Therapists in Santee, CA

I have worked with adults, teens, couples and families for seven years; I specialize in facilitating people’s own insights and resilience to access more resourced and contented lives. Living in California can be exhausting with its high paced culture; allow me to work with you on achieving insight(s) about the origins and solutions to anxiety, substance abuse, and dissatisfaction with relationships and work. With my background as a yoga instructor, meditation practitioner, and competitive runner and triathlete, I can join you in bringing awareness to maladaptive coping strategies. I strive to normalize and validate your experiences! I started my career in addiction counseling, via Hazelden Betty Ford's graduate program, and I then received a counseling psychology masters from Palo Alto University; I have been working for a large hospital as a psychotherapist for the past six years. My specialty is working with addiction of all kinds. With two decades of sobriety from alcohol and drugs, I can assist you and your loved ones in getting relief from anger, restlessness, and grief. I can support you in recovering from bereavement after losing a beloved person or animal. Recovery has varied approaches; let’s find yours and develop new skills. I commend you for channeling your strength and wisdom into positive action. Asking for assistance and implementing new life skills is not easy; "we cannot fix a problem with the same mind that created it," Einstein is known to have said. Most everyone deals with shame, guilt, and self-criticism, and now’s your time to achieve a respite from the human condition. Congratulations on taking your first step in realizing your potential! I look forward to working with you.

I was drawn to the helping profession through my passion for relationships, experiences, and a desire to understand the emotional processes of healing. Life experiences have provided me with an ability to understand common patterns which affect most people in their journeys. I have a passion for emotional healing that improves relation and overall quality of daily experiences for individuals and family. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been practicing since 2000. I initially started therapeutic services with under represented minority groups. Focusing on child and adolescents at risk due to lack of resources, and crisis stabilization. After about 11 years I decided to take time off to stay at home with my children. Being a first time mom gave me new perspectives on mental health with first time mothers, depression and anxiety of being a mom whether it is stay at home or a working mother. This prompted me to re educate myself and get experience with perinatal mood disorders. More recently I have been working with young adults transitioning into college. Helping with maladaptive internal and interpersonal psychological dynamics. Utilizing cognitive behavioral approaches to encourage clients to focus on thoughts and behaviors and encourage to make changes. I enjoy engaging in therapy with teens, young adults through older adults who have a desire or need for hope and change. Helping people find connection and improve communication is a privilege for me. My goal is to serve others and make a difference as I assist in the navigation of life challenges. In addition to my training and education I have children of my own and understand the struggles that parents experience along with various dynamics of family relationships.

I have been a Licensed Clinical Social worker and Mental Health Therapist in the State of California with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse and depression, as well as other life issues. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed psychologist in California with 15 years of experience providing therapy and psychological evaluations. I've worked in various settings, such as mental health clinics, hospitals, inpatient, and day treatment settings. I have experience helping clients with addictions, adjustment issues, attention/organization problems, body image, mood issues, including perinatal mood, low self-esteem, and stress and anxiety. My approach is eclectic by using elements of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment, and mindfulness practices. My treatment is individualized and tailored to clients' presenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. In the initial phase of therapy, we set treatment goals and outline the purpose of therapy. During the treatment phase, we may explore your thoughts and feelings, learn and practice skills, role-play or work through challenging interpersonal themes, and engage in mindfulness practices. Typical sessions start with check-ins and agenda setting and reviewing worksheets, if applicable. I oftentimes share educational materials and assign worksheets and readings through the chat. Periodically, we will return to your treatment goal(s) to assess progress. I look forward to hearing from you.

My therapeutic approach aims to meet my clients where they are at with what they are struggling with. Whether that is stress, depression, anxiety, sleep related issues or motivation, the goal is improvement and tools to manage these issues. I look to provide support with the situations that are currently affecting client’s health and progress towards a better life and more positive future. I am trained in art therapy techniques as well as sleep healthcare. I excel in finding personal strengths, support and strategies to manage life’s difficulties in a non-judgmental, safe space. Your health is important, I hope to become a part of your journey towards the self you want to be.

I've had a spiritual near-death experience, lost my loving mother to Cancer, immigrated as a child, lived under an oppressive regime in the Middle East as a minority, experienced complex family dynamics and through it all still believe that we are all meant to shine our light in this world. You may be reading this while at your lowest point in life but don't worry, I'm here to guide you back to your true self ("Remember Who You Are"). I'm a compassionate therapist who believes in the transformative power of healing through a holistic approach. With a deep understanding of the mind-body-spirit connection, I will successfully guide you through your journey of inner peace, emotional well-being & personal growth. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based practices with mindfulness techniques, allowing you to explore your inner child, cultivate self-awareness, and develop effective coping strategies to address challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and depression. What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you? I provide a safe & nurturing space where you can explore your inner child & develop a sense of inner peace. By cultivating mindfulness & awareness, you'll learn to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, gaining a greater understanding of your patterns and triggers. I firmly believe that true healing lies in self-discovery and the cultivation of one's inner wisdom. In our sessions, you will embark on a journey of self-exploration, guided by the principles of mindfulness and spirituality. Together, we'll uncover underlying beliefs, patterns, and traumas that may be contributing to your anxiety, trauma & depression. We'll create a therapeutic journey that honors your unique experiences and supports your transformation toward a more fulfilling & balanced life. What treatment methods and tools do you utilize? Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Attachment-based Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Existential Family Systems Forensic Psychology Integrative Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Motivational Interviewing Person-Centered Positive Psychology Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Strength-Based Trauma Focused Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths. I would say my ability to connect with you on a deep level & being able to carry your vulnerability where you feel heard & understood is my gift as I guide you & inspire you toward a solution to your life's problems. I'm grounded, spiritual & honor good values. I used to work in the Tech field so I'm aware of how "perfect" your life might feel to the outside world however chaotic things may be on the inside. I've provided therapy in prisons, schools, non-profits, government offices, hospitals, hospices & psychiatric institutions so my "well-rounded" experience prepares me for any issue you may present to me. My name means "Light" so my greatest gift to you is us shedding a 'light' on your problems and finding compassionate solutions to help you overcome all your challenges in life.

I am licensed in California working with various populations. I speak English and Spanish. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, Couple's Relations, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story, and I know you possess the tools to better deal with current struggles. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with health and disability changes as well as coping with grief and loss. My experience also includes working with clients with relationship and family changes and conflicts. I have enjoyed helping my clients with employment issues and work changes along with finding what motivates you. 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. Making changes or looking at yourself 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 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & executive and professional coaching. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Specializing in attachment theory, addiction, ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma; I strive to help adults gain new and even contrasting perspectives from personal experiences while repairing and maintaining emotional connections within relational systems. I also believe in holistic care, often implementing experiential strategies of movement, play, and humor to strengthen both the mind and body.