Therapists in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA
Elizabeth Cowell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Do you find youself saying, "No one understands me" or "I feel alone" or "No one loves me". These are negative cognitions that have developed over time either through trauma or attachment injuries. These cognitions hold you back from being the best version of yourself. With patience and persistence, I can help you lessen these negative cognitions and experience a more fulfilling life with your loved ones. I do this by using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, and EMDR.
Do you find youself saying, "No one understands me" or "I feel alone" or "No one loves me". These are negative cognitions that have developed over time either through trauma or attachment injuries. These cognitions hold you back from being the best version of yourself. With patience and persistence, I can help you lessen these negative cognitions and experience a more fulfilling life with your loved ones. I do this by using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, and EMDR.
Sarah Schumacher
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
I enjoy working with adults, children, military, LEOs, regarding behaviors, anger, family issues, couples, emotional stability, family counseling, parenting, rebuilding healthy relationships, anxiety, and depression.
Hello, I am Sarah Schumacher, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working in the mental health field since 2018 and I was previously a lead clinician. Prior to being a therapist, I spent 20 years in the army, and served several tours in Afghanistan. If you’re looking for quality private counseling with a provider that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I love helping people overcome the difficulties that life brings and assisting my clients to feel empowered as they learn the skills necessary to prevail and enjoy a happy, healthy, and successful life. I enjoy working with adults and children.
I enjoy working with adults, children, military, LEOs, regarding behaviors, anger, family issues, couples, emotional stability, family counseling, parenting, rebuilding healthy relationships, anxiety, and depression.
Hello, I am Sarah Schumacher, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been working in the mental health field since 2018 and I was previously a lead clinician. Prior to being a therapist, I spent 20 years in the army, and served several tours in Afghanistan. If you’re looking for quality private counseling with a provider that cares, then you’ve come to the right place. I love helping people overcome the difficulties that life brings and assisting my clients to feel empowered as they learn the skills necessary to prevail and enjoy a happy, healthy, and successful life. I enjoy working with adults and children.
It’s true that change starts with the choice to seek support - and here you are! Let’s take the next step together. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive private practice and non-profit experience working with youth, couples, and families who have experienced relationship challenges, trauma, grief and loss, caring for family members with mental health or developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as addiction and recovery from substance use disorders.
It’s true that change starts with the choice to seek support - and here you are! Let’s take the next step together. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive private practice and non-profit experience working with youth, couples, and families who have experienced relationship challenges, trauma, grief and loss, caring for family members with mental health or developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as addiction and recovery from substance use disorders.
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.
I especially love working with couples too!.
My name is Joel Gamache. I am an LMFT in California, working with teens, adults, and couples in a psychodynamic approach. I specialize in traumatic stress, resolving childhood experiences, panic/anxiety attacks, thoughts of death, marital conflict, and relational communication. I use a combination of body-based therapies, self-compassion, attachment theory, object relations theory. I typically ask about what is currently happening in people's lives and use that to explore unresolved experiences in the past.
I especially love working with couples too!.
My name is Joel Gamache. I am an LMFT in California, working with teens, adults, and couples in a psychodynamic approach. I specialize in traumatic stress, resolving childhood experiences, panic/anxiety attacks, thoughts of death, marital conflict, and relational communication. I use a combination of body-based therapies, self-compassion, attachment theory, object relations theory. I typically ask about what is currently happening in people's lives and use that to explore unresolved experiences in the past.
Cesar Lagleva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92111
My name is Cesar Lagleva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the greater Bay Area, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, and racial and other forms of trauma, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Multicultural Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Cesar Lagleva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the greater Bay Area, California, and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples and specialize in anxiety, depression, stress, and racial and other forms of trauma, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Multicultural Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
Dr. Vika Gallich
Psychological Associate, PhD, MA
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Are you facing challenges due to chronic pain, trauma, brain injury, medical crises, or chronic health conditions? Struggling to cope with emotions and daily tasks? Imagine having a provider who understands the mind-body connection, exploring all aspects of your well-being so that you can experience the healing you deserve. I recognize the profound impact of these struggles on work, relationships, and self-care. You might feel overwhelmed or hopeless? But you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I am dedicated to guiding you through your healing journey, addressing your unique needs with a comprehensive, holistic approach.
Are you facing challenges due to chronic pain, trauma, brain injury, medical crises, or chronic health conditions? Struggling to cope with emotions and daily tasks? Imagine having a provider who understands the mind-body connection, exploring all aspects of your well-being so that you can experience the healing you deserve. I recognize the profound impact of these struggles on work, relationships, and self-care. You might feel overwhelmed or hopeless? But you don't have to navigate this journey alone. I am dedicated to guiding you through your healing journey, addressing your unique needs with a comprehensive, holistic approach.
Miyoung Son
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Reaching out for help can be challenging for many. As psychotherapy aims at positive changes you desire, I am honored to provide a safe place for your self-exploration and reflection in which you can gain your inner peace and change you long for. Being specialized in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence, I can offer some resolution in your trauma work. Trauma can penetrate not only your emotional well-being but also almost every facet of your life. My warm and peaceful presence would guide you through an effective treatment you deserve. My other specialties include performance anxiety, and psychological impotence (ED).
Reaching out for help can be challenging for many. As psychotherapy aims at positive changes you desire, I am honored to provide a safe place for your self-exploration and reflection in which you can gain your inner peace and change you long for. Being specialized in trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse and domestic violence, I can offer some resolution in your trauma work. Trauma can penetrate not only your emotional well-being but also almost every facet of your life. My warm and peaceful presence would guide you through an effective treatment you deserve. My other specialties include performance anxiety, and psychological impotence (ED).
I believe that we all make sense of our lives based on our experiences and relationships. Often, the stories we tell ourselves (or have been told by others) about our worth, our capabilities, our potential, and/or our lovability, are unhelpful narratives that hold us back in our lives. Identifying these thoughts/belief systems and learning to dismantle them is of primary importance in living a more content and intentional life. My clients return to therapy with me because they see me as skillful ally and compassionate presence that helps them to identify and break down the barriers that keep them from living more fulfilling lives.
I believe that we all make sense of our lives based on our experiences and relationships. Often, the stories we tell ourselves (or have been told by others) about our worth, our capabilities, our potential, and/or our lovability, are unhelpful narratives that hold us back in our lives. Identifying these thoughts/belief systems and learning to dismantle them is of primary importance in living a more content and intentional life. My clients return to therapy with me because they see me as skillful ally and compassionate presence that helps them to identify and break down the barriers that keep them from living more fulfilling lives.
Susie VanDyke
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
Hello, I am Susie VanDyke, and I love working with PTSD, trauma, alcohol use, and substance use issues. I especially enjoy working with veterans, first responders, their families, and anyone going through difficult times. I graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 and have over fifteen years of experience in various mental health and hospital settings, with a concentration in military and first responders. I love helping people improve their lives and want them to feel better as quickly as possible. I enjoy helping people who are feeling hopeless about their situations because of tough circumstances.
Hello, I am Susie VanDyke, and I love working with PTSD, trauma, alcohol use, and substance use issues. I especially enjoy working with veterans, first responders, their families, and anyone going through difficult times. I graduated with a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 and have over fifteen years of experience in various mental health and hospital settings, with a concentration in military and first responders. I love helping people improve their lives and want them to feel better as quickly as possible. I enjoy helping people who are feeling hopeless about their situations because of tough circumstances.
Sharlene Justo
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
It is so courageous to be human, especially for QTBIPOC folx. The freedom to be or express ourselves can feel impossible. The big emotions with life transitions and internal crises can be overwhelming. The pressures of family and cultural expectations can make you feel lost or inadequate. The confusion of answering existential questions: “Who am I?” or “Why am I like this?” can be a never ending spiral. We are not meant to navigate our humanness alone. Together, we can hold the tenderness and expansion of life. I am a queer Khmer Filipinx gender fluid person with roots from the Central Valley of CA.
It is so courageous to be human, especially for QTBIPOC folx. The freedom to be or express ourselves can feel impossible. The big emotions with life transitions and internal crises can be overwhelming. The pressures of family and cultural expectations can make you feel lost or inadequate. The confusion of answering existential questions: “Who am I?” or “Why am I like this?” can be a never ending spiral. We are not meant to navigate our humanness alone. Together, we can hold the tenderness and expansion of life. I am a queer Khmer Filipinx gender fluid person with roots from the Central Valley of CA.
15 Second Videos
Sarah Schumacher
Alan Acre
Susie VanDyke
Cecelia Gillespie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92111
Hello, my name is Cecelia Pooley Gillespie, LCSW, SEP. I work with all ages, with a recent focus on youth and families, including those in rural and Indigenous communities.. I can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, parenting, life transitions, and more. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and solution focused. While I find the cognitive and behavioral lens of CBT, DBT and Narrative Therapy to be valuable, I believe it can be important at times to also incorporate Experiential Therapy, such as creativity, movement, and expression, as well as Somatic work for exploring the mind-body connection.
Hello, my name is Cecelia Pooley Gillespie, LCSW, SEP. I work with all ages, with a recent focus on youth and families, including those in rural and Indigenous communities.. I can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, parenting, life transitions, and more. My therapeutic approach is strengths based and solution focused. While I find the cognitive and behavioral lens of CBT, DBT and Narrative Therapy to be valuable, I believe it can be important at times to also incorporate Experiential Therapy, such as creativity, movement, and expression, as well as Somatic work for exploring the mind-body connection.
Melissa Houlston
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Kearny Mesa, San Diego, CA 92123
The thought of going to therapy can be overwhelming and scary, but it doesn't have to be. As your therapist, I will hold a safe space for you, free from judgement and provide plenty of support. This will be a place where you can heal from past traumas and/or present issues that are making you feel stuck. I will meet you where you are and only take you where you want to go. I have over eight years of experience in both mental health and hospital settings. I started my career as an ER Social Worker at CHOC and most recently was with the County of Orange providing psychological evaluations for suicidal and homicidal minors.
The thought of going to therapy can be overwhelming and scary, but it doesn't have to be. As your therapist, I will hold a safe space for you, free from judgement and provide plenty of support. This will be a place where you can heal from past traumas and/or present issues that are making you feel stuck. I will meet you where you are and only take you where you want to go. I have over eight years of experience in both mental health and hospital settings. I started my career as an ER Social Worker at CHOC and most recently was with the County of Orange providing psychological evaluations for suicidal and homicidal minors.
Online Therapists
Shilana Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
My client focus includes individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth goals.
Hello, I'm Shilana Williams, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and improve their relationships through compassionate and evidence-based therapy to achieve healthier relationships and improved well-being. My therapeutic approach is founded on empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques, creating a secure and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. Through a collaborative relationship, we will work together to identify and understand your challenges, strengths, and goals.
My client focus includes individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, and personal growth goals.
Hello, I'm Shilana Williams, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I specialize in helping individuals and couples navigate life's challenges and improve their relationships through compassionate and evidence-based therapy to achieve healthier relationships and improved well-being. My therapeutic approach is founded on empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based techniques, creating a secure and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. Through a collaborative relationship, we will work together to identify and understand your challenges, strengths, and goals.
I will see you (or you and your partner, or your teen) as the powerful, unique individuals that you are.
Are you noticing that unresolved trauma from the past is affecting you now, negatively impacting your life and relationships? My clients are those who recognize that talk therapy alone will not solve their current issues. They recognize that a holistic approach to healing is essential to living a life that feels more free and aligned. My clients are usually curious about, or already utilizing holistic healing modalities and want support and tools to reduce their current mental health symptoms.
I will see you (or you and your partner, or your teen) as the powerful, unique individuals that you are.
Are you noticing that unresolved trauma from the past is affecting you now, negatively impacting your life and relationships? My clients are those who recognize that talk therapy alone will not solve their current issues. They recognize that a holistic approach to healing is essential to living a life that feels more free and aligned. My clients are usually curious about, or already utilizing holistic healing modalities and want support and tools to reduce their current mental health symptoms.
Amanda Turull
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92107 (Online Only)
I have personal and clinical experience with LGBTQ+ folk, polyamorous couples & open relationships, and Hispanic communities.
Sitting with oneself, whether in individual, couple or family therapy, is not easy and I see my clients as courageous and hopeful for taking this step. Sometimes therapy is healing and transformational, other times it is simply a space to take some deep breaths. Either way, my practice is always client-centered and compassion-based, being present with you in whatever space you are in. My hope in working with me is that you develop a sense of self-compassion and a strength-based lens to view yourself and your relationships through.
I have personal and clinical experience with LGBTQ+ folk, polyamorous couples & open relationships, and Hispanic communities.
Sitting with oneself, whether in individual, couple or family therapy, is not easy and I see my clients as courageous and hopeful for taking this step. Sometimes therapy is healing and transformational, other times it is simply a space to take some deep breaths. Either way, my practice is always client-centered and compassion-based, being present with you in whatever space you are in. My hope in working with me is that you develop a sense of self-compassion and a strength-based lens to view yourself and your relationships through.
My name is Renee Davis. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I enjoy working with couples and individuals. I specialize in sexual addiction, recovery, affair repair, depression, and anxiety. I am able to teach dialectical behavioral therapy to help balance mood and create a life worth living. I enjoy working with adults, who struggle with mood, dysregulation, relationship stress, and panic attacks. I particularly enjoy working with codependency and marital discord.
My name is Renee Davis. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I enjoy working with couples and individuals. I specialize in sexual addiction, recovery, affair repair, depression, and anxiety. I am able to teach dialectical behavioral therapy to help balance mood and create a life worth living. I enjoy working with adults, who struggle with mood, dysregulation, relationship stress, and panic attacks. I particularly enjoy working with codependency and marital discord.
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I'm comfortable working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, bi-polar, substance abuse, psychosis, autism spectrum disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. I implement individual evidenced based interventions designed to positive behavior change. I enjoy working with couples, families, parent training, adults and adolescents.
I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. I'm comfortable working with individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, bi-polar, substance abuse, psychosis, autism spectrum disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. I implement individual evidenced based interventions designed to positive behavior change. I enjoy working with couples, families, parent training, adults and adolescents.
Corinne Grandinetti
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92127 (Online Only)
Are you wanting to reach out for help, but keep telling yourself you ‘should’ be able to solve everything on your own? Are you pressuring yourself to muscle your way out of depression or anxiety? Then why would we each be sharing Earth with more than 7 BILLION other people if we are supposed to handle everything all by ourselves? I believe it is because we ARE meant to help each other! Since graduating in 1986 with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and then earning my license as a MFT in 1990, I count myself lucky to have worked with the many adults, children, teens, families and couples whose paths have crossed mine.
Are you wanting to reach out for help, but keep telling yourself you ‘should’ be able to solve everything on your own? Are you pressuring yourself to muscle your way out of depression or anxiety? Then why would we each be sharing Earth with more than 7 BILLION other people if we are supposed to handle everything all by ourselves? I believe it is because we ARE meant to help each other! Since graduating in 1986 with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and then earning my license as a MFT in 1990, I count myself lucky to have worked with the many adults, children, teens, families and couples whose paths have crossed mine.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families with varying issues and goals. Certified in EMDR, I specialize in trauma assessment on the premise of shame within the human condition. Through a holistic practice, I use evidence-based treatments such as Attachment style, CBT, Narrative, Solution Focused, and Strengths-based therapy with experience in clinical settings such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, substance rehabilitation, and schools.
As a psychodynamic therapist, I work with individuals, couples, and families with varying issues and goals. Certified in EMDR, I specialize in trauma assessment on the premise of shame within the human condition. Through a holistic practice, I use evidence-based treatments such as Attachment style, CBT, Narrative, Solution Focused, and Strengths-based therapy with experience in clinical settings such as partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, substance rehabilitation, and schools.
See more therapy options for Kearny Mesa, San Diego
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.