Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

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At I Heart Therapy, we specialize in helping college students navigate the pressures of young adulthood with compassion and real-world support. Whether you’re struggling with self-esteem, social anxiety, perfectionism, burnout, or finding your identity, our therapists create a warm, judgment-free space where you can process what’s happening and build confidence in who you are. College can be an exciting time of freedom and discovery—but it can also feel overwhelming, lonely, or uncertain. Between managing academics, relationships, and figuring out your future, it’s easy to feel anxious, stuck, or like you’re not measuring up. We understand the college experience—how it can bring both independence and insecurity—and we’re here to help you find balance, heal from self-doubt, and feel more grounded and empowered in your next chapter.

My training is in both medical and clinical mental health settings where I have gained an expertise in working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep concerns and insomnia, chronic pain and other chronic illness adjustment difficulties. I also have a passion for working with mothers and women who are pregnant or postpartum and are looking for support through these critical life stages.

I’m a licensed psychologist offering therapy for adults, young adults and teens navigating anxiety, OCD, and life transitions. I work with folks in high-pressure environments, students juggling expectations, and those who feel like they’re carrying the world on their shoulders. You don’t have to keep doing it all alone. Let’s find a way forward—together.

My work is collaborative, conversational and client-centered. Your goals are my goals, and understanding the values beneath those goals often drives my curiosity. Sometimes it can feel like different parts of us want different things or are even in conflict with each other. Understanding how to negotiate with these different parts - and to honor how and why they came to be - can help us find the agency to live lives of integrity, freedom, meaning, and connection.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I became a therapist because I believe everyone deserves a space where they can feel truly seen and heard, without judgment. Life’s challenges can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about our path. My goal is to provide a space where you can show up exactly as you are, knowing you are supported and understood. I ensure that clients feel heard and understood by working collaboratively with them to stay on track with their goals. I invite regular feedback during sessions to ensure we are meeting their needs and addressing any concerns they may have. This ongoing communication helps me tailor the therapeutic process to their individual needs, fostering a sense of partnership and understanding. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in virtual therapy, free of judgment and shame. I use humor, creativity, and metaphors to help clients connect with deeper parts of themselves, making the process more engaging and meaningful. Additionally, I follow their lead and respect their pace when addressing difficult issues, which helps create a sense of safety, respect, and partnership in our work together. I’m a big believer in small, everyday rituals, whether that’s my morning coffee routine or my daily walk in nature. It often opens the door to conversations about balance, structure, and the importance of simple habits that support well-being.”

Seeking therapy is a brave step. Whether you are presently in crisis or simply feeling a bit stuck in life, I honor the effort and courage that it took you to get here. Even a cursory, online search for a therapist indicates a commitment to your mental health. It also suggests that—regardless of how you might feel in this moment—some small (or large) part of you believes in the possibility of a more peaceful, fulfilling life. As a therapist, I am here to not only affirm and amplify that belief, but more importantly, to help you discover and define its reality for yourself. I work with individuals, couples and complex relational structures utilizing a collaborative, person-centered approach. I have experience working with folks of many ages, backgrounds, and genders, and I am especially passionate about working with people who are looking to explore issues around sexuality. ​ I am currently accepting new therapy clients at this time via telehealth. I use a secure web based platform that allows us to communicate with video, so if you’d like to reach out please do! I look forward to connecting with you!

Let's support you in facing internal struggles stemming from everyday life, anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationships! Let's help you learn a variety of coping and parenting skills to support you in feeling confident as an individual or as a parent while developing healthy communication within your relationships. In therapy, we will spend time exploring your history, concerns, strengths, and areas of growth. We will then work together to develop an individualized way to support you in the growth that you want to see in yourself. You will learn a variety of new tools and skills to manage anxiety or stress, decrease self-criticism, improve self-esteem, increase self-confidence, set healthy boundaries, learn new ways to communicate, or learn new parenting skills. Emphasis will then be placed on learning how to implement these into your everyday life.

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If you have ever said, "I did everything right, how could this have happened?" I'm here for you. I help high achieving, successful people navigate the shock and struggle of major life transitions to regain joy, peace, insight and understanding. With you guiding, we work together to better relationships, improve communication, and heal traumas. Central to my work is for us to have "goodness of fit"; so you feel safe and manifest your best potential. I treat: high stress, loss, grief, transitioning to new situations, and trauma. I'm your GPS system to improved wellness.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

I am a marriage and family therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. With training in ACT, EMDR, CBT, and the Gottman Method I create a warm, supportive space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to reach their own treatment goals - sometimes with a bit of humor along the way. My goal is to make therapy feel both effective and deeply human. My approach My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices like ACT, EMDR, and CBT. I work to create a space where you feel safe, truly heard and understood - where we can explore what's going on beneath the surface at your own pace. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, or other life challenges, we'll work together to clarify your goals and move toward meaningful change. My focus I work well with Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma, People navigating relationship challenges (romantic, family, or interpersonal), Adults who want to feel more understood, supported, and empowered, Clients who value authenticity, warmth, and a therapist who keeps things real. My communication style In our sessions, I aim to create an open and comfortable space where you feel truly heard. I communicate warmth, honesty, and care, always focused on meeting you where you are. My approach is collaborative, so we'll work together to understand your challenges and set realistic goals. I believe in being direct, but I also understand that this work can be difficult, so I try to bring humor into the mix when appropriate, because therapy doesn't always have to be serious to be effective. My goal is for you to feel supported, empowered, and safe throughout our time together. My journey to mental healthcare My journey to becoming a therapist started early- my mom was a therapist, so I grew up surrounded by conversations about psychology and what it means to support others. But it wasn't until I faced my own challenges and sought therapy as a young adult that I truly felt the power of this work. That experience lit a fire in my to help others the way I had been helped. I've always been fascinated by human dynamics -what makes us grow, what gives life meaning, and how we can create fulfilling connections. Training in EMDR was a turning point in my career as I got to witness people heal in powerful ways from things they'd carried for so long but didn't know how to move through. That deepened my passion even more. I continue to be inspired by voices like Brene Brown, Dr. Gabor Mate, and Dr. Lindsay Gibson, who remind me of the importance of compassion-both for ourselves and each other. That's the energy I bring into therapy: curiosity, care, and a deep belief in your capacity to heal and grow. My goals for you In our first sessions, I take time to understand your story and what changes you're hoping for. We'll set meaningful goals together using evidence-based practices, balancing structure with flexibility so we can move at your pace. I check in on progress regularly and adapt goals as needed, always working collaboratively to overcome any barriers. My hope is that as you grow, you'll learn to create the life you want. My first session with you Your first session with me is all about getting to know you and creating a space that feels safe, welcoming, and judgement-free. We'll talk about what brought you to therapy, explore a bit of your background, and start identifying what you'd like to focus on. There's no pressure to have it all figured out-this is a time for us to slow down, connect, and begin building a relationship that supports your goals. I'll also answer any questions you have about the therapy process and what our work together might look like. My goal is for you to leave that first session feeling seen, supported, and a little more hopeful about what's ahead.

Relationships are the most rewarding and often the most difficult parts of our lives. If you're struggling in your romantic relationship, friendships, family or even in your relationship with yourself...you're not alone. Negative thoughts and feelings can keep you from the life you want with the people you love. Counseling can give you the support and encouragement you need to help move forward and find new, better ways to communicate and connect. It can be difficult to know who to trust with the things you're going through. Therapy offers you a confidential, comfortable place to talk about the things in your life that are hard to share with others. Together, we can uncover your strengths and use them to create a plan to give you relief from the uncomfortable place you're in today.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or have a history of trauma, grief, or loss? Are you struggling with life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships? Looking for someone who is non-judgmental, thoughtful, genuine, and active? Then look no further! It would be an honor to help guide you on your journey toward self-healing. My name is Gabrielle Powell and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker #90673, supervised by Denise M. Williams, LMFT92559. As a therapist at the Well-Play Wellbeing & Counseling Center, my intention is to assist you in becoming more self-aware, while utilizing your inner strengths to help you cope with life's ups and downs. I can also help you align your decision-making with your values, in order to create healthy relationships with yourself and others. I tailor the therapeutic experience to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and circumstances. This is achieved by utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered approach, motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach, and mindfulness techniques. In other words, I am going to show you how to use your strengths to overcome your challenges.

A warm, calm, non-judgmental, supportive, safe, environment is provided for my clients. The therapy session is yours, not mine, and we go at a pace that is comfortable for you. I work collaboratively with clients to help find a solution or a better way to cope with their struggles. Together we try various coping skills, build on strengths that are already present, instill hope, and recognize that you are not alone on this journey. The use of various techniques and therapeutic methods are tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual client.

I offer Counseling, Education and Consultation services in the area of Family Formation, specializing in the area of Adoption. I provide counseling to pre-adoptive and adoptive parents, expectant/birth parents, and adoptees, covering an array of topics. I am pleased to have expanded my practice to incorporate expertise in building Meaningful Post-Adoption Relationships and Search and Reunion Support. I also work with clients in the area of Infertility, Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, struggling to find your identity, or dealing with the pressures of life transitions and relationships? College is an exciting time, but it can also feel stressful and uncertain. As a therapist, I specialize in helping students like you navigate these challenges with compassion and understanding. Together, we'll explore your values, develop effective coping strategies, and build stronger connections, so you can feel more confident and empowered in your journey. I’m here to support you every step of the way. To start the conversation about therapy, please contact me to set up a free, 15-minute consultation.

Many young adults—especially first-generation individuals—carry a quiet mix of anxiety, pressure, and unresolved family wounds. You might be navigating cultural expectations, managing everyone’s needs, or trying to break patterns that have been passed down for generations. If you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, you’re not alone. I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT, attachment-focused work, and culturally affirming practices. As a first-gen, bilingual therapist myself, I understand the pressure of holding multiple worlds at once. My approach is grounded in cultural nuance, deep compassion, and a commitment to creating a space where you don’t have to translate your experience—you can simply be you.

Hello and warm welcome to you! I'm Leila and I believe that people are naturally resilient with the right support. My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the belief that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is at the heart of the healing process. This is why I work from a Humanistic framework, which is based in the belief that providing unconditional positive regard and empathy to clients cultivates a truly safe environment for them to look deeply within themselves and rediscover their potential and self-empowerment. I also believe that humor is vital to the human experience, and always welcome and encourage this within my sessions. I provide trauma-informed therapy with a focus in childhood attachment wounds, using a compassionate, client-centered approach; specializing in EMDR, chronic depression, anxiety, life-changes, stress, self-esteem issues, and inner-child/shadow work; utilizing somatic and eclectic methods. My clients walk away from therapy with me feeling a transformed sense of inner peace and self-worth, a regaining of control over their lives and decisions, and the empowerment to awaken their full potential. I strongly believe in making therapy as enjoyable as possible, and hold true to the statement of "come as you are." I have a laid-back, down-to-earth style and want my clients to feel seen, valued, and appreciated for sharing their journey with me.