Compassion Focused Therapists in San Diego, CA
Amaya Tueller Eating Disorder Therapist
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92102
Welcome to my page! I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with eating and body image. I work with a variety of eating issues including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image issues. I work from a compassion focused and trauma informed lens, supporting my clients in better understanding themselves and building tools to help them get to their goals. I work with many issues that tend to overlap with eating difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, self harm and substance use.
Welcome to my page! I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with eating and body image. I work with a variety of eating issues including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, ARFID, and body image issues. I work from a compassion focused and trauma informed lens, supporting my clients in better understanding themselves and building tools to help them get to their goals. I work with many issues that tend to overlap with eating difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, self harm and substance use.
I am Mea Parker, Professional Counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community agencies and outpatient settings. I utilized a strength-based, client-centered approach to increase self-esteem and to explore and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. I believe therapeutic tools such as empowerment, self-exploration, compassion, and empathy increase hope in people allowing them to heal and become their best selves.
I am Mea Parker, Professional Counselor. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community agencies and outpatient settings. I utilized a strength-based, client-centered approach to increase self-esteem and to explore and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression. I believe therapeutic tools such as empowerment, self-exploration, compassion, and empathy increase hope in people allowing them to heal and become their best selves.
Living with Complex PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, or a combination thereof, can feel like you're carrying a heavy emotional weight that affects every part of your life. Whether it's flashbacks, overwhelming sadness and worry, intense stress and fear, or the numbness from trauma and depression, these feelings can make daily tasks feel insurmountable. My goal is to support you through these difficult emotions, helping you build internal strength, enhance your resilience, process losses, and manage depressive and anxiety symptoms. Your values, beliefs, and any cultural/religious/spiritual practices matter to me.
Living with Complex PTSD, grief, depression, anxiety, or a combination thereof, can feel like you're carrying a heavy emotional weight that affects every part of your life. Whether it's flashbacks, overwhelming sadness and worry, intense stress and fear, or the numbness from trauma and depression, these feelings can make daily tasks feel insurmountable. My goal is to support you through these difficult emotions, helping you build internal strength, enhance your resilience, process losses, and manage depressive and anxiety symptoms. Your values, beliefs, and any cultural/religious/spiritual practices matter to me.
Kandice Casillas
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92126
Hello, I am Kandice Casillas, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I believe that the client is the expert in their life while I am a helper in understanding and making connections with the unknown. My areas of focus are trauma, depression, anxiety, communication, boundaries, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. I use a collection of Attachment-Based, Solution Focus, Narrative, CBT, Compassion Focused, and Client Centered approaches. I like to start with the basics of understanding the client's needs, finding coping skills that work, and then diving into the real problem at hand.
Hello, I am Kandice Casillas, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I believe that the client is the expert in their life while I am a helper in understanding and making connections with the unknown. My areas of focus are trauma, depression, anxiety, communication, boundaries, self-acceptance, and self-compassion. I use a collection of Attachment-Based, Solution Focus, Narrative, CBT, Compassion Focused, and Client Centered approaches. I like to start with the basics of understanding the client's needs, finding coping skills that work, and then diving into the real problem at hand.
Stephanie Wallace
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92108 (Online Only)
My work is strongly informed by attachment theory, IFS, and compassion focused therapies.
I thrive working with adult survivors of childhood trauma and the following symptoms that may accompany surviving childhood trauma such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, addiction, codependency, and other relationship issues. I also enjoy helping people process grief, loss, and life transitions. I work with identity issues and LGBTQIA+ community as well.
My work is strongly informed by attachment theory, IFS, and compassion focused therapies.
I thrive working with adult survivors of childhood trauma and the following symptoms that may accompany surviving childhood trauma such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, addiction, codependency, and other relationship issues. I also enjoy helping people process grief, loss, and life transitions. I work with identity issues and LGBTQIA+ community as well.
Hey there! My name is Sarah Girling and I am an LCSW who specializes in anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I provide a safe, collaborative space, empowering you with tools to manage life's challenges while aligning mind, body, and spirit. Whatever challenges you’re facing right now, I’m here to meet you where you are. I am an experienced clinician with a background in hospice and prison work. My experience includes trauma, grief, end-of-life care, anxiety, depression, life transitions, depression, life purpose, low self-esteem, and managing stress. I'm a true believer in making therapy an easy and collaborative experience
Hey there! My name is Sarah Girling and I am an LCSW who specializes in anxiety, trauma, grief, and life transitions. I provide a safe, collaborative space, empowering you with tools to manage life's challenges while aligning mind, body, and spirit. Whatever challenges you’re facing right now, I’m here to meet you where you are. I am an experienced clinician with a background in hospice and prison work. My experience includes trauma, grief, end-of-life care, anxiety, depression, life transitions, depression, life purpose, low self-esteem, and managing stress. I'm a true believer in making therapy an easy and collaborative experience
Denise Dugan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
I often use Compassion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but I'm flexible in my approach and will employ various interventions to support your individual therapy goals best.
Hello my name is Denise TheWhysCounselor, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, or depression? Experience the transformative power of therapy in a safe and supportive environment. My clients tell me I'm easy to talk to, and they feel comfortable sharing their deepest concerns. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you'll truly feel seen and understood.
I often use Compassion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but I'm flexible in my approach and will employ various interventions to support your individual therapy goals best.
Hello my name is Denise TheWhysCounselor, I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Struggling with relationship issues, anxiety, or depression? Experience the transformative power of therapy in a safe and supportive environment. My clients tell me I'm easy to talk to, and they feel comfortable sharing their deepest concerns. I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you'll truly feel seen and understood.
Edith Ramirez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
My name is Edith Ramirez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, young adults, and women across the lifespan. I have vast experience working with clients who present with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, first-time parenting, life transitions, family conflict, unmet maternal needs, cultural and systemic oppression, and trauma. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to help you reach your goals.
My name is Edith Ramirez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adolescents, young adults, and women across the lifespan. I have vast experience working with clients who present with anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, first-time parenting, life transitions, family conflict, unmet maternal needs, cultural and systemic oppression, and trauma. I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities to help you reach your goals.
Loretta Blevins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Loretta. My name is Loretta Blevins, a native of San Diego, California. I am a practicing Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) certified through Postpartum Support International to treat Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I specialize in helping Mothers with maternal mental health concerns. Individuals experiencing racial bias and marginalization, and clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, attachment-focused, and client-centered. I enjoy using CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, and ACT to help my clients address their concerns.
Hello, I'm Loretta. My name is Loretta Blevins, a native of San Diego, California. I am a practicing Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) certified through Postpartum Support International to treat Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders. I specialize in helping Mothers with maternal mental health concerns. Individuals experiencing racial bias and marginalization, and clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, and self-esteem challenges. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, attachment-focused, and client-centered. I enjoy using CBT, Compassion Focused Therapy, and ACT to help my clients address their concerns.
Hi! My name is Lydia Jordan, LMFT & Diplomate, A-CBT. I work with individuals hoping to improve how they feel, think, and act using compassion-focused and trauma-informed CBT, with a particular emphasis on Eating, Mood, and Anxiety disorder diagnoses. I am also sensitive to Women's Life-Span concerns (including pregnancy & per-menopause) and recovery from Religious Trauma.
Hi! My name is Lydia Jordan, LMFT & Diplomate, A-CBT. I work with individuals hoping to improve how they feel, think, and act using compassion-focused and trauma-informed CBT, with a particular emphasis on Eating, Mood, and Anxiety disorder diagnoses. I am also sensitive to Women's Life-Span concerns (including pregnancy & per-menopause) and recovery from Religious Trauma.
Kayla Lumowah
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Kayla Lumowah, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor! My approach can be described as client-centered and solution-focused. I treat depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, relationship struggles, self-harm, and life transitions. My style is very collaborative and compassion-focused, and I tailor the approach I use to best meet the unique needs of my clients. Some of the approaches I use are ACT, CBT, DBT, Emotion-focused therapy, and Schema Therapy.
Hi! My name is Kayla Lumowah, I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor! My approach can be described as client-centered and solution-focused. I treat depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, relationship struggles, self-harm, and life transitions. My style is very collaborative and compassion-focused, and I tailor the approach I use to best meet the unique needs of my clients. Some of the approaches I use are ACT, CBT, DBT, Emotion-focused therapy, and Schema Therapy.
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Alicia Melgoza
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92130 (Online Only)
My therapeutic approach is centered on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and strengths. I focus on helping clients build practical coping tools and practices that they can incorporate into their everyday lives. I draw from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) for clients dealing with sleep issues.
My therapeutic approach is centered on providing an empathic and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to explore their challenges and strengths. I focus on helping clients build practical coping tools and practices that they can incorporate into their everyday lives. I draw from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) for clients dealing with sleep issues.
My name is Denise Dugan your Whyscounselor. Are feeling like something has to change? Have you ever thought that if only this person would change or if I could stop feeling so anxious, frustrated, and sad? Life can be hard and challenges can steal our hope for changes to take place. What if I told you that there is one thing you can change that will affect every thing else in your life and that is the way you see yourself. I am passionate about providing help and healing to people dealing with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. In other words, real life.
My name is Denise Dugan your Whyscounselor. Are feeling like something has to change? Have you ever thought that if only this person would change or if I could stop feeling so anxious, frustrated, and sad? Life can be hard and challenges can steal our hope for changes to take place. What if I told you that there is one thing you can change that will affect every thing else in your life and that is the way you see yourself. I am passionate about providing help and healing to people dealing with anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. In other words, real life.
Andrew Harrison Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
Anxiety, depression, trauma, lack of community acceptance, and difficult circumstances may’ve brought you to a place of feeling unwell or stuck. Time-tested therapy techniques may be what you need to address these difficulties and move forward. I am passionate about helping my clients do that with compassion-focused cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness practices. I've worked with a diverse assortment of clients who've faced a variety of concerns, including career difficulties, LGBT-related matters, abuse, grief, severe persistent mental illness, and relationship issues.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, lack of community acceptance, and difficult circumstances may’ve brought you to a place of feeling unwell or stuck. Time-tested therapy techniques may be what you need to address these difficulties and move forward. I am passionate about helping my clients do that with compassion-focused cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness practices. I've worked with a diverse assortment of clients who've faced a variety of concerns, including career difficulties, LGBT-related matters, abuse, grief, severe persistent mental illness, and relationship issues.
Lauralee Fuhrmann LCSW. Approach is client-centered, strengths-based. It can be difficult to open-up and talk about life-stressors to a stranger. Sometimes, we can feel unheard or alone, or just need someone who can be a helping, compassionate, and nonjudgmental ear. In therapy, we can mend fractured and fragmented pieces of ourselves that have been damaged by past relationships, and trauma. Together, we can bring out positive change in our lives; we can challenge negative cognitions and dissonance. Together, we can begin the path of healing.
Lauralee Fuhrmann LCSW. Approach is client-centered, strengths-based. It can be difficult to open-up and talk about life-stressors to a stranger. Sometimes, we can feel unheard or alone, or just need someone who can be a helping, compassionate, and nonjudgmental ear. In therapy, we can mend fractured and fragmented pieces of ourselves that have been damaged by past relationships, and trauma. Together, we can bring out positive change in our lives; we can challenge negative cognitions and dissonance. Together, we can begin the path of healing.
I work primarily with teens, adults, and couples. I have worked in both the private sector and in non-profits and government, giving me real-life experiences in the work world outside of private practice as well. I have been a family court mediator, helping divorcing families work through their issues around parenting and custody. I specialize in relationship issues, dual diagnosis, co-dependency and addiction issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and serving the LGBTQI community.
I work primarily with teens, adults, and couples. I have worked in both the private sector and in non-profits and government, giving me real-life experiences in the work world outside of private practice as well. I have been a family court mediator, helping divorcing families work through their issues around parenting and custody. I specialize in relationship issues, dual diagnosis, co-dependency and addiction issues, depression, anxiety, grief, and serving the LGBTQI community.
Andrew Pari
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP, DCSW, SWICL
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92110 (Online Only)
Being a woman or girl today has gotten increasingly complex! You were raised to believe what you were told. Your parents told you one thing. Your friends another. Throw in societal expectations and the media..? And now you want something more fulfilling. More fun. More…you! You’re afraid of being labeled. The people you date are the ones you are “supposed to,” not who you want. Maybe sex has been painful or unfulfilling and you want to understand why. Your sexual self is yours alone. But how do you sort your truth from everyone else’s? You want something different, but you are not sure how to talk about it.
Being a woman or girl today has gotten increasingly complex! You were raised to believe what you were told. Your parents told you one thing. Your friends another. Throw in societal expectations and the media..? And now you want something more fulfilling. More fun. More…you! You’re afraid of being labeled. The people you date are the ones you are “supposed to,” not who you want. Maybe sex has been painful or unfulfilling and you want to understand why. Your sexual self is yours alone. But how do you sort your truth from everyone else’s? You want something different, but you are not sure how to talk about it.
Rebecca Ballesteros
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
Circumstances, life crisis, disability and past trauma can block our ability to achieve our goals and dreams. I am passionate about helping people overcome obstacles that are affecting their ability to live a fulfilling, purposeful and happy life. We all have dreams and a vision of what we want our life to look like. Whatever issue brings you to therapy, I am excited to help and guide you through the process of revealing those blocks, resolving unproductive behaviors, and developing healthy coping skills so you can live the life you imagine.
Circumstances, life crisis, disability and past trauma can block our ability to achieve our goals and dreams. I am passionate about helping people overcome obstacles that are affecting their ability to live a fulfilling, purposeful and happy life. We all have dreams and a vision of what we want our life to look like. Whatever issue brings you to therapy, I am excited to help and guide you through the process of revealing those blocks, resolving unproductive behaviors, and developing healthy coping skills so you can live the life you imagine.
Zaire Flowers
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
Are you a Black, Queer, Trans, or differently-abled person ready to live authentically with no regrets? I'll help you build the confidence and self-love that will get you there. Discover a life where self-expression thrives and empowerment reigns! I help people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions overcome their internalized oppression and step into a better future. Learn how to eliminate the emotional obstacles that are blocking the path to your best life. Discover delight, balance, and confidence in your own skin. Change the way you live and experience the life that is rightfully yours!
Are you a Black, Queer, Trans, or differently-abled person ready to live authentically with no regrets? I'll help you build the confidence and self-love that will get you there. Discover a life where self-expression thrives and empowerment reigns! I help people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, and religions overcome their internalized oppression and step into a better future. Learn how to eliminate the emotional obstacles that are blocking the path to your best life. Discover delight, balance, and confidence in your own skin. Change the way you live and experience the life that is rightfully yours!
Mellissa Giegerich
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92115
I am passionate about helping my clients create a better relationship with food and exercise. As a former collegiate athlete, I saw firsthand how difficult it can be to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise – one that enhances our lives and doesn’t become an obsessive focus or completely define our self-worth. Using a Health at Every Size Approach, I help my clients heal their relationships with food and exercise so that they can live their lives to the fullest. In addition to my specialty in treating eating disorders, I also care for clients with a diverse range of mental health concerns to enhance emotional wellbeing.
I am passionate about helping my clients create a better relationship with food and exercise. As a former collegiate athlete, I saw firsthand how difficult it can be to have a healthy relationship with food and exercise – one that enhances our lives and doesn’t become an obsessive focus or completely define our self-worth. Using a Health at Every Size Approach, I help my clients heal their relationships with food and exercise so that they can live their lives to the fullest. In addition to my specialty in treating eating disorders, I also care for clients with a diverse range of mental health concerns to enhance emotional wellbeing.
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Compassion Focused Therapists
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.