Life is often full of surprises, ups and downs, and unexpected challenges. In times of struggles and uncertainties, it takes a tremendous amount of courage and strength to reach out for help and experience positive transformation. As a first generation Chinese American, I experienced first-hand the challenges of relational brokenness and intergenerational trauma. Through my own healing journey, I had to unpack the roots of my inner critic and learn how to cultivate a healthier relationship w...
I am inspired to work in the field of mental health care because I enjoy helping clients navigate difficult life transitions and supporting them in practicing self-compassion and validating their own experiences. I find it rewarding to incorporate humor and metaphors to explore challenging concepts, making them more accessible. Additionally, I love finding unique solutions and skills that clients can apply to real-life issues, empowering them to better manage their struggles and foster growth. ...
I have always been interested in psychology and solving puzzles. I later realized how similar it is to trauma work in terms of figuring out the impact of past events on one’s current behaviors. Helping people to connect dots and make sense of the past and present has let me to the field of mental health care, especially trauma work. I value one’s cultural and family background a lot. As an immigrant myself, I understand how important it is to be heard and understood without being judged. I make ...
I am inspired to work in the field of mental health care because I firmly believe in the resilience of the human mind and body. I am committed to creating a supportive, understanding, and empowering therapeutic environment where clients can work toward personal growth and healing. This belief drives my dedication to helping individuals overcome challenges and thrive in their journey toward better mental health. I ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions by leading with curios...
Let’s be honest, although change is inevitable, it can be really stressful. We all deserve to be seen, heard and loved. To know we are not alone. Together, we can work through your concerns so you can be the best version of yourself....
Welcome to Thrive! We are a group practice serving San Diego and the greater CA area as we are now offering online only sessions due to Covid19. We love working with college students and young adults and everyone in our office specializes in this age group. We tend to work with diverse clients in terms of their experiences and needs but always approach our work from a fun, collaborative, and client centered perspective. We focus on building relationships with our clients as our most important g...
Hey we get it. Life’s a lot right now. Between classes, work, family pressure, figuring out who you are, and trying to keep it together… it’s overwhelming. You might be anxious, stuck, burnt out, or just tired of pretending you're okay. At Freedom Within, we’re here to help you sort through all of it. Relationships, trauma, stress, identity, future plans, anxiety, we cover it all. No judgment. Just support that makes sense for where you’re at. We will help you cut through the BS and come out ...
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 with...
Many of the students I work best with are high-achieving, thoughtful, and often harder on themselves than anyone else could be. They may look like they have it all together on the outside, but inside, they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of who they really are. Some are navigating perfectionism, burnout, or relationship stress. Others are adjusting to big life changes like leaving home, figuring out their identity, or questioning their future. If you're someone who’s used to pushing thro...
Change naturally produces anxiety. While a certain amount of anxiety is normal for all persons, those with excessive anxiety may find themselves experiencing constant worry, doubt, and self criticism. In addition, sometimes depression, substance abuse and various disorders may follow. However, anxiety IS manageable. Mind and body will need to work together to relieve the stress that starts your anxiety process. I help you manage these stressful times and difficult life transitions through var...
I believe in our ability and power to transform, heal, and thrive. I discovered this through my own lifelong personal journey as well as my genuine interest and care for the stories and life experiences of others. I pursued education and now two decades of mental health work experience to work alongside you. You are not alone in this process. I will meet you where you are at and we will make goals and set a vision of where you want to be, who you want to become, and/or how you want to change. My...
Do you often feel unheard, unseen, or unimportant within your family, friendships, or other relationships? Maybe you identify as a people-pleaser and find it difficult to prioritize your own needs. These challenges can feel burdensome, isolating, and extremely anxiety-provoking. And they often have deeper roots in traumas like emotional neglect, childhood abuse, or growing up feeling emotionally unsafe. Perhaps you already “logically” connected these dots, yet you still feel stuck. That’s be...
Welcome! My name is Rachel and I work with young adults who are navigating the effects of traumatic experiences. I believe that anything that overwhelms our capacity to cope and move forward can be traumatic, and this often shows up as anxiety, chronic disconnection, or feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness. I help clients become more aware of body sensations, thinking traps, and response patterns to stressful situations. We will collaborate to move towards a life where you feel more centered ...
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 ...
I’m passionate about collaborating with clients to increase their confidence in their ability to cope with challenges and build fulfillment in their lives. It has been an honor to witness this in others during the past 15+ years of being a therapist. When it comes to working with clients, I take a biopsychosocial, collaborative approach, believing we are all physical, mental, emotional, and social beings with unique goals, challenges and viewpoints. My counseling approach is gentle, compassionat...
As a couple and family therapist, I have a strong conviction in the healing power of healthy relationships. Connecting to your authentic self and fostering wellness in all relationships in your life is a primary focus of my work. I provide individual, couple and family psychotherapy for youth and adults of all family and relationship constellations. My holistic approach incorporates body, mind and spirit to help you create your full personal and relational potential. In my practice, I util...
You want to heal your past but you don’t know how to do it alone. You want to be able to talk about what you have been through or are facing now without blame or shame. What would it be like to feel better in your relationship with yourself, with your partner, and with God? I offer the benefit of my professional experience and training combined with compassion and insight from God’s Word. Through counseling I can facilitate healing, improved communication, increase connection, and understanding....
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Hi, my name is Brandon Waugh and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based out of San Diego California and working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress and depression using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered Therapy and a whole system perspective to help my clients work toward their mental health and life goals. My approach varies based on the needs of each of my clients. I most frequent...
With over 15 years of combined experience providing mental health services, our practice provides knowledge and experience specific to working with college-aged folks. There are a lot of challenges and transitions that come with the passage of teen to adult. Recent studies suggest over 40% of college students experience symptoms of anxiety or depression. Our therapists provide guidance and tools to help you find a healing path toward wholeness and happiness. In addition, we provide expertise in ...