Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
We are a team of culturally affirming therapists who have come together through shared common values, life philosophies, and the need to create an alternative and creative approach to therapy. Our values and philosophies were born and defined from our work in the following settings: home-based and community-based treatment, community outreach, advocacy, mentorship, teaching at community college and university settings, public speaking, and traditional talk therapy. Our aim at Courage Over Comfort Counseling is to empower our clients to step outside of their comfort zone and into their true greatness, and this… takes courage.
Everyone experiences moments in life when extra support can make all the difference. I provide a warm, open, and trusting environment where individuals, couples and families can explore challenges and work toward meaningful growth and change. With many years of experience in the field, I’ve had the privilege of helping people create positive, lasting transformations in their lives. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey. With training in Imago Therapy, Positive Discipline, IFS, EFT, and CBT, I support individuals, couples, and families. My approach is rooted in connection, education, and personalized interventions that align with each client’s goals—promoting growth, healing, and meaningful change. Reaching out can feel overwhelming, especially during personal or relationship struggles—but you’re not alone. Together, we’ll create a safe, judgment-free space to explore your story and work through challenges. Whether you're facing conflict, parenting issues, or tough emotions, I’m here to support you.
There’s a lot happening in our world right now. If you’re finding yourself struggling with adjusting to life changes, experiencing low mood, or feeling challenged in a relationship, you don’t have to hold this alone. In therapy, I create a space where you can be your authentic self, in the safety of a therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and cared for. I have a warm therapeutic approach that is collaborative so we can work together towards the heart of what you are needing. I have an integrative, depth-focused approach, and specialized training in trauma, EMDR, depression, anxiety, perfectionism, and building self-compassion. It’s vulnerable to start therapy, but at times we all feel terrified, overwhelmed, or realize things aren’t working as well as they could. Allowing a therapist to join you on your journey can help turn these times of crisis into opportunities for growth and healing. Visit my website to schedule an initial consultation so we can talk about what's possible. I look forward to speaking with you.
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I help teens and adults who struggle to connect or communicate with their parents, friends or partners. They might spend too much time on social media, struggle to feel good about themselves, have low self-esteem, have a hard time with setting boundaries, or struggle to put their needs before others. They might date people they wish they didn’t, but don’t know how to end things, or stop patterns of behavior. They may struggle with managing school life, work life, home life or social life. I enjoy working with these clients and helping them find ways to have a better and more balanced life. I can help you by making you feel comfortable and safe in my office to tell me anything that weighs on you, or keeps you up at night. I will provide you a judgement-free space where you can talk, yell, swear, laugh or cry through the many emotions, and ups and downs that get thrown at you in life. I can also hype you up and hold you accountable. Quit second guessing yourself that you "don't really need therapy", or that things really "aren't that bad." You don't need to justify needing additional support right now. Sometimes simply talking to someone once a week is all we need to feel better, and you deserve to feel better. You deserve to feel heard, understood and validated.
Chelsea Sterling is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of San Diego. Her clinical experiences include providing individual therapy, group therapy, crisis counseling and psychosocial assessments through work in short-term acute residential treatment (START) programs, outpatient mental health clinics and an alcohol treatment facility. She is a certified Domestic Violence Counselor. Chelsea has expertise in the following modalities: cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR).
Personal wellness is an ever evolving journey in the human process. The journey begins with a choice to acknowledge an issue, stressor, or area of desired growth to create a different outcome. Whether facing a new challenge, or struggling with a long standing issue, seeking professional support can be the choice that helps empower and create meaningful change. It is a privilege to serve my clients and to help them on their journeys toward meaning and personal fulfillment. It is my goal to help my clients be their best selves, even in the midst of fluctuating circumstances. My clients describe me as easy to talk to & one who challenges them, balancing listening & feedback during sessions. I do my best to tailor treatment to fit individual needs. My clients leave sessions with tools to apply between appointments. I believe growth requires work both in & out of the session. I have more than 20 years combined experience in medical and acute behavioral social work, crisis intervention, counseling, and higher education.
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I specialize in working at the intersection of queerness, neurodivergence, and trauma. I am passionate about working with those who belong to the LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent communities, parents, military/veterans, and those with complex trauma. I lead a queer- and neuro-affirming practice. Many of my clients are trans/non-binary, Autistic, ADHDers, and trauma survivors. I currently see adults, adolescents aged 13 and older, and families and partners, including those in polyamorous/CNM relationships. I know you are the expert on yourself; my role is to hold space, offer tools, and be a guide for your healing journey. I use a combination of evidence-based trauma therapies, yoga/mindfulness, and an understanding of your body's response to trauma. I strive to be aware of the impact of systemic oppression and marginalization on holistic health. I use authenticity, creativity, compassion, and humor to create a space where you can feel connection and validation. My goal is to help you feel comfortable getting a little uncomfortable, in order to move into an experience of healing. I am committed to creating a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for our relationship, where you can engage in self-inquiry and healing in mind and body. I'm always engaging in continued learning so that I can provide the most informed and updated support for you. I look forward to hearing from you and working together!
I know the bravery it takes to ask for help and you deserve the support you are seeking. In my experience, working in many different counseling contexts, I have come to believe in the healing of a safe space with unconditional listening. I have walked clients through crisis, transitions, grief, relational strain, identity questions, major anxieties, depression, everyday stressors and growing pains. I have developed, taught and led programs and counseling services for youth and families within school districts, the church and the foster/probation system. My educational background is in psychology and faith integration, which supports my approach in helping deconstruct beliefs and/or incorporating truths and traditions into practice. It is my goal to walk alongside you and equip you with awareness and skills to manage as you move forward. I am Level II trained in Restoration Therapy and also teach psychology at Point Loma Nazarene University. I am a southern California native who loves calling San Diego my home. I enjoy the beach, a classic comedy TV show, and all things chocolate! I believe therapy is most effective with the right fit, so feel free to contact me to see if I can help in any way.
Welcome! Ahlan Wa Sahlan! I know how difficult it can be to begin this journey, so I'm glad you are here. I focus on providing care for women and femmes, migrants and refugees, children of migrants, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals. I am committed to supporting survivors of traumatic experiences as they navigate their healing journeys. Whether you are coming in with experiences of PTSD, depression, anxiety, OCD, or other trauma-related symptoms, I am delighted to navigate this road with you. I believe each person I work with deserves an approach that is uniquely tailored to them, so my therapeutic approach is an eclectic one. I have received robust training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and somatic psychotherapy. You can expect therapy with me to be open, warm, and curious. That means providing a safe container for all of your thoughts, feelings and experiences without shame. I am also a strong believer that none of us exist in isolation from the many systems we live within. All of your identities are welcome here, and your cultural heritage(s) will be embraced.
I’m passionate about working with children and young adults, especially those who are queer, neurodivergent, and/or Asian American. College is a major life transition, and I'm here to help ease the stress and anxiety that tends to come with it! In our work together, I will draw on play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and traditional psychotherapy approaches to best fit your treatment needs and goals. I practice from a trauma-informed, anti-carceral framework where the most important thing is that you are your own expert. I hope to foster growth in emotional regulation, self-awareness, and self-esteem so you can express yourself freely and live as you want to be seen.
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Does your sexual behavior feel out of control? I'll help you overcome problematic use of pornography and other sexual health issues, so you can be the person you want to be. I cater to young men who want to unlock their full potential through evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy methods.
At Patch Counseling, we specialize in working with students and young adults who struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, burnout, and the pressure to constantly achieve. While these patterns often begin as strengths, they can eventually lead to stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and difficulty maintaining balance. We provide a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where clients can develop healthier coping strategies, strengthen self-compassion, establish boundaries, and build confidence in their own voice. Our approach combines evidence-based skills with mindfulness and practical tools to help clients manage stress, maintain motivation, and create a more sustainable path toward their goals.
At Affirming Therapy Center, we support and encourage your desire for growth in a completely non-judgmental way, in a space that acknowledges your unique personhood and distinct challenges. You are welcomed and celebrated here. Helping you in understanding, accepting, and embracing your own beliefs, identities, and lifestyles is cornerstone in providing the support and encouragement you need to grow, to bring clarity to your choices, and to enhance your life and relationships. We focus on making you feel safe to explore your feelings and to express yourself. We proudly serve communities of Gender, Sexual, and Relationship Diversity! The therapists at ATC are dedicated to enthusiastically affirming all GSRD identities including, but not limited to, LGBT, Queer, Heterosexual, Kink / BDSM, Fetish, ABDL and Ageplay, Sex Work, Adult Industry, Monogamy, Non-Monogamy, Swinging / Lifestyle, Polyamory, and a Variety of Relationship Dynamics and Family Configurations. Each member of the ATC clinical team is a professionally-trained Psychotherapist, qualified to address topics such as identity, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns, sex and sexual health, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth. And each of our clinicians have unique areas of expertise, including advanced specialized training in the areas of Sex Therapy, Gender Affirming Therapy, Eating Disorders, EMDR (for trauma), and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy. As with everything in life, there are ups and downs, and sometimes you need someone to talk to. Maybe you have inner conflict, questions about how and where you fit in to our kooky world. Perhaps you have wounds that aren’t healing or stories you need to tell. Or perhaps you just want to talk to someone about life and love, talk to someone who understands the challenges you sometimes face, without having to hide any facet of yourself or your life. There is only one “you”, and we at Affirming Therapy Center are here to help you excel at living your best life and being your best “you”. Our therapists are trained to listen, understand, and help guide you on your unique journey. Please visit our Meet the Team page to see each of our amazing therapists’ bios and areas of specialization. https://www.affirmingtherapycenter.com/meet-the-team/ Contact us now to get started: Send an e-mail to Team@AffirmingTherapyCenter.com with a brief description of what’s going on for you and your availability for appointments. One of our friendly therapists will respond to you (in 1–2 business days) to schedule an initial session or a free 10–15 minute phone consultation.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Hi! I'm Hazel. As a queer, trans, and Latinx person, I've experienced my own challenges with finding a therapist who truly listened and understood me. This propelled me to start my journey to becoming a therapist over 10 years ago. Many of my clients are LGBTQIA+, Latinx/e/a/o, BIPOC, college students, academics, artists, and/or activists. They're trying to manage life transitions, identity exploration, family relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, marginalization, stress, relationship issues, land so much more. It’s my hope that through our work, you will find new pathways of resilience, freedom, growth, pleasure, and balance.