Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

In my case, it was both personal experiences and deep interest in the understanding of people. I have always been interested in how we navigate life’s challenges and how we can grow from them. Early on, I saw how powerful it can be to have someone listen with empathy and help make sense of difficult situations. That really sparked my desire to pursue therapy-to be that support for others. I ultimately believe that everyone deserves a space to be heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes. I understand how very important it is to feel heard and understood, and I am committed to creating that space with you. I will listen without judgment and make sure I clearly hear your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I will ask questions to further that understanding and reflect back what I hear so that you know I’m with you in this process. What I want for you is to feel heard and understood, and at any time if something feels misunderstood, please let me know because it is important to me that you feel validated and respected throughout this process. We go at your pace, and I am transparent regarding the process, goals, and any obstacles. Trust means I’m here for you with no judgments and that I truly care about your well-being. Our work together will be a collaboration in which we explore your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. Honesty is the best policy-if something isn’t working, I encourage you to let me know so that we can make an adjustment. Most importantly, this is a safe space where you are heard, respected, and valued for your unique experiences.

I became a therapist to welcome everyone so they feel safe and can be heard without judgement. My goal is for my clients to feel supported, heard and feel connected to someone they trust. I ensure that clients feel they are heard and understood by helping them stay on track with their goals and life experiences. I invite feedback during our sessions so that their needs and concerns are addressed. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by prioritizing a safe and welcoming space in remote therapy. My approach is to use humor, creativity and metaphors to help the clients connect. I want to make the process of therapy more engaging and meaningful. I enjoy family life. I run every day first thing in the morning to feel connected and balanced. I also enjoy watching college basketball – especially when my team wins.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in depression, navigating the weight of grief, or carrying the invisible wounds of military service, therapy can help you find stability, clarity, and relief. I specialize in working with adults facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and grief. I also have extensive experience supporting active-duty military personnel and veterans and as a veteran myself, I understand the unique challenges that come with military life, whether it’s the stress of deployment, reintegration into civilian life, or managing trauma and loss. My approach is compassionate, practical, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I create a space where you’re heard without judgment and supported in making meaningful change. Together, we’ll work at your pace to understand what’s holding you back and build the tools to move forward with strength and resilience. I work from an eclectic approach including CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, and Psychodynamic concepts. I also offer EMDR therapy, which is particularly effective for those impacted by traumatic experiences. Providing client-centered therapy and allowing my clients to feel seen and heard is something that I’m passionate about. I offer support with finding the best strategies to help you cope with feelings of anxiety and depression and feel more prepared to take on life’s stressors. Reach out today and let’s work together to find your path forward.

Are you struggling with non-stop worry about all the things that feel out of your control? Or maybe you find yourself terrified of embarrassment, consumed by doubt, or suddenly overwhelmed by dread for no apparent reason. I would love to give you the tools to ease your anxiety, take back your life, and truly be yourself. The never-ending worries and intense physical discomfort of anxiety can be exhausting and overwhelming, especially when you're also trying to manage a course load! As your therapist, we would work together to identify what is driving your anxiety and then find the most effective strategies for you so that you don’t have to feel powerless anymore.

I view therapy as a collaboration where therapist and client work together to connect with an inner healing intelligence and unconditional positive regard within each of us. We can then tend to trauma, grief, resentments, and limiting beliefs that are contributing to symptoms. With humility and reverence for the resilience, courage and vulnerability it can take to heal ourselves, I create a nonjudgemental, kind and compassionate space with room for humor, absurdity and fun. I integrate healing modalities from various wisdom traditions that awaken our physiological and emotional connective systems in collaboration with the natural world. This process can help clear historic trauma and family of origin wounding that is reinforced by a mass cultural amnesia. I draw from evidence-based client-centered modalities including Transpersonal Psychology, Ecopsychology, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt, Family Systems and Somatic approaches to healing.

"Since 2019, Peace and Purpose Therapy has offered compassionate psychotherapy to adults and teens throughout San Luis Obispo County. Located in Arroyo Grande, this dedicated practice specializes in trauma-informed care, including EMDR, alongside expert support for relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Their experienced team provides a safe, nurturing environment for individual, couple, and family counseling, tailoring every approach to foster healing, growth, and lasting well-being. Peace and Purpose Therapy is excited to announce that we are now accepting Cencal Insurance."

Do you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Maybe you’re a people pleaser who defaults into putting other people’s feelings and needs first. Or you’re experiencing burnout from trying to uphold perfectionist standards. Or you’re a high-achiever on the emotional rollercoaster of tying all your worth to your school or work. Or you want to stop stressing about what you eat and how much you weigh, but the idea of letting go of control is terrifying. I'd love to help!

Deep within, I believe everyone holds the keys to a life of profound meaning and joy. By discerning their dreams and charting their personal journeys, my clients unlock doors to lives they cherish all the more. In the wise words of Carl Jung, 'Man's task is to become conscious of the contents that press upward from the unconscious.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy to adults in the Bay Area, both in non-profit agencies, schools and in my private practice. My therapeutic style is authentic, warm, supportive and interactive and my focus is to collaborate with my clients to create realistic goals, personal growth, and meaningful change. I am unique in that I balance listening and reflecting with offering concrete ideas and interventions, and am honest and straightforward when I sense resistance or ambivalence that might be keeping the client from moving forward. I am passionate about helping adults struggling with depression and anxiety as the symptoms can be extremely challenging to overcome and they can create significant emotional pain, isolation and affect quality of life. I also specialize in working with young adults, relationship issues, substance abuse, grief and life/career transitions. I feel that therapy is successful when my clients' goals have been reached, effective new coping strategies and communication styles have been developed and they are feeling more fulfilled in their career and personal life. Part of this journey often includes increasing self-care, creating a better work/life balance and focusing on how to experience more joy, gratitude and self-compassion despite life's many challenges. My therapeutic approach is to use an integrative model utilizing Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness aimed at specific symptoms, patterns of behavior and unhelpful core beliefs. Feedback from the client is encouraged and welcomed during the therapeutic process, as I believe it creates a more collaborative and productive experience.

You may be used to holding everything together, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in your own thoughts. Maybe you overthink everything, have trouble relaxing, feel irritable or disconnected, or find yourself carrying stress long after the moment has passed. I provide online therapy for adults in California navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm. My approach is warm, practical, and collaborative. I help clients better understand the patterns that keep them feeling stuck while building coping skills they can use in daily life. Our work may include exploring anxious thoughts, stress responses, avoidance, self-criticism, boundaries, emotional regulation, and the depression or burnout that can come with long-term anxiety. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you already feel overwhelmed. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can briefly discuss what you are looking for, whether online therapy may be a good fit, scheduling availability, fees, and insurance options.

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I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting. Maybe you feel misunderstood, overwhelmed, or like you have to handle everything on your own. Whatever you’re carrying, I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to support you as you step outside your comfort zone and move toward growth, self-discovery, and healing. As someone who was once a student myself, I understand how challenging it can be to manage anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shifting relationships, grief, trauma, and everything in between—on top of trying to keep up with school and the pressures of “figuring it all out.” I work with college students at all stages—whether you’re adjusting to campus life, pushing through to the next break, preparing for graduation and the uncertainty ahead, or returning to school after time away. Whoever you are, this is a space where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. As a child of immigrants, I’ve personally navigated the complexities of balancing cultural expectations, identity, and belonging. My own journey has deepened my empathy and passion for helping others find clarity, self-acceptance, and peace in their own stories. Students come to me for all kinds of reasons—managing stress, navigating friendships and relationships (yes, even situationships), figuring out what’s next, or simply having a space to process it all. Whatever brings you to therapy, we’ll approach it with curiosity, compassion, and maybe even some laughter along the way. Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’re continuing your journey, I’m honored to support you every step of the way. Registered Associate Marriage and Family therapist at the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy. - Supervised by Monica Ramil, LMFT #108945 -

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I am inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the profound potential for growth and healing within everyone. Witnessing clients navigate challenges, uncover their strengths, and achieve breakthroughs is deeply fulfilling. The ability to make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals as they reclaim their lives and well-being drives my passion for this field. I’m also drawn to the ever-evolving nature of mental health care, where continuous learning and innovation allow me to grow alongside my clients. I prioritize creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable expressing themselves openly. Active listening is at the core of my practice—I strive to fully understand their experiences by reflecting, validating their emotions, and asking thoughtful questions. I also adapt my communication style to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they feel respected and seen. By fostering empathy and tailoring interventions to their individual stories, I make it clear that their voice and perspective are central to the therapeutic process. Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and mutual respect. I show up as a genuine, compassionate presence, balancing professionalism with warmth and relatability. I also collaborate with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their therapy. By being transparent about the therapeutic process and celebrating their progress, I foster a sense of partnership. Over time, these elements come together to create a strong, trusting alliance that supports meaningful growth and healing.

My goal is to help you develop healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. My style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practice. I draw from interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy approaches to create a space that feels safe, compassionate, and tailored to you. Together, we’ll work to understand your experiences, develop new coping strategies, strengthen your resilience, and help you move toward the life you want. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership—one where you feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Dr. Aw's primary interest is the intersection between mental and physical health. Dr. Aw’s philosophy is that one does not exist outside the other. Furthermore, depression and anxiety in patients who are also suffering from medical issues can feel significantly worse, and it is his goal to get patients on a holistic road to recovery. An ideal patient for Dr. Aw understands that it takes a team to get them feeling better, and it is a collaboration between the patients themselves and Dr. Aw.

I'm an EMDR-trained therapist specializing in complex PTSD and relational trauma – the kind that rewires how we love and how we see ourselves. I help young adults and couples heal from attachment wounds, abandonment issues, sexual trauma, infidelity, and anxious-avoidant relationship cycles. I work from a psychodynamic and trauma-informed lens, drawing from IFS, DBT, and ACT. Therapy with me is collaborative – together, we’ll process what’s beneath the surface to shift the core beliefs keeping you stuck. I’ll meet you where you are… and push you when you’re ready. This is a space where you don’t have to perform. If something here resonated with you, that probably isn’t a coincidence. Reach out to schedule a free consult. :)

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About me I specialize in counseling for diverse college students, student-athletes, and working professionals in healthcare, business, engineering and scientific disciplines. I collaborate with clients to help them resolve anxiety, life transitions, work-life concerns, family or relationship conflict, bereavement, and trauma. ​​My experience spans inpatient, community counseling, employee assistance (EAP), university counseling (CAPS), and D1 athletics settings. I have a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine GSEP, an MBA from Babson College, and completed advanced training in Sport Psychology, CBT, ACT, and IPSRT modalities. My Approach My practice helps high performers overcome the complex stressors of their profession and personal lives using an integrated wellness perspective that combines evidence-based therapy, sport psychology, and holistic mind-body interventions. Taking a person-centered approach that considers unique multicultural identities, I am passionate about helping clients realize their unidentified strengths and resiliency, so they can maximize their compassion at work, in their relationships, and in themselves.

I partner with individuals offering compassionate, trauma-informed care that promotes healing and personal growth. Partnering as a relational helper, I hope to expand from problem-focused stories to those of strength and resilience, matched with empowerment and a clearer sense of agency, working together to create the desired changes. I have experience working with individuals, from diverse backgrounds. My areas of work have included but are not limited to struggles around anxiety, depression, identity concerns, self-esteem issues, trauma, life transitions, relational issues, and daily stressors. I use an eclectic approach, drawing from various practices such as relational therapy, narrative therapy, client-centered therapy, attachment theory, some features of dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic framework, and I approach therapy through a mindfulness, justice-orientated, culturally sensitive, queer-affirmative and a trauma informed lens. I believe in a relational process in which finding a therapist that is a "good fit" as the groundwork for a supportive, transformative process. I believe that every individual can examine their life's journey and own their story; all while strengthening self-compassion and working to navigate who and how to be in relationships. Stepping into the therapeutic process is the first movement towards self-discovery and growth! "Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do" -Brene' Brown