Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
I am here to listen to you. I work with children, teens, and adults to support exploration of difficult issues and life changes. Often what brings someone to seek counseling, either for themselves or for their child, is being faced with a challenge they need support navigating and resolving. This issue may result from an atypical experience or be more pervasive, and can bring about feelings of anger, depression, anxiety, low self-worth, or communication issues. Taking the risk to ask for help is the first step on the road toward healing and growth.
Our lives are full of trauma, loss, and challenge. It is easy to get overwhelmed by these experiences and fall into habits that don't serve our greater goals. I will help you find the path to the life you want. I work from a trauma informed, strengths based perspective. I have a special interest in attachment, neurology, trauma processing, and mindfulness. I have personal ties to the LGBTQ+ community and I am proud to serve individuals and families navigating identity challenges. Every person comes to therapy when the time is right for them. On this journey you will find new strengths, develop new behaviors, and reorganize you thoughts. When you are ready, I look forward to walking that path with you.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Welcome! I’m a therapist committed to helping adults tackle anxiety, stress, panic, and overwhelm. Life can feel intense with school, work, relationships, and the added layer of cultural expectations. If you’re stuck in cycles of worry or feeling drained, know that you’re not alone. We’ll explore the roots of your struggles and tap into your strengths to find coping strategies that feel right for you. We all face moments where worry, stress, and self-doubt creep in, impacting focus, connection, and enjoyment. Adjusting to new roles, handling responsibilities, and dealing with imposter syndrome can make things feel even heavier. That’s why I’m here—to offer a safe, inclusive space where you can express yourself without judgment. Let’s work together to break through barriers and create a more empowered, authentic version of you. Together, we’ll challenge unhelpful thought patterns, manage anxiety, build healthy boundaries, and prioritize self-care. You deserve to feel in control of your mental health and embrace who you are. Let’s start this journey together, centering your experiences, values, and strengths every step of the way.
College should be about growth, not just survival. If you're struggling with unpredictable mood swings, overwhelming worry, lots of sadness, or using substances to cope, or climate anxiety, I'm here for you. I work best with students who experience intense emotional ups and downs, find themselves caught in cycles of productivity followed by inability to function, or use alcohol or other substances to manage difficult feelings and thoughts, or those who are preoccupied with climate-related grief or anxiety. I offer a space where you don't need to hide your challenges or pretend to have it all together. We'll focus on getting to know each other, creating a safe space to open up, and increasing coping strategies, such as recognizing early warning signs, building supportive routines, navigating academic pressures, developing genuine connections without relying on substances, and handling the climate crisis with more ease. Whether you're facing mood swings, anxiety, depression, substance use challenges, climate distress, or all of these, there's a path forward. Reach out today to take the first step towards change, growth and stability.
I am passionate about helping individuals, teens, and families work through challenging parts of life. I have specialties working with the LGBTQ+ population and young adults working through difficult experiences and life transitions. I additionally use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in my practice to assist in trauma processing. I believe strongly in finding a good "fit" in a therapist that best suites the individuals needs to have the best outcomes possible. If you choose to come to therapy, I can help explore and process your feelings openly in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Although it may be difficult to do, I strongly believe that openly talking about positive and negative life experiences is the key to positive growth and change. In doing so, you will gain greater awareness and understanding about yourself. I have helped many people understand how their repetitive patterns and routines can make them feel stagnant. Which as a result, keeps them from moving forward in life. I will give you the skills and tools to utilize to successfully managing potential issues that may arise in the future. I look forward to speaking with you and beginning the road to positive growth and change.
Welcome! I'm glad you are here and you deserve the highest praise for taking this first step. I believe mental health is a spectrum of experiences and part of what makes us human. We can experience times when there are challenges to our mental health and times of flourishing. We all deserve a place to talk with someone who we know will not judge or shame us, but instead walk along side us, holding hope and strength until we can hold it ourselves. A bit about my approach to therapy: I offer approaches to therapy that are dynamic and relational in nature, incorporating a variety of modalities and perspectives (IFS, AEDP, Attachment based, etc). In our work together we can begin bringing awareness to the unconscious daily activity of the autonomic nervous system and how these bodily states impact our emotions and cognitions. What you can expect from our work together: A gentle space to land, recover, process, and heal from an unexpected change or difficult life season. We can be curious together not just about the “why” of an emotion but the “what” it feels like in the body and what the relationship with that emotion is. An encouraging voice on your journey to tend to, not only the needs of others, but also your own needs. A guide in cultivating curiosity and compassion for our stories and the ways they have shaped us.
Hi I'm Leslie! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist based in the Bay Area. I enjoy working with a variety of populations helping them heal through creative self-expression. I utilize a collaborative approach and specialize in eco-based art therapy. I love introducing new mediums and artistic experiences to my clients. I find that through engaging in art therapy, my clients have an opportunity to gain insight, connect to themselves and their environment, and begin their healing journey.
We are more disconnected than ever - from our communities, our purpose, our families, our partners, and our selves. The work of connection happens within you, and it ripples outward, nourishing connectivity and meaning in the parts of your life that really matter. It's a radical act to invest in connecting, and to invest in your relationship with yourself. As a therapist, I am warm, curious, and non judgmental. I am interested in challenging you gently (or not gently if that's what you'd prefer), exploring different perspectives, and supporting you in zooming out and tuning in. My approach is deeply compassionate, sometimes whimsical, and tailored to your needs and goals. Let's dive in! I would love to connect and to see if we are good fit. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or to schedule a free introductory consultation. My practice is through the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy and I am supervised by Margaret Goodwin, LMFT 103426.
I’m Dr. Abu-Rus, a clinical psychologist available to see patients anywhere in California. I know reaching out for therapy can feel strange—like acknowledging something’s wrong when you’ve spent so much energy trying to hold it together. As a mom, USAF Veteran, and psychologist, I work with people navigating trauma, new parenthood, or depression that doesn’t always make sense on the surface. You might feel irritable, numb, anxious, or unsure of who you are anymore. You’re not too much. You’re not broken. And you don’t have to carry this alone. I specialize in trauma, postpartum stress, and depression that feels heavy or hard to explain. I use proven therapies like CPT, PE, ACT, and IPT to help you feel safer, more grounded, and more in control. My approach is structured but deeply human—tailored to what matters most to you. If you’re feeling stuck, disconnected, or just ready for something to shift, I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can see if we’re a good fit. Therapy doesn’t have to be overwhelming, I’ll walk you through the next steps. Send a message or email to get started. Or schedule directly into my calendar! Click on my website to see availability.
Sometimes you feel out of place, like you can't connect to other people. Your life might appear "normal" but you can't seem to enjoy it. You may feel alone, like nobody else understands, and might wish you could be more present for your kids/work/partner/family. While you have experienced trauma, pain, loss, hardship, or addiction, you are ready to take hold of your future. If you are looking to break free of a painful past that has you chained in your present, you have found the right place. Thrive clients are women who have struggled, felt alone, and are exhausted. They are people who want support in moving forward. I am genuine, honest, upfront and interactive, and emphasize the importance of our connection for your healing. I treat trauma through the lens of mind/body connection. I primarily use EMDR, which bridges the trauma stored in your body/mind/spirit to allow healing, CBT, which helps you identify and replace unhealthy thoughts, and DBT to teach coping skills. There will be no stuffy office space, writing notes under the gaze of judging eyes, or a long couch...promise! I'll be the supportive ear that puts your butt in gear! You will laugh, cry and heal. You can book your free 10-minute phone consult or first session here (or call or email): https://thriveforlife.clientsecure.me *$165/session via telehealth*
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My clients struggle as you do. Despite being kind, highly driven, and expert problem-solvers, life is hard. When they first come in, they are anxious and burned out from helping, fixing, caretaking, and peacekeeping. They’re acutely perceptive of others’ needs, but struggle to put themselves first. They usually feel overly responsible for others' feelings and needs, trying to control what is outside their control. They have abandoned themselves and grapple with the feeling that their only worth is in caretaking for others. They are exhausted from constantly walking on eggshells with others, worrying about what they say and do. They are paralyzed by self-criticism, perfectionism, and people-pleasing as they try to prove their self-worth and earn others’ love and approval. They feel they’ve lost themselves. All these years of self-sacrifice and making themselves small for others has left them wondering, “Who am I if I'm not taking care of everyone else?” Their desire to fix and hold everyone else’s pain gets in the way of the life they want in so many ways. They aren’t the kind of person they want to be. They feel like they’re failing as a partner, friend, and family member. And their confidence at work is tanking. Before they came to see me, they thought they could never say “no” and would go on doing everything for everyone while feeling empty inside. They worried they would never be the person they wanted to be. And they were pretty certain they would live with constant fear of never being “good enough.” Like my clients, you deserve to know that you are “enough” just as you are. Your worth is not predicated on caretaking for others. You want to step into the vibrant person you know you are and can be. Reclaiming yourself and discovering who you truly are is not out of your reach. If you want to stop feeling small and not feel terrified to be your authentic self, I’d love to help you get there. You don’t have to suffer. I can help. Give me a call to start our conversation.
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I work with people of all ages on relationship and mental health issues. One area of specialized training I have is the use of supplements, vitamins, and dietary modification to boost mental health and reduce unwanted mood and behavior symptoms. Please read more about my practice at my website, where you can also access my online scheduler to sign up for a free phone consultation at a time convenient for you.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Having trained at Notre Dame, U.C. Berkeley and Stanford, I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with adolescents, college students, millennials and high profile professionals. I often work with high-achieving individuals who find themselves looking for practical solutions to the barriers that impede their success. My clients are often driven, maybe a little overworked, and in need of balance! Having been there myself, I get it! I aim to be part coach, part cheerleader, and part educator as I support clients in living their optimal lives zestfully and fearlessly! I love what I do and can't wait to meet you! As a TEDx speaker, top media expert, adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology, tv personality and author of multiple clinical workbooks and tools, I employ a highly active approach to therapy. I combine CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology interventions. My therapy style is a blend of processing emotions and teaching critical life skills. In today's ever fast-paced world, we can feel disconnected and alone. I thrive on building relationships marked by empathy, trust, hope, and always, laughter. Being a therapist has been my life's passion since I was 11! How many therapists can say that? ***Please note I only see clients virtually part-time. Please also review my website and FAQ PRIOR to booking and inquiries. TY!!
Thank you for being here—I'm really glad you're considering taking this step. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply curious about how therapy might support your growth, this could be a meaningful time to explore things more deeply. In our work together, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be fully heard and supported. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique goals, whether that's managing anxiety, working through past experiences, improving relationships, or simply understanding yourself better. Therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about creating room to ask the right questions. If we decide to work together, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Taking the first step can be difficult. If you have any concerns I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have about the process. Please feel free to reach out when you're ready.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.