Emotionally Focused Therapists in La Mesa, CA
I use a well-researched and proven approach called EFT and have advanced training.
The relationship roller coaster ride is a ride none of us enjoy. If your relationship is filled with tension, distress, or conflict it can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. In fact, there are few things in life more painful than an important relationship that is stuck in a negative pattern of disconnection. You need someone who can help you find your way from the pain of disconnection to the safety and comfort of security, closeness, and connection. That person needs to understand you and be warm, compassionate, and relational.
I use a well-researched and proven approach called EFT and have advanced training.
The relationship roller coaster ride is a ride none of us enjoy. If your relationship is filled with tension, distress, or conflict it can leave you feeling alone, overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. In fact, there are few things in life more painful than an important relationship that is stuck in a negative pattern of disconnection. You need someone who can help you find your way from the pain of disconnection to the safety and comfort of security, closeness, and connection. That person needs to understand you and be warm, compassionate, and relational.
My name is Wesley Ervin, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in small town Lemoore, California. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in anxiety, stress, depression, and queer identity. I work with queer therapy, geek therapy, and an eclectic approach including CCT, CBT, and EFT. I enjoy working with all sorts of clients but tend to be a better fit for queer clients and those who enjoy nerdy interests. I have experience working with a variety of identities withing the LGBTQ+ community, and especially enjoy working with my gender expansive siblings to help them with their transitions.
My name is Wesley Ervin, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist living in small town Lemoore, California. I work with adolescents and adults, specializing in anxiety, stress, depression, and queer identity. I work with queer therapy, geek therapy, and an eclectic approach including CCT, CBT, and EFT. I enjoy working with all sorts of clients but tend to be a better fit for queer clients and those who enjoy nerdy interests. I have experience working with a variety of identities withing the LGBTQ+ community, and especially enjoy working with my gender expansive siblings to help them with their transitions.
Courtney J Grove
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I believe that reaching out for help is one of the bravest steps in your healing and I am honored and passionate to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families; aiding you as you strive towards healing the emotional wounds you carry. I work to create a client-centered space in which my clients feel respected and safe to be vulnerable - to give a voice to and explore your painful, broken attachments and fears. I often utilize the Enneagram, a self awareness tool, alongside EFT to aid my clients in becoming more aware of what’s occurring internally and relationally.
I believe that reaching out for help is one of the bravest steps in your healing and I am honored and passionate to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families; aiding you as you strive towards healing the emotional wounds you carry. I work to create a client-centered space in which my clients feel respected and safe to be vulnerable - to give a voice to and explore your painful, broken attachments and fears. I often utilize the Enneagram, a self awareness tool, alongside EFT to aid my clients in becoming more aware of what’s occurring internally and relationally.
Lauren Goebel Neurodiversity Couples Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples? That's me! I am neurodivergent myself, and I love exploring with couples how they can learn to communicate in ways that are affirming for each other's neurotype. Our neurotype (ADHD, Autism) affects the way we perceive the world, communicate, regulate our emotions, and the ways we express love. I am trained in couples therapy methods (such as the Gottman Method, EFT) and I work intentionally to make these methods neurodiversity affirming. I love to help couples understand each other and have those lightbulb moments!
Are you seeking a couples therapist that specifically works with ADHD, autism, and mixed neurotype couples? That's me! I am neurodivergent myself, and I love exploring with couples how they can learn to communicate in ways that are affirming for each other's neurotype. Our neurotype (ADHD, Autism) affects the way we perceive the world, communicate, regulate our emotions, and the ways we express love. I am trained in couples therapy methods (such as the Gottman Method, EFT) and I work intentionally to make these methods neurodiversity affirming. I love to help couples understand each other and have those lightbulb moments!
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the only empirically proven therapeutic model for distressed relationships.
Relationships can be wonderful at the best of times, and downright painful at the worst of times. How well do you understand your reactions in these distressed moments? Your partner's? Do you feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected? These are just two ways that people can respond to relational distress. I can help you to slow down in these moments to help you express yourself in a way that is congruent, and most importantly, in a way that lets you be heard by your partner, family, co-workers, and yourself.
I am certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, the only empirically proven therapeutic model for distressed relationships.
Relationships can be wonderful at the best of times, and downright painful at the worst of times. How well do you understand your reactions in these distressed moments? Your partner's? Do you feel out of control? Do you feel disconnected? These are just two ways that people can respond to relational distress. I can help you to slow down in these moments to help you express yourself in a way that is congruent, and most importantly, in a way that lets you be heard by your partner, family, co-workers, and yourself.
Amanda Malka
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
While I love utilizing narrative therapy, I do incorporate other modalities (IFS, EFT, CBT, DBT) where I see fit to meet the specific needs of my clients/couples.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist residing in San Diego, California. I have great passion supporting and empowering my clients while they walk through their healing journey and take the steps to seek the change they are wanting for their life. I am a clinician who believes in health at every size, and I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be struggling with body image and self-esteem. I also have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, those undergoing life transitions, people pleasers, and identity work.
While I love utilizing narrative therapy, I do incorporate other modalities (IFS, EFT, CBT, DBT) where I see fit to meet the specific needs of my clients/couples.
Hi there! My name is Amanda and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist residing in San Diego, California. I have great passion supporting and empowering my clients while they walk through their healing journey and take the steps to seek the change they are wanting for their life. I am a clinician who believes in health at every size, and I am passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for individuals who may be struggling with body image and self-esteem. I also have experience working with clients who have anxiety, depression, trauma, those undergoing life transitions, people pleasers, and identity work.
Virgina (Ginny) Powell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
After 30 years of practice, I remain excited about new clients, new treatment approaches, and the joy of a client leaving my office with a smile and thank-you. I believe in being in the moment, being present, creating true and authentic contact, and facilitating opportunities for my clients to develop deeper understandings and practical skills. I work with a wide range of human problems, and enjoy the diversity that my practice has deliberately maintained. I work in an eclectic manner. I think meditation, laughter and play, are great for what ails us.
After 30 years of practice, I remain excited about new clients, new treatment approaches, and the joy of a client leaving my office with a smile and thank-you. I believe in being in the moment, being present, creating true and authentic contact, and facilitating opportunities for my clients to develop deeper understandings and practical skills. I work with a wide range of human problems, and enjoy the diversity that my practice has deliberately maintained. I work in an eclectic manner. I think meditation, laughter and play, are great for what ails us.
Carlos Gustavo Haber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
With over thirty years of experience in a practice focusing primarily on personal issues and improving relationships. I provide individual, couple and family therapy, including treatment for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, ADHD (adult), I help patients work through a variety of other issues: grief and mourning, family/relationship conflicts, Issues around adoption, blended families, sexuality, coming out, and mood disorders. I work with patients ranging in age from 18 to adults, all in a comfortable therapeutic setting. Most of all I believe in helping my patients achieve a fulfilling sense of self and of life.
With over thirty years of experience in a practice focusing primarily on personal issues and improving relationships. I provide individual, couple and family therapy, including treatment for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, ADHD (adult), I help patients work through a variety of other issues: grief and mourning, family/relationship conflicts, Issues around adoption, blended families, sexuality, coming out, and mood disorders. I work with patients ranging in age from 18 to adults, all in a comfortable therapeutic setting. Most of all I believe in helping my patients achieve a fulfilling sense of self and of life.
I am a therapist who uses practical knowledge, is interactive, and solution-focused. My treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
I am a therapist who uses practical knowledge, is interactive, and solution-focused. My treatment approach is to provide support and feedback to help clients resolve current problems and long-standing patterns.
Dr. Edward Ramos
Pastoral Counselor, LCMFC, RBT, MBT, BAC, ACM
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
Are you feeling sad? distressed? overwhelmed? hurt ? betrayed? You are not alone. Let me help you. It takes courage to reach out for help and you are brave for taking this courageous step. It's certainly not easy, but there is hope. Lets go together to God to find love & healing. True healing begins when the pain is addressed where you can start your healing process. I bring a compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, strength based approach to marriage and family counseling to restore your relationships. As a Christian Counselor I utilize the Bible, prayer, effective curriculum, personal and professional experience to help you.
Are you feeling sad? distressed? overwhelmed? hurt ? betrayed? You are not alone. Let me help you. It takes courage to reach out for help and you are brave for taking this courageous step. It's certainly not easy, but there is hope. Lets go together to God to find love & healing. True healing begins when the pain is addressed where you can start your healing process. I bring a compassionate, collaborative, non-judgmental, strength based approach to marriage and family counseling to restore your relationships. As a Christian Counselor I utilize the Bible, prayer, effective curriculum, personal and professional experience to help you.
Our emotional health is so important. It affects how we navigate each day — from how we perform at work to how we interact with the people in our lives. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can be debilitating and keep us from experiencing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Trauma, abuse and self-injurious behavior, both in the past and going on today, also have a huge affect on how we function. And issues in our relationships can stop us from moving forward – whether it’s our marriage, with our children or family members or our friends. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to help
Our emotional health is so important. It affects how we navigate each day — from how we perform at work to how we interact with the people in our lives. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) can be debilitating and keep us from experiencing healthy and fulfilling relationships. Trauma, abuse and self-injurious behavior, both in the past and going on today, also have a huge affect on how we function. And issues in our relationships can stop us from moving forward – whether it’s our marriage, with our children or family members or our friends. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I am trained to help
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I am a compassionate and empathetic therapist who specializes in supporting your mental health and personal growth. My passion revolves around enhancing relationships, setting boundaries, and communication skills. I utilize my expertise to tailor therapy sessions to meet the unique needs of each client, providing them with effective tools and strategies to navigate their specific challenges.
I am a compassionate and empathetic therapist who specializes in supporting your mental health and personal growth. My passion revolves around enhancing relationships, setting boundaries, and communication skills. I utilize my expertise to tailor therapy sessions to meet the unique needs of each client, providing them with effective tools and strategies to navigate their specific challenges.
Integrative Counseling for Mind-Body Wellness
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941
I view the person as a whole and wellness as a personal journey. It's nearly impossible to heal the mind without also healing the body. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 15 years of experience, and a Nutritionist, I can help you achieve optimum mental and physical vitality and find your pathway to becoming your best self. Together, we will look at emotions, thoughts, behaviors and unconscious beliefs that may be holding you back, but also consider complementary and alternative means to help you achieve wellness -- focusing on sleep, nutrition, exercise, meditation, social supports, and holistic treatments.
I view the person as a whole and wellness as a personal journey. It's nearly impossible to heal the mind without also healing the body. As both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly 15 years of experience, and a Nutritionist, I can help you achieve optimum mental and physical vitality and find your pathway to becoming your best self. Together, we will look at emotions, thoughts, behaviors and unconscious beliefs that may be holding you back, but also consider complementary and alternative means to help you achieve wellness -- focusing on sleep, nutrition, exercise, meditation, social supports, and holistic treatments.
I work with individuals and couples coping with sex addiction or the discovery of sex addiction in a partner. I also facilitate a recovery group for men dealing with sex addiction. The group is open to all men dealing with sex addiction. It is not required that you be a registered individual client. My practice has focused on men's issues with sexual and other addictions as well as anger and behavior management. Other areas of focus include relational issues and the associated problems of stress, anxiety, and depression and betrayal issues. Emphasis is on the Carns model using the texts Facing the Shadows and Facing Heartbreak.
I work with individuals and couples coping with sex addiction or the discovery of sex addiction in a partner. I also facilitate a recovery group for men dealing with sex addiction. The group is open to all men dealing with sex addiction. It is not required that you be a registered individual client. My practice has focused on men's issues with sexual and other addictions as well as anger and behavior management. Other areas of focus include relational issues and the associated problems of stress, anxiety, and depression and betrayal issues. Emphasis is on the Carns model using the texts Facing the Shadows and Facing Heartbreak.
Malcolm Perry Washington
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
I am accepting new clients in my La Mesa office. I work with adults, teens and children. I believe in providing the space for clients to explore inner thoughts and feelings and assisting them in finding what best serves them. I will collaboratively help clients to define and work towards the goals brought into therapy.
I am accepting new clients in my La Mesa office. I work with adults, teens and children. I believe in providing the space for clients to explore inner thoughts and feelings and assisting them in finding what best serves them. I will collaboratively help clients to define and work towards the goals brought into therapy.
Ethan John Messer
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Waitlist for new clients
I am currently accepting new clients for in-person counseling. I am able to provide counseling services for couples, families, individuals, children & adolescents. I have experience in helping individuals with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, suicidal thoughts and in counseling children who are experiencing negative effects from divorce and have extensive experience in working with children/adolescents in a wide variety of settings.
I am currently accepting new clients for in-person counseling. I am able to provide counseling services for couples, families, individuals, children & adolescents. I have experience in helping individuals with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, suicidal thoughts and in counseling children who are experiencing negative effects from divorce and have extensive experience in working with children/adolescents in a wide variety of settings.
I will take an active, non-judgmental, and creative approach in treatment to support you in reaching your goals and sustaining meaningful growth, balance and change. In therapy, I prioritize strengths-based and client-centered approaches with respect for diverse backgrounds while offering humor, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies to increase healthy behaviors, self-awareness, and self-compassion. I most often draw upon techniques and theories found in mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
I will take an active, non-judgmental, and creative approach in treatment to support you in reaching your goals and sustaining meaningful growth, balance and change. In therapy, I prioritize strengths-based and client-centered approaches with respect for diverse backgrounds while offering humor, psychoeducation, and practical coping strategies to increase healthy behaviors, self-awareness, and self-compassion. I most often draw upon techniques and theories found in mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, art therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Keziyah Mack
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91942
Hello, I'm Keziyah. I have experience working with children, adolescents and their families working through a wide range of general and extreme life stressors. As a Navy Veteran, I also have a passion for working with active duty and veterans alike to assist in processing current and previous experiences while serving our country. I have an interest in working with BIPOC populations. Navigating the world through the lens as a POC, veteran, and woman, I would like to be a sense of support for those who lack representation, and who would like to feel seen and heard.
Hello, I'm Keziyah. I have experience working with children, adolescents and their families working through a wide range of general and extreme life stressors. As a Navy Veteran, I also have a passion for working with active duty and veterans alike to assist in processing current and previous experiences while serving our country. I have an interest in working with BIPOC populations. Navigating the world through the lens as a POC, veteran, and woman, I would like to be a sense of support for those who lack representation, and who would like to feel seen and heard.
Veronica Meek
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
La Mesa, CA 91942 (Online Only)
We can sometimes find ourselves pushing through emotional and mental health struggles and becoming increasingly overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or depression. We notice a lack of fulfillment and having little energy for anything outside of our normal, daily responsibilities. We may find ourselves wishing we had more time in the day or fantasizing about taking extended time off to rest and recharge. Life stressors, anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma can take a toll on our daily lives, ultimately putting strain on our relationships, work, school and our relationship with ourselves.
We can sometimes find ourselves pushing through emotional and mental health struggles and becoming increasingly overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or depression. We notice a lack of fulfillment and having little energy for anything outside of our normal, daily responsibilities. We may find ourselves wishing we had more time in the day or fantasizing about taking extended time off to rest and recharge. Life stressors, anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma can take a toll on our daily lives, ultimately putting strain on our relationships, work, school and our relationship with ourselves.
Dr. Sandra Konja
Psychologist, PsyD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
La Mesa, CA 91941 (Online Only)
You’re here today because you’re likely struggling with some aspect of womanhood or motherhood and are looking to begin your journey towards healing. Maybe you’re a new mother that’s having a difficult time adjusting to your new “normal”, which has you feeling sad and/or anxious in your role. Perhaps you’re struggling to cope with challenges in your relationship/marriage. You may be having a difficult time feeling present and connected with both yourself and the people around you. Or maybe you’re ready to begin processing and working through the difficult experiences that have been holding you captive for so long.
You’re here today because you’re likely struggling with some aspect of womanhood or motherhood and are looking to begin your journey towards healing. Maybe you’re a new mother that’s having a difficult time adjusting to your new “normal”, which has you feeling sad and/or anxious in your role. Perhaps you’re struggling to cope with challenges in your relationship/marriage. You may be having a difficult time feeling present and connected with both yourself and the people around you. Or maybe you’re ready to begin processing and working through the difficult experiences that have been holding you captive for so long.
See more therapy options for La Mesa
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Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.