Couples Counseling Therapists in Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
![Photo of Maria Wilson, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ce07d6a-428c-4a66-8ae0-3472379d46bb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Wilson
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
Hi there! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in both Couples Therapy, and Eating Disorder treatment at an outpatient level of care. Through a client-centered approach, my passion lies in restoring disruptions in early childhood attachment, and helping those identify negative thought patterns, core beliefs, and emotions that have led to maladaptive coping behaviors. If you are either feeling exhausted from the shame towards your body and want freedom from disordered eating, or are longing to strengthen your relationship and communication with a loved one, I would love to create that space for you!
Hi there! I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in both Couples Therapy, and Eating Disorder treatment at an outpatient level of care. Through a client-centered approach, my passion lies in restoring disruptions in early childhood attachment, and helping those identify negative thought patterns, core beliefs, and emotions that have led to maladaptive coping behaviors. If you are either feeling exhausted from the shame towards your body and want freedom from disordered eating, or are longing to strengthen your relationship and communication with a loved one, I would love to create that space for you!
![Photo of Brian Conlon, PCC, PMP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ef62466-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
We partner to systematically support you in achieving unprecedented results in your life that lie beyond your fears and self-doubts.
Who you are: Between the ages of 25 and 45. Life is "good" ~ not great. You have a sense that things should be a certain way, but they aren't. There is a gap. The gap may be clear ~ it may not. What is clear is that what has worked up until this point won't get you to where you want to be. You are ready for a change.
We partner to systematically support you in achieving unprecedented results in your life that lie beyond your fears and self-doubts.
Who you are: Between the ages of 25 and 45. Life is "good" ~ not great. You have a sense that things should be a certain way, but they aren't. There is a gap. The gap may be clear ~ it may not. What is clear is that what has worked up until this point won't get you to where you want to be. You are ready for a change.
![Photo of Kayla Knopp, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d056acee-2e08-4dd7-a632-0085433df10b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kayla Knopp
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
Couple and relationship therapy is my passion and my specialty! I use evidence-based treatments to help people cultivate authentic, expansive relationships, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
I love to work with people in relationships of all types, structures, and styles. Everyone feels stuck or unhappy in relationships sometimes. My goal is to help you get unstuck from unhelpful patterns in your life and your relationships. To do this, I can help you better understand yourself and your loved ones, increase empathy and connection, and support you in changing behaviors that are not working for you.
Couple and relationship therapy is my passion and my specialty! I use evidence-based treatments to help people cultivate authentic, expansive relationships, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP).
I love to work with people in relationships of all types, structures, and styles. Everyone feels stuck or unhappy in relationships sometimes. My goal is to help you get unstuck from unhelpful patterns in your life and your relationships. To do this, I can help you better understand yourself and your loved ones, increase empathy and connection, and support you in changing behaviors that are not working for you.
![Photo of Chandra Estelle Khalifian, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa8bf03e-d326-4717-9459-1a7beaad0b5f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Chandra Estelle Khalifian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Through couple therapy, I believe that you and your partner can create the satisfying relationship you both desire, and I would be honored to contribute to your relationship success.
All couples experience challenges and can get stuck in harmful patterns. However, we can work together to identify those patterns, increase understanding and empathy, and utilize skills to shift communication and improve satisfaction, intimacy, and fun. Your relationship is unique and I will work with you to identify your relationship values and build a relationship that feels safe, supportive, and authentic. Let's create the relationship that works for you and your partner(s).
Through couple therapy, I believe that you and your partner can create the satisfying relationship you both desire, and I would be honored to contribute to your relationship success.
All couples experience challenges and can get stuck in harmful patterns. However, we can work together to identify those patterns, increase understanding and empathy, and utilize skills to shift communication and improve satisfaction, intimacy, and fun. Your relationship is unique and I will work with you to identify your relationship values and build a relationship that feels safe, supportive, and authentic. Let's create the relationship that works for you and your partner(s).
![Photo of Trevor Olson, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b58c5d72-1895-4f90-8eb6-daf75fc29cda/1/320x400.png)
The philosophy is people + relationship = the good life. One's relationship to others and oneself is the basis of my work. Healing from the past, knowing the freedom of a better life, and becoming able to give and receive love are the transformative results of doing good work. Our work is successful when you become more of the person you are supposed to be: a whole person in life-giving relationship. My specialty is within the overlapping layers of say anxiety, depression, an unfolding course of work, and a better than expected day. Being a generalist, by specialty, my experience is in taking you as I find you.
The philosophy is people + relationship = the good life. One's relationship to others and oneself is the basis of my work. Healing from the past, knowing the freedom of a better life, and becoming able to give and receive love are the transformative results of doing good work. Our work is successful when you become more of the person you are supposed to be: a whole person in life-giving relationship. My specialty is within the overlapping layers of say anxiety, depression, an unfolding course of work, and a better than expected day. Being a generalist, by specialty, my experience is in taking you as I find you.
![Photo of Shoma Rao, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/41bc32c0-8d50-4b72-907f-882cbfb4f22c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shoma Rao
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92169 (Online Only)
Starting and staying in therapy can be intimidating! It doesn’t have to be that way. I enjoy using humor and just being a fellow human with my clients while we navigate the path of mental health together. Having a session with me is like talking to an old friend. I strongly believe that the connection between the therapist and yourself is the most crucial aspect of a successful therapeutic relationship. I treat adults 18 and over in our lovely state of California via telehealth (video) who are dealing with anxiety, boundary issues and difficult relationship and family dynamics along with career strategizing and coaching.
Starting and staying in therapy can be intimidating! It doesn’t have to be that way. I enjoy using humor and just being a fellow human with my clients while we navigate the path of mental health together. Having a session with me is like talking to an old friend. I strongly believe that the connection between the therapist and yourself is the most crucial aspect of a successful therapeutic relationship. I treat adults 18 and over in our lovely state of California via telehealth (video) who are dealing with anxiety, boundary issues and difficult relationship and family dynamics along with career strategizing and coaching.
![Photo of Tom Stone Carlson, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ef7ddf7-dc50-4318-bcfd-d78f18b2f209/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tom Stone Carlson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
As a therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, I have worked with a wide range of personal and relationship issues.
As a narrative therapist, I take a positive approach to therapy; helping clients build on their strengths and resources as a foundation for change. I believe that therapy can offer clients much more than a band aid for their problems but that it can help transform their lives and relationships in meaningful ways. I believe that therapy does not need to be a long-term process and encourage clients to take an active part in therapy.
As a therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience, I have worked with a wide range of personal and relationship issues.
As a narrative therapist, I take a positive approach to therapy; helping clients build on their strengths and resources as a foundation for change. I believe that therapy can offer clients much more than a band aid for their problems but that it can help transform their lives and relationships in meaningful ways. I believe that therapy does not need to be a long-term process and encourage clients to take an active part in therapy.
![Photo of Christopher Kincheloe, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72c19f4d-c045-426f-b028-600b25aef925/3/320x400.jpeg)
Christopher Kincheloe
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning. I work under the firm belief that trust is the most important factor in a client-therapist relationship. This occupation is so much more than just an job in for me...it is my passion. I look forward to meeting you!
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning. I work under the firm belief that trust is the most important factor in a client-therapist relationship. This occupation is so much more than just an job in for me...it is my passion. I look forward to meeting you!
![Photo of Dr. Danielle D Alfrey, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fffebef-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Danielle D Alfrey
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Hello there! I'd be happy to work with you. I work with adults and some teens (14 and older) and couples. In-person or video. I enjoy helping those with relationship strain, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, couples/marital issues, alcohol abuse, PTSD, and difficult life circumstances. I have a specialty in medical psychology (i.e., health behavior change, insomnia, weight loss, cancer, grief/bereavement, etc.). Cognitive behavioral therapy is offered along with a non-judgmental approach that is supportive and non-confrontational. Please email, or text to set up your intake appt. (619) 880-5711. I am an exclusive LYRA Health provider!
Hello there! I'd be happy to work with you. I work with adults and some teens (14 and older) and couples. In-person or video. I enjoy helping those with relationship strain, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, couples/marital issues, alcohol abuse, PTSD, and difficult life circumstances. I have a specialty in medical psychology (i.e., health behavior change, insomnia, weight loss, cancer, grief/bereavement, etc.). Cognitive behavioral therapy is offered along with a non-judgmental approach that is supportive and non-confrontational. Please email, or text to set up your intake appt. (619) 880-5711. I am an exclusive LYRA Health provider!
Alexandra Pestereanu- Gere
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
I am particularly zealous about social injustice issues and working with the marginalized population. I am passionate about working with and helping people who are facing: depression, anxiety, traumatic events, racism, relationship conflicts, childhood problems, self-esteem issues, communication problems, and acculturation. I am concerned with the impact of anxiety and depression and improving intervention to support daily functioning and living with anxiety and depression for better emotional, physical, and relationship health.
I am particularly zealous about social injustice issues and working with the marginalized population. I am passionate about working with and helping people who are facing: depression, anxiety, traumatic events, racism, relationship conflicts, childhood problems, self-esteem issues, communication problems, and acculturation. I am concerned with the impact of anxiety and depression and improving intervention to support daily functioning and living with anxiety and depression for better emotional, physical, and relationship health.
![Photo of Kim Kuskovsky, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6af97d3d-8dda-4163-9b93-3591da76cce3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kim Kuskovsky
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
I specialize in helping adults and couples in NY, NJ, & CA who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and trauma so they can develop a deeper understanding and connection of themselves and in their relationships.
Do you dream about being able to handle overwhelming feelings and stress better? Do you long to feel understood and more connected to your partner? Do you wish you felt more in control of the past? When these parts of life are challenged, it takes up all of your energy. You become triggered and filled with frustration, worry, and sadness. Maybe you feel helpless and out of control or haunted by triggers of the past. You deserve to get out of these stuck patterns, feel confident in your ability to deal with challenges, and find peace in your relationships and with yourself.
I specialize in helping adults and couples in NY, NJ, & CA who are struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, and trauma so they can develop a deeper understanding and connection of themselves and in their relationships.
Do you dream about being able to handle overwhelming feelings and stress better? Do you long to feel understood and more connected to your partner? Do you wish you felt more in control of the past? When these parts of life are challenged, it takes up all of your energy. You become triggered and filled with frustration, worry, and sadness. Maybe you feel helpless and out of control or haunted by triggers of the past. You deserve to get out of these stuck patterns, feel confident in your ability to deal with challenges, and find peace in your relationships and with yourself.
15 Second Videos
Kayla Knopp
Chandra Estelle Khalifian
Christopher Kincheloe
Kim Kuskovsky
Julie H Morrell, MFT Online, Phone, & Telehealth
Ginny Gutman
Rusty Redden
Kristine Jackson
Grace Charlton
Marisa Padilla
Celeste Simmons
Natalie Blair
Emily Collard
Wendy Kessler
Dana M Cole
![Photo of Simone Stear Zwipf, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cf9b82fa-91d3-4aeb-8f6c-5c05b70c24df/1/320x400.jpeg)
Simone Stear Zwipf
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
My name is Simone Stear Zwipf and I am so excited to partner with you. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a licensed professional clinical counselor.
My name is Simone Stear Zwipf and I am so excited to partner with you. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a licensed professional clinical counselor.
![Photo of Joyce B Lilya, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d55f8fb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Joyce B Lilya
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Have you been thinking about seeing a therapist but are uncomfortable about where to begin? Have you been feeling hopeless about your situation but don't know how to change it? I can help you heal from past experiences and add new skills for coping with the stressful events you are currently facing. My clients include teens through adults, individuals, couples, and families all facing stress due to multiple changes, losses, substance issues, relationships, jobs, and school. I believe having an opportunity to gain a new perspective will allow you to feel more hopeful about your future.
Have you been thinking about seeing a therapist but are uncomfortable about where to begin? Have you been feeling hopeless about your situation but don't know how to change it? I can help you heal from past experiences and add new skills for coping with the stressful events you are currently facing. My clients include teens through adults, individuals, couples, and families all facing stress due to multiple changes, losses, substance issues, relationships, jobs, and school. I believe having an opportunity to gain a new perspective will allow you to feel more hopeful about your future.
![Photo of Desiree Brittain, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50aca7b4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Desiree Brittain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
I provide a safe, therapeutic relationship in which we can work together to achieve your goals.
Therapy offers a safe space away from the responsibilities of your daily life, where you can process, recalibrate, and practice new skills. One of my specialties is assisting people in difficult life transitions such as divorce, career change, death of a loved one, or a phase of life transition to name a few. Together, I can help you find some acceptance of the new condition, grieve losses, and find some hope for the new. With couples & families, my goal is to create space for us to slow down, understand the negative cycle you might be stuck in and build in ways of communicating where everyone can feel heard.
I provide a safe, therapeutic relationship in which we can work together to achieve your goals.
Therapy offers a safe space away from the responsibilities of your daily life, where you can process, recalibrate, and practice new skills. One of my specialties is assisting people in difficult life transitions such as divorce, career change, death of a loved one, or a phase of life transition to name a few. Together, I can help you find some acceptance of the new condition, grieve losses, and find some hope for the new. With couples & families, my goal is to create space for us to slow down, understand the negative cycle you might be stuck in and build in ways of communicating where everyone can feel heard.
![Photo of Julie H Morrell - Julie H Morrell, MFT Online, Phone, & Telehealth, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fb2540f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Julie H Morrell, MFT Online, Phone, & Telehealth
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Specialties:*Relationship/Intimacy issues *Marriage/Couples Counseling.
Are you having feelings of sadness or anxiety? Do you feel angry, grief, trauma and/or frustration? Do you feel like something is preventing you from experiencing joy or freedom in your life, or your relationships? That's where I can help you. I have over 39 years of counseling/therapy experience. My approach is interactive & collaborative. After counseling, my clients report having more fulfilling relationships, better coping skills, more feelings of connection, as well as healing from the burdens of past hurts, anxieties & traumas. I am also a trained EMDR therapist.
Specialties:*Relationship/Intimacy issues *Marriage/Couples Counseling.
Are you having feelings of sadness or anxiety? Do you feel angry, grief, trauma and/or frustration? Do you feel like something is preventing you from experiencing joy or freedom in your life, or your relationships? That's where I can help you. I have over 39 years of counseling/therapy experience. My approach is interactive & collaborative. After counseling, my clients report having more fulfilling relationships, better coping skills, more feelings of connection, as well as healing from the burdens of past hurts, anxieties & traumas. I am also a trained EMDR therapist.
![Photo of Ginny Gutman, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6fceb76d-5fad-45a6-ba2b-b17f436c185e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ginny Gutman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
Ready to conquer that life transition, anxiety/worry or improve your relationship? I specialize in helping people overcome anxiety, making successful life transitions, and making lasting relationship improvements.
Ready to conquer that life transition, anxiety/worry or improve your relationship? I specialize in helping people overcome anxiety, making successful life transitions, and making lasting relationship improvements.
![Photo of Rusty Redden, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d09628e3-a6f4-42ef-ba37-432c233ab5d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rusty Redden
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109 (Online Only)
Accessible remote therapy for young professionals and couples. I help my clients in navigating anxiety, ADHD, major life transitions, burnout, and/or relationship issues. Specializing in supporting neurodivergent adults and couples, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your identity and relationships freely.
Accessible remote therapy for young professionals and couples. I help my clients in navigating anxiety, ADHD, major life transitions, burnout, and/or relationship issues. Specializing in supporting neurodivergent adults and couples, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your identity and relationships freely.
![Photo of Kristine Jackson, LCSW, CETI, CEDS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c88458e4-931c-4d8f-ba15-1bd725daba39/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kristine Jackson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CETI, CEDS
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
I have specialities in trauma, eating disorders, couples, addictions, family therapy and LGBTQIA+.
I remember going to my first therapist, and thinking “I have to go back to places I’ve already survived?” You do not have to go backwards, though sometimes we have to feel to heal. With over 30 years of experience, I compassionately help guide you experientially, so you can access somatic and emotional wisdom.
I have specialities in trauma, eating disorders, couples, addictions, family therapy and LGBTQIA+.
I remember going to my first therapist, and thinking “I have to go back to places I’ve already survived?” You do not have to go backwards, though sometimes we have to feel to heal. With over 30 years of experience, I compassionately help guide you experientially, so you can access somatic and emotional wisdom.
![Photo of Mariah McQueen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7e46e807-e47f-4639-b22e-a6047b7828ff/3/320x400.jpeg)
Mariah McQueen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
With couples, my goal is to create space for us to slow down, understand the negative cycle you might be stuck in and build in ways of communicating where everyone can feel heard and understood.
I believe that all people need to deeply know and be known by others. Using an Emotionally Focused Therapy perspective, I work with clients to help them understand their emotional needs for closeness and connection, how unmet needs cause disconnection, and how more helpful ways of relating to one another are possible. My hope for all my clients is that they would experience healing and renewed closeness in their relationships with themselves and others. I believe this begins when you are feeling the safety and freedom to share what is really going on inside.
With couples, my goal is to create space for us to slow down, understand the negative cycle you might be stuck in and build in ways of communicating where everyone can feel heard and understood.
I believe that all people need to deeply know and be known by others. Using an Emotionally Focused Therapy perspective, I work with clients to help them understand their emotional needs for closeness and connection, how unmet needs cause disconnection, and how more helpful ways of relating to one another are possible. My hope for all my clients is that they would experience healing and renewed closeness in their relationships with themselves and others. I believe this begins when you are feeling the safety and freedom to share what is really going on inside.
![Photo of Susan Graf-Cote, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46ab8747-6a29-4bb5-9a9d-82a20d05f9e7/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Graf-Cote
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA 92109
I'm the spouse of a retired service member and the mother of a Marine, so I can empathize with and help our young service personnel and their families get through the tough times.
By promoting a safe space where you can create, and recreate the you that is well. Tapping into the strengths that live in your heart, we will gain access to your ideals and understanding and build upon them. We will awaken the part of you that will teach you to become your own coach. I will introduce you to several techniques and theoretical orientations that best suit you. I will not subject you to change through somebody elses belief systems instead of your own. With my guidance, you will find the answers to change your life and find peace.
I'm the spouse of a retired service member and the mother of a Marine, so I can empathize with and help our young service personnel and their families get through the tough times.
By promoting a safe space where you can create, and recreate the you that is well. Tapping into the strengths that live in your heart, we will gain access to your ideals and understanding and build upon them. We will awaken the part of you that will teach you to become your own coach. I will introduce you to several techniques and theoretical orientations that best suit you. I will not subject you to change through somebody elses belief systems instead of your own. With my guidance, you will find the answers to change your life and find peace.
See more therapy options for Pacific Beach, San Diego
Couples Counseling Therapists
Does couples counseling work?
Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.
When should a couple seek counseling?
Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.
How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?
The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.
How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?
The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.