Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
What inspires me to work in the field of mental health care is the incredible resilience and potential I have witnessed in clients over the years. With over 10 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how people can grow, adapt, and persevere through challenges. It’s truly motivating to witness the transformative power of therapy, as it serves as the spark or stepping stone that helps individuals create lasting change in their lives. I am inspired by the strength we all possess as human beings and the opportunity to be part of that transformative process, guiding clients toward a better future. To ensure that clients feel heard and understood in sessions, I focus on creating a safe and trusting environment where they can express themselves freely. I approach each session with cultural humility, recognizing that my norms and experiences may not align with those of the client. By leading with curiosity and empathy, I aim to foster a space where clients feel valued and understood. Additionally, I take a client-centered and trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the individual’s unique needs and experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by working collaboratively with clients to process difficult experiences. Together, we identify core beliefs and unhelpful thinking patterns that may be limiting their growth. By helping clients break free from these outdated beliefs and patterns, I create a space of support and empowerment, allowing them to move forward in a healthier, more constructive way. This collaborative approach fosters trust and a sense of partnership in the therapeutic process.
As a mental health provider, I am driven to provide quality care for patients. I hope my previous knowledge and experience, along with my desire to learn and grow, can help people meet their treatment goals. I enjoy meeting clients where they are in life, building rapport, and providing support. I hope to help patients bolster insight and awareness along with skills building “homework” to help enhance the therapeutic experience. My main approaches derive from DBT, CBT, and psychodynamic theories. I enjoy working with many populations and communities. My background working with active-duty, veterans, lgbtq+, children, couples, families, and individuals has provided me with a variety of experience. I am a transracial adoptee who lived in several countries growing up, which helped formulate some of my life views and goals. I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging in and reflecting on experiences with adoptees. I have thoroughly enjoyed every organization that I have worked for because they have all helped me learn and grow. Words cannot describe the joy and admiration I feel toward our active-duty servicemembers and veterans. I am forever grateful that I was able to provide services on a military base and out at sea. Individuals, couples, children, and families have helped me gain insight and awareness into different systems. I respect and appreciate every patient and wish everyone successful treatment.
Seeking feminist, body-neutral, LGBTQIA+ celebrating depth therapy? Society, culture, family, school are all imperfect & most of us have some stuff to unpack, process, & heal. Maybe you’ve come to a point where you know these old narratives aren’t serving you & you want to create more joy, freedom, and liberation in your life & community moving forward. Culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sex, & sexuality all impact the stories we are told about who we can be, should be & are. These narratives affect how we think about ourselves & require time, attention & care to unpack, process & heal. Life has been coming at us all at hyper-speed for the past few years, and it's normal to need some help. You may be feeling stuck, stressed, depressed, exhausted, unworthy, guilty, lost & not knowing why you don’t feel better yet. I use a collaborative approach that includes interventions from ACT, SFT, CBT, and MBSR through a feminist narrative lens to foster safety, skills & resilience. I aim to provide an environment of curiosity where your whole self can be recognized, affirmed, and celebrated. My work is affirming of enm, poly, kink, & bdsm. If this resonated with you we are probably a great fit & you’re in the right place :) Please get in touch via phone or email to arrange a 15-minute consultation and we’ll make sure it’s great fit, I’ll answer any questions you may have, & if its not I’m happy to help guide you through the process of finding someone who is. ** You can also directly book a consult call via my website www.LaurenMatern.com ** Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #140681 Supervised and Employed by: Dylan Cimbura-Hernandez, LMFT #120829
You may be trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do, possibly for the first time. You are probably navigating big changes in relationships, whether that is making new friends, figuring out where you fit in, communicating with professors/advisors, or redefining relationships with family. It can be overwhelming. While this can be an incredibly stressful time, it is also full of possibility and growth. You don't have to figure it out alone - therapy can be a wonderful place where you can slow down and get the support you need and deserve. I absolutely love working with undergraduate and graduate students. Many people who work with me are navigating something invisible that makes them feel different - whether that is anxiety or depression, a chronic health condition, grief or trauma, relationship concerns, life transitions, or parts of your identity that may be unseen. I am especially passionate about working with artists/creatives, the LGBTQ+ community, and people who feel their emotions deeply. My style is empathetic, attentive, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I seek to create an affirming space where all parts of you that you wish to explore are welcomed. I bring careful listening and offer tools to help you feel more grounded, let go of unhelpful narratives, communicate effectively, and build better relationships with yourself and others.
Hello, my name is Dayna Hunt and I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in the State of California. I was born and raised in Northern California, specifically Marin County. I have lived in Southern California and also Seattle, Washington. I have traveled across the United States as well as to Europe and lived a short time in Australia. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, spending time in nature and with family. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, CA and my Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology at Dominican University in San Rafael, Calif. I have always enjoyed listening to people's stories and problem solving. I knew I wanted to be a counselor at a very young age and began pursuing psychology early in life.
My work is relationally based, and I additionally integrate the approaches of Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), which are both mind/body modalities. These approaches have been transformational for myself and many clients I have witnessed because they offer an orientation of radical openness and compassionate inquiry about all parts of your experience.
I support folks in exploring how they want to walk through the world. I believe each person can define themselves and find their healthy. Therapy is a collaborative experience; you bring your life experience, and I bring support from a mental health standpoint.
I am inspired to work in mental health to help people and help them feel like they are not alone in the world. I listen intently. I not only reflect on what my patients say verbally and on what their intention is even silently but also hear and provide a holding space for their anxieties to create hope and assurance. I create a welcoming and safe space without judgement or shock and I create a place where they are listened to. This can be a special place just for them to be who they truly are. I use eye contact and intentional questions that guide them to a gentle space to explore.
My training exposed me to a wide range of therapeutic approaches, and I have worked with clients with major psychiatric diagnoses (7 years working in a subacute facility) and those with common anxiety and depression (decades of work life). I have long experience with university students dealing with the challenges of adjusting to overwhelming work demands and learning to navigate unfamiliar social environments. Many clients have felt that they don't make friends easily or fit in with groups. And some clients are generally insecure about whether they can succeed at a nationally rated academic institution (impostor syndrome). I work to understand what issues are most important to my clients and help them learn ways to be more comfortable with themselves and to succeed in their personal, romantic, family, socioeconomic, and academic or work circumstances. Every person has their own background and their own challenges, so everyone needs an individualized treatment. Clients with Asperger syndrome often benefit from help in dealing with social interactions and with sometimes overwhelming anxiety. Immigrants (and also people coming from remote parts of the US) may find local customs and styles unfamiliar and find help with meeting new friends and colleagues. As an immigrant myself (from Sweden), I know well what it feels like to be an outsider and have learned ways to help people adjust to new environments and different expectations. This experience has also allowed me to help many with an LGBTQ background in their family, romantic, and work interactions. Too many in our world are dealing with the after-effects of trauma in its varied forms, and finding ways to move forward and to enjoy normal relationships can be lifesaving. As a background for many clients, home experiences with one's family of origin can set the stage for ongoing unhappiness and failed romantic relationships, and this should not be a permanent obstacle to a satisfying and fulfilling life.
We live in a culture that constantly pushes us to do more, work harder, and question whether we’re ever “enough.” For many students, that pressure leads to stress, anxiety, and burnout. But thriving isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about finding balance, clarity, and a stronger sense of who you are and what you need. This work often extends into your relationships, your identity, and your sense of direction. I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can slow down, explore what’s weighing on you, and develop a more grounded, sustainable way forward.
I profoundly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to create a fulfilling and emotionally healthy life. I help people utilize their inherent strengths, build meaningful support systems, and develop practical skills that promote lasting change and personal growth. I am driven to help individuals overcome generational trauma and break free from cycles of pain and suffering. "I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs and preferences of each person. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard and valued. Together, we work towards achievable goals, cultivate resilience, navigate challenges, and foster emotional well-being. I am committed to providing culturally competent and affirming care to all those I serve. In my practice, I find fulfillment in working with a diverse range of communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrant families, and college students. I have had the privilege of supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds through life transitions and psychosocial stressors. I approach each session with empathy, curiosity and respect towards all experiences. I build trust and a strong therapeutic alliance by collaborating on goals, honoring your pace, and highlighting your strengths as we work through evidence-based strategies.
Prior to completing my PMHNP training, I worked extensively as a registered nurse in the department of medical surgical and telemetry units. Through my experience in the hospital setting, I witnessed reduced health outcomes of patients who were suffering from mental health illnesses, and that is when I realized my passion to pursue the field of PMHNP because I felt that’s where I could make the greatest positive impact on the health outcomes of my patients. I completed my MSN in PMHNP and after passing the board exam, I began working at Foresight Mental Health as a PMHNP. I greatly appreciate the collaborative team at Foresight that is composed of a multidisciplinary team of specialists. I believe mental health is a core pillar of overall health. I’m inspired to work in the field of mental health care to produce a positive impact in the lives of patients suffering from mental health illnesses and empower my patients to gain a sense of understanding and control in regards to symptoms relief in order to live a more fulfilling and peaceful life. I utilize a holistic approach to mental health, I believe it is critical to look beyond the symptoms by investigating triggers of symptoms, family/individual psychiatric/medical history, lifestyle habits, evaluating a patients perception of their symptoms and how its affecting their lives, and also working to develop a catered approach to developing a treatment plan in collaborating with my patients.
If anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, or the adjustment to college life have you feeling like you're doing everything right and still not okay, you're not alone. In our sessions, we slow down and look at what's underneath — including how your identity, culture, gender, and the world around you shape what you're going through. Together we work toward feeling more like yourself — building the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing your own values, whether that's navigating independence for the first time, family expectations that don't match what you want for yourself, or figuring out academics, career direction, or what comes next. If this resonates, reach out.
When life starts to feel overwhelming or out of balance, having support can make a real difference. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, and figuring out who you are and where you’re headed, it’s easy to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck. I’m passionate about helping people move through those moments with more clarity, support, and confidence. My path into therapy began through early experiences traveling with an international outreach organization in South America and Europe and working in U.S. inner-city communities. Those experiences shaped how I approach therapy today: with openness, cultural awareness, and a curiosity and respect for each person’s story. Over the years I’ve worked in private practice, inpatient and outpatient settings, and group therapy programs, supporting adolescents, young adults, couples and families through times of stress, trauma, and change. I especially enjoy working with college students and young adults who are dealing with anxiety, pressure, relationship challenges, grief, family issues, life questions, or uncertainty about the future. Whether you’re feeling burned out, carrying past experiences, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, therapy can be a place to slow things down and feel less alone. My approach to therapy is collaborative and flexible—this is your space. We’ll work together to figure out what you need and what feels most helpful for you. I aim to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can be honest, feel understood, and grow at your own pace. If spirituality is meaningful to you, I'd also love to gently integrate that into our work together.
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
College is a time of huge transitions, and it’s easy to feel anxious, stressed, or unsure where you stand. If you're struggling with overwhelming worry (anxiety), feeling stuck after a tough transition (like starting school or a breakup), grappling with past trauma, or just trying to figure out challenging relationships, you've come to the right place. Your Therapy, Your Tools My practice is built on the belief that you already have what you need within you (though it may not feel like it, right now) —we just need to clear out all the noise and find and focus on what actually works for you. We'll ease your mind: We use practical, science-backed strategies to help you unhook from negative thought spirals and calm that constant feeling of being "on edge." We'll discover and heal the root causes : We'll gently explore the "parts" of you that are feeling anxious, unclear, or worn out, and use powerful processing methods to reduce the intensity of recent or past trauma or fear (like EMDR and IFS). We'll help you adjust: Whether you're dealing with the stress of major life transitions or trying to set healthier boundaries in relationships, we'll create space for you to process the change and build a stronger sense of self. We'll get you grounded: I integrate the calming power of nature-based tools (in or out of the office) to help your nervous system slow down, allowing you to find a peaceful space even when deadlines are looming. We’ll work together, at your own pace, to move you from feeling overwhelmed to thriving on campus and beyond. Ready to take a breath and start building a college experience that feels authentic and manageable? Let's connect.
Phoenix Rising Centers breaks barriers in mental health care for BIPOC, QTPoC, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. Through trauma-informed, anti-racist, and culturally rooted practices, we empower healing, growth, and resilience while confronting systemic inequities.
Yes! You made it, and how amazing would it be to define your pace by recognizing your struggles while still striving to succeed. I’m here to assist you in building unshakable strength by identifying emotional triggers, keeping track of cognitive distortions and processing past disturbing memories. Through the therapy process you’ll be able to improve resilience by acknowledging that progress is quiet, rest is productive, and your story is yours. I apply different modalities to nurture harmonious passion and motivate you to gain access to effective accommodations as needed for your ultimate progress.
If you feel things in a big way, you are in the right place. You may be highly sensitive, an empath, or feeling the weight of injustices. I work with creative people who feel things deeply. I support in processing trauma, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, people pleasing, gender expression, and sexuality. I am committed to social justice and believe mental health does not exist in a vacuum. We are influenced by the society and world around us. My approach to therapy is rooted in values of anti-oppression and acknowledging the systemic factors that impact wellbeing.