Therapists for college students near 92182

With parents from two different continents and a childhood in a third, I am a product of globalization. I am incredibly curious about how we exist and make choices in this increasingly complex world of enmeshed culture and fractured identities. Knowing I wanted to approach therapy in a unique manner, I studied Drama Therapy. With that knowledge base, and previous experience in improvisational theater and fine art, my approach veers toward the embodied, the sensory, and the creative. I work mostly conversationally, but enjoy tangents into creative expression to bypass well-worn defensive structures of the overly-relied-on brain.

Great to meet you! As a trauma-informed therapist, I'm passionate about helping people navigate the deep impacts of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I understand how overwhelming it can feel to carry the weight of painful experiences while trying to function in daily life. I believe healing happens not by "fixing" people, but by reconnecting you with your inner strength and resilience. Whether you're struggling with persistent anxiety, feelings of sadness, or the lasting effects of trauma, I will tailor each session to your unique needs and pace.

You matter! Practical Tools on How to Survive and excel in College! Brief-Solution Focused Therapy to Turn your Life into a Success Story! You can be happy in spite of everything! How to live a long and healthy life. Therapy Reminds us how Brave we are. Licensed for 30 years, I can show you highly effective practical communication tools so you can experience joy, let go of anger and hurt and the disappointment that so often can get in the way of loving relationships. You will find a new level of confidence which will allow you to experience more joy and more happiness in your most important and sometimes confounding relationships. My therapeutic approach will help you overcome day-to-day anxiety, and defeat negative thoughts that too often lead to depression. If you struggle with problems in relationships or within yourself, with addiction, compulsion, or worry, dread and fear, you can call me.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please see info about my practice: www.drmichellespoelstra.com

Whether you're starting college, moving to a new city, exploring career paths, or navigating relationships, this chapter is filled with major transitions. It's a time of asking big questions—about identity, belonging, purpose, and connection. And while this growth can be exciting, it often comes with anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness, or feeling lost along the way. Maybe You’re: -Feeling anxious, unmotivated, or unsure of what you want -Constantly comparing yourself to others and struggling with self-worth -Feeling disconnected from friends, unsure about your relationship, or lonely in a new city -Confused about career direction or struggling to make major life decisions -Navigating identity, sexuality, or finding your place -Afraid of making the wrong choice or not living up to expectations -Dealing with difficult family dynamics or crises -Overwhelmed by the state of the world and unsure how to move forward with purpose My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and non-pathologizing. That means I believe that what you’re experiencing isn’t a personal failing—it’s a natural reaction to the larger systems you’re living within. Together, we’ll unravel where your patterns come from, the ways they’ve protected you, and how you can begin to explore new ways of being. We might: -Get curious about your beliefs around success, identity, and self-worth -Explore how family or cultural expectations have shaped you -Understand the relationship between mind and body -Work through shame, fear, or grief that keeps you stuck -Identify your values and true desires, regardless of external pressures or expectations -Begin to take notice of the patterns that are no longer serving you Whether you’re starting college, building a career, or simply trying to figure out your next -step, you don’t have to do it alone.

I very much enjoy working with college students in helping them navigate this time of transition from home to independent adulthood. Many college students I work with experience anxiety, chronic worrying, overwhelm, perfectionism, self-criticism, social anxiety, low self-esteem, distractibility, relationship issues, depression, academic struggles, feeling lost or unsure of their career path, and other obstacles that get in the way of reaching their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. However, many students I work with find that these obstacles to be growth opportunities to develop greater self-awareness, inner alignment, and transformation that can lead to a more fulfilling, effective, and satisfying experiences in college and thereafter. Although this time in life can bring forth challenges that may seem insurmountable at times, I have generally experienced college students to be very insightful, bright, and resilient, and because of this, I delight in working with them! In addition to psychotherapy, I specialize in providing testing and assessments. Some college students often come to me because they have been diagnosed with a learning difference or ADHD in the past and they need an updated evaluation. Other college students come to me because they suspect they may have an undiagnosed learning difference or ADHD. Because of this, they would like to better understand their learning profile, including strengths and weaknesses, in order to receive the best support, such as specialized tutoring, executive functioning coaching, and accommodations on tests and assignments. I have been providing different types of assessments for several decades and in various contexts, and many students currently come to me from UCSF's dyslexia center, where I am listed as a referral: https://dyslexia.ucsf.edu/resources. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding therapy or assessments. I am happy to provide you a free 30-mintue phone consultation!

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) at Foresight. I received my Master’s Degree in Counseling Education from the University of Montana. I have experience working in Community-Based Outpatient, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) settings. I have a passion for working with young and older adults to help them develop and utilize the necessary coping skills to manage and thrive during difficult times, life transitions, and needed change. My specialty areas include depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and stress management. I approach therapy using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). In psychotherapy, one might explore feelings and assumptions or beliefs about oneself, others, and the world around them, learning how such beliefs can alter mood and interfere with emotional well-being. Originally having grown up in Japan and then moving to the U.S. over twenty years ago, I was excited to have the opportunity to work in the mental health field, as mental health is a highly stigmatized subject in Japan. I now work with individuals who struggle with cultural adjustments, their family systems, and most recently, anxiety and OCD. I understand how culture and mental health are closely intertwined and aim to assist clients in making peace with both.

My passion is utilizing the powerful benefits of EMDR with creative people, performers and survivors of trauma who are ready to live without anxiety, depression, dissociation, phobias, addiction, and post-traumatic stress. By providing relationally-focused EMDR along with advanced training in psychotherapy methods (e.g. complex developmental trauma, attachment theory, neuroscience, Polyvagal theory, CBT, ego states, psychodynamic, object relations & “parts work”) we work together to: ✦ Discover the origins of limiting beliefs in order to update old narratives about how you get to show up in the world, who you are, and what you deserve. ✦ Alleviate anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms through a positive, growth-oriented process grounded in the philosophy that everyone is seeking wholeness. I have more than 25 years' experience in private practice specializing in trauma and creativity, and I am committed to continued learning and growth as a way of life. Having led thousands of EMDR sessions since 2010, I’m also an EMDRIA Approved Consultant teaching other EMDR Clinicians best practices through case consultations and presentations, and speak internationally about creativity, post-traumatic growth, creative artist issues and the benefits of EMDR therapy at conferences, on podcasts, as a TEDx speaker, and on TV. For more information about my training and experience please visit www.askdrcheryl.com

I am a trauma therapist who specializes in supporting individuals through difficult events. I work with people throughout California virtually and in person in Santa Barbara, CA. I specialize in trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. My primary therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, with a focus on helping people gain deeper insight into their inner world and life experiences. However I integrate EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) into my work as needed and/or desired. I am in-network for CenCal insurance

I’m a first-generation Latina, with a BA in Psychology from San Diego State and a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. I am a member of Growth and Change Counseling and passionate about helping people experience results quickly and meaningfully. At Growth and Change, all therapists implement the same foundational approach that has produced our reputation for effectiveness. I deal with every issue and I am fluent in English and Spanish.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Whether you’re starting college, returning to school, or simply trying to find your footing again, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’ve been there myself, and I understand how demanding and overwhelming this stage of life can feel. Your schedule is constantly changing, relationships can feel uncertain, and the pressure to have everything figured out can become exhausting. Many of the students and young adults I work with are carrying more than they realize; academic pressure, family expectations, relationship challenges, work, anxiety, self-doubt, or the feeling that they should somehow be doing better. Sometimes you can look like you’re keeping up on the outside while feeling completely overwhelmed on the inside. Therapy with me is a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and get curious about what you actually need. Together, we can work on managing anxiety and stress, building self-esteem and confidence, developing healthier coping skills, navigating relationships and life transitions, and creating more balance without losing yourself in the process. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I’m not here to add another expectation to your already full plate. I’m here to help you feel more grounded, understand yourself more deeply, and build a life that feels like your own, not just one that looks good on paper.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Are you a high achiever who feels disconnected from who you truly are? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of overwhelm, despite your outward success? Perhaps you’ve been shaped by high expectations, either from your family, culture, or society, and now feel torn between the person you’re supposed to be and the person you really are. I specialize in working with clients like you—ambitious, driven individuals, often children of immigrants, who are navigating the pressure to succeed while grappling with the internal conflict of identity. You may be feeling stuck between honoring your heritage and culture, and carving out a path that feels authentic to you. This can be an exhausting, confusing, and painful process—but it doesn’t have to be done alone. In our work together, I aim to create a warm, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, without judgment or pressure. Together, we can begin to untangle the stories that have shaped you, heal from trauma, and work toward developing a more integrated sense of self—one that aligns with your true values and desires, rather than others' expectations.

During challenging times, people often feel defeated and focus on what is wrong. I want to shift the focus from what is "not working" to identifying what is "working." We will work to uncover patterns (behavioral, thought beliefs, relationship), that will lead you to making better decisions. I want to offer a safe place to process thoughts and feelings around issues that can be challenging. I am interested in helping people who experience stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss and challenges with relationships (social or romantic). Many conversations are around “adulting” and how to manage life, career, relationships, etc. I teach clients how negative thought patterns/language effect mood and behavior. Narrative and Solution Focused therapy assists in shifting from self-defeating language/thoughts to a positive life narrative. I utilize CBT and teach the basics of how thoughts effect behavior/mood. I teach ACT concepts- to learn how our emotions and thoughts are related. I teach mindfulness to help with coping.

I applaud your courage and strength in taking the first step toward well-being. My approach is Holistic and Culturally sensitive, with individually tailored goals that address Mind, Body, and Spirit Wellness. I can appreciate clients who want to heal & improve their lives. They are willing to make the necessary changes to build inner strengths, increase feelings of empowerment, implement boundaries and learn to Trust vulnerabilities in healthy relationships.

At Psychiatric Alternatives and Wellness Center (PAWC) our intake process matches your needs with the right psychiatrist or mental health therapist. During your treatment, practitioners and staff work together well to create a seamless care experience, including support for scheduling, billing and managing prescriptions. Our doctors collaborate with each other and listen to patient needs and interests. PAWC Psychiatrists are able to collaborate regularly with Psychologists on the PAWC team and provide holistic, individualized treatment plans for patients.

Currently prioritizing preteen, teen, and couple referrals! I believe that everyone has a story and that you are an expert of your lived experience. I enjoy working with preteens, teens, adults, and couples by helping them navigate the complexities of relational distress, trauma, and anxiety. I use trauma-informed approaches, including narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy (IFS), eye-motor desensitization therapy (EMDR), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), emotion-focused therapy (EFT), Gottman, and exposure response prevention (ERP). Every client that I work with is provided collaborative and trauma-informed therapy, and each session is tailored to their specific preferences. In my work with couples, I use EFT and Gottman interventions to help partners better understand each other, reduce unhelpful cycles, and build skills that support a stronger, more connected relationship. With each of my clients, I prioritize providing safe, compassionate, and collaborative therapy tailored to their needs as there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, we explore patterns, emotions, and experiences in a way that feels mindful and supportive of your pace. My goal is for you to feel seen, heard, and valued.