Photo of Shurren Garlejo, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Shurren Garlejo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92114
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in San Diego Ca. My goal is to create a safe space where my clients feel free to tackle difficult situations and face their fears. You will walk away feeling heard and empowered. I approach my clients on a unique basis and focus on individual trauma, attachment or relationship issues that can affect the day-to-day life cycles.
I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in San Diego Ca. My goal is to create a safe space where my clients feel free to tackle difficult situations and face their fears. You will walk away feeling heard and empowered. I approach my clients on a unique basis and focus on individual trauma, attachment or relationship issues that can affect the day-to-day life cycles.
(619) 870-8610 View (619) 870-8610
Photo of Preston Lee Herdt, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Preston Lee Herdt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92128  (Online Only)
Do you struggle showing up for yourself? Life can be challenging at any age, whether you are facing the normal adjustments of adolescence, such as building your self-esteem or working to develop a sense of personal identity, struggling to express your wants and needs, or making sense of how to navigate your relationships with family members or romantic partners. Perhaps you’re a new father, adjusting to the rapidly changing dynamics of your family life. Do you find yourself feeling unable to “get it right”, or having trouble showing up for your partner?
Do you struggle showing up for yourself? Life can be challenging at any age, whether you are facing the normal adjustments of adolescence, such as building your self-esteem or working to develop a sense of personal identity, struggling to express your wants and needs, or making sense of how to navigate your relationships with family members or romantic partners. Perhaps you’re a new father, adjusting to the rapidly changing dynamics of your family life. Do you find yourself feeling unable to “get it right”, or having trouble showing up for your partner?
(619) 932-5003 View (619) 932-5003
Photo of Hermin Youssefian, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Hermin Youssefian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LIMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92111
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LIC 45270). I began my training as a psychotherapist in 1994, with a focus on working with couples, adults and families, particularly clients with a history of trauma and significant losses.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LIC 45270). I began my training as a psychotherapist in 1994, with a focus on working with couples, adults and families, particularly clients with a history of trauma and significant losses.
(858) 203-2275 View (858) 203-2275
Photo of Vanessa Villasenor, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Vanessa Villasenor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Currently accepting new clients at A Place of Growth. Welcome, my name is Vanessa Villasenor and I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist who has experience providing child, teen and adult therapy in San Diego. The first goal will be to create a safe and comfortable counseling environment to and it is important to find a therapist that will work with you and whom you feel comfortable with in order to make the most progress. I provide a variety of counseling environments and styles to address your needs and have experience working with military families including both active duty members as well as their family members.
Currently accepting new clients at A Place of Growth. Welcome, my name is Vanessa Villasenor and I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist who has experience providing child, teen and adult therapy in San Diego. The first goal will be to create a safe and comfortable counseling environment to and it is important to find a therapist that will work with you and whom you feel comfortable with in order to make the most progress. I provide a variety of counseling environments and styles to address your needs and have experience working with military families including both active duty members as well as their family members.
(858) 519-8002 View (858) 519-8002
Photo of Ana Maldonado, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Ana Maldonado
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92123
My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
My name is Ana Maldonado and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Ventura, California. I am currently working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, and families, and specialize in anxiety, stress, and family conflict. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Strength Based Therapy to help my clients make progress and start feeling better.
(858) 544-5515 View (858) 544-5515
Photo of Abigail Hermanus, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Abigail Hermanus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92114
Hello! My name is Abigail Hermanus, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Southern California region who offers services statewide via telehealth. As a therapist, my hope and passion is to foster a practice that brings hope to the community by maintaining compassion and upholding a multi-cultural posture in elevating each person's strength and narrative. Throughout my clinical experience, I have found that the modalities in which I incorporate in my sessions are applicable to children and teens (between 6-18 years of age), young adults, and individuals undergoing life transitions and relational issues.
Hello! My name is Abigail Hermanus, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Southern California region who offers services statewide via telehealth. As a therapist, my hope and passion is to foster a practice that brings hope to the community by maintaining compassion and upholding a multi-cultural posture in elevating each person's strength and narrative. Throughout my clinical experience, I have found that the modalities in which I incorporate in my sessions are applicable to children and teens (between 6-18 years of age), young adults, and individuals undergoing life transitions and relational issues.
(619) 391-0287 View (619) 391-0287
Photo of Destinie Hoffmann, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Destinie Hoffmann
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92154  (Online Only)
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I received my Masters in Psychology at Brandman University/Chapman University in Orange, CA in 2018. I currently have 5 years experience providing individual therapy to children/adolescents/adults. I have a specialty with working with anyone dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, school issues/work issues/job stress, peer relationships, and family conflicts.
Hello, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and I received my Masters in Psychology at Brandman University/Chapman University in Orange, CA in 2018. I currently have 5 years experience providing individual therapy to children/adolescents/adults. I have a specialty with working with anyone dealing with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, school issues/work issues/job stress, peer relationships, and family conflicts.
(619) 489-1499 View (619) 489-1499
Photo of Traevonn Johnson, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Traevonn Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92126
My name is Traevonn Johnson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, CA. I work with children and youth and specialize in behavioral difficulties, anxiety, depression and impulsivity using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to encouraged progress and a decrease in symptoms. I typically work with children and teens but believe that children and teens make better progress with parental/caregiver involvement, thus I enjoy checking in with parents and providing skills for parents to engage in to help children and teens make better progress.
My name is Traevonn Johnson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Los Angeles, CA. I work with children and youth and specialize in behavioral difficulties, anxiety, depression and impulsivity using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to encouraged progress and a decrease in symptoms. I typically work with children and teens but believe that children and teens make better progress with parental/caregiver involvement, thus I enjoy checking in with parents and providing skills for parents to engage in to help children and teens make better progress.
(858) 786-2028 View (858) 786-2028
Photo of Emily Gaines, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Emily Gaines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92129  (Online Only)
My goal in our work together is to support you or your family in working through the issues that bring you to therapy so that you can feel a sense of improvement in your quality of life.
Depression, anxiety, past traumas or life changes can present roadblocks that negatively impact your life. Does that sound familiar to what you are experiencing? It can feel hopeless and overwhelming when faced with these roadblocks, but I can help you. I work with individuals and families to assess what issues are impacting your life, then we collaboratively develop a plan to navigate a path of healing.
My goal in our work together is to support you or your family in working through the issues that bring you to therapy so that you can feel a sense of improvement in your quality of life.
Depression, anxiety, past traumas or life changes can present roadblocks that negatively impact your life. Does that sound familiar to what you are experiencing? It can feel hopeless and overwhelming when faced with these roadblocks, but I can help you. I work with individuals and families to assess what issues are impacting your life, then we collaboratively develop a plan to navigate a path of healing.
(530) 680-1874 View (530) 680-1874
Photo of Erika Diaz, Pre-Licensed Professional in San Diego, CA
Erika Diaz
Pre-Licensed Professional, ACSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108
I look forward to being of service to you and your family as we work together to heal and restore family relationships.
My name is Erika Diaz, and I am a Spanish speaking therapist. As a therapist, I am passionate about providing Spanish therapeutic services for children, teens and adults who are in need of support around family communication issues, family healing adversities and environmental challenges that come with change. As a therapist, I am aware that it is difficult for families and children to seek therapy and accept support. I am enthusiastic about working with individuals facing adversities including depression, anxiety, family/life stressors, anger management, trauma, low self esteem, and appropriate communication.
I look forward to being of service to you and your family as we work together to heal and restore family relationships.
My name is Erika Diaz, and I am a Spanish speaking therapist. As a therapist, I am passionate about providing Spanish therapeutic services for children, teens and adults who are in need of support around family communication issues, family healing adversities and environmental challenges that come with change. As a therapist, I am aware that it is difficult for families and children to seek therapy and accept support. I am enthusiastic about working with individuals facing adversities including depression, anxiety, family/life stressors, anger management, trauma, low self esteem, and appropriate communication.
(858) 519-8002 View (858) 519-8002
Photo of Laura Lugo, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Laura Lugo
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92126
Hi there, I'm Laura! I am an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma, Group Therapy for substance abuse, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, and Case Management. I have a background as a healthcare service professional with a Master of Science (MS) focused on Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I have a very empathetic approach to listening while providing unconditional positive regard for each member's issues and concerns.
Hi there, I'm Laura! I am an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. Skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma, Group Therapy for substance abuse, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, and Case Management. I have a background as a healthcare service professional with a Master of Science (MS) focused on Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I have a very empathetic approach to listening while providing unconditional positive regard for each member's issues and concerns.
(858) 463-5625 View (858) 463-5625
Photo of Chandra Thomas, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Chandra Thomas
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130
Hello, my name is Chandra Thomas, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, LMFT41447. Congratulations in having the courage to reach out for support; it is a significant and meaningful decision to prioritize your mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combines cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy to form a more holistic approach, and is one the models I am trained in. Additionally, I have specialized training in dialectical behavior therapy. I treat individuals, couples and families. I have experience in working with relationship issues, grief and loss, anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Hello, my name is Chandra Thomas, and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist, LMFT41447. Congratulations in having the courage to reach out for support; it is a significant and meaningful decision to prioritize your mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) combines cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy to form a more holistic approach, and is one the models I am trained in. Additionally, I have specialized training in dialectical behavior therapy. I treat individuals, couples and families. I have experience in working with relationship issues, grief and loss, anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
(760) 274-0262 View (760) 274-0262
Photo of Latrese Thompson, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
Latrese Thompson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC, CRC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105
Virtual group or individual therapy. Stuck or unmotivated to take action when you think about becoming a better you. It’s time to challenge those negative thoughts together in a confidential safe environment where you may share your feelings without the fear of judgment. Experiencing symptoms of or at-risk for medical, physical and/mental disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationships or career challenges? Contact me to discuss and define choices that literally work for you in short term, ongoing or occasional individual, family and/or group therapy.
Virtual group or individual therapy. Stuck or unmotivated to take action when you think about becoming a better you. It’s time to challenge those negative thoughts together in a confidential safe environment where you may share your feelings without the fear of judgment. Experiencing symptoms of or at-risk for medical, physical and/mental disorders, stress, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, relationships or career challenges? Contact me to discuss and define choices that literally work for you in short term, ongoing or occasional individual, family and/or group therapy.
(858) 500-1238 View (858) 500-1238
Photo of Cody Spaeth, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Diego, CA
Cody Spaeth
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92105
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of CA. I provide therapy to patients of all ages. I am fluent in ASL American Sign Language and have worked with Deaf clients leaving in domestic violence in both a shelter and outpatient therapy services. I have spent 2 years in correctional settings working with severely mentally ill patients and supporting their family members in navigating having loved ones suffer from mental illness. I have also spent 2 years working with foster youth and foster parents to help with their placements, promoting healing and preserving relationships.
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of CA. I provide therapy to patients of all ages. I am fluent in ASL American Sign Language and have worked with Deaf clients leaving in domestic violence in both a shelter and outpatient therapy services. I have spent 2 years in correctional settings working with severely mentally ill patients and supporting their family members in navigating having loved ones suffer from mental illness. I have also spent 2 years working with foster youth and foster parents to help with their placements, promoting healing and preserving relationships.
(858) 330-2893 View (858) 330-2893
Photo of Joyce DeVera, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Joyce DeVera
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92127
Is your internal voice relentless and never stops the negative loop that plays over and over in your mind? Have you been subjected to trauma? Are you unsure how to navigate through each day with the pain you are experiencing and the unknowns of your future? Maybe you have always gravitated towards people or have family members that are not healthy for you but you see the best in them and lack the resources to put yourself first. You are exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You try to run and hide from the BIG emotions that you are not ready or know how to face.
Is your internal voice relentless and never stops the negative loop that plays over and over in your mind? Have you been subjected to trauma? Are you unsure how to navigate through each day with the pain you are experiencing and the unknowns of your future? Maybe you have always gravitated towards people or have family members that are not healthy for you but you see the best in them and lack the resources to put yourself first. You are exhausted because of the pain you hide and the inability to say "no". You try to run and hide from the BIG emotions that you are not ready or know how to face.
(858) 771-2920 View (858) 771-2920
Photo of Michael Levy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in San Diego, CA
Michael Levy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92109  (Online Only)
The Covid shutdown and the time since have challenged the ways many of us have coped with work, school & family relationships, as well as with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, self-care, and nearly every aspect of our lives.
Mike's work has been empowering adults from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and identities for over 25 years, helping them live their best lives with brief and longer-term individual or couples therapy. His expertise in work and career issues, trauma, depression, unhappy relationships, and more offers clients new hope and opportunities for growth. A compassionate therapist committed to providing high quality psychotherapy to discerning clients, he uses a variety of approaches to support your growth, based on collaboration in the therapeutic relationship, understanding and the power of genuine concern to promote healing.
The Covid shutdown and the time since have challenged the ways many of us have coped with work, school & family relationships, as well as with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, self-care, and nearly every aspect of our lives.
Mike's work has been empowering adults from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and identities for over 25 years, helping them live their best lives with brief and longer-term individual or couples therapy. His expertise in work and career issues, trauma, depression, unhappy relationships, and more offers clients new hope and opportunities for growth. A compassionate therapist committed to providing high quality psychotherapy to discerning clients, he uses a variety of approaches to support your growth, based on collaboration in the therapeutic relationship, understanding and the power of genuine concern to promote healing.
(858) 223-6912 View (858) 223-6912
Photo of Kandice Nelson, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
Kandice Nelson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MAEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92114  (Online Only)
I have years of experience in working with families involved in child welfare, youth on Juvenile Probation, family units, children, adolescents, and individuals.
Do you feel like you’re doing just enough to get by, but stuck in survival mode? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and like the world is weighing you down? I can help! I am here to listen and offer a space that feels safe and allows you to be authentically you, free of judgement, and confidential for you to grow and process your experiences. I am your relatable and inner child therapist who works with everyday people from all age groups and backgrounds who are experiencing life challenges, and those who have experienced traumatic events.
I have years of experience in working with families involved in child welfare, youth on Juvenile Probation, family units, children, adolescents, and individuals.
Do you feel like you’re doing just enough to get by, but stuck in survival mode? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and like the world is weighing you down? I can help! I am here to listen and offer a space that feels safe and allows you to be authentically you, free of judgement, and confidential for you to grow and process your experiences. I am your relatable and inner child therapist who works with everyday people from all age groups and backgrounds who are experiencing life challenges, and those who have experienced traumatic events.
(619) 768-0970 View (619) 768-0970
Photo of Mariana Barajas, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Mariana Barajas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
Having family troubles? Family issues can lead to negative consequences like depression, relationship issues, anxiety, and even physical illness. If it feels like you’re alone in dealing with your family’s challenges, there is good news...You and your family don't have to feel the way you do forever. I know that family can be a source of stress and anxiety, but there are ways to help manage it. I help families effectively manage their marriage, parent-kid relationships, extended families, ADHD, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and more.
Having family troubles? Family issues can lead to negative consequences like depression, relationship issues, anxiety, and even physical illness. If it feels like you’re alone in dealing with your family’s challenges, there is good news...You and your family don't have to feel the way you do forever. I know that family can be a source of stress and anxiety, but there are ways to help manage it. I help families effectively manage their marriage, parent-kid relationships, extended families, ADHD, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and more.
(619) 329-8797 x8 View (619) 329-8797 x8
Photo of Rebecca Davis, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Rebecca Davis
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122
The first session is more like an interview; I want to get to know the client (their likes, dislikes, hobbies, family dynamics, etc.
Hello, I am Rebecca Davis, LMFT135557. I am a person-centered therapist that enjoys working with clients of all. I tend to work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; I have positive psychology and am person-centered. I am practicing other theories. I tend to work with at-risk youth on a regular basis. However, I have worked with adults and enjoy clients of all ages. I have worked with trauma, substance use, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and so much more. I try to create a non-judgmental, safe environment for my clients to feel open and safe.
The first session is more like an interview; I want to get to know the client (their likes, dislikes, hobbies, family dynamics, etc.
Hello, I am Rebecca Davis, LMFT135557. I am a person-centered therapist that enjoys working with clients of all. I tend to work with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; I have positive psychology and am person-centered. I am practicing other theories. I tend to work with at-risk youth on a regular basis. However, I have worked with adults and enjoy clients of all ages. I have worked with trauma, substance use, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and so much more. I try to create a non-judgmental, safe environment for my clients to feel open and safe.
(858) 290-4986 View (858) 290-4986
Photo of Thi ('tee') Wlodarski ('wool-Dar-Skee'), Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
Thi ('tee') Wlodarski ('wool-Dar-Skee')
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
Great to meet you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in private practice since 2017, specializing solely with clients struggling with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias and trauma. I work with adults and children. Prior to private practice, I have worked at an outpatient psychiatry, within high school and elementary school systems, and a community counseling center.
Great to meet you! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been in private practice since 2017, specializing solely with clients struggling with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias and trauma. I work with adults and children. Prior to private practice, I have worked at an outpatient psychiatry, within high school and elementary school systems, and a community counseling center.
(619) 383-2951 View (619) 383-2951
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.