Couples Counseling Therapists in Downtown, San Diego, CA
Gissell Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101
Hello and welcome! I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am committed to providing all my clients with compassionate support, an affirming space to be themselves, and a lens of curiosity and acceptance free of judgment. I work with adults and couples challenged by relationship issues, trauma, grief, life transitions, anxiety, somatic symptoms, identity issues, gender dysphoria, depression, and neurodivergence. Through our work we can help you identify and break out of cycles that are no longer serving you, renew your sense of hope & zest for life, and create lifelong changes.
Hello and welcome! I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I am committed to providing all my clients with compassionate support, an affirming space to be themselves, and a lens of curiosity and acceptance free of judgment. I work with adults and couples challenged by relationship issues, trauma, grief, life transitions, anxiety, somatic symptoms, identity issues, gender dysphoria, depression, and neurodivergence. Through our work we can help you identify and break out of cycles that are no longer serving you, renew your sense of hope & zest for life, and create lifelong changes.
Tiffany Lin Lasky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101
We will identify relationship patterns, themes and connections within your life story to help you gain a better sense of clarity and understanding of yourself.
Is there an aspect of your career, relationships, or identity that needs sorting out? Are you struggling to make decisions as you prepare to take the next step in your life? Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed and having difficulty managing stress. I'm here to help. I currently specialize in working with individuals and couples who have struggles with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, difficulty managing stress, life adjustment, trauma, grief and loss, and familial conflict. I utilize a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to help you in your journey toward growth and healing.
We will identify relationship patterns, themes and connections within your life story to help you gain a better sense of clarity and understanding of yourself.
Is there an aspect of your career, relationships, or identity that needs sorting out? Are you struggling to make decisions as you prepare to take the next step in your life? Maybe you are feeling anxious or depressed and having difficulty managing stress. I'm here to help. I currently specialize in working with individuals and couples who have struggles with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, difficulty managing stress, life adjustment, trauma, grief and loss, and familial conflict. I utilize a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to help you in your journey toward growth and healing.
Tibebe Worku
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
My therapy style is warm and direct. I help clients understand and articulate the challenges they face in a way that is meaningful and useful so that they are better equipped to make real choices that are equally satisfying and sustainable. I provide a space where clients can be truly heard, some for the first time. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples who are negotiating complex issues around identity or life transitions, but can also help clients focus on and work through more specific relational challenges that have arisen in their lives. Let's work together to create lasting change.
My therapy style is warm and direct. I help clients understand and articulate the challenges they face in a way that is meaningful and useful so that they are better equipped to make real choices that are equally satisfying and sustainable. I provide a space where clients can be truly heard, some for the first time. I specialize in working with individuals, families, and couples who are negotiating complex issues around identity or life transitions, but can also help clients focus on and work through more specific relational challenges that have arisen in their lives. Let's work together to create lasting change.
I work with individuals, families, and couples.
My name is Vivian E. Johnson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I predominately utilize the psychodynamic approach. I work with individuals, families, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and trauma. I help clients recognize their recurring unhelpful thought, emotional and behavioral patterns, and the defense mechanisms they've developed to avoid distress and cope with stress. This insight may allow them to begin changing those patterns and develop more helpful and healthier ways to cope with life stressors.
I work with individuals, families, and couples.
My name is Vivian E. Johnson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. I predominately utilize the psychodynamic approach. I work with individuals, families, and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and trauma. I help clients recognize their recurring unhelpful thought, emotional and behavioral patterns, and the defense mechanisms they've developed to avoid distress and cope with stress. This insight may allow them to begin changing those patterns and develop more helpful and healthier ways to cope with life stressors.
Jay Alarcon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEDS, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92120
Coming to therapy can feel vulnerable and scary, but it is a brave step towards the life you want and deserve. I am guided by evidence based techniques, educated insight, and genuine curiosity. I work to nurture my clients’ sensitivities, strengths, hopes, and desires for a meaningful and fulfilling existence. I help individuals tap into their inner strength and thrive, to connect to their passions, couples seeking effective communication techniques and highly sensitive people understand their trait and harness their superpower! I support individuals from diverse backgrounds and sexual orientations, navigate cultural challenges
Coming to therapy can feel vulnerable and scary, but it is a brave step towards the life you want and deserve. I am guided by evidence based techniques, educated insight, and genuine curiosity. I work to nurture my clients’ sensitivities, strengths, hopes, and desires for a meaningful and fulfilling existence. I help individuals tap into their inner strength and thrive, to connect to their passions, couples seeking effective communication techniques and highly sensitive people understand their trait and harness their superpower! I support individuals from diverse backgrounds and sexual orientations, navigate cultural challenges
Sabrina Kaiser
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101
I approach my work from a place of genuine openness and interest in my clients, and the ways in which they define the barriers showing up in their lives. Taking into account the highly individualized and nuanced experiences of each client, my goal is to collaborate with you to identify and amplify your strengths, as well as explore ways for you to effectively navigate the challenges you face in life. Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Having difficulty navigating a life transition? Trying to break free from patterns of behavior that don’t serve you? Facing challenges in your relationship? Let’s talk!
I approach my work from a place of genuine openness and interest in my clients, and the ways in which they define the barriers showing up in their lives. Taking into account the highly individualized and nuanced experiences of each client, my goal is to collaborate with you to identify and amplify your strengths, as well as explore ways for you to effectively navigate the challenges you face in life. Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Having difficulty navigating a life transition? Trying to break free from patterns of behavior that don’t serve you? Facing challenges in your relationship? Let’s talk!
Ginelle Guckenburg
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, APCC
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Navigating tough stuff in your relationship can be scary and hard, but I have your back! So it can also be really beautiful and bring you closer together.
Being in poly/ENM relationships can be incredibly healing. But, come to find out, healing is hard work! Sharing your loved one with other romantic interests can bring up a shit load of feelings and touch on our deepest attachment wounds. While you may be totally committed to ENM in your brain, your heart is throwing an adult sized temper tantrum and screaming at you to stop the pain. You feel stuck in a loop made of big, uncomfortable feels and unresolved conflict. You're anxious, jealous, scared, and exhausted. You want nothing more than to get out of the cycle and find the connection that brought y’all together in the first place.
Navigating tough stuff in your relationship can be scary and hard, but I have your back! So it can also be really beautiful and bring you closer together.
Being in poly/ENM relationships can be incredibly healing. But, come to find out, healing is hard work! Sharing your loved one with other romantic interests can bring up a shit load of feelings and touch on our deepest attachment wounds. While you may be totally committed to ENM in your brain, your heart is throwing an adult sized temper tantrum and screaming at you to stop the pain. You feel stuck in a loop made of big, uncomfortable feels and unresolved conflict. You're anxious, jealous, scared, and exhausted. You want nothing more than to get out of the cycle and find the connection that brought y’all together in the first place.
Sherlyn Johnson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101
Sherlyn Johnson, LCSW. My therapeutic approach focuses on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their unconscious meanings and motivations. Patients learn about themselves by exploring their interactions in the therapeutic relationship. My most common theoretical approaches are, psycho dynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and cognitive therapy. Client focus are teenagers through late adulthood. Active listening and using silence.
Sherlyn Johnson, LCSW. My therapeutic approach focuses on changing problematic behaviors, feelings, and thoughts by discovering their unconscious meanings and motivations. Patients learn about themselves by exploring their interactions in the therapeutic relationship. My most common theoretical approaches are, psycho dynamic therapy, behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and cognitive therapy. Client focus are teenagers through late adulthood. Active listening and using silence.
Clifford Delaney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92174 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.
It’s a blessing for you to tell your story; to reflect on life’s challenges and explore hopes and dreams; to find that safe place within to express life’s meaning; to talk of life’s journey with a sense of purpose. If these are the blessings you seek, tell your story. You are not alone. I would be blessed to listen. Sense the joy of life; experience the release of pain. Be blessed to recognize and experience control of your life.
I specialize in the treatment of co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.
It’s a blessing for you to tell your story; to reflect on life’s challenges and explore hopes and dreams; to find that safe place within to express life’s meaning; to talk of life’s journey with a sense of purpose. If these are the blessings you seek, tell your story. You are not alone. I would be blessed to listen. Sense the joy of life; experience the release of pain. Be blessed to recognize and experience control of your life.
Whether in personal or career life, or as a couple, functioning at less than your best strains work performance and relationship harmony.
Getting praised for being so "together", when inside you feel like you're crumbling to pieces? Feeling pressured to change, but don't know where to start? I'd like to help. If you're feeling confused, overwhelmed, anxious or sad and know you need to make some changes, Im here to help. If you and your partner are stuck in negative cycles and get frustrated trying to work through it couples therapy can help. I teach couples like you how to negotiate your needs and how to strengthen and rebuild your bond.
Whether in personal or career life, or as a couple, functioning at less than your best strains work performance and relationship harmony.
Getting praised for being so "together", when inside you feel like you're crumbling to pieces? Feeling pressured to change, but don't know where to start? I'd like to help. If you're feeling confused, overwhelmed, anxious or sad and know you need to make some changes, Im here to help. If you and your partner are stuck in negative cycles and get frustrated trying to work through it couples therapy can help. I teach couples like you how to negotiate your needs and how to strengthen and rebuild your bond.
It would be my privilege to work with you on behalf of your relationship.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist specializing in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), a highly effective therapy approach where 90% of couples significantly improve their relationships. EFT focuses on addressing the deep emotional needs and fears that underlie all conflicts between partners. Instead of quick fixes, we explore these core vulnerabilities to shift negative patterns into loving, secure connection between partners. Couples who are open to exploring their emotional depths to seek lasting change may find my approach particularly beneficial.
It would be my privilege to work with you on behalf of your relationship.
Welcome! I am a licensed psychologist specializing in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT), a highly effective therapy approach where 90% of couples significantly improve their relationships. EFT focuses on addressing the deep emotional needs and fears that underlie all conflicts between partners. Instead of quick fixes, we explore these core vulnerabilities to shift negative patterns into loving, secure connection between partners. Couples who are open to exploring their emotional depths to seek lasting change may find my approach particularly beneficial.
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Sasha Schultz
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
My primary goal as your therapist is to foster a relationship based on trust so that I can support you in making the changes you seek.
Welcome! I am passionate about helping individuals and couples improve their communication skills, address unhelpful behavior patterns, and better understand the internal and external conflicts that arise in their lives. If you are often left feeling misunderstood or invalidated in your relationships or stuck in one or more areas of your life then it’s a good time to start therapy. It takes courage to face life's challenges and healthy relationships require a willingness to change what is not working. I am here to support you in facing these challenges.
My primary goal as your therapist is to foster a relationship based on trust so that I can support you in making the changes you seek.
Welcome! I am passionate about helping individuals and couples improve their communication skills, address unhelpful behavior patterns, and better understand the internal and external conflicts that arise in their lives. If you are often left feeling misunderstood or invalidated in your relationships or stuck in one or more areas of your life then it’s a good time to start therapy. It takes courage to face life's challenges and healthy relationships require a willingness to change what is not working. I am here to support you in facing these challenges.
Carolyn Gerard
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101
Are you one who wants to talk your problems out? Or one who prefers to avoid fighting and shuts down? As an Emotionally Focused therapist and Trauma Specialist I help couples make sense of these challenges and restore a safe and loving connection.
My specialty is HELPING COUPLES IN CRISIS navigate through the pain of disconnection. If you've discovered infidelity or betrayal in your relationship, and not sure how to move forward, I can help. With trust completely off the table, I help couples create safe enough boundaries to make sense of how the relationship got off track. You don't have to suffer alone. Together we can restore honesty, trust and intimacy back to your relationship.
Are you one who wants to talk your problems out? Or one who prefers to avoid fighting and shuts down? As an Emotionally Focused therapist and Trauma Specialist I help couples make sense of these challenges and restore a safe and loving connection.
My specialty is HELPING COUPLES IN CRISIS navigate through the pain of disconnection. If you've discovered infidelity or betrayal in your relationship, and not sure how to move forward, I can help. With trust completely off the table, I help couples create safe enough boundaries to make sense of how the relationship got off track. You don't have to suffer alone. Together we can restore honesty, trust and intimacy back to your relationship.
Pacific Marriage & Family Therapy Network
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92126 (Online Only)
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Our wide variety of specialties includes Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addiction, Panic Attacks, Grief and Loss, Trauma, Child and Teen Behaviors, Family Issues, Couples, Divorce, Co-parenting, Communication, Dating, Life Transitions, LGBTQIA+, Racial/Ethnic Identity, and clinicians who are trained in EMDR, CBT, IFS, ERP, ACT, and Brain Spotting.
Pacific MFT Network is a group of highly skilled, diverse, and well-trained therapists. Our mission is to empower you to live the life you want. We do so by creating supportive, caring, and non-judgmental relationships with our clients. We work to provide you with the best care possible and reduce obstacles to participation. Additional benefits to working with us include a unique concierge billing service and a wide range of scheduling options (all weekdays, weekends, day and evening appointments are available). We work with children, teens, and adults of all ages.
Domenique LaBeau
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I've spent years helping individuals, couples, and families achieve their goals with trauma-informed and multiculturally competent care. I use a mindfulness and attachment-based approach while providing tools to help in real-time. I have advanced knowledge and training in LGBTQIA-affirming care to provide a safe space for the diverse population I serve. I am also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator and can support couples in all stages of their relationship. This tool can help premarital couples, first time married couples, and remarried couples strengthen their relationship.
I've spent years helping individuals, couples, and families achieve their goals with trauma-informed and multiculturally competent care. I use a mindfulness and attachment-based approach while providing tools to help in real-time. I have advanced knowledge and training in LGBTQIA-affirming care to provide a safe space for the diverse population I serve. I am also a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator and can support couples in all stages of their relationship. This tool can help premarital couples, first time married couples, and remarried couples strengthen their relationship.
Rayna Petikas
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP, BCC
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I provide individual and couples therapy, non-religious pre-marital counseling, executive coaching, leadership consultation, and performance enhancement.
I enjoy helping adult clients manage mood disorders, clarify career and life ambitions, and navigate critical transition periods. Additionally, I work with couples to help them better understand one another and improve their overall relationship, as well as more effectively manage relational conflicts and tensions. Lastly, I offer executive coaching services. It can be lonely and hard to get feedback at the top. Executive coaching provides the support of a confidant and sounding board, while creating an action plan towards further self-development.
I provide individual and couples therapy, non-religious pre-marital counseling, executive coaching, leadership consultation, and performance enhancement.
I enjoy helping adult clients manage mood disorders, clarify career and life ambitions, and navigate critical transition periods. Additionally, I work with couples to help them better understand one another and improve their overall relationship, as well as more effectively manage relational conflicts and tensions. Lastly, I offer executive coaching services. It can be lonely and hard to get feedback at the top. Executive coaching provides the support of a confidant and sounding board, while creating an action plan towards further self-development.
Maureen McCartney
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
My career has followed my passion to help women and men cope with the stressors and trauma associated with family building and new parenthood. I bring extensive experience to my practice, with more than 15 years of counseling experience and specialized postgraduate training in fertility counseling. In addition, I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, focusing on postpartum anxiety, depression, and other perinatal stressors. I work with many couples to help them regain their connection and strength on their path to building their family as well as adjust to their new identity as parents.
My career has followed my passion to help women and men cope with the stressors and trauma associated with family building and new parenthood. I bring extensive experience to my practice, with more than 15 years of counseling experience and specialized postgraduate training in fertility counseling. In addition, I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health, focusing on postpartum anxiety, depression, and other perinatal stressors. I work with many couples to help them regain their connection and strength on their path to building their family as well as adjust to their new identity as parents.
Keileisha Weaver
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101
We provide individual and couples therapy for children and adults.
Keileisha is a therapist for San Diego based mental healthcare provider San Diego Therapy Center. San Diego Therapy Center is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
We provide individual and couples therapy for children and adults.
Keileisha is a therapist for San Diego based mental healthcare provider San Diego Therapy Center. San Diego Therapy Center is changing the way people think about and receive mental health service and support. We offer a welcoming and accepting environment where you can feel calm and comfortable while in our care. Our relaxed, modern atmosphere and our amazing, highly trained Psychologists, Psychiatrists and therapists are here for you. Our hope is to provide a place to help our clients achieve their life goals, explore life-circumstances, move through difficult life transitions.
Heidi Miyagawa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
I specialize in grief & loss, transitions, and couples counseling with additional experience working with Veterans, Active Duty, and Military families.
Hello, pull up a chair and let's chat. I approach therapy with the belief that 1) life is full of highs & lows, 2) we aren't born with all the healthy coping tools, and 3) that with compassionate support we can grow from these experiences to level up. Our brain & body are fascinating systems and I enjoy teaching people how they contribute to our actions and feelings. I have 10+ years of experience offering individual and couples (pre-marital & marriage) counseling with emphasis on communication using an eclectic empowered approach based in Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, along with different approaches.
I specialize in grief & loss, transitions, and couples counseling with additional experience working with Veterans, Active Duty, and Military families.
Hello, pull up a chair and let's chat. I approach therapy with the belief that 1) life is full of highs & lows, 2) we aren't born with all the healthy coping tools, and 3) that with compassionate support we can grow from these experiences to level up. Our brain & body are fascinating systems and I enjoy teaching people how they contribute to our actions and feelings. I have 10+ years of experience offering individual and couples (pre-marital & marriage) counseling with emphasis on communication using an eclectic empowered approach based in Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques, along with different approaches.
Betty Blanc
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Downtown, San Diego, CA 92101 (Online Only)
Hello! My name is Betty Blanc, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes in helping clients achieve their personal goals to improve their lives and enhance their relationships. Throughout my therapy career, I have been interested in exploring the depths and complexities of couples and became trained in using Gottman Method for couples therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples in crisis in my therapy work. In using these methods, I am able to guide couples in learning how to rebuild the love, fondness, companionship, and affection that has been lost over the years.
Hello! My name is Betty Blanc, and I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who believes in helping clients achieve their personal goals to improve their lives and enhance their relationships. Throughout my therapy career, I have been interested in exploring the depths and complexities of couples and became trained in using Gottman Method for couples therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples in crisis in my therapy work. In using these methods, I am able to guide couples in learning how to rebuild the love, fondness, companionship, and affection that has been lost over the years.
See more therapy options for Downtown, 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.