Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

I often work with adults and couples who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, grief and loss, and substance use or habits that feel hard to manage. My approach is depth-oriented, compassionate and direct, and I aim to create a space that feels supportive, and non-judgmental. Together, we'll work to ease distress through insight and practical steps, helping you understand patterns that may be keeping you stuck. This will help you to move towards growth, connectedness, and a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship with yourself and others.

To be honest, “telling your story” or expressing your thoughts and feelings was not always a great experience, was it? Maybe your words (and pain) seemed to fall on deaf ears or somehow become twisted and misconstrued—sometimes used against you. You spoke, which was good, but you were not heard… and that hurts. So you silenced yourself—“maybe I should keep quiet...nobody understands”. Well, as a woman of God (who was once silenced herself), I’ve developed a very heavy conviction to be a listening ear for others who not only wish to speak, but also desire to be HEARD. That, plus understanding, is the beginning of healing and freedom. I enjoy helping individuals, couples and families through past and current challenges using faith-integrated techniques and theoretical approaches. My therapeutic style is purposed to provide you with a safe space to identify and express how your thoughts/beliefs are impacting your emotions and behavior; and thus, your life and relationships with loved ones.

I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, with this improved understanding we are able to identify and practice healthy and satisfying life strategies. Often my clients come with concerns about self-esteem, relationship challenges, family conflicts and adjustment issues related to college. Together, in a non-judgmental environment, we are able to sort through and make sense of issues that may seem particularly challenging.

Hey, I'm Jacky! I work with adults who are facing challenges like family issues, relationships, cultural identity, and personal growth. My approach combines practical therapy techniques with an understanding of how unconscious thoughts and feelings shape our lives. Together, we’ll create a safe space where you can explore yourself, gain new insights, and make decisions that feel true to who you are. My own experiences navigating life and culture shape my work, so I understand how hard it can be to balance family expectations, relationships, and personal goals—especially when you're also figuring out your identity. I often wish I had someone who could relate to my struggles, which is why I'm passionate about creating a space where you can truly feel heard. I'm here to help you get in touch with your true self, make decisions that reflect your values, and live a life that feels genuine. If you're ready to take that step, I’d be excited to see if we’re a good fit to work together.

Deciding to engage in therapy is an important step in one’s life and I am honored by the opportunity to join in this journey with you. My work with clients begins from a place of genuine curiosity and authenticity. As a relational-cultural narrative therapist I believe that the person is not the problem. The problem is the problem and we work together to develop and implement effective tools aimed to address the problem. People are also defined by stories. When these stories become problematic, people can become stuck. Together we will examine these stories and help you develop new and healthy stories for your life. Deciding to engage in therapy is an important step in one’s life and I am honored by the opportunity to join in this journey with you. My work with clients begins from a place of genuine curiosity and authenticity. As a relational-cultural narrative therapist I believe that the person is not the problem. The problem is the problem and we work together to develop and implement effective tools aimed to address the problem. People are also defined by stories. When these stories become problematic, people can become stuck. Together we will examine these stories and help you develop new and healthy stories for your life. In my work, I engage in culture-centered practices, where the role of culture is seen as integral in understanding one’s journey. While relational-cultural narrative therapy guides my work, I also incorporate other evidenced-based practices and cognitive behavioral therapy to address maladaptive patterns and behaviors. I am deeply committed to working with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) and LGBTQIA+ populations. I look forward to the opportunity of hearing your story and working with you.

Heart Theory focuses on emotion-focused therapy as an overarching gateway into and through the work. We work with individuals, couples and families helping them navigate through past traumas, symptoms of need, and developing a meaningful process through conceptualizing the problem story.

College is a time of growth, change, and sometimes a lot of pressure. If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, therapy can help you create space to reflect, reset, and move forward with intention. We begin by building trust, so you can explore what’s coming up for you and build tools to feel more grounded and confident.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

My practice provides a space for you to be self-reflective, to learn, and grow into your potential.

Michele Haynes is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Pacific Northwest Counseling. Michele holds a license to practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON. Michele utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and other trauma treatments (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). Her primary areas of clinical interest include couples, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, relationships, and stress management. Michele EMDR certified. For individuals wanting to integrate mental health and Christianity, Michele can offer a faith-based perspective. --- Benjamin Johnstun is a counseling intern at Pacific Northwest Counseling, practicing under the supervision of Michele Haynes, LMFT. Benjamin is pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Benjamin is passionate about helping couples build stronger, more communicative relationships, drawing on his training in the Gottman Method. He has completed Level-2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. He is also dedicated to supporting individuals in finding purpose and meaning through a logotherapy-informed approach. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Benjamin offers a faith-based perspective for clients seeking to integrate Christian or LDS values into their counseling, while welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. Benjamin can practice in the states of IDAHO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON.

Thank you for reading my profile. It would be an honor to support you and to provide a non-judgmental space. It can feel lonely and overwhelming when you have thoughts, emotions, and feelings but don't have a safe place to share them.

Hey, I’m Sadé (pronounced Shah-day). I know therapy can feel intimidating, I get it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to offer a process that moves at your pace and centers your needs. As a Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Intern, I support individuals, teens, couples, and families in facing whatever life brings big or small. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to work through whatever challenges you're facing. I’m especially passionate about working with those navigating anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, relationship challenges whether romantic, family, or platonic, breakups, life transitions, PTSD, attachment wounds, emotional regulation, burnout, and cultural identity concerns.

I am Dr. Taide Mier-Vera. A bilingual (English and Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on research, practice, and education for the promotion of mental health. I have been helping children, youth and adults in community mental health and school settings throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, California for over 12 years. My approach is to attend to the whole person (mind, body, soul). My education, continuous training, professional experience and missionary work has helped me develop cultural competence. I am passionate about learning about other cultures to better understand others and their stories. Furthermore, I am committed to ongoing training and education so that I can provide evidenced-based and top quality services.

Do you find yourself having strong emotional responses to past events? Are you struggling to “Let go” or “Move on” from painful experiences? A typical Enduring Strength Counseling client is someone between the ages of 20-35, possibly a member of the military community, who answered yes to the questions above and is ready to begin their mental health journey but do not want to deal with the constraints and limitations of insurance companies. My clients pay for services directly and feel greater comfort and peace of mind to engage in counseling knowing that their care will not be denied.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I’m a first-generation Latina, with a BA in Psychology from San Diego State and a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. I am a member of Growth and Change Counseling and passionate about helping people experience results quickly and meaningfully. At Growth and Change, all therapists implement the same foundational approach that has produced our reputation for effectiveness. I deal with every issue and I am fluent in English and Spanish.

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 8 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and families. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University and my Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of La Verne. I have extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan, with a primary focus on supporting individuals navigating Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD, often in conjunction with co-occurring mood disorders. My background is rooted in behavioral work, including providing social skills training and addressing social anxiety among children on the spectrum. Additionally, I have experience working with victims of crime of all ages, supporting them in processing and healing from trauma.

I understand that asking for help may not come easy and may be a difficult process. Taking that first step is one of many ways I believe can improve your quality of life. I am here to join you on your journey for growth, compassion, and self-love. We will work as a team in achieving your goals and aspirations to improve your life functioning.