions, depression and anxiety, anger and abuse, codependency and sexual problems. I often find that an unrecognized power imbalance is at the root of couple's conflict, and I specialize in all aspects of sex addiction recovery.
Paula Ratter
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PsyD, RN
3 Endorsed
Vista, CA 92081
Waitlist for new clients
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
I don't have an ideal client. I want to met people where they are at. If you've never had therapy before, it’s important to be aware we don’t start talking about the hard stuff. It can take 2-3 sessions for someone to feel comfortable enough to tell another person what they are struggling with. Therapists cannot read minds, but have studied human patterns of thoughts, feelings & actions. No one can truly know the exact consequences a person has experienced in their life. Regardless of the reason why someone is seeking therapy, there is no judgment, no criticism…just acceptance. People can heal & grow in this type of environment.
Good news! I accept many insurance plans: please see list below! l am accepting new clients in-person sessions or via tele-health secure portal. I work with individuals who want to develop new skills to address areas where they are experiencing distress. Many of my clients are grieving the loss of a loved one, struggling with parenting difficulties, anxiety, depression or addictions. If you need someone who listens and understands the challenges of going through difficult transitions, how to improve relationships, breaking the hold of addictions, and developing a meaningful life, give me a call.
Good news! I accept many insurance plans: please see list below! l am accepting new clients in-person sessions or via tele-health secure portal. I work with individuals who want to develop new skills to address areas where they are experiencing distress. Many of my clients are grieving the loss of a loved one, struggling with parenting difficulties, anxiety, depression or addictions. If you need someone who listens and understands the challenges of going through difficult transitions, how to improve relationships, breaking the hold of addictions, and developing a meaningful life, give me a call.
Are you a teen or adult feeling stuck, disconnected, or searching for deeper meaning in your life? I'm Dr. Sean Noe, a therapist at Coastal Therapy Group in Encinitas, Vista, and Carlsbad. I specialize in helping clients navigate life transitions, relationship struggles, grief, identity questions, and existential concerns. I use a psychodynamic, relational approach to help you understand the patterns shaping your life — and build a stronger sense of clarity, purpose, and connection. I also co-lead Real Talk, a weekly adult therapy group, and provide psychological testing for ADHD.
Are you a teen or adult feeling stuck, disconnected, or searching for deeper meaning in your life? I'm Dr. Sean Noe, a therapist at Coastal Therapy Group in Encinitas, Vista, and Carlsbad. I specialize in helping clients navigate life transitions, relationship struggles, grief, identity questions, and existential concerns. I use a psychodynamic, relational approach to help you understand the patterns shaping your life — and build a stronger sense of clarity, purpose, and connection. I also co-lead Real Talk, a weekly adult therapy group, and provide psychological testing for ADHD.
Do you find yourself second-guessing yourself, stuck in worry, or wondering if you're ever good enough? Maybe you're navigating a major life transition—such as pregnancy, a career change, relationship challenges, graduation, or another significant shift—and feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself.
You want a space where you feel safe and supported, where you can process difficult emotions and better understand yourself and your relationships.
Do you find yourself second-guessing yourself, stuck in worry, or wondering if you're ever good enough? Maybe you're navigating a major life transition—such as pregnancy, a career change, relationship challenges, graduation, or another significant shift—and feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure of yourself.
You want a space where you feel safe and supported, where you can process difficult emotions and better understand yourself and your relationships.
Navigating life’s most challenging moments can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn. But with the proper support, it’s possible to feel empowered and regain a sense of direction. Whether you’re experiencing relationship difficulties, managing a mental health condition, coping with the loss of a loved one, or facing other personal struggles, know that healing is possible.
In my practice, I draw on evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help clients make meaningful changes and work toward their therapy goals in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.
Navigating life’s most challenging moments can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn. But with the proper support, it’s possible to feel empowered and regain a sense of direction. Whether you’re experiencing relationship difficulties, managing a mental health condition, coping with the loss of a loved one, or facing other personal struggles, know that healing is possible.
In my practice, I draw on evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques to help clients make meaningful changes and work toward their therapy goals in a safe, supportive, and confidential environment.
Rancho Bernardo Counseling Services(with offices in RB and San Marcos) exists to help you with counseling and support as you address your life, relationships and challenges that face you. With years of experience, Dr. Samuel Brumit would like to help you where you at and get you to where you want to go. He'll help you examine your issues with lots of care. Relationships can be challenging and sometimes you just need help in learning skills to enhance communication, resolve conflict, etc. RB Counseling services can help. We take Insurance. such as Aetna, United Health Care, Oxford, Optum,Quest Blue Cross Anthem etc.
Rancho Bernardo Counseling Services(with offices in RB and San Marcos) exists to help you with counseling and support as you address your life, relationships and challenges that face you. With years of experience, Dr. Samuel Brumit would like to help you where you at and get you to where you want to go. He'll help you examine your issues with lots of care. Relationships can be challenging and sometimes you just need help in learning skills to enhance communication, resolve conflict, etc. RB Counseling services can help. We take Insurance. such as Aetna, United Health Care, Oxford, Optum,Quest Blue Cross Anthem etc.
Your teen used to seem more motivated, connected, or confident, but lately they appear withdrawn, numb, or checked out from the world around them. Maybe they spend most of their time isolated in their room, have lost interest in things they once enjoyed, or respond with “I don’t know” to almost everything. Beneath the shutdown, you sense sadness, hopelessness, or a belief that nothing will really change. As a parent, it can feel painful and helpless watching your teen disappear emotionally while not knowing how to reach them.
Your teen used to seem more motivated, connected, or confident, but lately they appear withdrawn, numb, or checked out from the world around them. Maybe they spend most of their time isolated in their room, have lost interest in things they once enjoyed, or respond with “I don’t know” to almost everything. Beneath the shutdown, you sense sadness, hopelessness, or a belief that nothing will really change. As a parent, it can feel painful and helpless watching your teen disappear emotionally while not knowing how to reach them.
When life knocks us down, sometimes we need support to get back up. If you are reading this, my bet is you are looking for that kind of support right now, either for yourself or someone you love.
Hello, I’m Mike and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion lies in helping clients overcome their challenges, bravely set new goals, and reach a place of deeper understanding and self-awareness. I have a connection to individuals who may feel nervous, scared, or uncertain about the therapy process, because I've been there myself—many times.
When life knocks us down, sometimes we need support to get back up. If you are reading this, my bet is you are looking for that kind of support right now, either for yourself or someone you love.
Hello, I’m Mike and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. My passion lies in helping clients overcome their challenges, bravely set new goals, and reach a place of deeper understanding and self-awareness. I have a connection to individuals who may feel nervous, scared, or uncertain about the therapy process, because I've been there myself—many times.
Are you experiencing anxiety or have history of trauma? I work with individual adults struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, shame, boundary and self-esteem issues. Offering a spiritual, sensitive, holistic, client-centered approach, I can guide those who are seeking a place of healing and stability. Focusing on your strengths we'll work together to uncover insights and unhealthy patterns to discover solutions and help identify new perspectives for building your resilience. Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, you are NOT the rain.
Are you experiencing anxiety or have history of trauma? I work with individual adults struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, shame, boundary and self-esteem issues. Offering a spiritual, sensitive, holistic, client-centered approach, I can guide those who are seeking a place of healing and stability. Focusing on your strengths we'll work together to uncover insights and unhealthy patterns to discover solutions and help identify new perspectives for building your resilience. Mental health problems don't define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain, but, you are NOT the rain.
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Our overall mission is to promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family, and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!
Hi there! My name is Michelle Naidenoff and I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, relational issues, grief and loss, stress management, and codependency issues. I take a holistic approach to therapy, collaborating closely with my clients to create an individualized treatment plan. I take a collaborative approach to goal setting and encourage goals that are valuable to each client’s growth and development of their skills.
Hi there! My name is Michelle Naidenoff and I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, relational issues, grief and loss, stress management, and codependency issues. I take a holistic approach to therapy, collaborating closely with my clients to create an individualized treatment plan. I take a collaborative approach to goal setting and encourage goals that are valuable to each client’s growth and development of their skills.
You’ve managed your anxiety for a while but lately it’s feeling more like your anxiety is managing you. You just want a moment of peace, where your mind isn’t spinning with what-ifs and to-dos, leaving you buzzing and frozen at the same time. You have some “coping skills” but lately even those feel as effective as putting out a wildfire with a squirt gun. And no matter how much others try to reassure you, you can’t shake the ever-present thought, “Yeah, but what if they’re WRONG?”
You’ve managed your anxiety for a while but lately it’s feeling more like your anxiety is managing you. You just want a moment of peace, where your mind isn’t spinning with what-ifs and to-dos, leaving you buzzing and frozen at the same time. You have some “coping skills” but lately even those feel as effective as putting out a wildfire with a squirt gun. And no matter how much others try to reassure you, you can’t shake the ever-present thought, “Yeah, but what if they’re WRONG?”
You might be someone others see as “having it together”—responsible, capable, dependable. But on the inside maybe you’re overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally drained, or carrying the impact of past trauma, and not quite like yourself.
We work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and life transitions. Many are used to pushing through alone, so reaching out can feel unfamiliar—but also relieving.
In therapy, you don’t have to hold everything in. We’ll make sense of what’s weighing on you and find practical ways to help you feel more grounded, clear, and in control again.
You might be someone others see as “having it together”—responsible, capable, dependable. But on the inside maybe you’re overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally drained, or carrying the impact of past trauma, and not quite like yourself.
We work with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and life transitions. Many are used to pushing through alone, so reaching out can feel unfamiliar—but also relieving.
In therapy, you don’t have to hold everything in. We’ll make sense of what’s weighing on you and find practical ways to help you feel more grounded, clear, and in control again.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Starting therapy can be scary. You are taking a great first step. I am here to help you throughout this journey. I specialize in depression, anxiety, addiction, and other severe mental illnesses. I have a client-centered collaborative approach to therapy. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals. I am here to provide a safe and supportive environment for you. Please reach out if you have any questions.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
My name is Christine Dougherty and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over a decade. My focus areas include; working with adolescents, adults, and families. My theoretical approach often depends on the specific needs of the individual. Some common approaches I use include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family systems therapy. I encourage clients to start from where they are and break down large goals into smaller more attainable parts.
Emily is currently accepting new clients. Throughout our lives, we all encounter many defining moments that have lasting imprints on who we are and who we become. Although this is a universal lived experience, not everyone has social support or a plan for how to navigate this process. Therapy is an effective method of providing additional support to help these life transitions seem less daunting and more doable. Emily is committed to working alongside clients to understand their lived experiences, while improving quality of life.
Emily is currently accepting new clients. Throughout our lives, we all encounter many defining moments that have lasting imprints on who we are and who we become. Although this is a universal lived experience, not everyone has social support or a plan for how to navigate this process. Therapy is an effective method of providing additional support to help these life transitions seem less daunting and more doable. Emily is committed to working alongside clients to understand their lived experiences, while improving quality of life.
See more therapy options for Vista
Nearby Christian Therapists Searches for Vista
- Bonsall
- Cardiff
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Escondido
- Fallbrook
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Valley Center
FAQ - About Christian Counselling
What can a Christian therapist help with?
Many Christian counselors incorporate faith-based principles into psychotherapy and draw guidance from biblical writings. This approach may be particularly helpful if you are experiencing concerns related to faith, prolonged grief, substance use, or questions about life’s purpose. Christian therapists may also offer marital, premarital, or family counseling. These can be helpful options if your concerns are more relational in nature, such as communication challenges in a marriage, conflict within a family, or adjustment following a major family transition, such as divorce or a move.
How does Christian faith shape the therapy experience?
Christian faith can shape the therapy experience by giving you a familiar framework for discussing meaning, purpose, forgiveness, relationships, and hope in sessions. For clients who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may draw on Christian values, prayer, or spiritual reflection alongside other therapeutic approaches. In addition, while training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has shown that a strong alliance between you and your therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns, but also shares a client’s faith and values. Nevertheless, an ethical Christian therapist should be clear about how they incorporate faith and should respect the level of spiritual discussion that feels right for you.
Does Christian therapy work across different denominations?
Christian therapy can be helpful for people from various different Christian traditions, including Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and Anglican backgrounds. Many Christian therapists are able to support clients across denominations by focusing on shared Christian values, such as faith, prayer, forgiveness, and hope. That said, denomination can matter for some clients. A person’s identified denomination may shape how they understand relationships and life roles. If these differences are important to you, it may be helpful to ask a therapist whether they have experience working with clients from your specific denomination or faith tradition.
Can a Christian therapist help with marriage and couples counseling?
Christian faith-based therapy can take many different forms, including marriage counseling and couples counseling. Some therapists may also offer Christian pre-marital counseling. In these settings, Christian therapists may work with couples on concerns such as communication, conflict, trust, intimacy, parenting, and major life transitions. A Christian therapist may also help couples explore how shared Christian beliefs shape the relationship. They may encourage you and your partner to practice skills learned in therapy in your everyday lives, including both faith-based practices and non-faith-based tools, such as prayer or communication skills.
Can a Christian therapist help with sensitive issues like sex, trauma, or addiction?
Licensed therapists with adequate training should be equipped to help with a number of sensitive issues, including sex, trauma, and addiction. For clients who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may help explore how your spiritual beliefs relate to your challenges, healing, and recovery. A competent and ethical Christian therapist should not judge, shame, or impose a particular belief when discussing these topics, and if you feel judged, it may be time to seek another therapist.
How can a Christian therapist support family therapy?
Christian family therapy can help families address conflict, communication challenges, parenting concerns, grief, or adjustment following a major life transition. A Christian therapist may support family members in understanding one another’s perspectives, improving communication, setting healthier boundaries, and rebuilding trust. For families who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may also help explore how family values related to Christianity can support healing.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience working with Christian clients?
If religion is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with Christian clients. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask how they incorporate Christian values into therapy or how they approach certain topics that matter to you. As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A strong therapeutic alliance does not necessarily require a therapist to share your religious background, but they should respond to your concerns with respect and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed, misunderstood, or find yourself having to explain your beliefs constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles and have identified as Christian. It shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.