Positive Psychology Therapists in El Cajon, CA

Photo of Veronica Wahba, PsyD, LCP, Psychologist
Veronica Wahba
Psychologist, PsyD, LCP
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 17 years of experience in treating adult clients with a variety of difficulties including anxiety & panic, mood disorders, grief & loss, ADHD, relationship problems, stress management, & personal growth & development. I have a passion for helping my clients gain a better understanding of themselves, triumph over obstacles in their lives, & lead healthier, happier, & more fulfilling lives overall. My treatment approaches are integrative & holistic & include various somatic (mind-body) therapy, solution-focused, positive psychology, & cognitive behavior therapy techniques.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over 17 years of experience in treating adult clients with a variety of difficulties including anxiety & panic, mood disorders, grief & loss, ADHD, relationship problems, stress management, & personal growth & development. I have a passion for helping my clients gain a better understanding of themselves, triumph over obstacles in their lives, & lead healthier, happier, & more fulfilling lives overall. My treatment approaches are integrative & holistic & include various somatic (mind-body) therapy, solution-focused, positive psychology, & cognitive behavior therapy techniques.
(619) 458-3553 View (619) 458-3553
Photo of Rylan Testa, CP, Psychologist
Rylan Testa
Psychologist, CP
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
Ryja (he/they) is motivated by a strong belief in each human's potential to transform suffering into wisdom, compassion, freedom, and loving action. He has immersed himself in learning different ways to facilitate this transformation. Beyond his formal training and licensure as a clinical psychologist, Ryja's orientation to his work with clients is deeply informed by his 2 and ¬Ω years living and studying full-time at a Zen monastery, and certification as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Ryja has expertise in responding to times of stress, professional and caregiver burnout, and life transition.
Ryja (he/they) is motivated by a strong belief in each human's potential to transform suffering into wisdom, compassion, freedom, and loving action. He has immersed himself in learning different ways to facilitate this transformation. Beyond his formal training and licensure as a clinical psychologist, Ryja's orientation to his work with clients is deeply informed by his 2 and ¬Ω years living and studying full-time at a Zen monastery, and certification as a Nature and Forest Therapy Guide. Ryja has expertise in responding to times of stress, professional and caregiver burnout, and life transition.
(619) 346-7407 View (619) 346-7407
Photo of Coleen Cobbs, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Coleen Cobbs
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Do you find yourself feeling more depressed or anxious? Are you overwhelmed by a life transition? If you suffer from perinatal mood or anxiety disorders , you are not alone and I can help. Are you in the military? I have 24 years experience working with military families. Or you may have unresolved trauma that is interfering in your present life. I can help with any of these issues and more.
Do you find yourself feeling more depressed or anxious? Are you overwhelmed by a life transition? If you suffer from perinatal mood or anxiety disorders , you are not alone and I can help. Are you in the military? I have 24 years experience working with military families. Or you may have unresolved trauma that is interfering in your present life. I can help with any of these issues and more.
(619) 332-5273 View (619) 332-5273
Photo of Kathleen Funes, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathleen Funes
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hello, My name is Kathleen Funes. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working alongside you to help create a pathway toward self-awareness, healing, joy, and fulfillment. I work from a relational, client-centered, and psychodynamic approach. I believe that one’s past provides a pathway for what they may be experiencing in the present. I believe that it is essential to have a trusting relationship in a safe and therapeutic space. My hope is for you to feel both heard and known during our time together.
Hello, My name is Kathleen Funes. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about working alongside you to help create a pathway toward self-awareness, healing, joy, and fulfillment. I work from a relational, client-centered, and psychodynamic approach. I believe that one’s past provides a pathway for what they may be experiencing in the present. I believe that it is essential to have a trusting relationship in a safe and therapeutic space. My hope is for you to feel both heard and known during our time together.
(619) 815-3943 View (619) 815-3943
Photo of Jenelle Deilgat, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenelle Deilgat
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021  (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Jenelle, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Professional Clinical Counselor. I am happy to see you are taking a step towards self-growth. I've been a therapist for 8 years working with ages 11-75 including teens, adults, and couples who struggle with the roller coaster of being human. Over the years I have worked with a wide range of mental health barriers including ADHD, depression, anxiety, complex mood & personality disorders, and psychosis. I love helping people develop skills and tools they can use independently to be successful and navigate the mountains of life. Let's tackle the next one together!
Hi! My name is Jenelle, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & Professional Clinical Counselor. I am happy to see you are taking a step towards self-growth. I've been a therapist for 8 years working with ages 11-75 including teens, adults, and couples who struggle with the roller coaster of being human. Over the years I have worked with a wide range of mental health barriers including ADHD, depression, anxiety, complex mood & personality disorders, and psychosis. I love helping people develop skills and tools they can use independently to be successful and navigate the mountains of life. Let's tackle the next one together!
(619) 853-5657 View (619) 853-5657
Photo of Shannan Oconnor, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Shannan Oconnor
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
I am licensed in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related 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. 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. Stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, low self-esteem, low/depressed mood, and emotional dysregulation.
I am licensed in California, and I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related 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. 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. Stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, low self-esteem, low/depressed mood, and emotional dysregulation.
(858) 358-6161 View (858) 358-6161
Photo of Mysty Higgins, MEd
Mysty Higgins
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MEd
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021  (Online Only)
Are you struggling with emotions that you don't know what to do with? Are you stuck in thought processes that are unhelpful, yet you are not sure how to change them? Do you want to learn how to regulate emotion, reduce stress, improve relationships, improve communication, reduce unwanted emotion, and feel comfortable in your own body? These are just a few of the things that I work with clients on, and I can work with you as well. I believe we are all humans doing the best that we can, and sometimes the best thing we can do is ask for help.
Are you struggling with emotions that you don't know what to do with? Are you stuck in thought processes that are unhelpful, yet you are not sure how to change them? Do you want to learn how to regulate emotion, reduce stress, improve relationships, improve communication, reduce unwanted emotion, and feel comfortable in your own body? These are just a few of the things that I work with clients on, and I can work with you as well. I believe we are all humans doing the best that we can, and sometimes the best thing we can do is ask for help.
(949) 771-7021 View (949) 771-7021
Photo of Fernando Hernandez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fernando Hernandez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
Hi, my name is Fernando Hernandez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Bakersfield, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work primarily with adults with a specialty in anxiety, stress management, and depression utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support my clients in their journey towards recovery. I provide a listening ear, a calm demeanor, and accommodating. I strive to ensure my patients feel comfortable to share anything in therapy and ensure to provide active listening while in session with clients.
Hi, my name is Fernando Hernandez, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Bakersfield, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work primarily with adults with a specialty in anxiety, stress management, and depression utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to support my clients in their journey towards recovery. I provide a listening ear, a calm demeanor, and accommodating. I strive to ensure my patients feel comfortable to share anything in therapy and ensure to provide active listening while in session with clients.
(858) 758-7716 View (858) 758-7716
Photo of Veronica Velasco - Accepting Me Therapy, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Accepting Me Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
The population I generally provide services for struggle with the following issues and symptoms: depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues/conflicts, social/peer challenges, parenting difficulties, LGBTQ challenges, trauma, parent-child conflicts, behavioral problems, adjustment issues, mood disregulation, grief & loss. Most clients, like everyone in life, are looking for relief from difficult situations and troubling symptoms, a sense of comfort within their own skin. They have the desire towards alleviating their distress and looking for professional help.
The population I generally provide services for struggle with the following issues and symptoms: depression, anxiety, anger management, relationship issues/conflicts, social/peer challenges, parenting difficulties, LGBTQ challenges, trauma, parent-child conflicts, behavioral problems, adjustment issues, mood disregulation, grief & loss. Most clients, like everyone in life, are looking for relief from difficult situations and troubling symptoms, a sense of comfort within their own skin. They have the desire towards alleviating their distress and looking for professional help.
(619) 305-0780 View (619) 305-0780
Photo of Donnamarie Elcock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Donnamarie Elcock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020  (Online Only)
I have been on a life journey that will continue forever because we never stop creating a greater more powerful self. Why we would do that, it feels encapsulating to be struck in a BOX of epic proportions feeling there is no opening the door the best of you! The opening to knowledge can result in the gaining of creative strategies for coping skills, self-care, managing symptoms, workshops, groups, books, exercises, seminars, videos, podcasts, motivational interviewing, artwork, Mental Health is recognizing/acknowledging its existence in yourself, family, friends. and the coping mechanisms to assist with managing symptoms.
I have been on a life journey that will continue forever because we never stop creating a greater more powerful self. Why we would do that, it feels encapsulating to be struck in a BOX of epic proportions feeling there is no opening the door the best of you! The opening to knowledge can result in the gaining of creative strategies for coping skills, self-care, managing symptoms, workshops, groups, books, exercises, seminars, videos, podcasts, motivational interviewing, artwork, Mental Health is recognizing/acknowledging its existence in yourself, family, friends. and the coping mechanisms to assist with managing symptoms.
(619) 848-1321 View (619) 848-1321
Photo of Julia Overlin, MS, LPCC, NCC, Counselor
Julia Overlin
Counselor, MS, LPCC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020
Imagine feeling in control of your life again and confident in yourself to leave your house and not worry about what others think about you. Imagine feeling able to manage your emotions enough to get through a whole day and not feel controlled by them. Imagine having your life back. It’s possible. One of the hardest things about finding a therapist is the concern about feeling judged for needing help. Know that my role is only in empowering you to remember what you are capable of, and I do so from a very supportive and nonjudgmental approach. Let's explore together what is blocking you from feeling able to fix this on your own.
Imagine feeling in control of your life again and confident in yourself to leave your house and not worry about what others think about you. Imagine feeling able to manage your emotions enough to get through a whole day and not feel controlled by them. Imagine having your life back. It’s possible. One of the hardest things about finding a therapist is the concern about feeling judged for needing help. Know that my role is only in empowering you to remember what you are capable of, and I do so from a very supportive and nonjudgmental approach. Let's explore together what is blocking you from feeling able to fix this on your own.
(619) 916-4268 View (619) 916-4268
Photo of Keegan Starr, LPCC, Counselor
Keegan Starr
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hello, my name is Keegan Starr, and I am a Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor (LPCC14938) with a master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Thank you for taking the time to view my information. I consider counseling others a tremendous privilege. I offer youth, teen, individual, couples, and family counseling; parenting classes and mental health groups; and court mandated DVRP groups, counseling and reunification counseling. I always try to create and calm, empathetic and safe environment that allows clients to freely and honestly explore what they are going through.
Hello, my name is Keegan Starr, and I am a Licensed Profession Clinical Counselor (LPCC14938) with a master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Thank you for taking the time to view my information. I consider counseling others a tremendous privilege. I offer youth, teen, individual, couples, and family counseling; parenting classes and mental health groups; and court mandated DVRP groups, counseling and reunification counseling. I always try to create and calm, empathetic and safe environment that allows clients to freely and honestly explore what they are going through.
(909) 442-5347 View (909) 442-5347
Photo of Sonya Jesus, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sonya Jesus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
Hello, grateful to have crossed paths- I'm Sonya Jesus, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have 12 years of experience in the mental health field. I am bilingual; one of my greatest passions is working with the Spanish-speaking community. I pride myself in being culturally sensitive, person-centered, and utilize a variety of treatment modalities to address your needs and provide helpful interventions to support you outside of our sessions.
Hello, grateful to have crossed paths- I'm Sonya Jesus, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have 12 years of experience in the mental health field. I am bilingual; one of my greatest passions is working with the Spanish-speaking community. I pride myself in being culturally sensitive, person-centered, and utilize a variety of treatment modalities to address your needs and provide helpful interventions to support you outside of our sessions.
(559) 527-0893 View (559) 527-0893
Photo of Sara Fierro, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Fierro
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
My name is Sara Fierro, I am dually licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor. My focus areas include, but are not limited to, anxiety, trauma and resilience, depression, LGBTQIA+, life transitions, spirituality, interpersonal relationships/relational conflict, women's issues, dual diagnosis, ADHD, parenting, and self-esteem. I have an eclectic approach to therapy because I utilize interventions and skills from many theoretical orientations, including Client-Centered, Narrative, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Holistic, and Interpersonal
My name is Sara Fierro, I am dually licensed in California as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor. My focus areas include, but are not limited to, anxiety, trauma and resilience, depression, LGBTQIA+, life transitions, spirituality, interpersonal relationships/relational conflict, women's issues, dual diagnosis, ADHD, parenting, and self-esteem. I have an eclectic approach to therapy because I utilize interventions and skills from many theoretical orientations, including Client-Centered, Narrative, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused, Strength-Based, Holistic, and Interpersonal
(559) 342-2573 View (559) 342-2573
Photo of Judi L Winegar, LCSW, CCGC-, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Judi L Winegar
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCGC-
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92020
My passion lies in supporting, educating and coaching clients on their personal journeys of recovery, whether that be recovery from problem gambling, substance abuse or depression/anxiety. It is my belief and my experience that therapy is an investment in the self, a way to achieve the potential that is inherent. Successful recovery means growing beyond abstinence to self-actualization and happiness.
My passion lies in supporting, educating and coaching clients on their personal journeys of recovery, whether that be recovery from problem gambling, substance abuse or depression/anxiety. It is my belief and my experience that therapy is an investment in the self, a way to achieve the potential that is inherent. Successful recovery means growing beyond abstinence to self-actualization and happiness.
(619) 268-6629 View (619) 268-6629
Photo of Sioban Wade, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sioban Wade
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is ardent about guiding my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. I use several modalities to guide my work allowing me to be flexible to the needs of each individual client.
I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is ardent about guiding my clients through challenges to experience healing and growth in their lives. I use several modalities to guide my work allowing me to be flexible to the needs of each individual client.
(619) 826-0774 View (619) 826-0774
Photo of Christine Wenderoth, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christine Wenderoth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92021
Therapy can be a creative process. clients see me as someone who is sincerely invested In their best interest and helping to improve their lives. I have a background in education, And I hope you'll view me as a trusted teacher who can help you gain self-awareness . I will tell her therapy to your individual needs, aligned with your story, life experience, and personal growth process. I'll help you identify your thinking patterns and change damaging core beliefs that may be sabotaging how you operate in the world.
Therapy can be a creative process. clients see me as someone who is sincerely invested In their best interest and helping to improve their lives. I have a background in education, And I hope you'll view me as a trusted teacher who can help you gain self-awareness . I will tell her therapy to your individual needs, aligned with your story, life experience, and personal growth process. I'll help you identify your thinking patterns and change damaging core beliefs that may be sabotaging how you operate in the world.
(310) 564-8049 View (310) 564-8049
Photo of Tiffany Lopez, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tiffany Lopez
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92019
Hi! My name is Tiffany Lopez, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with various populations including foster aged youth, transitional aged youth, and adults. I approach my therapy in a collaborative manner while holding a safe space to process and assist the client in reaching growth and overall wellness to tackle everyday challenges. I utilize a client-centered, trauma-informed approach in my practice with clients. I have also utilized attachment-based and mindfulness approaches as well.
Hi! My name is Tiffany Lopez, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist. I have worked with various populations including foster aged youth, transitional aged youth, and adults. I approach my therapy in a collaborative manner while holding a safe space to process and assist the client in reaching growth and overall wellness to tackle everyday challenges. I utilize a client-centered, trauma-informed approach in my practice with clients. I have also utilized attachment-based and mindfulness approaches as well.
(661) 727-0435 View (661) 727-0435
Photo of Laura Diaz, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Diaz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
El Cajon, CA 92020
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety/depression. I have experience in working with children, adults, and families. My primary focus has been on dealing with anxiety and depression-related disorders. I have provided services for traditionally underserved and culturally diverse populations. I have assisted clients in managing symptoms and in building healthier coping skills.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and anxiety/depression. I have experience in working with children, adults, and families. My primary focus has been on dealing with anxiety and depression-related disorders. I have provided services for traditionally underserved and culturally diverse populations. I have assisted clients in managing symptoms and in building healthier coping skills.
(669) 201-1829 View (669) 201-1829
Photo of Brooke Hatfield, AMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Brooke Hatfield
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
El Cajon, CA 92019
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to explore their current challenges in an effort to see what is, and is not, working for them. I am passionate about helping clients to identify their growth goals and being a partner for attaining lasting change. Whether the changes need to occur within their mindset, behaviors or personal/relationship boundaries- I am here to help. Clients often have an area of focus in mind when they start therapy, and we often find that this one area affects many others in their lives. Once this focus is addressed, clients often find that the positive changes they are making have widespread effects.
I enjoy working with clients who are motivated to explore their current challenges in an effort to see what is, and is not, working for them. I am passionate about helping clients to identify their growth goals and being a partner for attaining lasting change. Whether the changes need to occur within their mindset, behaviors or personal/relationship boundaries- I am here to help. Clients often have an area of focus in mind when they start therapy, and we often find that this one area affects many others in their lives. Once this focus is addressed, clients often find that the positive changes they are making have widespread effects.
(619) 598-0424 View (619) 598-0424
1
Positive Psychology Therapists

How does positive psychology therapy work?

Positive psychology therapy derives from the work of Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania. He and others developed the field of positive psychology building on humanistic theory. Positive psychology therapy is similar to acceptance and commitment therapy, and it essentially quiets emotional distress through positivity, contentment, and well-being. This therapy does not reduce the individual to symptoms and conditions.

When do I know if I need treatment using positive psychology?

If an individual is overwhelmed by emotional distress and general negativity, they may feel trapped. A positive psychology therapist can help them view their emotions and behaviors differently, and approach life with a better understanding of their positive strengths. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.

What should I expect from positive psychology therapy?

The patient may be asked to explore their signature strengths. The therapist will also ask the individual to talk about their goals, which should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Discussing negative experiences and symptoms is important, but so is the exploration of positive experiences. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviors and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more positive and fulfilling way. This therapy is proactive and may use forgiveness, gratitude, hope, and compassion to help reframe negativity.

Is positive psychology effective in therapy?

Positive psychology therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with eating disorders benefit from this type of intervention. This therapy encourages the person to reframe their distressed thoughts and move into healthier patterns of functioning. This therapy also aims to move an individual toward what works well in their life. Positive psychology therapy can elicit lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioral habits.