Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Email Me

(760) 363-9028 Call Me

Email Me

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today

13 Endorsed

Call Me

Let's Connect (760) 363-9028

Available both in-person and online

Carlsbad, CA 92008

My website

I work with individuals and couples who are going through a difficult season, carrying past experiences into the present, or finding themselves reacting in ways they want to change. Therapy can be a place to make sense of what’s happening, understand where those responses come from, and begin to approach things differently. My work is grounded in attachment and trauma-informed care. I integrate IFS, EMDR, ACT, EFCT, and other evidence-based therapies based on what we’re working toward together.

In our sessions, you can expect me to be an engaged and active participant. I’ll listen closely, ask questions, provide feedback and offer tools to help you along the way. With more than a decade of experience in corporate leadership, I also bring a practical and grounded perspective to our work together.

Finding the right therapist can take time, and feeling comfortable with the person you choose is so important. If you have questions about my approach or are wondering whether we might work well together, I’d be happy to connect. You’re welcome to call or email me to learn more.

Call or Email Leighla Etters now for a free 15 minute consultation - (760) 363-9028

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

SALT Counseling

Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 363-9028

My website

In-person hours: Friday (9 AM - 3 PM). Virtual hours: Monday & Friday (5 PM - 8 PM) and Tuesday - Thursday (9 AM - 3 PM).

$150 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals and couples

Let's Connect (760) 363-9028

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

SALT Counseling

Carlsbad, CA 92008

(760) 363-9028

My website

In-person hours: Friday (9 AM - 3 PM). Virtual hours: Monday & Friday (5 PM - 8 PM) and Tuesday - Thursday (9 AM - 3 PM).

$150 Per Session, I accept insurance

I see individuals and couples

Finances

Fees

Individual Sessions $150
Couple Sessions $150

Payment Methods

American Express, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

Aetna
Carelon Behavioral Health
Carelon Health IPA of California (CHIPA)
Cigna and Evernorth
Optum
Oscar Health
Oxford
Quest Behavioral Health
Sharp Health Plan
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

Our practice accepts both insurance and private pay clients. We accept a broad range of insurance plans (see website for details and reach out for insurance verification) and do our best to work with clients and ensure therapy is affordable.

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

Qualifications

Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of California / AMFT159183 Supervised by Kristin Blaney (California / MFC80286) Leighla Marie Etters

Education and Years In Practice

Attended California Baptist University , MS, Counseling Psychology, MFT

Additional Credentials

Certificate from Gottman Method: Levels 2 & ICEEFT: EFCT Externship

Certificate from EMDRIA: EMDR Basic Training

I hold a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and have training in EMDR, EFT, IFS, and the Gottman Method. I use these skills to help people move past old hurts, handle conflict with more confidence, and create relationships, and lives, that feel more peaceful and secure.

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

Anxiety
Burnout
Codependency
Coping Skills
Depression
Divorce
Emotional Regulation
Family Conflict
Grief
Infidelity
Life Transitions
Marital and Premarital
Neurodivergence
Parenting
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum
Relationship Issues
Self Esteem
Stress
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues

I support people navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and the kinds of challenges that strain relationships and family life. My focus is on helping clients improve their functioning in daily life and in the relationships that matter most.

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

13 Endorsements

Kate Varley

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT

Leighla provides compassionate and empathetic presence for her clients to share where they can process traumatic histories, relational stress, anxiety, and depression. Her warmth and expertise guide clients on their healing journeys.

Julie Ann Smith

Pre-Licensed Professional, APCC

Leighla's thoughtful and grounded approach fosters meaningful connection and emotional safety. Clients describe feeling both understood and gently guided as they explore growth and healing at a pace that feels right for them.

Amanda Hoffman

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Leighla is an excellent clinician with a warm, compassionate, and insightful approach. She creates a safe space for growth and healing, combining deep empathy with strong clinical skill. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking genuine, supportive care.

Elena Kuznetsova Gonzalez

Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT

I highly recommend Leighla for anyone seeking compassionate and effective therapy. She specializes in working with anxiety, trauma, and family dynamics, including supporting adults who are caretakers for their aging parents. Leighla is outstanding!

Rachel Goldstein

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, LMFT-A

Leighla is an incredibly empathetic therapist with so much to offer. Her warmth is palpable from the moment you meet her and it is so easy to talk to her. I recommend her to anyone looking for supportive and genuine care.

Denis Grigorov

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MBA, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, BC

Leighla is a compassionate, insightful therapist who creates a safe, nurturing space for healing and growth. Her ability to deeply listen and guide clients toward self-discovery makes her an ideal partner on your path to wellness.

Shelby Peterson

Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW

Leighla offers a tailored approach working with adults, couples, and families experiencing emotional pain and life stressors. She brings a practical and steady approach to helping clients navigate stress, conflict, and change. I highly recommend Leighla.

Kiersten Papst

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT

Leighla brings a thoughtful and compassionate approach to every session. She offers strong insight and consistently makes others feel heard, understood, and supported. She has strong clinical skills and creates a space of trust and care for her clients.

Stephanie Ragone

Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, APCC

I highly recommend Leighla as an exceptional therapist who brings compassion and connection to her practice. She combines clinical knowledge with a genuine desire to understand each client on a deeper level, helping them find relief, hope, and healing.

Judith Baker

Counselor, APCC

Leighla Etters is a compassionate AMFT who integrates EFT, ACT, IFS, EMDR, and the Gottman Method. Her client-centered approach and rich lived experience create a safe space for lasting connection, healing and growth.

Samantha Steinberg

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT

Leighla is a skilled clinician who brings warmth, groundedness, and compassion to her work. She meets clients where they are and collaborates with them to create meaningful, attainable goals. Her approach is empathetic, thoughtful, and client-centered.

Abby Ferenz

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT

I highly recommend reaching out to Leighla. She creates a safe and supportive environment for navigating life's challenges in a space where you feel understood. Leighla is knowledgeable and genuine, proving strong insight for deeper exploration.

Kristin Lawrence

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT

I wholeheartedly endorse Leighla as a thoughtful, skilled, and highly effective therapist. She brings genuine intentionality to her work, creating a therapeutic space that is both compassionate and focused on meaningful progress.

Part of SALT Counseling

View Practice

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Lyssa Kerrigan

Counselor, MA, LPCC

Kiersten Papst

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT

Client Focus

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Age

Adults

Participants

Individuals ,

Couples

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Attachment-based
Culturally Sensitive
EMDR
Emotionally Focused
Gottman Method
Humanistic
Integrative
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Neurodiversity Affirming Care
Person-Centered
Relational
Somatic
Trauma Focused
Trauma-informed Care

I use research-supported approaches to help individuals, couples, and families heal, grow, and strengthen their relationships. There's no one-size-fits-all in therapy, so we'll use the methods that best fit who you are and where you're trying to go.

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028

Leighla Etters

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT

Call or Email me for a free 15 minute consultation now - (760) 363-9028