Therapists serving clients in Santee, CA

Hi there, It takes grit and fortitude to do what you’re doing. Searching for a therapist is a big decision and maybe you’ve reached the point where you realize you can’t do it alone, and need support to work through the frustrations, challenges and struggles you are facing in your life right now. As you read my profile, you’ll notice my professional experience spans over 20 years and my training background covers a wide range of diverse topics. My clinical approach combines psycho-dynamic as well as other modalities like DBT, and systems theory to insure you have access to the most update-to-date information available. While adhering to confidentiality, ethical and legal standards, the individualized treatment approach I employ draws from the latest evidence-based practices, emphasizing a supportive insight-oriented, practical and common sense, straightforward style. I am committed to building an honest, respectful and collaborative alliance with you, to develop a sustainable capacity for continued trust and effective skill building. I make every effort to balance ego and humility, and pride myself on being honest, direct, and non-judgmental so you know you are believed, taken seriously, feel valued, and know you matter. It entails establishing boundaries, and striking a balance between recognizing the impact of confusion, anguish, conflict, suffering and turmoil to acknowledging and benefiting from understanding, insight/education, advice and feedback. The bottom line is; you gain the tools and coping skills necessary to regulate emotions, become mindful and insure that you gain confidence and competence in your ability to achieve a sense of personal safety, security and stability. My areas of expertise include working with diverse, multicultural clients including both Native American and Native Alaskan populations. I have worked in private practice, created an outpatient clinic providing DBT groups for both men and women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. I was the clinical director of a medical behavioral health setting focusing on chronic illness, a homeless shelter providing mental health, substance abuse and HIV+ AIDS treatment services, an all-men’s dual diagnosed residential program, a trauma informed treatment program in the 56 Yupik villages of Alaska, a recidivism re-entry program for ex-offenders from San Quentin and Folsom State Prisons. I also worked in the 1st hospice in the United States, providing death and dignity counseling services to terminally ill patients and bereavement counseling for families. Currently, my focus is on, although not limited to, working with individuals living with depression, anxiety stemming from trauma histories, recovering from traumatic bonding/narcissistic abuse, and adults on the autistic spectrum who desire a need to understand Asperger’s and the impact it has on their lives and relationships. Also, treatment services for the LGBTQIA community; individuals with a wide range of concerns about sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual fluidity, the coming- out stages, intimacy social stigma, family/relationship conflict, parenting issues, employment concerns and advocacy approaches for the human rights campaign for civil rights. Most importantly, I am passionate about addressing visible, and invisible disability issues, the neuro-diversity of ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia, and the need to address the fundamental issues of disability rights, learning styles, inclusiveness, ableism, workplace bullying and the impact of internalized oppression. What does this all mean for you? I would like to think, it demonstrates my competence and gives you some degree of confidence in my ability to help you achieve greater resiliency, authenticity, and happiness in your life. Chances are you are doing the best you can and you can do better. That's where your ingenuity, willingness, motivation, and commitment come into play. There are lots of reasons for you to consider entertaining the thought of on-line therapy. It is an effective way to navigate through your problems on your timetable, and support really makes a difference. It gives you the opportunity to start an action plan, get the help you need to stay on track, follow through and meet your goals consistently. It's also an emotional tune-up, putting energy and enthusiasm back into your life, so you are empowered to face reality, generate options, problem-solve, let go of the past and take the risks necessary to move forward. Putting the brakes on wishing things were different, you can break through your fears, self-sabotage, addictions, anger issues and codependency in order to set healthy boundaries and discover what it takes to stand up for yourself, say no, protect your own self-interest and become mindful. Expand your capacity for recognizing the importance of TFK - thinking, feelings, and knowing, the pillars of EI, emotional intelligence. By increasing emotional self-regulation, interrupting escalating patterns of RUI, reactivity, urgency and intensity, you will be able to manage triggers which will help you respond more calmly, giving you the ability to take on and accomplish the daily challenges with poise while not allowing the past to dictate your responses. Just think of that, being grounded and thriving, instead of simply surviving. Sounds simple, it's not nor do I pretend it is. Practice makes progress, there is no perfection. Successes and setbacks are inevitable, so it's one step at a time. Call it an incremental manageable approach to deal with getting impatient, bored, or overwhelmed. It’s not unusual for clients, maybe you included, to feel emotionally vulnerable, fragile, stuck, discouraged, helpless, hopeless and struggling with life-defeating behaviors or suicidal ideation. Regardless of the reasons you seek therapy, it is imperative that you feel understood, supported and can speak freely in order to benefit from the therapeutic experience so you can connect, learn, share, grow and pay it forward. Everything is connected by chains of events, coupled with your vulnerabilities, temperament, and your life experiences while your identity is formed by both narratives, both internal and external. Perhaps it's time you learned to see yourself through kinder eyes, to look at the world from a more neutral stance, recognize that co-perspectives exist, repair and rebuild in some instances vs. re-enacting and repeating, that way, you can accept consequences gracefully, cultivate a willingness to wait, tread softly, play by the rules, make lemonade from lemons, advocate for living, confront and process guilt and shame and recognize that there is no point going to an empty well and expecting water. Accessing online therapy is safe, secure, convenient, confidential, and cost effective. Keep in mind, you can work on understanding your underlying core issues, the impact of trauma, connecting the historical dots of your life, develop a mental health recovery plan, increase focus, concentration, motivation, and simply live without the drama and recurring crisis. Dramatically improve your ability to think and feel more positive and hopeful. It's like a long awaited of breath of fresh air! Instead of being on automatic pilot, you take ownership of your choices by being accountable and responsible, both deliberate, and intentional. Benefit from a trusting relationship with me, built on a foundation of mutual respect that gives you the best chance at personal growth and enhancing your own functioning. Improve your physical, mental and emotional well-being by stepping outside your comfort zone. It's about living with hope, having both meaning and purpose, and identifying and living your own values. Instead of suffering in silence you can live, laugh, learn, lead, love and leave a legacy. It's your opportunity to build a life worth living. I invite you to reach out to me. EDUCATION AND TRAINING BA in Humanities/Social Justice MA in Social Clinical Psychology Dual Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Trained in EMDR Levels I and II Trained in Palliative Care and Hospice Care Trained in Aging, Grief & Loss, Transitions, Chronic Illness Trained and Nationally Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy Trained in Cinema ”Reel” to “Real” Film Group Therapy Trained in Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment/Recovery Trained in Trauma-informed Care and Trauma-specific Practices Trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level I Trained in Multiculturalism, Disability Rights, Ethnic Minorities, Culturally Diverse Populations including Race, Gender, Class, Religion, Power/Privilege and LGBTQIA Orientation/Identity and Coming-Out stages.

As an experienced therapist I appreciate the energy it takes to confront issues that feel overwhelming without clear solutions. I take my role seriously in facilitating healing. I care about my clients and do my best to minimize any unpleasant symptoms you are experiencing while we work on strategies that move you towards a more satisfying life. I am authentic, non-judgmental, and direct in my approach. If you are feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or have tried to make things better without lasting success, I can help. Connecting with the right therapist is the first step. I have been helping others shift their perceptions, heal from emotional pain, and reach their personal goals for over ten years. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the treatment of complex trauma, PTSD, substance use, and mood and anxiety-related disorders. I have extensive experience working with interpersonal conflict including domestic violence. I work with individuals, couples, and families seeking relief from the troubling effects of trauma, the negative impacts of unhealthy communication styles, the harmful consequences of substance use, and challenges associated with change. My clinical specialties include treating victims of violent and sexual crimes, adult survivors of early childhood traumas, and substance use specific treatment and recovery. I value and respect diversity and consider myself an LGBTQIA ally. I look forward to hearing from you.

Welcome & Hello, It all began at the age of 5, my first client myself. Ever since I could recall I've been fascinated with my own thoughts and behaviors. Standing up for myself, when I was in kindergarten, when a teachers aide was pinching and leaving marks on me was my first memory of advocating for myself and standing up for what I knew was abuse. People have asked me my purpose for choosing to be a therapist and I tell them: I want to share and teach others what I gave myself at the age of 5: understanding, acceptance, and care. I understand you are a person first and any mental health needs that you have, will be secondary to how I will approach my counseling with you. Depression, anxiety, and inattention does not control you, You do. Anxiety doesn't own your thoughts, You own your thoughts. I will hold you accountable and will work with you, to find ways for YOU to be the best version of yourself that you will be proud of. Be an influencer in life by taking loving care of the only person you can truly be responsible for, which is YOU. If you've heard nothing else I've said thus far, please hear this: Fear is the excuse we give ourselves for not doing something. I will support you with your journey of growth by connecting with you; encouraging you to go outside your comfort zone; and I will challenge your thinking but you will be responsible for changing YOU. I will offer you NEW ways to see yourself and when doing so you may see the world change around you. Changing just a little bit every day, may produce a larger change, you never knew, you always wanted. I Can't wait to take the journey with you.

I am licensed in California with over 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I have worked in a wide variety of settings with very diverse populations including young at-risk children, teens, families in crisis and older adults. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I believe that every person deserves to be seen and heard. I have a very transparent approach and try to be relatable and down to earth. I like to mix my therapeutic approach with Motivational Interviewing, DBT and also real-world experiences to help you find the style that best suits you to meet you where you are at and helps you find comfort.

I am a licensed clinical social worker in California with more than 10 years of clinical experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with a wide range of clients from different ethnic backgrounds with concerns and emotional challenges including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, and coping with life changes. My therapy style is warm, laid-back and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe that you are the expert of your story and you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. My approach combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, Strength Based Focused, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing Therapy. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. Taking the first step is the hardest. If you are ready to take that step to make changes in your life, I am here to support and guide you in that process. I look forward to working with you!

Nicole Widman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in in therapy for men and women with a faith-background who may be struggling with: Acceptance/Belonging Addiction Anxiety Broken Family Relationships Church Hurt Depression Future Plans/Purpose Self-Esteem/Identity Suicidal Ideation Trauma I am passionate about integrating therapy with the Christian faith, guiding clients in learning how to hear from God and experience inner healing through the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am deeply devoted to counseling those that long to burn with passion for Jesus but cannot break free from the darkness of their past.

I am licensed in California with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in California and Hawaii with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in California with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.