Therapists in San Diego

Riley (She,her) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who is passionate about aiding children, adolescents, teens, adults, families, and couples to explore their identities and navigate the ups and downs of life. Riley prioritizes creating a therapeutic and collaborative space for clients to experience unconditional positive regard and allows them to have a voice of their own. Riley received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Waldorf University, where she was the vice president of the psychology club and interned at a supervised visitation clinic. After her undergraduate studies, Riley
worked full time as a Registered ABA therapist conducting in home early intervention to children on the Autism Spectrum. Riley then completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego, where she interned at two practicum sites ranging from a crisis house setting to an outpatient clinic. Riley has experience working with mild, moderate, and severe mental health diagnoses.

Riley works from a Trauma-informed and Person-Centered lens and focuses on tailoring treatment to each individual person. Therapeutic modalities of specialty include: Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment, Adlerian, Compassion and Culturally sensitive focused, Gestalt, Humanistic, Mindfulness-Based, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Psychology, Gottman couples work, Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, Trauma- Focused CBT, and other integrative models and techniques as appropriate. Riley enjoys building a close
therapeutic relationship using humor, non-judgmental active listening, and authenticity.

Diagnoses and areas of therapeutic specialty include: Anxiety disorders, Depressive disorders, Trauma and stress-related Disorders including PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Developmental Disorders, Co-occurring substance or alcohol use disorders, Childhood abuse and trauma, Domestic violence, Adjustment, Life transitions, Gender Dysphoria, Sexual orientation exploration, Military and Family, Parenting, Post-Partum, Interpersonal relationship issues, Insomnia, Grief and loss, Disordered
Eating behaviors, Suicidality, and mild to moderate Psychosis.
Populations of specialty: Human beings of all kinds! Riley is well versed in working with marginalized communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, Low SES, and ages of all kinds. She encourages all who come through her door to be their true and authentic self.

Samantha (she/her/hers) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who believes in the power of human connection and the resilience that emerges when facing life’s challenges. She fosters a friendly, empathetic environment where clients can heal through the use of a client-centered, culturally competent, and trauma-informed approach, tailored to each person’s individual needs. This approach helps clients feel heard and supported as they progress on their growth journey.

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Samantha integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She understands that healing is a deeply personal journey and is committed to providing compassionate care that empowers clients to achieve their goals.

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Samantha received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She has experience working with both adults and teens, helping them build self-awareness, navigate difficult life transitions, and develop healthier relationships. Samantha supports clients in managing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and low self-esteem.

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With a background working with active-duty military members, their dependents, and athletes, she offers specialized care to address the unique challenges they face. Samantha understands that life often presents us with storms of uncertainty and she is dedicated to supporting clients as they work toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.

Kate (she/her/hers) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist passionate about working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, families, and couples from all walks of life. She has a desire to create a space where clients can navigate life's challenges and successes, while learning tangible coping skills to implement in their daily routines. Kate believes therapy is a place to explore, learn, and grow; and takes great pride in helping clients overcome obstacles and reach their personal goals. 

 

A graduate of the University of Arizona, Kate earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Family Studies and Human Development. She continued her education at the University of San Diego, where she earned a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Kate has experience working with foster youth as well as treating adults with addiction in a residential setting. She has worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma related disorders. Additionally, she has worked in an outpatient program for women and families needing support for maternal mental health issues. 

 

Kate believes that there is no “one size fit all” approach to therapy, and that each client's experience should be unique to their needs and goals. She has training in evidence based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Kate implements mindfulness techniques, skill building, and attachment work in her therapy. She welcomes clients from all backgrounds. 

Katie (she/her/hers) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about providing culturally sensitive, affirming, and individualized care for her clients. Katie believes that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Katie values respect for her clients’ individuality, and strives to create a safe space for folks to come to recognize and express their most authentic selves on their path to working towards their therapeutic goals. 

 

Katie enjoys working with teens, adults, families, and couples. Some particular areas of interest for Katie are individuals who are exploring their gender, sexuality, or other aspects of their identity. As part of the community herself, Katie feels especially passionate about providing affirming care to LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and couples facing relational issues, life transitions, gender dysphoria, stress, depression, anxiety, or difficulty with self-compassion.

 

Katie graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and Masters in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. Katie has experience in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient clinics. Katie approaches therapy from a person-centered and strengths-based lens, seeing each individual client for their unique attributes while helping them recognize just how capable they already are. Katie has experience utilizing Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and particularly enjoys integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, as she firmly believes there is great value in developing a more understanding and compassionate relationship with all of our unique parts.

Katie, a native San Diegan, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor here at Positive Change Counseling Center who is looking forward to joining you on your journey to better overall wellness. Working from a background of culturally competent, trauma-informed care and a strengths-based approach, Katie uses humor, warmth and compassion to help each client feel seen and safe. Experienced in providing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Katie is confident in providing evidence-based tools to help those suffering from intense emotions to feel grounded and empowered as well as rebuild trust within themselves.

 

Katie has earned degrees for her undergraduate studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana before coming back to California to earn her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Redlands. Katie is experienced in working with diverse populations struggling with acute and chronic trauma backgrounds at domestic violence shelters and programs for low-income clients and their families. Katie has also worked with young adults in a college setting and wishes to continue to work with adolescents, young adults and adults. Throughout these opportunities, Katie has had extensive training in parenting support, boundary setting, harm-reduction approaches to substance use, transgenerational trauma, attachment styles, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices.

 

Katie, being deeply aware of how our complex intersecting identities influence our lens of the world and our issues, is excited to provide space where each client can feel affirmed in their identity. With this framework, she hopes to support all clients in meeting their mental health goals and continue to be an advocate in the community for lasting change.

Lexi (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who works from a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens to support clients in achieving their goals. She approaches therapy from a place of authenticity, collaboration, and compassion. Lexi believes that each of us is the expert on our own unique experiences, and we therefore have the power and ability to make the positive changes necessary to lead fulfilling lives. She often integrates DBT, Internal Family Systems, CBT, self-compassion, and positive psychology interventions to support clients. 

 

Lexi received her Bachelor's degree from Chapman University, and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of San Diego. She has experience working with adults and teens on building healthy relationships and boundary setting, strengthening healthy parenting skills, processing grief, overcoming difficult life transitions, and navigating depression, anxiety, and trauma.

 

She values the opportunity to embrace each person’s unique cultural background, as our ethnicity, race, sexual and gender identities all contribute to who we are and are integral parts of the way we experience mental and emotional well-being. Lexi recognizes the healing power of simply being truly heard and understood, and she creates a supportive, compassionate space where individuals can experience this. She looks forward to the opportunity to be a part of your journey and assist you in becoming the best version of you.

Jennifer (or Jen) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 8 years of experience working with children struggling with intense and frequent emotional and behavioral problems. Jennifer has a broad range of clinical experience working with children in the following areas: disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, depressive disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and anxiety disorders. Jennifer works with clients and their families to process trauma, promote healthy communication, and strengthen the family unit. Jennifer also has experience running groups that focused on social skills, coping skills, anger management, and emotion regulation.

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Jennifer utilizes a strength-based approach and offers a safe and non-judgmental space. She works closely with her clients to develop realistic and achievable goals as she wants her clients to be successful. Jennifer’s experience working in a residential program has allowed her to support children and family’s mental health treatment in a variety of capacities, further deepening her understanding of the complexities and vulnerabilities involved in mental health care. Jennifer has received training in CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and DBT. She also incorporates other modalities such as Solution Focused, Client Centered, and Art-Based therapeutic interventions. Jennifer provides trauma-informed and culturally competent therapeutic services, takes a creative, understanding approach with all her clients, and supports her clients in deepening their personal exploration.

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Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University.

Miriam (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is devoted to providing support to people from all walks and phases of life on their paths to finding peace within. In her practice, Miriam employs a client-centered approach from a strengths-based and solution-focused lens. She is collaborative and adaptive with her use of therapeutic interventions based on her own scope of practice and clients’ background and needs. She values the importance of the therapeutic relationship and how cultural awareness and intersectionality play the greatest role within it. Miriam strives to empower her clients to recognize that they that they know themselves best, and their life experiences and values help guide them forward and through whatever may be their way.

Miriam has worked with a variety of populations in partial hospitalization and intensive
outpatient care, as well as school based and private practice settings. She has experience
working with couples and individuals of all ages in the areas of stress and anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, women’s issues, school issues, self-esteem, borderline personality disorder, and life transitions. Miriam comes to this work with a master’s degree in counseling psychology from The Wright Institute in Berkeley, California, as well as an undergraduate degree in psychology from University of California Santa Cruz.

Carol Dawidowicz is passionate about helping people improve their well-being and relationships. She has been working as a therapist with children, teens and adults since 2005. Carol started her counseling career at a non-profit agency serving at risk youth. Carol has over a decade of experience working with military service members and their families. She supports clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin issues, grief & loss, separation & divorce, issues of identity/self-esteem, and relationship problems. She also works with couples facing a variety of challenges including parenting issues, infidelity, communication difficulties, intimacy problems, conflict and domestic violence.

 

Carol received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2000. She obtained her graduate degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego in 2006. Carol has taken advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. She also has completed training in yoga, Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and multiple anxiety treatment related programs.

 

Carol values diversity and strives to understand the unique needs of each individual. She helps clients identify their strengths and develop the tools and relationship skills to lead a more productive and satisfying life. 

Karina is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for providing quality services to individuals struggling with mental health concerns. She received a Master’s of Science in Counseling from San Diego State University with an emphasis in Child Development in 2017. Karina’s vision is to ensure a safe therapeutic atmosphere is created for clients and their families to experience their vulnerabilities while sharing the challenges or barriers they may be facing. She is experienced in Dialectical Behavioral, Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, and Solution Focused Therapy and strives to help individuals understand and overcome their unhealthy thought processes.

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Karina has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals of all ages in the following areas: Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Challenges, Self-Harm Behavior, Anger and Stress Management, Trauma and Abuse, and Self-Image and Self-Esteem issues.

Karina’s approach emphasizes the mutual development of goals for therapy and ongoing evaluation throughout the therapeutic process. She continues to seek growth professionally by constantly updating and improving her skills and knowledge base. Karina is invested in an integrative and dynamic approach to mental health and looks forward to supporting you on your journey!

Jennifer specializes in treating adults with a variety of anxiety and depressive disorders. She will work with you to address past trauma, decrease work-related stress and teach you skills to help get "unstuck" with challenges you may be facing. She also does a great deal of work with couples and families to address common relationship concerns, such as: communication, conflict resolution, trust, intimacy issues and financial concerns. Relationship therapy focuses on providing couples with skills to help increase trust, gain intimacy and strengthen their overall relationship. 

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One of Jennifer's passions includes working with expectant and new parents on their journey as they work toward creating a special space for the newest member of their family.  As an advocate for parents, Jennifer believes in the importance of understanding your rights during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond in providing the care you feel is best for you and your family. Jennifer is a Certified Facilitator for Gottman’s “Bringing Baby Home” curriculum.

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Jennifer received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2000 and a Masters of Arts from the University of San Diego in Marital and Family Therapy in 2002.  Jennifer founded Positive Change Counseling Center in 2006 and with over 15 years of experience she continues to provide effective treatment to her clients. She has worked as a Research Therapist at the Veteran's Medical Research Foundation in La Jolla providing evidence-based Prolonged Exposure therapy to U.S soldiers returning home from combat who are challenged by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from combat and other traumatic events. Success rates are high in minimizing and eliminating issues such as increased fear, depressed mood, flashbacks, and poor concentration related to traumatic events including physical violence, sexual and combat trauma. Jennifer's background also includes human relations and diversity trainings, supporting survivors of domestic violence, providing in-home services for at-risk youth, facilitating anxiety support groups and providing residential treatment for adults with chronic mental illness and addiction.