Family Therapy in San Diego, CA

Whether it’s shame, helplessness, unhealthy behavioral patterns you’re trying to break, or simply feeling like you’re never enough, you’ve come to the right place. It takes courage to admit you’re struggling, and even more so to ask for help. The environment, culture, and family we grow up in affect how we navigate the world. As a second-generation queer-identifying Filipina American, I know how difficult it is growing up in two different cultures and upbringings. My goal as a therapist is to make you feel seen and heard in a safe, supportive environment. I aim to co-create a space tailored to your emotions, needs, and experiences.

Welcome! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing narrative therapy in California. I am committed to providing anti-racist, gender-affirming, respectful care to each person with whom I meet; and to help each person discover and remember the abilities they have, which can help them move through life despite the obstacles they may encounter. I am passionate about standing alongside the individuals, couples, and families I collaborate with against the problems that show up in their lives.

I specialize in addiction/dual diagnosis, but treat various mental health problems as well (depression, anxiety, relationship problems, etc.). I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and a psychodynamic approach, but I alter treatment depending on your needs. Feeling stagnant as well as drug and alcohol concerns are often a result of deeper struggles such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, trauma, and obstacles in your daily life. If you are feeling stuck and are grappling with how to move forward I can help guide you through it. *Please say your name when prompted when you call, otherwise your call will not go through.*

Are you a parent of a child that has difficulty with emotional outbursts? Do these outbursts negatively impact you or your family? Or does your child or you have trouble managing their emotions such as worry or sadness? These are often referral questions I receive on a daily basis. Fortunately, these are all manageable and with the right guidance and treatment we can find the right path to help you or your family. My goals are to first and foremost understand your situation and needs. In doing so I hope to build trust. Once achieved I work to help you and/or your child uncover what needs have been missed.

Sometimes our best life can feel out of reach. A part of us feels stuck in cognitive or relational patterns that served us at one time, but do not serve us well anymore. We want to make some changes, but we find ourselves stuck. Poet Mary Oliver asked the question, "What will you do with this one wild and precious life?" I'm here to listen as you figure out how you want to answer this question, and to witness the work you need to do to get there. Our best selves, living our best lives, are within reach.

Do you struggle with depression? Does your anxiety cause you distress? Or maybe your current situation is affecting your mental health. Whether you are a parent looking for ways to handle your child's big emotions, a teen/young adult looking for support and tools to get through this transitional time, a married or engaged couple wanting to explore the "hot spots" in a relationship or a family in need of a safe space to address issues I would like to help.

I view psychotherapy as a process of self-discovery, emotional and psychological growth, and relational understanding. I value the importance of forming a supportive, collaborative, and trusting relationship in the hopes that you may feel safe to discuss your concerns openly and honestly. My areas of expertise include working with children, adolescents, and adults with concerns in identity development, relationships, parenting, trauma, as well as mood, anxiety and developmental disorders. My therapeutic style combines relational psychodynamic and person-centered approaches.

It’s true that change starts with the choice to seek support - and here you are! Let’s take the next step together. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive private practice and non-profit experience working with youth, couples, and families who have experienced relationship challenges, trauma, grief and loss, caring for family members with mental health or developmental and intellectual disabilities, as well as addiction and recovery from substance use disorders.

Are you a high-achieving person who needs help shedding negative self beliefs, unhealthy patterns or releasing anxiety and depression? Are you a parent who wants to learn how to be more patient and increase your emotional connection to your kid? Are you a teenager or young adult wanting to better navigate school, friends, family or work? Many clients come to me when they have tried generic coping skills or seen a therapist that they didn't click with or didn't "get it." My clients come to have an unbiased outlet for improving relationships, reducing stress and burnout and/or relieving tough memories. My goal is to get you there.

Are you, your partner, or your child experiencing feelings of anxiety or sadness? Are you having a hard time coping with a recent transition or loss? If so, I am here to help you on your journey towards growth and healing. I believe that when someone is going through a difficult time, it may also impact important relationships around them. For that reason, my practice not only sees individual clients, but also includes seeing families and couples. I provide a combination of strength-based, experiential, and cognitive behavioral therapies that I adapt to meet the individual needs of you and your family.

As a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, the most meticulous therapy expertise will be utilized during your counseling sessions. I offer a problem solving Systemic approach to therapy including an understanding of your goals for treatment and working together to solve these problems in a focused, planned way. The treatment will look at the system in which you and your challenge exists including family, work, religion, society, etc., and seek to understand how these factors affect your situation. Potentially, this new understanding may lead the way to greater maturity and happiness as an individual, couple, or family.

Hi, I'm Hope Portney, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Beginning or returning to therapy after time away can be a daunting experience. It takes courage to reach out for support and to begin the process of working on yourself and your relationships. I strive to be a supportive, objective, and collaborative partner on your journey, whether that is healing past hurts, finding new ways of thinking, learning to show up differently in relationships, or reducing symptoms that are interfering with your life.

Do you feel like you’re doing just enough to get by, but stuck in survival mode? Are you feeling anxious, depressed, and like the world is weighing you down? I can help! I am here to listen and offer a space that feels safe and allows you to be authentically you, free of judgement, and confidential for you to grow and process your experiences. I am your relatable and inner child therapist who works with everyday people from all age groups and backgrounds who are experiencing life challenges, and those who have experienced traumatic events.

Embarking on the journey of self-discovery & healing is a brave step, acknowledging your resilience and readiness for change. In our sessions, you'll find a compassionate space where your experiences and feelings are deeply understood and respected. Together, we will navigate your unique path, focusing on personal growth and overcoming life's obstacles. Our collaborative work will empower you, fostering a safe environment for exploration and the cultivation of inner strength. Let's transform challenges into opportunities for development, with every step forward illuminating your journey.

Charlie is recognized as a seasoned, direct, warm, ethical, "practical" therapist with experience since 1973. He's licensed as both Psychologist & Marriage and Family Therapist, competently helping individuals, couples, and families. Along with a broad general practice, he also specializes in: Relationship Issues (premarital & marital problems, communication, co-parenting, financial stress, affairs, infidelity, divorce, sexual health); Substance Abuse and Behavioral addictions (alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, codependence, ACOA, enabling, gambling, "sex addiction", out of control sexual behavior); Trauma Recovery (crime victims, post traumatic stress, loss, death, dying, grief, identity theft); Men's Issues: ("Men behaving badly", fatherhood, communication problems, intimacy concerns).

Does your child say, “You don’t understand” or completely ignores your requests? Do you feel powerless and frustrated that consequences don’t seem to work anymore on your child? We help to empower your family with new ways of communicating and relating, so harmony is restored. Kids need to feel heard and that what they think matters. Children often feel like no adult is listening, at school or at home. We help to give both children and parents a voice, which often calms the chaos. Children and teenagers need help learning how to express their needs in a way that their parents can hear them.

Hello and welcome! Grow Through Life Counseling is a group private practice welcoming both in person clients in Mission Valley, CA and via Telehealth in CA. We have immediate openings and are accepting new clients. Our Mission is to provide quality counseling for all ages throughout life. We provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care for all children, teens, adults, couples and families. We respect each family member's unique identities, perspectives and experiences in life. With effective and creative psychotherapeutic interventions, we support emotional growth and development during the various stages of life to be healthier.

Everyone can benefit from therapy regardless of age, ethnicity and/or sexual/gender identity. I have worked in the mental health/psychology field since 2002 and am passionate about helping individuals, families and couples achieve more connection, wellness, awareness and insight. I have concentrated training/experience providing treatment to disenfranchised/marginalized groups (BIPOC/LGBTQIA+), couples, families, inmates, parolees, people with sexual trauma and people struggling with racial trauma/discrimination. I provide direct, yet compassionate feedback of a solution-oriented nature to help clients achieve treatment goals.

We all go through emotional storms where we feel emotionally and physically stuck; we worry too much and lose control of ourselves. Do you find yourself thrown off balance by your childhood trauma? Childhood traumatic experiences such as abandonment, abuse, and neglect lead to social anxiety. My approach is solution-focused and tailored to your needs and goals. I am committed to providing a profound sense of safety and offering compassionate and actionable guidance to all my clients.