Relationship Issues Therapists in Midtown, San Diego, CA

My approach in therapy is through Telehealth and is designed to help you to increase your self-awareness and your thoughts in a way that will allow you to learn better ways to manage and relieve symptoms of depression or anxiety. Some of these symptoms may be identified by loneliness, relationship issues, anger, insomnia, stress, worry or social phobias. My approach also aims to help you attract and maintain healthy personal and professional relationships. We will work together to reduce stress, depression , anxiety, improve your relationships and improve your overall quality of life.

Hello! I'm a licensed counseling psychologist offering individual psychotherapy to California residents. I currently specialize in working with adults who seek help for relational problems, family issues, and life transitions. I also have extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, and stress.

Let’s say it – life can be hard! It takes courage to ask for help and I’m here to help you develop greater self-understanding and cope with your concerns better. Family and relationship problems, microaggressions/discriminations, financial stress, work and academic demands can sometimes feel overwhelming. Unmanaged self-critical thoughts and rejection of our natural emotions make it worse and can lead to depression and excess anxiety. You may find that the coping strategies you’ve used in the past are no longer working for you. Well, I am here to help support your journey towards building the sort of life you want.

I work collaboratively with clients to help them engage with the wisdom from within to move with purpose and meaning in their lives. I see a wide range of clients from diverse backgrounds, age ranges, and with various clinical issues. My focus is on helping people create more life balance, facilitate self-growth, and enhance self-esteem. I specialize in treating stress, anxiety, depression, weight, eating, body image, grief, trauma, high functioning autism, and in helping people through challenges related to relationship, academic, work, parenting, and life transitions.

Do you find yourself in a pattern of unsatisfying relationships and you are unsure why? I would like to help you figure out the reason and offer tailored support to find a meaningful relationship or help you transform your current relationship. In my experience one person changing can make a significant impact to the overall relationship. I also enjoy working with couples who are interested in improving their relationship together.

I have over 20 years of clinical experience in the mental health field working with adults struggling with a variety of concerns. I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (CA License #PSY15300), a Board-Certified psychoanalyst, and a fellow of the American Board of Psychoanalysis. My practice in ludes two psychological Associates who see patients on a sliding scale. I have extensive training working adults in individual therapy and have expertise in treating depression, disordered eating, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and dissatisfaction with oneself and one’s life.

**VIDEO & IN PERSON SESSIONS AVAILABLE**Tossing and turning, can't sleep, worried all the time and so much change feels uncertain. Though I've never met you, I imagine how uncertain it feels to have so much change happening at once and your relationships under stress. Whether you're in a relationship or just ended one, you probably find yourself overthinking and feeling lonely and disconnected. Sometimes you just need to talk things out in a safe place with zero judgment with a strategy and a direction towards a solution.

Are you going through internal struggle due to trauma? Do you feel anxious and depressed about the future? Do you struggle with family issues and relationship issues? I’m willing to meet you where you are, help you process unwanted thoughts and emotions, and help develop an action plan to effectively cultivate your healing and growth. I’m here to help you explore unresolved feelings (anxiety, depression, anger, helplessness, grief, etc.) and develop skills to effectively cope with them. Thus, you can feel relieved and fulfilled in your relationship with yourself and others.

The relationship between therapist and client is one of the most unique and confidential relationships there is. Studies show the alliance the therapist cultivates with his/her/them client is crucial to therapeutic-effectivity. Helping you review your life and identify the changes you want to make is a sacred and respectful process. I provide each client the best quality care and will support you in examining the underlying issues causing pain and discouraging patterns. I am honest, compassionate, directive, and I want you to see promising changes in the life you want and deserve as soon as possible.

You’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed as you navigate dating and relationships, disconnected from yourself and unsure of what you are looking for in a partner. You’re someone who values community and can cultivate solid friendships, but you find yourself struggling when it comes to dating- feeling anxiety and a lack of confidence and clarity as you seek out a romantic relationship. But you’re ready to make a change. You’re ready to find clarity, safe connection, and confidence in your ability to enter into a healthy relationship. Most of all you’re ready to feel ease as you seek a partner. I want to help you get there.

Do you feel anxious due to your work, family issues, low self-esteem, and relationship issues? I can especially help those with anxiety/panic attacks. I make it a priority to help clients with buried feelings who have trouble speaking on their emotions. Communicating emotionally is extremely important to promote well-rounded and mature adults. I will help you enhance your self-awareness around unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and build skills necessary to handle life more effectively and develop actionable steps to reach your goals.

Carrie Garrigus is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She received her BA in Psychology and Masters in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Carrie’s diverse experience includes working with adolescents, families, and adults in a variety of settings from, residential care, outpatient/inpatient, to emergency room, primary care, and correctional settings. In the beginning of her career, Carrie worked with adolescents experiencing trauma and insecure attachments.

Therapy is an opportunity for growth and introspection. It is a way to learn how external and internal worlds intertwine to produce thoughts and behaviors that are either already conducive to a healthy, productive life—or could be improved upon. You don’t have to be in a crisis to come to therapy. Preventative care is just as important. My aim is to support you as you navigate the challenges life throws at you including fear and anxiety, interpersonal relationship discord, stresses of professional life, and unresolved conflict from childhood.

Do you find it difficult to talk openly with your partner about sex? Have barriers to intimacy led to a growing disconnect in your relationship? Could you use the help of a trained professional to safely and thoroughly explore, understand, and address your sexual concerns? I work with kinky, non-monogamous, and LGBTQIA+ people to address communication difficulties, sexual performance anxieties, desire discrepancies, infidelity, and "addictions" to porn, sex, and substances. I also help straight-identified men understand and appreciate their attraction to trans women.

Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, or low self-esteem? Do you find yourself avoiding social engagements or so preoccupied with excessive worrying? Finding ways to navigate these difficult feelings can help you get back on track. I use a psychodynamic approach and CBT that focuses on uncovering patterns of behavior and ways of relating to ourselves and others that are often outside of our awareness. I also consider how our past impacts who we are today. Through acceptance and empathy, we will establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and work together toward your personal growth and self-discovery.

I believe a central component of the therapeutic process is the relationship that's established between the therapist and the client. A safe and trusting relationship provides an environment in which you are able to explore those unresolved issues and old patterns that are not letting you have the quality of life you would like to have. Therapy is an opportunity to identify what's not working for you, view it from different angles, and learn strategies that will result in alternate ways of relating to yourself and to others that may be more conducive to becoming the person you want to be.

Choosing a therapist can be a daunting task, and I believe that finding that right fit is an essential part of your therapeutic journey. I place great value on the therapeutic relationship and will strive to earn your trust while fostering a relaxed, empathetic and supportive environment. I take a collaborative approach and work at a pace that feels comfortable for you as I appreciate just how challenging this work can be. I have considerable experience in working with military, I specialize in couple therapy using EFT, I'm certified in the model of AEDP and I have experience facilitating DBT, EFT and Codependency groups.

COUPLES: Are you struggling with feeling close and connected with your partner or other loved ones? Do you feel like you get caught in the same cycle over little (and big) topics? Do you want to become best friends and lovers again? INDIVIDUALS: Do you want to feel more free to be yourself? More confident in your choices? Perhaps there are some emotional wounds that need healing and/or you need to feel less alone with yourself and with those you love. ALL: Do you want to love and respect the opposite sex (or your own) better? Feel safer in relationships again? It's never too late to uncover your true self and to truly live.

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.