Therapists in Penasquitos, San Diego, CA
Jennifer B Lofft
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
If you are here today because your teen or child is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, unmotivated, or your family is stuck in conflict; you are in the right place. Parenting a struggling child can be a frightening and isolating experience and you don't have to do it alone. Using your feelings of fear, frustration, and maybe grief; to push for help and change, is pure courage. Returning to that place, where your child feels good again and your family feels like home, is a beautiful and realistic goal.
If you are here today because your teen or child is feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, unmotivated, or your family is stuck in conflict; you are in the right place. Parenting a struggling child can be a frightening and isolating experience and you don't have to do it alone. Using your feelings of fear, frustration, and maybe grief; to push for help and change, is pure courage. Returning to that place, where your child feels good again and your family feels like home, is a beautiful and realistic goal.
Marcia K Garceau
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129 (Online Only)
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, PhD, LMFT with over 15 years of clinical experience helping individuals and couples acquire strategies and solutions to overcome general anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, panic, PTSD, phobias, depression, relationship problems, weight loss, other self-sabotaging behavior, career and life transitions, grief, and parenting/family issues.
Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, PhD, LMFT with over 15 years of clinical experience helping individuals and couples acquire strategies and solutions to overcome general anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, panic, PTSD, phobias, depression, relationship problems, weight loss, other self-sabotaging behavior, career and life transitions, grief, and parenting/family issues.
Brenda Wilkinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
As a therapist and parenting coach, I have devoted my career to helping people change their lives in positive ways. These changes can involve assisting parents in altering the problematic behavior of their children, coaching to achieve life goals, or overcoming troublesome habits. I use a positive, solution-oriented approach to maximize performance and help people solve the problems in their lives. I use a combination of individual, couples and family based work to allow the whole family to be part of the solution.
As a therapist and parenting coach, I have devoted my career to helping people change their lives in positive ways. These changes can involve assisting parents in altering the problematic behavior of their children, coaching to achieve life goals, or overcoming troublesome habits. I use a positive, solution-oriented approach to maximize performance and help people solve the problems in their lives. I use a combination of individual, couples and family based work to allow the whole family to be part of the solution.
Naz Nikoukary @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
With a passion for providing both individual, relationship and family counseling, I am ready to support you in current challenges.
Hello! I have worked with a wide variety of client struggling with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I am passionate about using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy to help. I was born and raised in Iran and then moved to the U.S. at age 17. I understand and relate to clients who have migrated to the United States. I love supporting them in experiencing changes in attitudes, family values, generational status, and social affiliations. I also have experience working with clients with severe and acute mental illness and with patient care in other medical settings as well.
With a passion for providing both individual, relationship and family counseling, I am ready to support you in current challenges.
Hello! I have worked with a wide variety of client struggling with anxiety, depression and life transitions. I am passionate about using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy to help. I was born and raised in Iran and then moved to the U.S. at age 17. I understand and relate to clients who have migrated to the United States. I love supporting them in experiencing changes in attitudes, family values, generational status, and social affiliations. I also have experience working with clients with severe and acute mental illness and with patient care in other medical settings as well.
Family Connections Therapy, Inc.
LMFT, LPCC, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.
Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.
Kathryn Anderson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
Do you remember that children's song about going on a bear hunt? Can't go over it! Can't go under it! We've got to go through it! Life is full of situations that can leave us feeling much like this song. In working with individuals and families, including children (ages 4+) and adolescents, adults, and their caregivers, my hope is for you to find new solutions to the challenges you are facing every day. I may not be able to get you over it or under it, but I am here to help you through it.
Dr. Pontea Dianati
MAT, PhD
Verified Verified
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
Pontea Dianati PhD is a spiritual doctor of psychology who works with the Angelic Realm and God. She has experience as a trauma informed master of bio-energtic medicine. She is the founder of Soul Radiance Healing which bridges ancient healing practices with cutting edge science.
Pontea Dianati PhD is a spiritual doctor of psychology who works with the Angelic Realm and God. She has experience as a trauma informed master of bio-energtic medicine. She is the founder of Soul Radiance Healing which bridges ancient healing practices with cutting edge science.
Candice April Ruttner-Duryea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
"I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it."- Maya Angelou. Often when being faced with the choice to seek help, sometimes there is embarrassment of needing that help. I offer therapy that is open, honest and no matter what has happened, the choice to change is your greatest accomplishment. The past can strengthen us with its lessons, but it's a crime when it destroys our beautiful souls under its shame. I specialize in Eating Disorders, PTSD, Trauma and Children. Please visit My website, or call me for more informaiton
"I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it."- Maya Angelou. Often when being faced with the choice to seek help, sometimes there is embarrassment of needing that help. I offer therapy that is open, honest and no matter what has happened, the choice to change is your greatest accomplishment. The past can strengthen us with its lessons, but it's a crime when it destroys our beautiful souls under its shame. I specialize in Eating Disorders, PTSD, Trauma and Children. Please visit My website, or call me for more informaiton
Lanelle Teran @ Grow Through Life Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ASW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
Welcome! I have experience with a wide range of concerns including: stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harming behaviors and other mood disorders. My approach is grounded in a social justice and trauma-informed lens, strength-based, person-centered, and fosters a non-judgmental, affirming environment. My experience includes more than 6 years within community based and outpatient settings working with youth, adults and families.
Welcome! I have experience with a wide range of concerns including: stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harming behaviors and other mood disorders. My approach is grounded in a social justice and trauma-informed lens, strength-based, person-centered, and fosters a non-judgmental, affirming environment. My experience includes more than 6 years within community based and outpatient settings working with youth, adults and families.
Pinnacle Counseling and Testing Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
Does your anxiety seem too big to conquer? We’ll climb that mountain with you. We help people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and stress by giving them tools and strategies to overcome their problems and live a better, happier life. In addition to counseling, we provide a variety of psychological testing services including neuropsychological, academic, vocational, and pre-employment evaluations, and developmental evaluations, including Autism Assessments.
Does your anxiety seem too big to conquer? We’ll climb that mountain with you. We help people who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, and stress by giving them tools and strategies to overcome their problems and live a better, happier life. In addition to counseling, we provide a variety of psychological testing services including neuropsychological, academic, vocational, and pre-employment evaluations, and developmental evaluations, including Autism Assessments.
Chelsea Wiener
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92172
Theresa Huang
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Penasquitos, San Diego, CA 92129
Not accepting new clients
I enjoy working with every individual of all ages, but I absolutely love working with children and teens. I tailor my approach based on what the client needs. I use play or art therapy as play is the language of the children. It helps them to express their internal world when they have no words for it. I have completed the core competencies for Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) under International Model. PCIT is an evidence-based intervention that promotes positive parent-child relationships while reducing disruptive behaviors at home. I am also a certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator.
I enjoy working with every individual of all ages, but I absolutely love working with children and teens. I tailor my approach based on what the client needs. I use play or art therapy as play is the language of the children. It helps them to express their internal world when they have no words for it. I have completed the core competencies for Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) under International Model. PCIT is an evidence-based intervention that promotes positive parent-child relationships while reducing disruptive behaviors at home. I am also a certified Positive Discipline Parenting Educator.
Online Therapists
Preventative Health for Happy Families!
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
*Early Childhood- Hands-on with Parent & Child; *Families Living with Illness/Injury- Managing its impact on the family unit.
I've had the joy of working with children and families for nearly 20 years. I also am the founder/owner of "Preventative Health for Happy Families!" a boutique group practice specializing in Military Families. We embrace the philosophy of resiliency and take a strength based approach to motivate change. In session, we help with the development of basic life skills: management of difficult feelings, stress reduction, effective communication, parenting techniques, practical goal-setting, or improved problem solving. The end result? Thriving individuals, satisfied couples, cohesive families and happy children!
*Early Childhood- Hands-on with Parent & Child; *Families Living with Illness/Injury- Managing its impact on the family unit.
I've had the joy of working with children and families for nearly 20 years. I also am the founder/owner of "Preventative Health for Happy Families!" a boutique group practice specializing in Military Families. We embrace the philosophy of resiliency and take a strength based approach to motivate change. In session, we help with the development of basic life skills: management of difficult feelings, stress reduction, effective communication, parenting techniques, practical goal-setting, or improved problem solving. The end result? Thriving individuals, satisfied couples, cohesive families and happy children!
Carolyn Fisher
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
My goal is to empower you and your child by finding effective parenting strategies and coping skills that work for your family, allowing your child to thrive.
Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.
My goal is to empower you and your child by finding effective parenting strategies and coping skills that work for your family, allowing your child to thrive.
Parenting can be tough. You wonder if your child will ever grow out of their excessive worries, meltdowns, or tantrums, and you become exhausted and feel guilty for being frustrated with them. The nightly battle with homework and reports from school are wearing you down. The power struggle with your spirited toddler or your strong willed adolescent may leave you overwhelmed and wondering what you can do differently. Communicating and feeling unified with your partner or caregiver may be difficult or your styles may be different, creating a state of uncertainty or chaos in the home.
Kathryn Christine & Calm Connections-Mental Health
Counselor, LPCC, MS, PPS
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I AM CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS-My passion in life is to provide therapeutic counseling support and interventions for adults, adolescents, and children whom are experiencing difficulty in some area of their life. I have over 17 years of experience treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, trauma, self esteem, behavior/anger management, eating disorders, weight management and provide family and marriage therapy. I am currently providing tele-health services to provide support to clients throughout California! Please email or call if interested in making an appointment.
I AM CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS-My passion in life is to provide therapeutic counseling support and interventions for adults, adolescents, and children whom are experiencing difficulty in some area of their life. I have over 17 years of experience treating clients struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, trauma, self esteem, behavior/anger management, eating disorders, weight management and provide family and marriage therapy. I am currently providing tele-health services to provide support to clients throughout California! Please email or call if interested in making an appointment.
Nicole M Charara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92131 (Online Only)
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am currently licensed in California and Florida. I have over 15 years of experience in providing services to children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as, adult anxiety, depression, infertility/pre and post partum issues, PTSD, trauma, and family relationship issues. I am also bilingual and able to conduct sessions in Spanish. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR and am currently available for online therapy services only. Please see my website at www.nicolecharara.com for more information regarding my services.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am currently licensed in California and Florida. I have over 15 years of experience in providing services to children, adults, and families. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, as well as, adult anxiety, depression, infertility/pre and post partum issues, PTSD, trauma, and family relationship issues. I am also bilingual and able to conduct sessions in Spanish. I am trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and EMDR and am currently available for online therapy services only. Please see my website at www.nicolecharara.com for more information regarding my services.
Marie Secrist
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128 (Online Only)
I aim to provide a non-judgmental, warm, empathic environment to create a safe space for you and your family.
I value building on your resiliency to facilitate growth towards your personal goals. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, I focus on treating trauma and am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) therapist. I strive to help individuals who struggle with trauma symptoms by providing trauma informed care. Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
I aim to provide a non-judgmental, warm, empathic environment to create a safe space for you and your family.
I value building on your resiliency to facilitate growth towards your personal goals. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist who provides evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Specifically, I focus on treating trauma and am a certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) therapist. I strive to help individuals who struggle with trauma symptoms by providing trauma informed care. Also, as a clinician who values working with children with behavioral difficulties, I provide quality Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to restore the parent-child relationship for children 2-7 years old.
ANKH Family Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105
Welcome to my mobile practice, where I bring the healing to you! Licensed since 1997, I offer a wealth of professional and personal lived experience to assist you with both your individual and family needs. If you join me we will work together to reach your goals. It is hard work to become our best selves & live our best lives, free from harmful responses due to wounds & holes, left over from an earlier life. You will have the support to overcome obstacles to healing the past, staying present and embracing the future, all this while developing a better understanding & acceptance for yourself, and others just as you are.
Welcome to my mobile practice, where I bring the healing to you! Licensed since 1997, I offer a wealth of professional and personal lived experience to assist you with both your individual and family needs. If you join me we will work together to reach your goals. It is hard work to become our best selves & live our best lives, free from harmful responses due to wounds & holes, left over from an earlier life. You will have the support to overcome obstacles to healing the past, staying present and embracing the future, all this while developing a better understanding & acceptance for yourself, and others just as you are.
Natalie Hennig
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
Life is tough and we all need a place to rest. I give youth, adults and families rest by creating a warm and inviting place to share their struggles. I listen to what has or has not worked in order to identify your strengths. We collaborate on goals and create a plan to overcome any struggles so you can be successful and confident now and in the future. Each child and family brings their own story to therapy and requires me to be flexible and creative. With young children, I work to enhance the parent-child relationship through positive, warm interactions and help the parent establish appropriate and firm boundaries.
Life is tough and we all need a place to rest. I give youth, adults and families rest by creating a warm and inviting place to share their struggles. I listen to what has or has not worked in order to identify your strengths. We collaborate on goals and create a plan to overcome any struggles so you can be successful and confident now and in the future. Each child and family brings their own story to therapy and requires me to be flexible and creative. With young children, I work to enhance the parent-child relationship through positive, warm interactions and help the parent establish appropriate and firm boundaries.
Lisa Wasnock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
I enjoy working with individuals as well as working with the family unit as a whole.
Hi, and welcome! I'm Lisa and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with Neurodivergent individuals and families dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma/abuse, high conflict divorce, and emotional/behavioral concerns. I have experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults, families, and adults. I support through a client centered and collaborative approach and create a safe therapeutic environment for clients to make progress on their goals. My practice is neurodivergent and LGBTQ affirming.
I enjoy working with individuals as well as working with the family unit as a whole.
Hi, and welcome! I'm Lisa and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I specialize in working with Neurodivergent individuals and families dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD/ADD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, trauma/abuse, high conflict divorce, and emotional/behavioral concerns. I have experience providing therapy to children, teens, young adults, families, and adults. I support through a client centered and collaborative approach and create a safe therapeutic environment for clients to make progress on their goals. My practice is neurodivergent and LGBTQ affirming.
See more therapy options for Penasquitos, San Diego
Family Therapy
What do family therapists do?
A family therapist facilitates the process of understanding and improving how a family functions. The therapist will help family members develop empathy for one another. They’ll seek to understand existing patterns, misunderstandings, and conflicts that arise, in order to help the family arrive at a realistic, unified understanding and develop the coping skills they need to build stronger relationships.
How long does therapy for families take to work?
Therapy manifests differently in every family; a common time frame is 12 weekly sessions, but some families may see improvement after just a few weeks. Families should discuss their goals with the therapist at the beginning of the process and periodically revisit those goals to assess their progress together.
How can you encourage a family member to attend family therapy?
You can encourage family members to attend therapy by expressing with both love and concern the challenges you see and explaining how a therapist could help the family navigate those challenges together. An outside perspective can help everyone feel heard, get on the same page, and develop new skills. If family members are still hesitant, it may be helpful to emphasize that family therapy is short-term—it won’t last forever.
Is therapy for families effective?
Family therapy can significantly improve family dynamics and relationships. Research suggests that family therapy can help individuals understand their role in the family, communicate and solve problems together, reduce conflict and draw boundaries when necessary, and develop coping skills for stressors, major life changes, and mental or physical illnesses within the family.