Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in California

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and/or trauma I am here to help. I have worked in community clinics and public service settings including UC San Diego and VA San Diego and am experienced in providing evidence based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT ), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE).

Have you lived through an event or series of events that impact your daily living? The human spirit can survive some of the most tragic and heartbreaking experiences. These experiences can leave us feeling guilty, confused, frustrated, and hopeless. I specialize in treating trauma in adolescents, young adults, and families by empowering clients to redefine these events and allow themselves to practice self-compassion. I also treat the co-occurring disorders that often accompany trauma, such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and grief and loss.

I provide individual therapy for adults who are seeking to heal prior family wounds and traumas, improve their current relationships and quality of life, and are seeking support during times of transition - especially to parenthood. My personal belief is that there are three things that cause an immense amount of suffering for most people; 1) our inability to effectively identify, feel, and communicate our emotions, 2) our difficulty with tolerating uncertainty, and 3) our tendency to get stuck in patterns of rigidity. My work tends to be emotion-focused, helping clients to live more freely and flexibly.

Hi, I’m Dr. Melissa Murren, a clinical psychologist specialized in health and wellness. I love working with people who are going through changes that are getting in the way of them feeling like themselves. If life is changing too fast (or not fast enough!) and you're having trouble making sense of it all, I can help. Sometimes this can look like sleepless nights, difficulty concentrating, feeling worried and preoccupied, not enjoying things anymore, feeling numb and checked out, feeling scared, guilty, and ashamed - or maybe all of these at once.

Is a chronic or serious illness impacting your life? Are you struggling with anxiety, adjustment to illness, uncertainty, role changes, loss, or depression? Do you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or isolated in your experience? I can help you. I help clients navigate the impact that illness has on all areas of their lives. Please note that I am part of the Compassionate Integrative Counseling Group. Our group consists of three seasoned therapists who specialize in working with patients, caregivers, and loved ones around the complexities of serious illness.

I specialize in evidence-based treatments for children, teens, and young adults with anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and behavior problems. I have extensive experience working with clients from diverse, multicultural backgrounds. I strive to provide therapy that is grounded in science, while honoring the unique needs of each individual. My approach is deeply relational, and I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space for you to understand your struggles and learn new tools. I am passionate about empowering clients to face their fears, change unhelpful patterns, heal from trauma, and develop more self-compassion.

I am passionate about the resiliency of the human spirit in healing from trauma, creating & nurturing engaging relationships, & finding our way through life’s transitions. I view therapy as a tool to create a safe space to show up authentically and work toward living the life you seek. My work is with children (8 & up), teens, adults, & couples who are healing from trauma, working on identity, body image, & self-esteem, experiencing anxiety, depression, & stress, recovering from narcissistic, sexual, or intimate partner abuse, having difficulty with dating/relationships, & working through divorce, co-parenting, & blending families.

We all struggle with emotional upheaval during times of stress and transition. Excessive worry, sadness, shame and hopelessness impact our daily lives and those who love us. Couples and families are challenged with the loss of connection and attachment that leads family conflict and a lack of mutually gratifying relationships. By defining our values and our goals we can learn to clarify what is important in our lives and how to enjoy life despite the many challenges we face.

If you are worried about the future, notice yourself ruminating on the past, or are having difficulty changing behaviors, or are hoping to create change in your relationships, it would be an honor to support you as you take steps towards healing. I can partner with you, aiding with coping skills, building insight, and providing a lens of self compassion and genuine care as you build a life that you experience as meaningful and fulfilling.

Hello, I'm Faith (she/her/hers) an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with experience and passion for supporting children, adolescents, and adults through major life stressors and general mental health journeys. As a black queer woman, I have a special interest in serving marginalized communities by providing culturally competent and LGBTQ+ affirming care to all ages and walks of life. I recognize the importance of creating a safe therapeutic space where clients feel empowered to show up as their authentic selves every day.

Julie Williams (They/She) is a compassionate, authentic, and experienced Mental Health Clinician that guides clients in gaining greater self-awareness and self- acceptance using Holistic, Transpersonal, and Somatic approaches for individual adults, teens, children, &/or families. Holistic Psychotherapy with Julie is for you if you are looking to learn ways to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or post traumatic stress through the use of mindfulness-based coping skills. Centered on each individual’s unique needs and preferences, Julie weaves together several different therapeutic approaches and psychological theories.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT ) for adults and young adults experiencing OCD, and related anxiety spectrum disorders. Typical clients are high-functioning adults who struggle to manage their symptoms daily. I can travel to nearby areas for Exposure & Response prevention therapy to treat OCD, phobias, or other issues requiring this intensive treatment.

Dr. Tressa Stiles is a licensed psychologist in the states of CA & GA. She is a generalist practitioner who takes pride in helping individuals reach their therapeutic goals. She obtains great satisfaction from helping clients overcome depression, anxiety, job stress, and intimate partner conflict. Having trained directly under renowned psychologist, Dr. Lenore Walker, who coined the term Battered Women Syndrome, Dr. Stiles has developed a deep passion for treating survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. She has assisted with research, delivered trainings, and was featured on the news, due to her expertise in this area.

Life is filled with challenges that can feel chaotic and sometimes hopeless. If you’re struggling with rumination, anxiety or overwhelming sadness, you may also be feeling alone with it. Suffering can be invisible. I’m here to walk along side you and provide a safe place to explore what is underneath. Maybe you’re starting to feel like you have a problem that cannot be solved. Together we will work towards reaching your goals. My passion is helping others maximize their strengths, enhance their well-being, and learn tools for coping with life's challenges. You've come this far, don't let worry, fear, or hopelessness get in your way.

The last few years have been difficult. Some have found their way towards stability and happiness, others still struggle and feel lost. Although this is a very challenging time for the world, I feel optimistic that as a society, we have been given the opportunity to re-evaluate the trajectory of our lives and to discover what brings us meaning and joy again. As a Therapist trained in CBT, ACT , Behavioral Intervention, and Existential Therapy, I have successfully partnered with many clients who felt lost, anxious, and unable to cope with the changes life has thrust upon them.

Julia Johnson, LCSW believes in the dignity and worth of all people. She has 17 years of experience working in health care and providing therapy, and has witnessed first-hand people becoming anxious, depressed and overwhelmed when their lives transform due to illness or changes out of their control. Julia has empathy and compassion to listen to others and help with the many changes and adjustments they face.

Thanks for checking out my profile! If you've felt like traditional talk therapy hasn't worked for you, you're not alone. Many of my clients are seeking more structure, concrete goals, and practical solutions. As someone with ADHD myself, I understand your unique needs, and I bring innovative approaches to our sessions. Together, we'll assess your past to make sense of how it is affecting the present you. I utilize radical acceptance and a solution focused approach so we can make meaningful progress. My work is focused on supporting neurodivergent individuals, and I bring a trauma-informed lens.

John T. Sorrell, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist (PSY21440) in California with broad-based training in health psychology and primary care mental health with a specialization in chronic pain management. He helps adults clarify what is most important to them, develop and apply new perspectives and coping approaches, reduce struggle and suffering, and support individuals to get back into life and live more effectively.

Educated and trained at Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and within the Veterans Health Administration, my work targets issues including depression, anxiety, challenging life transitions, and chronic pain. I have specific expertise in working with young adults (ages 18 and up), older adults, and veterans.