Therapists in San Diego, CA
Madeline Polonia
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
Are you often worried about school or work and feel stressed and overwhelmed with your responsibilities? Do you struggle to communicate what you need with your friends and family? I want to help you decrease your struggles in navigating your daily stressors and responsibilities. I will encourage you to make self-care a priority and practice coping strategies that will help you experience less stress and find more peace and joy in your life.
Are you often worried about school or work and feel stressed and overwhelmed with your responsibilities? Do you struggle to communicate what you need with your friends and family? I want to help you decrease your struggles in navigating your daily stressors and responsibilities. I will encourage you to make self-care a priority and practice coping strategies that will help you experience less stress and find more peace and joy in your life.
Lauren Thibodeau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128
Lauren utilizes gender-affirming therapy, experiential, attachment-based interventions, somatic experiencing, and internal family systems therapies.
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
Lauren utilizes gender-affirming therapy, experiential, attachment-based interventions, somatic experiencing, and internal family systems therapies.
Lauren treats adults, couples, families, and adolescents, and is especially passionate in providing resources and care to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She works with various clients, and while trained in a range of treatment types, she strives to tailor her therapeutic approach to each person and their unique, individual needs.
Esther Chau
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116
Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative therapy, I am committed to showing up to each of our sessions with compassion and without judgment.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I believe we are always telling stories, and some can be painful to hold. I work with people who experience stress and anxiety from being stuck in the same old stories. I can collaborate with you to rewrite these stories so they focus on your strengths and values. I also work with people who feel trapped by stories others have told about them. These stories can feel like immense burdens we are forced to carry around for years. They may cause us to experience big emotions–grief, anger, fear. Together, we can find ways to change your relationships with these burdens in order to finally release them.
Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative therapy, I am committed to showing up to each of our sessions with compassion and without judgment.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. I believe we are always telling stories, and some can be painful to hold. I work with people who experience stress and anxiety from being stuck in the same old stories. I can collaborate with you to rewrite these stories so they focus on your strengths and values. I also work with people who feel trapped by stories others have told about them. These stories can feel like immense burdens we are forced to carry around for years. They may cause us to experience big emotions–grief, anger, fear. Together, we can find ways to change your relationships with these burdens in order to finally release them.
Well and Sound Center
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128 (Online Only)
Are you feeling weary or tired? Are you hoping to step forward with your life? Welcome, you just made your first step to start the journey of overcoming the barriers that prevent you from living a productive and fruitful life. Well and Sound Center consists of a group of professionals from psychologist, LMFT. We work with clients on individual needs, couples issues, and family challenges. Services are offered in English and Mandarin. Please contact us today to learn more about the services.
Are you feeling weary or tired? Are you hoping to step forward with your life? Welcome, you just made your first step to start the journey of overcoming the barriers that prevent you from living a productive and fruitful life. Well and Sound Center consists of a group of professionals from psychologist, LMFT. We work with clients on individual needs, couples issues, and family challenges. Services are offered in English and Mandarin. Please contact us today to learn more about the services.
Berenice Vazquez Badillo
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I offer individual, couples, family and group therapy that is strength based and trauma informed.
Sometimes it becomes challenging managing the ebb and flow of life and we become isolated, stressed and overwhelmed. Our past wounds always seem to sneak up on us when we least expect. Life transitions can be difficult in that they take much adjustment and effort. There is such a pressing need to invest in yourself and in the building of healthy relationships. You need to spark the parts of yourself that harnests vitality and make life worth living. Investing in your mental health can reveal solutions as well as provide you skills that will last a lifetime. Whatever your need we can work together to find solutions.
I offer individual, couples, family and group therapy that is strength based and trauma informed.
Sometimes it becomes challenging managing the ebb and flow of life and we become isolated, stressed and overwhelmed. Our past wounds always seem to sneak up on us when we least expect. Life transitions can be difficult in that they take much adjustment and effort. There is such a pressing need to invest in yourself and in the building of healthy relationships. You need to spark the parts of yourself that harnests vitality and make life worth living. Investing in your mental health can reveal solutions as well as provide you skills that will last a lifetime. Whatever your need we can work together to find solutions.
Watha Dubonnet
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92128
Hi. My name is Watha Dubonnet. In addition to being a Marriage and Family Therapist for thirty-plus years, I have raised three kids, been worked over by a two-year-old, and survived their teenage years. I fell in love with my Grandson, forgot how to say no, but he grew up in spite of me anyway. Life throws all kinds of fastballs at us sometimes and I am here to help. You are not alone. I generally work with clients who are seeking help, safety, and understanding of their current situation.
Hi. My name is Watha Dubonnet. In addition to being a Marriage and Family Therapist for thirty-plus years, I have raised three kids, been worked over by a two-year-old, and survived their teenage years. I fell in love with my Grandson, forgot how to say no, but he grew up in spite of me anyway. Life throws all kinds of fastballs at us sometimes and I am here to help. You are not alone. I generally work with clients who are seeking help, safety, and understanding of their current situation.
Alaina Bigger
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92107
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss.
I am licensed in California & Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss.
I am licensed in California & Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert on your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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.
Negar Nazari
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92126 (Online Only)
I help individuals and couples experiencing infertility, coping with pregnancy loss, single parents by choice, considering third-party reproduction or adoption, egg/sperm donor, LGBT family building, or choosing to live child-free.
We have immediate telehealth availability! Contemplating therapy is a courageous first step and I admire your decision to seek help. Perhaps you have been overworked, feeling stressed, worried, and struggling to keep it all together. I will meet you as you are and create a safe space to explore your unique inner world. Together we can identify your strengths, change old patterns, increase self-compassion, strengthen coping skills, enhance relationships, and make life much more meaningful. I provide an environment that is non-judgmental, utilizing a caring and collaborative approach to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
I help individuals and couples experiencing infertility, coping with pregnancy loss, single parents by choice, considering third-party reproduction or adoption, egg/sperm donor, LGBT family building, or choosing to live child-free.
We have immediate telehealth availability! Contemplating therapy is a courageous first step and I admire your decision to seek help. Perhaps you have been overworked, feeling stressed, worried, and struggling to keep it all together. I will meet you as you are and create a safe space to explore your unique inner world. Together we can identify your strengths, change old patterns, increase self-compassion, strengthen coping skills, enhance relationships, and make life much more meaningful. I provide an environment that is non-judgmental, utilizing a caring and collaborative approach to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered.
Fleurette McNair
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MHA, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
Are you feeling the pressure of stress, or maybe anxiety in your daily routine? Are there unresolved issues impacting your relationships? Have you been struggling & feel that now is the time to get support? You don't have to do this alone, let me help. Lifes challenges can stem from previous trauma, changes in family structure, life transitions, or a host of other themes. We'll work through these together, by making our sessions uniquely yours, allowing growth through confronting the threat of fear, anxiety (and any other problem which may make you feel stuck) while developing healthier coping strategies.
Are you feeling the pressure of stress, or maybe anxiety in your daily routine? Are there unresolved issues impacting your relationships? Have you been struggling & feel that now is the time to get support? You don't have to do this alone, let me help. Lifes challenges can stem from previous trauma, changes in family structure, life transitions, or a host of other themes. We'll work through these together, by making our sessions uniquely yours, allowing growth through confronting the threat of fear, anxiety (and any other problem which may make you feel stuck) while developing healthier coping strategies.
Rafael Cortina
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, MBA
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92122
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.
I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked in both Mexico and the United States. I have over 20 years of experience in individual, couples, family and group therapy. I believe I am personally warm, understanding, emphatic, patient, caring, and compassionate with clients. And feel strongly that the nature of human beings tends toward growth and harmony. Along the way, the natural ability to self-regulate may unfortunately be interrupted. However, through the path of self-awareness, and self-responsibility we are able to restore our natural abilities and utilize our full potential, and live healthy life.
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Amy Nistor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92154
Hi I'm Amy Nistor, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that sees my role as someone that comes alongside to offer support and guidance as the client finds and owns their own individual path on their healing journey. My focus of practice is in helping those that have been psychologically, emotional and sexual abused or neglected. I help clients find how to find their own inner autonomy and sense of well-being that will give them the confidence to live their life on their terms and find healthy ways of coping and communicating with them-selves and in relationships with others.
Hi I'm Amy Nistor, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist that sees my role as someone that comes alongside to offer support and guidance as the client finds and owns their own individual path on their healing journey. My focus of practice is in helping those that have been psychologically, emotional and sexual abused or neglected. I help clients find how to find their own inner autonomy and sense of well-being that will give them the confidence to live their life on their terms and find healthy ways of coping and communicating with them-selves and in relationships with others.
Anat Mor Betzalel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92122
Life is full of surprises and not all are easy to handle. It's human to feel overwhelmed with work demands, adapting to a new country, navigating postpartum, managing family life, or facing relationship challenges. It's normal to experience self-doubt or pursue unachievable perfection at times. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, trouble sleeping, or impacts of past traumas might arise, making life more difficult. This is where therapy can make a significant difference, offering a space for self-reflection and strengthening your relationship with yourself and others.
Life is full of surprises and not all are easy to handle. It's human to feel overwhelmed with work demands, adapting to a new country, navigating postpartum, managing family life, or facing relationship challenges. It's normal to experience self-doubt or pursue unachievable perfection at times. Feelings of anxiety, sadness, trouble sleeping, or impacts of past traumas might arise, making life more difficult. This is where therapy can make a significant difference, offering a space for self-reflection and strengthening your relationship with yourself and others.
Shih Chiang Tang
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92121
Therapy is about your vision for how you would like life to be and the person you would like to embody. Hello, my name is Shih Chiang Tang, and I am a first-generation Chinese/Taiwanese-American Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I was raised in multiple cultures within and outside of the United States, and my therapeutic ideas reflect my diverse background. I believe in a collaborative and strength-based therapeutic approach. My goal is to utilize each individual’s innate ability to pursue a meaningful life in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
Therapy is about your vision for how you would like life to be and the person you would like to embody. Hello, my name is Shih Chiang Tang, and I am a first-generation Chinese/Taiwanese-American Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I was raised in multiple cultures within and outside of the United States, and my therapeutic ideas reflect my diverse background. I believe in a collaborative and strength-based therapeutic approach. My goal is to utilize each individual’s innate ability to pursue a meaningful life in a safe and non-judgmental therapeutic environment.
Lauren Bryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I am a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist and use this treatment interchangeably with Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing.
We will work together to help navigate life stresses and upsetting events in order to find your healing journey. Through our time together we will explore past/current wounds, life's difficulties, and future desires to help build mind, body, and spiritual connections. If you are seeking and wanting to integrate faith into our time together, I am honored to have this as a centering piece of our time together.
I am a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist and use this treatment interchangeably with Internal Family Systems and Somatic Experiencing.
We will work together to help navigate life stresses and upsetting events in order to find your healing journey. Through our time together we will explore past/current wounds, life's difficulties, and future desires to help build mind, body, and spiritual connections. If you are seeking and wanting to integrate faith into our time together, I am honored to have this as a centering piece of our time together.
Nicole Woolf
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103
I appreciate working with a wide and diverse range of individuals that include unsafe upbringings, family/relationship issues, and anger issues.
Seeking help can be scary and exciting, and it takes a lot of bravery and courage to take the initial step. You may be feeling like you are depressed and anxious due to your trauma. I aim to meet you where you are mentally and emotionally and help you grow, learn skills, and adapt to new changes. We can work together to identify your goals and needs and address the emotional and behavioral challenges you experience.
I appreciate working with a wide and diverse range of individuals that include unsafe upbringings, family/relationship issues, and anger issues.
Seeking help can be scary and exciting, and it takes a lot of bravery and courage to take the initial step. You may be feeling like you are depressed and anxious due to your trauma. I aim to meet you where you are mentally and emotionally and help you grow, learn skills, and adapt to new changes. We can work together to identify your goals and needs and address the emotional and behavioral challenges you experience.
Melody Hovsepian
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92154
Hi there! My name is Melody Hovsepian. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Glendale, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals, adolescents and couples and specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, adjustment and relational issues, using Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help my clients reach their inner strengths, gain control over their struggles and live their lives to the fullest.
Hi there! My name is Melody Hovsepian. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Glendale, California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adult individuals, adolescents and couples and specialize in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, adjustment and relational issues, using Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, to help my clients reach their inner strengths, gain control over their struggles and live their lives to the fullest.
Roxana Saldana
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92123 (Online Only)
Some of the areas I specialize in are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and Person Centered Therapy.
Life can be stressful and full of challenges. As a therapist, I believe in helping you find solutions to the problems you might be facing in order to make life more enjoyable. I provide a safe and welcoming place so we can collaboratively work to achieve your desired goals. Whether you are trying to find new coping skills that will help alliviate your problems, find ways to better communicate within relationships, or recognize the negative behavior patterns within yourself or a relationship, I work directly with clients to fulfill their needs.
Some of the areas I specialize in are: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and Person Centered Therapy.
Life can be stressful and full of challenges. As a therapist, I believe in helping you find solutions to the problems you might be facing in order to make life more enjoyable. I provide a safe and welcoming place so we can collaboratively work to achieve your desired goals. Whether you are trying to find new coping skills that will help alliviate your problems, find ways to better communicate within relationships, or recognize the negative behavior patterns within yourself or a relationship, I work directly with clients to fulfill their needs.
Ruby Estrada
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
Hello. My name is Ruby Estrada. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I approach therapy at your pace, which I can follow or match with rather quickly. My focus is centered on you and building whatever strengths you put forth whether you are aware of them or not. I help someone find a way to get through a problem or conflict, this is my approach. I am straightforward when you need me to be and gentle when the situation calls for empathy, or a balance of both. For 21 years, I have treated depression, anxiety, PTSD, LGBTQ+-related issues, ADHD, and adults finding themselves on the Autism Spectrum.
Hello. My name is Ruby Estrada. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I approach therapy at your pace, which I can follow or match with rather quickly. My focus is centered on you and building whatever strengths you put forth whether you are aware of them or not. I help someone find a way to get through a problem or conflict, this is my approach. I am straightforward when you need me to be and gentle when the situation calls for empathy, or a balance of both. For 21 years, I have treated depression, anxiety, PTSD, LGBTQ+-related issues, ADHD, and adults finding themselves on the Autism Spectrum.
Kayla Corazao
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I work people from all ages and backgrounds and see individuals dealing with any kind of problem or conflict within themselves, romantic, work, family, etc.
Change is hard, not having the tools, direction, and support make the process even harder. I can help you identify areas that may be keeping you stuck. I also provide wellness and behavioral health coaching in addition to traditional therapy.
I work people from all ages and backgrounds and see individuals dealing with any kind of problem or conflict within themselves, romantic, work, family, etc.
Change is hard, not having the tools, direction, and support make the process even harder. I can help you identify areas that may be keeping you stuck. I also provide wellness and behavioral health coaching in addition to traditional therapy.
See more therapy options for 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.