Feminist Therapists in San Diego, CA
I also utilize a feminist perspective to assist clients with gender identity exploration and transitioning.
I have experience working with LGBTQIA communities, Transitional-Age Youth, Neurodivergent communities, Students/Academia, and Domestic Violence situations. I'm passionate about utilizing feminist and decolonial frameworks to help clients explore solutions.
I also utilize a feminist perspective to assist clients with gender identity exploration and transitioning.
I have experience working with LGBTQIA communities, Transitional-Age Youth, Neurodivergent communities, Students/Academia, and Domestic Violence situations. I'm passionate about utilizing feminist and decolonial frameworks to help clients explore solutions.
Although my approach with each client is highly individualized, I integrate trauma-informed, CBT, DBT, relational, psychodynamic, and feminist theoretical approaches in the work I do with clients.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that human beings are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
Although my approach with each client is highly individualized, I integrate trauma-informed, CBT, DBT, relational, psychodynamic, and feminist theoretical approaches in the work I do with clients.
I have had the honor of working with individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, sexual and gender-identity related issues, family dynamics, and more. I believe that human beings are inherently relational and that we are born to thrive in connection to others and wouldn’t be who we are if not for the people that have come in, and sometimes out, of our lives. Examining these relationships can be a huge part of therapy, whether it’s with our parents, our partners, or with ourselves.
Dr. Sarah K. Samman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92131
I actively explore the biopsychosociospiritual influences grounded in an inclusive, intersectional Feminist and Medical Family Therapy framework.
Welcome! Does it feel like you’re struggling alone managing confusing feelings, persistent thoughts, and mental and physical exhaustion? Sometimes if feels like you’re up against the world with all the messages that often lead to depression, anxiety, and relational conflict and inequity. You’re doing the best you can as a person, friend, partner, parent, and employee. You might not feel seen or like you are the expert in your life. Yet you have the strength and skills to reclaim these messages, make them your own, and transform your life for the better. You are worthy and deserve the support you need to heal.
I actively explore the biopsychosociospiritual influences grounded in an inclusive, intersectional Feminist and Medical Family Therapy framework.
Welcome! Does it feel like you’re struggling alone managing confusing feelings, persistent thoughts, and mental and physical exhaustion? Sometimes if feels like you’re up against the world with all the messages that often lead to depression, anxiety, and relational conflict and inequity. You’re doing the best you can as a person, friend, partner, parent, and employee. You might not feel seen or like you are the expert in your life. Yet you have the strength and skills to reclaim these messages, make them your own, and transform your life for the better. You are worthy and deserve the support you need to heal.
I integrate ACT, DBT, and CBT practices into a foundation of psychodynamic, narrative, and feminist theories.
You might be in survival-mode, and that makes sense. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate safety and recovery in your life. My approach centers genuine curiosity, self-compassion, and non-judgment to empower your journey towards healing. Whether you're seeking support for trauma, self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, shame, or difficulties in your relationships, I can help.
I integrate ACT, DBT, and CBT practices into a foundation of psychodynamic, narrative, and feminist theories.
You might be in survival-mode, and that makes sense. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate safety and recovery in your life. My approach centers genuine curiosity, self-compassion, and non-judgment to empower your journey towards healing. Whether you're seeking support for trauma, self-esteem challenges, negative self-talk, anxiety, depression, shame, or difficulties in your relationships, I can help.
Allyson Ford
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92113
I take a client-led, relational and feminist approach to help you find peace in the version of recovery that fits your unique life circumstances.
Struggling with an Eating Disorder is a complex experience that deeply impacts us psychologically, interpersonallly, physically and emotionally. In the short term, the behaviors provide a sense of relief from painful life experiences. They "dull" the effects of trauma, oppression, interpersonal distress and intense emotions. They often help us cope with core wounds around not belonging, not feeling good enough, not feeling safe in our bodies and not having a sense of agency. The process of recovery can feel terrifying- like giving up a life raft. At the same time, the life raft begins to make us feel stuck, isolated and hopeless.
I take a client-led, relational and feminist approach to help you find peace in the version of recovery that fits your unique life circumstances.
Struggling with an Eating Disorder is a complex experience that deeply impacts us psychologically, interpersonallly, physically and emotionally. In the short term, the behaviors provide a sense of relief from painful life experiences. They "dull" the effects of trauma, oppression, interpersonal distress and intense emotions. They often help us cope with core wounds around not belonging, not feeling good enough, not feeling safe in our bodies and not having a sense of agency. The process of recovery can feel terrifying- like giving up a life raft. At the same time, the life raft begins to make us feel stuck, isolated and hopeless.
Jaimi S Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
I using a feminist approach, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.
Here is what I believe: Everyone needs an objective person to help support and guide them through life’s challenges, transitions and hurdles. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is a trusting, nonjudgmental, and compassionate relationship with your therapist; therapy should feel safe, and provide you relief. I enjoy working with people from different background to help them discover their true self and overcoming the obstacles that may obscure their journey to happiness and self-fulfillment. I utilize humanistic mindful approaches to support wellness. I have availability in evening for couples and individuals.
I using a feminist approach, and LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.
Here is what I believe: Everyone needs an objective person to help support and guide them through life’s challenges, transitions and hurdles. I believe the most important aspect of therapy is a trusting, nonjudgmental, and compassionate relationship with your therapist; therapy should feel safe, and provide you relief. I enjoy working with people from different background to help them discover their true self and overcoming the obstacles that may obscure their journey to happiness and self-fulfillment. I utilize humanistic mindful approaches to support wellness. I have availability in evening for couples and individuals.
Elizabeth Vines
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92116 (Online Only)
I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more and find resources in the blog on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
I specialize in complex trauma, phobias/anxiety, and chronic illness for adults and teens. Many of my clients are recovering from developmental trauma, learning to soothe overactive nervous systems, and hoping to identify and express their needs in a new way. My work is depth oriented, empowering, feminist, compassion focused, and client-centered. I work well with artists and creative types, perfectionists, high achievers, nerds, people who love to learn, and those who identify as highly sensitive. Read more and find resources in the blog on my website at www.sierraspringspsychotherapy.com
My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.
I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem.
My approach is integrative and incorporates humanistic, dynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and multicultural feminist approaches that encourage positive coping and resilience.
I enjoy working with folks who need support in managing a wide variety of issues from self-esteem and identity concerns to the stress of dealing with multiple roles, relationships, and life demands (as students, partners, friends, parents, new professionals, family members, community activists, etc.) My clinical interests include multicultural and women's issues, racial/ethnic identity development (especially among biracial/multi-racial/ethnic/cultural individuals), sexual and gender identity development, adjustment and transition issues, and building healthy relationships through assertive communication and positive self-esteem.
I use components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Feminist Therapy, and a trauma informed approach to help my clients feel grounded and better able to regulate their emotions.
My name is Damaris Tobar, and I am a Bilingual (Spanish), Bicultural, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the San Gabriel Valley, California. I support clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Building relationship is an important part of the therapeutic process and I look forward to being in community with you. "If you are a therapist and you're not acknowledging how systems of oppression and intersectionality impact mental health, then you're likely centering supremacy and whiteness in your work." -Dr. Ebony
I use components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Feminist Therapy, and a trauma informed approach to help my clients feel grounded and better able to regulate their emotions.
My name is Damaris Tobar, and I am a Bilingual (Spanish), Bicultural, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in the San Gabriel Valley, California. I support clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, trauma, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Building relationship is an important part of the therapeutic process and I look forward to being in community with you. "If you are a therapist and you're not acknowledging how systems of oppression and intersectionality impact mental health, then you're likely centering supremacy and whiteness in your work." -Dr. Ebony
Alissa Benporat
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I'm influenced by eco psychology, feminist psychology, psychodynamic psychology, humanistic psychology, and somatic psychology.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
I'm influenced by eco psychology, feminist psychology, psychodynamic psychology, humanistic psychology, and somatic psychology.
I believe that healing happens in relationship, and offer warmth and curiosity to help you explore and name the truth of your experience in order to heal from anxiety, relational trauma, and embrace life's challenges. I work with individuals & couples who want to improve boundaries and communication, create meaningful connection, and align their choices with their values. I support you through circumstances life throws at you - affairs, loss, aging, marriage, divorce, raising kids, job stress. I am keen to explore issues related to gender, culture, health, spirituality, sexuality, monogamy, polyamory, and psychedelic integration.
My expertise lies in multiple areas, including narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, seeking safety, interpersonal therapy, and feminist therapy, and I am domestic violence counseling certified.
Therapy can be highly transformative when combined with intention and intuition. I'm a Chicanx Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, born and raised in Los Angeles. I work with BIPOC-identified individuals open to learning new ways of healing and growing. Each client brings unique lived experiences and I do my best to provide a safe and open space in order for the client and therapist to be vulnerable during sessions.
My expertise lies in multiple areas, including narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, seeking safety, interpersonal therapy, and feminist therapy, and I am domestic violence counseling certified.
Therapy can be highly transformative when combined with intention and intuition. I'm a Chicanx Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, born and raised in Los Angeles. I work with BIPOC-identified individuals open to learning new ways of healing and growing. Each client brings unique lived experiences and I do my best to provide a safe and open space in order for the client and therapist to be vulnerable during sessions.
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Some of the modalities I use include Couples Therapy; Feminist Therapy; Grief Therapy; Holistic; Interpersonal; Mindfulness-Based; Psychodynamic; Relational.
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.
Some of the modalities I use include Couples Therapy; Feminist Therapy; Grief Therapy; Holistic; Interpersonal; Mindfulness-Based; Psychodynamic; Relational.
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.
Hello, I'm Jaimi Martin LCWS, PH-C. I specialize in childhood trauma using EMDR, and postpartum depression and anxiety, using a feminist viewpoint. I work with individuals ages 12 and up, with a focus on life transitions. I support people in becoming their true selves. I've always worked in collaboration with others and found working as a therapist allowed that work to be more meaningful and deeper.
Hello, I'm Jaimi Martin LCWS, PH-C. I specialize in childhood trauma using EMDR, and postpartum depression and anxiety, using a feminist viewpoint. I work with individuals ages 12 and up, with a focus on life transitions. I support people in becoming their true selves. I've always worked in collaboration with others and found working as a therapist allowed that work to be more meaningful and deeper.
Charnise Howcroft-Chapple
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
My approach is rooted in all the intersections of my own identity as a Black lesbian woman & a Veteran. In my practice I specialize in working with LGBTQ+, women, POC, military/veterans, & couples. Focusing on empowerment, strength, & enlightenment. I practice Integrative therapy, influenced by post-modern feminist therapy, LGBT+ Affirmative therapy, Intersectional, & social justice frameworks.
My approach is rooted in all the intersections of my own identity as a Black lesbian woman & a Veteran. In my practice I specialize in working with LGBTQ+, women, POC, military/veterans, & couples. Focusing on empowerment, strength, & enlightenment. I practice Integrative therapy, influenced by post-modern feminist therapy, LGBT+ Affirmative therapy, Intersectional, & social justice frameworks.
Aba Horthy
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92103 (Online Only)
I utilize a range of modalities such as queer narrative, feminist, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, BIPOC affirmative, EMDR, IFS, attachment-based & other forms of therapy that fits your needs.
I am a queer multicultural nonbinary AuDHD therapist who creates a nonjudgemental space for their clients. I mainly focus on the trans and nonbinary experience, complex trauma, chronic & terminal illnesses, grief, AuDHD & autism. I have clinical and personal experiences regarding my specializations. I have a deep capacity for working with trauma & supporting clients who think their story is “too heavy” for others to bear. I am really good at helping you (re)connect with who you are, who you want to be & figuring out how self-care looks like for you. Whatever we work on, I will create a safe environment and affirm your experience.
I utilize a range of modalities such as queer narrative, feminist, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, BIPOC affirmative, EMDR, IFS, attachment-based & other forms of therapy that fits your needs.
I am a queer multicultural nonbinary AuDHD therapist who creates a nonjudgemental space for their clients. I mainly focus on the trans and nonbinary experience, complex trauma, chronic & terminal illnesses, grief, AuDHD & autism. I have clinical and personal experiences regarding my specializations. I have a deep capacity for working with trauma & supporting clients who think their story is “too heavy” for others to bear. I am really good at helping you (re)connect with who you are, who you want to be & figuring out how self-care looks like for you. Whatever we work on, I will create a safe environment and affirm your experience.
Danielle Nelson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92102 (Online Only)
You're not crazy. You're doing the best you can under crazy circumstances. I offer compassionate, open-minded teletherapy in Louisiana and California. Shame, guilt and stigma are not a part of my practice. My focus is to understand things from your perspective and work as a team to identify and meet your goals for growth. Finding a therapist can be overwhelming- especially when you need one. I get it. I've been there, but just being here means you're on the right track. To get you started, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation, so reach out. Even if we aren't the right fit, I'll try to refer you to someone who might be.
You're not crazy. You're doing the best you can under crazy circumstances. I offer compassionate, open-minded teletherapy in Louisiana and California. Shame, guilt and stigma are not a part of my practice. My focus is to understand things from your perspective and work as a team to identify and meet your goals for growth. Finding a therapist can be overwhelming- especially when you need one. I get it. I've been there, but just being here means you're on the right track. To get you started, I offer a free 15 minute phone consultation, so reach out. Even if we aren't the right fit, I'll try to refer you to someone who might be.
Julia Parkinson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92108
I believe that our lives are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves, and that these stories are informed by our unique cultural, societal, and relational background. Sometimes these stories can leave us feeling stuck in painful patterns, hopeless about the future, and disconnected in our relationships. I specialize in working with individuals and couples to unravel and challenge these unhelpful narratives, give voice to untold stories, and free up space to choose new ways of living that align with your values, hopes, and longings in life.
I believe that our lives are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves, and that these stories are informed by our unique cultural, societal, and relational background. Sometimes these stories can leave us feeling stuck in painful patterns, hopeless about the future, and disconnected in our relationships. I specialize in working with individuals and couples to unravel and challenge these unhelpful narratives, give voice to untold stories, and free up space to choose new ways of living that align with your values, hopes, and longings in life.
Victoria Grutz Neurodivergence-Informed Therapist
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
San Diego, CA 92117
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Victoria (she/her) and I am a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) therapist who is deeply passionate about working with adult individuals, couples, polycules, and families in both the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. I work from a social justice-oriented lens, acknowledging systems of oppression that exist to serve some while creating barriers to well-being for many others. I particularly enjoy working with clients as they navigate experiences with late-diagnoses, anxiety, existential questions, relational and sexual difficulties, and life transitions.
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by. My name is Victoria (she/her) and I am a neurodivergent (Autistic and ADHD) therapist who is deeply passionate about working with adult individuals, couples, polycules, and families in both the neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities. I work from a social justice-oriented lens, acknowledging systems of oppression that exist to serve some while creating barriers to well-being for many others. I particularly enjoy working with clients as they navigate experiences with late-diagnoses, anxiety, existential questions, relational and sexual difficulties, and life transitions.
I employ a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of my patients. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy. My focus is on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where the patient feels heard and understood. Together, we work collaboratively to set achievable goals and develop a roadmap for healing and growth.
I employ a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of my patients. This includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, psychodynamic therapy, and person-centered therapy. My focus is on creating a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive environment where the patient feels heard and understood. Together, we work collaboratively to set achievable goals and develop a roadmap for healing and growth.
Hi! Thanks for reading through my profile. Seeking support outside of your social circle can feel vulnerable. You’re here because you know there’s something inside of you ready to be explored, attended to, and integrated. Therapy is a space of collaboration and curiosity, a space to inquire about who we think we are and the limits of our beliefs, a space to delve into new shapes. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults (particularly the queer community) for a wide range of concerns including recovery from substance abuse, trauma, stress, self-esteem, sexual abuse, and anxiety.
Hi! Thanks for reading through my profile. Seeking support outside of your social circle can feel vulnerable. You’re here because you know there’s something inside of you ready to be explored, attended to, and integrated. Therapy is a space of collaboration and curiosity, a space to inquire about who we think we are and the limits of our beliefs, a space to delve into new shapes. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with adults (particularly the queer community) for a wide range of concerns including recovery from substance abuse, trauma, stress, self-esteem, sexual abuse, and anxiety.
See more therapy options for San Diego
Nearby Feminist Therapists Searches for San Diego
- Chula Vista
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- La Jolla
- La Mesa
- National City
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Santee
- Solana Beach
Feminist Therapists
How does feminist therapy work?
Feminist therapy sessions are not only personal but often cultural or political in nature, as the approach is based on the belief that people are affected by, and often struggle with, cultural and societal norms and biases, and need to move beyond those external pressures or stressors to tap their own confidence and engage more fully in their own identity. Sessions may therefore include discussions of sexism, diversity, and gender issues and talk of steps toward greater empowerment for patients who believe they have been silenced and seek to raise their voices.
What are examples of feminist therapy techniques?
Along with traditional talk therapy and analysis, a feminist therapist may employ techniques such as role-playing and assertiveness training to help clients build their self-esteem so that they feel they can act freely, and not based on cultural expectations or gender roles dictated by others. A feminist therapist may also engage in bibliotherapy, offering suggested readings on gender identity or social power inequities as they work toward viewing mental-health concerns through a broad cultural lens before focusing on how they affect the individual. Somatic therapy techniques, with an emphasis on body awareness, self-compassion, and mindfulness practices are also often part of feminist therapist practice.
How long does feminist therapy last?
As with most forms of talk therapy, there is no set duration or end point for feminist therapy; people who believe that they are making progress typically continue until they feel they’ve addressed the issues that had been holding them back. It may take some time to become comfortable discussing personal issues, but once a client feels they can do so, they could expect therapy to last for a number of months, typically including at least 12 sessions.
Does feminist therapy work?
As a relatively recent therapeutic technique, there is not yet a body of evidence proving the efficacy of feminist therapy. However, the approach is based on proven core principles of talk therapy, with a particular emphasis on developing a therapeutic relationship based on equality and authentic connection between therapist and client and discovering and building on clients’ personal strengths to help them gain a greater sense of personal power and agency.