Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
Hi, I am Anna McDonald. I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in assisting individuals and couples to work through life's conflicts. I do so through a multi-faceted approach, focusing first on the unique strengths of my clients and then collaborating with them to be empowered and move through these challenges. Therapy with me is more than just, “How does that make you feel?” and nodding my head. Instead, I am an individual working to empower my clients with research-based knowledge to improve their life conditions.
Many people come into therapy feeling internally divided — a part of them wants connection while another part pulls away, a part wants change while another part feels scared, overwhelmed, or stuck. My work is centered around helping people understand these different parts of themselves with curiosity instead of shame. I offer short-term, focused therapy that combines deep conversation, nervous system awareness, mindfulness, and medicine-assisted therapy when appropriate. Rather than approaching people as “broken,” I see emotional patterns as intelligent adaptations that once helped someone survive, cope, or stay connected. My approach is influenced by IFS/parts work, attachment theory, somatic therapy, and contemplative practices, while staying grounded, relational, and practical. I tend to work actively and intentionally with clients rather than remaining indefinitely in open-ended therapy. The goal is to help people recognize the patterns that keep repeating in relationships, anxiety, depression, self-criticism, emotional reactivity, or disconnection — and begin relating to themselves with more clarity, compassion, and honesty. Many clients describe the process as both deep and relieving because they begin to experience that they are not one fixed identity, but a complex human being made up of different parts all trying, in their own ways, to protect them.
Hey! I’m Afshin — pronounced “of-sheen,” like the glimmer in your eye when you realize you're allowed to feel your feelings and still be funny about it. Looking for someone who’s real, queer, neurodivergent-friendly, and actually shows up in the room with you? I’m really glad you’re here. I work with new parents running on crumbs and caffeine, teens navigating identity and pressure, young adults facing messy transitions, and LGBTQIA+ folks tired of translating their experience for people who just don’t get it. I pull from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused approaches — but mostly, I bring curiosity, honesty, humor, and a human-first vibe. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” healing. Some weeks we’re untangling trauma; other weeks, we’re celebrating tiny wins — like eating a real meal or setting a boundary without the shame. My core values? Radical kindness, transparency, and the belief that being “too much” is a damn superpower. If you’re craving therapy that feels like a mix between a grounding conversation and a gentle push toward who you actually want to be — let’s talk. I’m here when you’re ready.
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.
My approach to the therapy process is collaborative so that together we can work to accomplish your goals. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low mood, past trauma, relationship issues, or a life transition, we can work together to uncover the underlying emotions and navigate the blind spots so that you can gain clarity and calmness in your self and in your relationships. I use specific styles of therapy, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) as a way to help guide the therapeutic process. These styles help us explore strengths and transformation, while also navigating areas that keep us emotionally stuck. I am truly inspired by the resilience of the human spirit and the bravery that people have when embarking on the difficult but necessary work of self-examination. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can feel supported and understood, as we journey together in the therapy process.
Paper Cranes Counseling aims to reduce anxiety and depression by strengthening your sense of self and helping you foster fulfillment in your significant relationships.
As a BIPOC and LGBTQ affirming practice, we treat trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues from a culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed perspective. We understand that having a therapist who lived it themselves is so much more important than having one who just read about it in a book. That's why we emphasize culture in our practice of mental health and always welcome the whole client. We primarily use CBT and EMDR as models for therapy. CBT is great for understanding how your unhelpful thoughts and hurt feelings lead to negative behaviors so we can replace them with positive ones. EMDR holds a mirror up to you and your emotional and physical experiences so you can have more self-awareness and answer your own questions. Our clients come to us when they need to feel like themselves again, set better boundaries, and end toxic relationships; and we're looking forward to helping you with the same issues. We will walk with you on your path to healing. It's easy to get lost on that path. Luckily, our experience and compassion are the GPS!
Many young adults are emerging from the direct and constant influence of parents or guardians, into a space where they have more control and responsibility for their own lives. In this stage of life, we are discovering who we are independent of those early influences and developing our own personal worldview. We are exploring new relationships and new interests as we prepare to launch into the workforce and set ourselves up for the future. With everything that is going on, you might be feeling intense stress or pressure. Maybe you feel like you’ve taken a wrong turn, are uncertain about next steps, or need a place to explore your possibilities. Many young people realize that they’ve been impacted by something in their past that they feel ready to explore or find freedom from. Perhaps you’ve discovered something about yourself in relationships with others that you’d like to understand better or change. Whatever your goals are, therapy provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to work through your experiences, discover your personal strengths and learn to choose a future that feels exciting for you.
Are you struggling with depression and anxiety surrounding college, life pressures, relationships issues, or past experiences? I have experience working with depression, anxiety and PTSD. My specialty is trauma, both recent and past. I am trained in EMDR, CPT, and TF-CBT. If you are struggling with present stressors or struggling to overcome your past, I can help. I am currently an Associate Marriage Family Therapist and Professional Clinical Counselor working under Dr. Avis Attaway Lic. #34493. Life Source Affordable Counseling is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide high quality care to everyone regardless of insurance. Low-cost does not mean low-quality. Two heads are better than one so you can rest assured that you are getting the best treatment. Nowhere else can you get EMDR treatment from $80.
I work with students and young adults who feel like they’re figuring life out without a roadmap, whether you are a first-generation, LGBTQ+, or anyone carrying pressure to succeed while quietly feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of their direction. My own path wasn’t traditional; I dropped out of high school due to circumstances beyond my control before finding mentorship, earning my GED, and becoming a first-generation college graduate from UCLA. I know what it feels like to question your purpose, to feel unseen, or to believe everyone else has it together except you. With over 13 years in education as a teacher, counselor, and mental health specialist — and more than 7 years providing psychotherapy to transitional-aged youth and adults, I bring both lived experience and professional training to our work. I created Easy Peasy Counseling because life isn’t actually “easy peasy,” but I believe even the messy, heavy seasons can become meaningful and transformative with the right support. Therapy with me is about partnership, empowerment, and helping you rediscover the resilient, capable parts of yourself that may have been dimmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, or major life transitions. Let's get to work together so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-trust.
I’m a first-generation South Asian American therapist who works with students navigating anxiety, academic pressure, identity exploration, perfectionism, and cultural or family expectations. College can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to meet high standards or carry the weight of multiple identities. I offer a compassionate, culturally aware space to slow down, be heard, and reconnect with your true self. My approach is holistic and mindfulness-based, blending evidence-based therapy with tools from yoga, meditation, and Eastern psychology. I offer virtual sessions in CA and IL, and in-person sessions in Ventura, CA.
Thank you for reading my profile. It would be an honor to support you and to provide a non-judgmental space. It can feel lonely and overwhelming when you have thoughts, emotions, and feelings but don't have a safe place to share them.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or have a history of trauma, grief, or loss? Are you struggling with life transitions, as well as interpersonal relationships? Looking for someone who is non-judgmental, thoughtful, genuine, and active? Then look no further! It would be an honor to help guide you on your journey toward self-healing. My name is Gabrielle Powell and I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker #90673, supervised by Denise M. Williams, LMFT92559. As a therapist at the Well-Play Wellbeing & Counseling Center, my intention is to assist you in becoming more self-aware, while utilizing your inner strengths to help you cope with life's ups and downs. I can also help you align your decision-making with your values, in order to create healthy relationships with yourself and others. I tailor the therapeutic experience to each individual's unique needs, strengths, and circumstances. This is achieved by utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered approach, motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach, and mindfulness techniques. In other words, I am going to show you how to use your strengths to overcome your challenges.
Ditch the Doubt, Boost the Calm: Anxiety Support Group for Thriving College Students Struggling with college? Find your balance with MCBT! I help students overcome stress and thrive in college using Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MCBT). This powerful approach combines mindfulness tools with proven CBT techniques to: Challenge negative thoughts & beliefs: Replace self-doubt with confidence and focus on what truly matters. Develop healthy coping skills: Learn practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions. Find your inner peace: Cultivate mindfulness to stay present, calm, and focused on high-pressure situations. College Support Group: Connect with peers and learn powerful coping skills. Topics include but not limited to: - Managing ADHD -Overcoming Test anxiety -Feel confident in social settings -End the negative self-talk When: every Monday at 1pm Where: Virtually Cost: $20 per session. Don't let stress hold you back. Invest in your well-being and create a more balanced, fulfilling college experience! Contact me today to register and find out how MCBT can help you overcome anxiety: Groupsrus21@gmail.com
Being a young person in this world can be exciting, painful, scary, and awe-inspiring (sometimes all at once!) and I’m here to hold space for the paradoxes and messiness of life. My intention is to help you reclaim and accept the parts of yourself that you’re afraid or ashamed of — and we all have those parts. If you're struggling, we'll gently explore the roots of your pain and find ways to suffer less. I feel strongly that boxes and assumptions have no place in the therapy room, and I’m dedicated to creating a space where all aspects of your identity will be recognized and can be safely explored. I have experience supporting people with depression, anxiety, career changes, relationship challenges, family issues, chronic illness, grief, gender and sexuality exploration, and neurodivergence (including autism and ADHD). I especially enjoy working with members of the LGBTQIA2S community, of which I'm a proud member.
Liberate Via Therapy is made up of therapists who are enthusiastic about providing therapeutic services. Although we welcome people of all backgrounds, we are especially excited to assist people of color, undocumented individuals, and the marginalized. We believe, once liberated from internal and external barriers, you will live a fulfilling life. In our collaboration with you: We help empower you to achieve the sexual freedom, personal development, and healthy relationships that you desire. We attend to your mental health needs while being mindful of the sociopolitical forces that influence your lives. We confidently push therapy to its edges as we welcome, integrate, and transmute learned lessons from altered states of consciousness into wisdom. We gently challenge you as you navigate your journey towards liberation. Reach out to us for a free 15 minute consultation.
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Great to meet you! As a board-certified licensed therapist, I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults with a variety of backgrounds. My primary goal is to create an authentic connection with each of my clients to ensure everyone feels safe and comfortable. I believe that our past influences our present, especially when faced with challenging life experiences. Together, within our built safe space, we will explore how your past experiences influence your current thoughts and behaviors - to improve your awareness and identify areas for positive change. I believe in balancing validation and empathy with a directive, solution-focused approach that offers specific strategies to enact change. I treat anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, self-harm/suicidal ideation, substance use, anger management, grief, low self-esteem, relationship and family issues, identity development, and life transitions. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches because it is important to me to adapt my style to honor the current needs of each of my clients. I always begin our work together with an introductory session, when you’ll have the opportunity to share your story and what you hope to achieve through therapy. We’ll work together, collaborate on your goals and create a plan that feels most comfortable to you. Building trust is important to our therapeutic relationship, and will take our time easing into processing your thoughts and experiences. I will remain committed to supporting and guiding as we work together to make your goals a reality.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.