Emotionally Focused Therapists in Poway, CA

Photo of Bharati Patwardhan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bharati Patwardhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92074  (Online Only)
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma affect the rest of our life. It manifests in the form of sadness, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and even health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
Are you feeling rejected, abandoned, humiliated, hurt, and lonely in relationships with your spouse, parents, siblings, children, and in social relationships? Do you think people have taken advantage of you & nobody cares about you? Left untreated, this rejection, emotional wounds, and trauma affect the rest of our life. It manifests in the form of sadness, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, occupational stress, and even health issues. Don't wait to seek help for emotional pain/ injury as you wouldn't for physical injury. Yes, it is not easy to be vulnerable but growth begins with vulnerability!
(858) 295-3680 View (858) 295-3680
Photo of Dr. Jodi Stanley, PsyD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Jodi Stanley
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I utilize the highly effective methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP).
I am genuinely passionate about supporting people through stressful life experiences to live healthier, happier lives. I help couples and families overcome disconnection to rebuild and strengthen their closeness. I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. I work collaboratively with clients to enhance quality of life by combining insight, emotional exploration, and direction. I provide neutral support, guidance, and relief to develop healthy ways of coping, to expand inner growth, and to restore relational bonds.
I utilize the highly effective methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP).
I am genuinely passionate about supporting people through stressful life experiences to live healthier, happier lives. I help couples and families overcome disconnection to rebuild and strengthen their closeness. I also specialize in supporting individuals, including, children, adolescents, and adults, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and low self-esteem. I work collaboratively with clients to enhance quality of life by combining insight, emotional exploration, and direction. I provide neutral support, guidance, and relief to develop healthy ways of coping, to expand inner growth, and to restore relational bonds.
(619) 452-3863 View (619) 452-3863
Photo of Paul James Kramer, EdD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Paul James Kramer
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
With couples I often use Emotionally Focused Therapy, The Gottman Method, and Imago Relationship Therapy.
At some point we all struggle to adjustment to life's changes; it's normal to feel stuck and I believe people have what it takes to adjust. For the past 20 years, I have been working with children and teens who are struggling to balance the demands of school and their social life. I integrate parents in my work as much as possible. I also work with adults and Couples often come to me for help in distress and are confused about how or why their relationship has derailed. I am dedicated to helping people build stronger; more intimate relationships and I use several modalities when attempting to help couples in distress.
(858) 544-3898 View (858) 544-3898
Photo of Elana Zagorsky - Alliant Couple and Family Clinic, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alliant Couple and Family Clinic
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Our San Diego clinic has been specializing In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) since 2010 EFT to address challenges in relationships, and our new Long Beach clinic utilizes a variety of client-centered approaches.
Welcome to Alliant Couple and Family Clinic! We offer mental health services to the community on a sliding fee scale. Services provided in-person in San Diego and Long Beach or virtually throughout California. Our team of pre-licensed therapists are available to treat mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families while receiving clinical supervision from highly experienced clinicians.
Our San Diego clinic has been specializing In Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) since 2010 EFT to address challenges in relationships, and our new Long Beach clinic utilizes a variety of client-centered approaches.
Welcome to Alliant Couple and Family Clinic! We offer mental health services to the community on a sliding fee scale. Services provided in-person in San Diego and Long Beach or virtually throughout California. Our team of pre-licensed therapists are available to treat mental health issues with individuals, couples, and families while receiving clinical supervision from highly experienced clinicians.
(858) 422-3618 View (858) 422-3618
Photo of Dave Fung, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Dave Fung
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I utilize EFT, an attachment-based approach that focuses on how relationships influence us.
True story: I’ve gotten my truck stuck in the same sandy desert spot on TWO different occasions - both times, thinking I knew what to do. Nope. Both times I needed help. Like with my truck, the help I have received in my life has helped me understand who I am and now it inspires me to support others in their journey. I have the privilege of supporting numerous couples, teens, and individuals, and I take an approach that is warm, constructive, and collaborative. Our time is spent understanding who you are, what is getting you stuck, and exploring what it may take to get you where you want to be.
I utilize EFT, an attachment-based approach that focuses on how relationships influence us.
True story: I’ve gotten my truck stuck in the same sandy desert spot on TWO different occasions - both times, thinking I knew what to do. Nope. Both times I needed help. Like with my truck, the help I have received in my life has helped me understand who I am and now it inspires me to support others in their journey. I have the privilege of supporting numerous couples, teens, and individuals, and I take an approach that is warm, constructive, and collaborative. Our time is spent understanding who you are, what is getting you stuck, and exploring what it may take to get you where you want to be.
(619) 404-0468 View (619) 404-0468
Photo of Sam Moehlenpah, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sam Moehlenpah
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
Some research states that the average couple will wait up to 6 years AFTER noticing something is wrong in their marriage before seeking help. So congratulations if you are seeking help before that! You've already made the first big step towards improving your marriage just by looking for a counselor. Now if you are experiencing a bit of choice paralysis that's normal. Its a big choice! My first goal in establishing a good counseling relationship is making sure it's a good fit for both of us. So know that if you call you're not stuck!
Some research states that the average couple will wait up to 6 years AFTER noticing something is wrong in their marriage before seeking help. So congratulations if you are seeking help before that! You've already made the first big step towards improving your marriage just by looking for a counselor. Now if you are experiencing a bit of choice paralysis that's normal. Its a big choice! My first goal in establishing a good counseling relationship is making sure it's a good fit for both of us. So know that if you call you're not stuck!
(619) 377-4815 x701 View (619) 377-4815 x701
Photo of Michele R Manker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michele R Manker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
I like working with individuals, couples, or families who are motivated to examine patterns in their thinking or behavior for positive change. I enjoy working in a collaborative manner where there is an active exchange and where my client is open to feeling some discomfort for change - no pain/no gain. I believe that we are all capable of change through insight and that our upbringing can result in both good and bad habits that are flexible as long as we are conscious. I enjoy bringing in spirituality/meaning of life discussions to further my clients self awareness and growth.
I like working with individuals, couples, or families who are motivated to examine patterns in their thinking or behavior for positive change. I enjoy working in a collaborative manner where there is an active exchange and where my client is open to feeling some discomfort for change - no pain/no gain. I believe that we are all capable of change through insight and that our upbringing can result in both good and bad habits that are flexible as long as we are conscious. I enjoy bringing in spirituality/meaning of life discussions to further my clients self awareness and growth.
(619) 346-4349 View (619) 346-4349
Photo of Jamie Young, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jamie Young
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
We can work together as you build a life that has meaning for you. I will teach you techniques to change your self-talk so you can build your self-confidence and feel good about yourself and your relationships.
We can work together as you build a life that has meaning for you. I will teach you techniques to change your self-talk so you can build your self-confidence and feel good about yourself and your relationships.
(858) 330-3034 View (858) 330-3034
Photo of Melissa Pollock, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Pollock
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Even in the best of times, anxiety and depression can take away from the joy of life that we all deserve. In times of struggle and transition, loneliness and confusion are natural responses to changing tides. My goal in entering into a therapeutic relationship with you is to support you through the ebbs and flows of life by-focusing on alleviating depression, anxiety, relationship stress, low self-esteem, and other issues that get in the way of a fulfilling life. Well-being is the natural state of existence and I can assist you accessing the potential goodness that you have within you. Life can be different!
Even in the best of times, anxiety and depression can take away from the joy of life that we all deserve. In times of struggle and transition, loneliness and confusion are natural responses to changing tides. My goal in entering into a therapeutic relationship with you is to support you through the ebbs and flows of life by-focusing on alleviating depression, anxiety, relationship stress, low self-esteem, and other issues that get in the way of a fulfilling life. Well-being is the natural state of existence and I can assist you accessing the potential goodness that you have within you. Life can be different!
(619) 648-5566 View (619) 648-5566
Photo of Jeffrey Tang, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jeffrey Tang
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064  (Online Only)
When you look in the mirror, do you find yourself asking, “Am I enough?” Do you have this nagging suspicion that something is deeply wrong? Has it started to affect your relationships, your work, your overall sense of peace? It’s likely that you’ve had experiences that no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to forget. These experiences shape your reality, fuel your anxieties, leaving you on edge and burnt out. What would it feel to like to let go of the pain you’ve carried for so long? Imagine what life would be like if you had the emotional space and clarity to be the best you.
When you look in the mirror, do you find yourself asking, “Am I enough?” Do you have this nagging suspicion that something is deeply wrong? Has it started to affect your relationships, your work, your overall sense of peace? It’s likely that you’ve had experiences that no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to forget. These experiences shape your reality, fuel your anxieties, leaving you on edge and burnt out. What would it feel to like to let go of the pain you’ve carried for so long? Imagine what life would be like if you had the emotional space and clarity to be the best you.
(619) 664-4688 View (619) 664-4688
Photo of Mauricio Perdomo, MA, LMFT , Marriage & Family Therapist
Mauricio Perdomo
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064  (Online Only)
My passion is to help families, marriages and individuals know personal and relational healing. I believe that we all have unique life experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with others. Sometimes these experiences do not foster compassion or the ability to connect with those you love in the way in which you desire. I understand this; it is part of my story, too! I hope to join you in the process of healing to not go it alone.
My passion is to help families, marriages and individuals know personal and relational healing. I believe that we all have unique life experiences that shape who we are and how we connect with others. Sometimes these experiences do not foster compassion or the ability to connect with those you love in the way in which you desire. I understand this; it is part of my story, too! I hope to join you in the process of healing to not go it alone.
(858) 213-0328 x4 View (858) 213-0328 x4
Photo of Caron Collins, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caron Collins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064  (Online Only)
Hey there! My name is Caron and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate issues including aging, coping skills, depression, family conflict, and stress. The client's I currently work with seem to like the Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy approach I use, because the therapy work is client focused and is usually brief (3-6 months sometimes). This approach works best with people who are truly motivated to explore the root causes of their discomfort, and begin working on resolving them.
Hey there! My name is Caron and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 22 years of experience. I specialize in helping individuals navigate issues including aging, coping skills, depression, family conflict, and stress. The client's I currently work with seem to like the Solution Focused, Narrative Therapy approach I use, because the therapy work is client focused and is usually brief (3-6 months sometimes). This approach works best with people who are truly motivated to explore the root causes of their discomfort, and begin working on resolving them.
(858) 901-8382 View (858) 901-8382
Photo of Philippa Mariner, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Philippa Mariner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
Hi, my name is Philippa Mariner, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a strength-based therapist because I believe in and like to build on the inherent strength of a person. I currently work with couples who are separated or going through a divorce, and I work with them to establish a parenting plan. While in session, I address their depression, anxiety and often the trauma of domestic violence. I am comfortable working with individuals struggling with problems related to the social environment.
Hi, my name is Philippa Mariner, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a strength-based therapist because I believe in and like to build on the inherent strength of a person. I currently work with couples who are separated or going through a divorce, and I work with them to establish a parenting plan. While in session, I address their depression, anxiety and often the trauma of domestic violence. I am comfortable working with individuals struggling with problems related to the social environment.
(510) 948-3430 View (510) 948-3430
Photo of Erica Sterling, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Erica Sterling
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
Hi! I'm a licensed counselor in NJ and CA working for 14 years with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I believe in a client centered approach where a safe, open environment is created and my client(s) is part of creating the counseling process. I utilize an integrative approach, pulling from different techniques that are best suited for a client's preferences and/or needs with a focus on client strengths. Progress looks like a client having more clarity and awareness of self, stability and calm within, harmony with how they interact with others and the world around them, and the ability to achieve desired goals.
Hi! I'm a licensed counselor in NJ and CA working for 14 years with individuals, couples, adolescents, and families. I believe in a client centered approach where a safe, open environment is created and my client(s) is part of creating the counseling process. I utilize an integrative approach, pulling from different techniques that are best suited for a client's preferences and/or needs with a focus on client strengths. Progress looks like a client having more clarity and awareness of self, stability and calm within, harmony with how they interact with others and the world around them, and the ability to achieve desired goals.
(760) 316-6952 View (760) 316-6952
Jean Sullivan
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
I have been helping others improve their mental and emotional well-being for over 25 years. I enjoy working with all ages (infancy through adulthood and old age). I am equipped to handle severe mental illness and crises as well as difficult life transitions and stressful times. As a former Navy Psychologist I work exceptionally well in areas related to military service and traumatic stress and substance use disorders. I work in a collaborative way to find the most effective treatment for you. By the end of your first session, we have identified the problems to work on and a plan to help.
I have been helping others improve their mental and emotional well-being for over 25 years. I enjoy working with all ages (infancy through adulthood and old age). I am equipped to handle severe mental illness and crises as well as difficult life transitions and stressful times. As a former Navy Psychologist I work exceptionally well in areas related to military service and traumatic stress and substance use disorders. I work in a collaborative way to find the most effective treatment for you. By the end of your first session, we have identified the problems to work on and a plan to help.
(858) 207-3856 View (858) 207-3856
Photo of Couples And Individual Therapy Intensives, PhD, Psychologist
Couples And Individual Therapy Intensives
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064
I provide Couples and Individual therapy in both traditional formats (meeting weekly) and also acute care (meeting multiple hours in one sitting). This can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing in a crisis in their marriage or would like to make progress more quickly than what once-a-week therapy can offer. My specialties range from relationship problems, infidelity, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and depression. I have over two decades of experience and have a lot of fulfillment in my work clients, providing relief, insight, and guiding you in a path forward.
I provide Couples and Individual therapy in both traditional formats (meeting weekly) and also acute care (meeting multiple hours in one sitting). This can be helpful for individuals who are experiencing in a crisis in their marriage or would like to make progress more quickly than what once-a-week therapy can offer. My specialties range from relationship problems, infidelity, anxiety, addiction, trauma, and depression. I have over two decades of experience and have a lot of fulfillment in my work clients, providing relief, insight, and guiding you in a path forward.
(858) 762-9883 View (858) 762-9883
Photo of Cathy Himlin, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cathy Himlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
How can Family Therapy help you? Is there someone in your family that seems to be the center of all the conflict? Do you feel helpless or that your situation is out of control? If you and your family are struggling, let me help you. I help families resolve behavioral issues through guiding parents with positive parenting strategies. I also support children so they learn different coping skills to express their emotions without acting out in undesirable ways. Family therapy can strengthen the parent-child bond and decrease unwanted behaviors. Parents can learn new ways to help their children and gain the confidence they need.
How can Family Therapy help you? Is there someone in your family that seems to be the center of all the conflict? Do you feel helpless or that your situation is out of control? If you and your family are struggling, let me help you. I help families resolve behavioral issues through guiding parents with positive parenting strategies. I also support children so they learn different coping skills to express their emotions without acting out in undesirable ways. Family therapy can strengthen the parent-child bond and decrease unwanted behaviors. Parents can learn new ways to help their children and gain the confidence they need.
(858) 333-8570 View (858) 333-8570
Photo of Uri Kugel, PhD, Psychologist
Uri Kugel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064
Have you been feeling unhappy, unsatisfied, not good enough, or anxious? Is it hard for you to parent your child or communicate with your partner? Do you feel stuck? I am here to give you the space that you need and help you make a significant and long lasting positive change towards success. Contact me today to get started on a better path for you and your loved ones!
Have you been feeling unhappy, unsatisfied, not good enough, or anxious? Is it hard for you to parent your child or communicate with your partner? Do you feel stuck? I am here to give you the space that you need and help you make a significant and long lasting positive change towards success. Contact me today to get started on a better path for you and your loved ones!
(510) 343-7217 View (510) 343-7217
Photo of Cynthia Rajcic, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Cynthia Rajcic
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Poway, CA 92064  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have been practicing psychotherapy in San Diego for 17 years. My specialty includes Harm Reduction and Integration of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness. With Compassion-based Awareness, I can assist you in quickly and efficiently getting to the "heart of the matter" that is causing you suffering. Together, we can look at the change that is seeking you, identify ways of being/barriers that are holding you back from living your best life.
I have been practicing psychotherapy in San Diego for 17 years. My specialty includes Harm Reduction and Integration of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness. With Compassion-based Awareness, I can assist you in quickly and efficiently getting to the "heart of the matter" that is causing you suffering. Together, we can look at the change that is seeking you, identify ways of being/barriers that are holding you back from living your best life.
(760) 208-4051 View (760) 208-4051
Photo of Rita R Cole, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rita R Cole
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Poway, CA 92064  (Online Only)
You might be asking yourself, "Who is this person next to me?" or "Should we even keep trying to make this work?" Feeling defensive, rejected, or alone, or walking on eggshells, can take a toll on you emotionally, at work, as a parent and socially. You want to feel desired and to enjoy being with your partner again. When you reach out for affection or attention, you want your partner to be there with interest, acceptance and warmth. I specialize in helping couples and individuals who are feeling lonely, angry, unheard, frustrated and worried about the future of their relationship.
You might be asking yourself, "Who is this person next to me?" or "Should we even keep trying to make this work?" Feeling defensive, rejected, or alone, or walking on eggshells, can take a toll on you emotionally, at work, as a parent and socially. You want to feel desired and to enjoy being with your partner again. When you reach out for affection or attention, you want your partner to be there with interest, acceptance and warmth. I specialize in helping couples and individuals who are feeling lonely, angry, unheard, frustrated and worried about the future of their relationship.
(619) 399-2848 View (619) 399-2848
1
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.