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.

Hello, my name is Heather Pederson. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in San Diego and am so glad you are here. Seeking help can potentially feel daunting, exposing, and overwhelming. It can also be our first steps toward repair, healing, and growth. I have found that people are so very strong, courageous, and hard-working, and still need some help when things get hard. I believe therapy can be a unique chance to discover parts of ourselves we forgot about, allow healing for the tender parts, and find new ways of interacting with ourselves and our loved ones that allow for deeper understanding and connection. I work with individuals and couples who often struggle with: a feeling of something between angry, sad, and fear that doesn’t have a name, as well as feelings of overwhelm, worry and stress that gets between them and their preferred lives. I seek to create opportunities in therapy to connect more deeply with the truest parts of yourself so that you can then connect more deeply with your purpose, values, and trusted others. I am trained in Emotionally-Focused Therapy (Externship with Sue Johnson, Core Skills to become Certified in progress), a Certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator, Trauma Informed Care, and a graduate of Bethel Seminary San Diego with an M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy. Please contact me with any questions you might have regarding therapy. I work with college students (extensive experience working on college campuses), couples, individuals, premarital/pre-engagement, relational distress, trauma, and anxiety.

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).

As a therapist, my passion is to support my clients to cultivate healthy long-lasting relationships with themselves and others while remaining authentic and empathic. My belief is that through self-love, boundaries, and awareness we can remove things from our lives that no longer serve us in order to create long lasting positive change.

I consider myself to be a “down to earth” therapist who genuinely connects to clients on a person to person level. We explore together to see what approach is right for you, and therapy is truly a collaborative process. You can feel comfortable to be yourself and be vulnerable with me and that within itself is often healing. If you reach out, I guarantee a call or email back on the same day you reach out so we can connect and see if we are a good fit. I specialize in treating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, body images issues and relationship issues. My other areas of focus include: LGBTQ+, teens, Latinx clients, couples therapy, and working with clients in the millennial and gen Z age range. I also enjoy working with neurodiverse clients who have been diagnosed with autism or ADHD. BOOK A FREE CONSULT BY PHONE/ZOOM CALL: https://p.bttr.to/3EOh5p2

I generally help individuals to reach their goals of feeling happier and calmer or to change from unwanted habits to wanted habits. I am a clinical psychologist licensed in the State of California since 1992. I work with individuals through the lifespan, and I use an integration of techniques. I am a bilingual (bicultural: Cuban-American) clinical psychologist. Dr. Charles Farrow holds a degree from UCLA and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant University (APA). His practice focuses on stress management, relationship issues, self-esteem, and adjusting to life’s most challenging situations. He sees clients in his Rancho Peñasquitos office or via video. His work included the major hospitals in San Diego. Dr. Farrow has served the community volunteering with DS Action, the Jesuit Institute for Family life, and with serving the special needs ministry at his church. He is Cuban-American, and the father of 4. Si necesita ayuda en Español, estoy a su servicio.

Are you someone who typically "has it all together," yet is struggling underneath the surface? Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, or other difficult emotions? Maybe you struggle seeking out support, even during times of challenge or transition. You're ready to feel at peace and to know your worth. Your teens and twenties are full of possibility, growth, and challenge. You’re exploring your identity, your future, and how you fit in - which can be simultaneously exciting and terrifying. Whatever it is you’re dealing with - stress over school, relationship challenges, substance use, family conflict, anxiety, depression, etc - therapy can help. I don’t practice one-size-fits-all therapy. Each person is unique, and comes to therapy for different reasons. You’ll find that our counseling sessions feel collaborative and supportive, honoring your personal strengths and drawing on authenticity, humor, and compassion to help you reach your goals. I typically see clients online via video sessions, but if you're in San Diego, we can also meet at a local park or beach for a walking/Ecotherapy session!

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families, using a variety of methods to encourage change and growth. I understand it can be difficult to build trust and talk to a stranger about past or current traumas, stresses, and worries. I will make every effort to create a safe space to work through those events and issues, while providing support. It is always an honor for me to witness change, to be a part of growth and to see my clients thrive and find more of themselves.

I work with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating challenges such as relationship conflict, life transitions, cultural identity, and the effects of trauma. I have particular experience supporting immigrant and refugee communities, including those impacted by domestic violence. My approach is grounded in Narrative therapy and Solution-Focused therapy, and informed by a decolonial poststructural feminist lens. I see therapy as a challenging space where we can explore the stories that have shaped your life and create new possibilities for healing, growth, and connection. My background as an Iranian-American therapist influences my perspectives, providing me the ability to offer therapy services in both English and Farsi. My research and clinical work have focused on relationship dynamics, domestic violence, immigrant and refugee experiences, the intersection of identity and emotion, and families challenged with high levels of conflict. I also specialize in working with couples facing high conflict or violence, and I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where change feels possible.

Are you experiencing a difficult time managing life these days? Do you feel overwhelmed and not even sure where to start to make positive changes? Everyone goes through challenges in life and there is no shame in admitting you could use some support. It takes courage to reach out for help, and I applaud you for taking that first step. I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety or depression, those who are having a difficult time balancing life demands, or difficulty dealing with distressing life events. I work collaboratively with clients to work on what they choose to work on. I employ strength-based practices to help improve mood and self-esteem, decrease anxiety, and help you move into a more well-balanced and happy life. You deserve a more peaceful, enjoyable life! I am currently meeting with clients both in-person and through telehealth. My office is in the village of La Jolla, which is easily accessible by public transportation. I offer a free 20 minute consultation call to make sure we're a good fit. Please reach out either by phone, email or through my website to schedule your free call and we'll chat about ways I can support you.

My name is Victoria Kapper and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#100449) in the state of California and based in San Diego. I’m committed to walking alongside you or your family to overcome stressful experiences and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and others. I whole-heartedly believe that the most significant indicator of successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship. My approach is engaged, compassionate, strength-based and solution-focused. I strive to create an open, respectful and safe environment where clients can address sensitive matters and experience growth, insight and change. I integrate evidenced-based practices with empathy, unconditional positive regard and genuineness in treatment. I help to find solutions to problems while providing support and the tools to foster resilience that will lead to lasting changes. I graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Development, as well as a Master of Social Work degree. My areas of speciality include treatment for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and life adjustments/changes across the lifespan. For youth counseling, I hold certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). I'm currently accepting new patients and can't wait to meet you. Call text or email to inquire about a free 15 minute consultation to start your journey today. You can also book a consultation online through my website.

Sometimes life throws us a curve-ball that we just didn't expect. Whatever the curve-ball is, either large or small, it is common to cause anxiety, even if it is something exciting. If your curve-ball is something that isn't so exciting, maybe you feel traumatized. This can happen for any situation that causes disruption to your daily routine, your thinking and ultimately your ability to function at your full potential. Whatever your anxiety or trauma is about, we can help! We are a team of therapists that work extensively with anxiety provoking issues. These could be about relationships, life events, or any negative experience that is holding you back. If you are struggling with moving past a traumatic incident, or finding it difficult to overcome anxiety of any sort, please contact us. We will have one of our experienced therapists contact you as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you are looking for an individual to LISTEN to you about YOUR issues. You found her. We will work in a collaborative environment. What this means is that I will meet you wherever you are on your journey. Who knows YOU the best? YOU DO. That’s what you bring to the table. We will explore different ways to increase the benefits that you’ve always wanted from life. Therapy is scary. Change is scary. But you know what’s not scary? Feeling comfortable in your own body and mind. Feeling like who you are truly meant to me. Feeling content with life and yourself every day. My job is to guide you through your therapeutic journey. I have two goals: 1. To help you reach your goals. 2. To help you have the life you’ve always wanted. As a therapist and Clinical Social Worker, I have worked with many individuals who have struggled with the roles they play in their families, work, friendships or even how they see themselves. My passion is helping individuals find whom they’ve always dreamt of being and guiding them to their authentic selves through multiple modalities. Contact me today.

We specialize in working with survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and other types trauma. We are passionate about helping you regain a sense of safety and drastically decrease the lasting effects of trauma in your life. We proudly stand with members of the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC community, and are unapologetically body-, sex-, and kink-affirming.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Our agency strives to empower students on their quest to achieve balance between their academic studies and personal lives. Our strength based approach enables our clients to develop strategies that are healthy and serve as the foundation for effective life long coping skills. Our expertise in learning disabilities, autism, ADHD and educationally related anxiety, depression, and ethnically diverse learners supports our efforts to individualize treatment and assessment plans to meet the unique needs of our clients. We look forward to partnering with you on your educational journey!

Are you a first generation college student? This can be a big life transition and you may experience unexpected challenges, can feel isolating or maybe academic stress feels like too much. College life can be full of expectations and a rollercoaster of emotions. You don't have to do this alone, I am here yo support you!

People I work with often are starting out in therapy or interested in moving towards trauma work. If you're interested in learning how to slow it down, use mindfulness, or feel more connected to your body, I utilize narrative and somatic techniques to help people reclaim their peace, energy, and rest. As an Asian-Mexican-American psychotherapist, I enjoy helping people learn more about connecting to ancestry, spirituality, community healing and peer support resources that remind us we are all connected. When I'm not doing therapy I love going to the beach, writing, camping/hiking/backpacking, and traveling.

You are so tired of feeling worried all the time. You worry about what others think of you, if you are doing a good enough job at work, if something bad is going to happen to you…the list goes on. In your daily life, you are a high performer and on the outside everything looks fine; but on the inside, you feel trapped with your own thoughts, and like you can never relax. You want to wake up in the morning and feel calm and confident to tackle the day ahead. You long to finally be able to enjoy your time spent with loved ones and be present — rather than being consumed by feelings of anxiety and racing thoughts. You CAN live the life you've always envisioned - feeling calm and present in your life, and exuding confidence. After overcoming an anxiety disorder through personal therapy myself, I know how debilitating it can feel to live life in this way. You don't have to continue living this way, and you don't have to keep trying to figure it out alone. I can help you. I offer a wide array of different techniques that allows me to tailor therapy to your specific goals and needs. Clients that work with me appreciate my honesty, expertise, and ability to relate to them as a human being. Schedule your free consultation today and let's help you find joy in your life again!

Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Perhaps you or a loved one is feeling depressed and anxious and you are not even sure why. Are you having a hard time finding satisfaction in your relationship or do you feel like the everyday stress of being a parent, working, going to school or trying to be there for everyone is too much to handle? Are you having difficulty achieving your goals? ​ The collection of therapists at Positive Change Counseling Center are inclusive, compassionate, strength-based, solution-focused therapists who provide support and feedback to clients in a safe and comfortable environment. We work with each client to help resolve current issues and symptoms as well as long-standing patterns or behaviors you want to change. ​ We all face challenging times and struggle through different stages in our lives. If you are looking for guidance and support to make a positive change in your life, we look forward to working with you. Please call or e-mail to make an appointment La Mesa, San Diego, Rancho Bernardo, and Ventura ​ All of our Clinicians offer telehealth (video) sessions. Most Clinicians are also seeing clients in-person. Please contact our front desk to inquire about in-person sessions. Clients must physically be in the state of CA during telehealth sessions.