Find a Therapist in Chula Vista, CA

Dr. Elsa Alanis, PhD, is a dedicated psychologist specializing in supporting teenagers, adults, and elders in overcoming life’s challenges. With a focus on issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties, she offers a nurturing and supportive environment that encourages growth and healing. Dr. Alanis guides clients to tap into their internal resources and develop lasting, positive changes in their lives. Her expertise extends to trauma, stress management, and both individual and couples therapy, where she fosters safe communication and intimacy. Passionate about working with adolescents, she empowers them to navigate their issues and make informed choices. Dr. Alanis employs a holistic approach, integrating a variety of techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, energy psychology, Brainspotting, and EMDR. As a bicultural therapist fluent in English and Spanish, she embraces ethnic and cultural diversity, creating a rich therapeutic experience. Each session with her is viewed as a unique opportunity to confront and conquer life’s challenges while striving for peace, happiness, and harmony across emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.

Marc Davidoff, MFT, is a bilingual and bicultural psychotherapist and psychologist who specializes in working with a diverse clientele, including children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families. He firmly believes that individuals possess the potential to change when provided with the right tools, which can be discovered through therapy and other supportive environments. His therapeutic strengths encompass assisting those suffering from mood disorders, anxiety, relational challenges, communication issues, anger management, addictions, and trauma. Marc employs a variety of techniques spanning cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt, systemic therapy, solution-focused approaches, EMDR, attachment theory, existential, and humanistic psychology. His commitment to providing compassionate support and effective interventions makes him a valuable resource in the realm of mental health and emotional well-being.

Raul Roman, AMFT (Marriage & Family Therapist Associate), understands that in relationships, couples often find themselves embroiled in arguments about seemingly insignificant topics. These disputes can mask deeper feelings of being unloved, unappreciated, and disconnected. Through advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and completion of Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Raul provides a safe space for partners to enhance their emotional connections. He also employs Theraplay and play therapy techniques to strengthen familial bonds, helping families rebuild trust and resolve conflicts with love and respect. With a compassionate approach, Raul guides individuals towards achieving a healthier and more fulfilling relationship dynamic.

Silvia San, LMFT, is a compassionate and skilled psychotherapist dedicated to supporting teens, adults, and elders through their emotional challenges. She specializes in mood disorders, thinking disorders, and personality disorders, offering expertise in bipolar disorder, trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues. As a bilingual and bicultural therapist, Silvia provides a culturally sensitive therapy experience, utilizing an integrative approach that includes mindfulness-based therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Her therapeutic style emphasizes a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their feelings and rediscover their inner strengths. Silvia is committed to fostering personal growth and resilience, and she encourages individuals to embrace the transformative power of therapy. Her experience highlights successes in treating substance use issues, emotional disturbances, and life transitions, allowing her to tailor her methods to meet diverse client needs. Silvia recognizes that taking the step to begin therapy can be daunting, and she admires those who seek to create a life aligned with their values. She is excited to connect with new clients and is ready to guide them on their journey toward wellness.

Deanna Spence is a compassionate and dedicated Clinical Social Worker/Therapist certified as an LCSW. With over seven years of experience in various mental health settings—including private practice, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and community mental health—she has honed her skills in treating a diverse range of issues. Deanna is particularly passionate about supporting teens and adults facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD. Utilizing a strengths-based and client-centered approach, she incorporates techniques from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, ensuring effective and empathetic care. Deanna holds a BS in Psychology from Capella University and an MSW from the University of Southern California. A veteran herself, she proudly advocates for military families, fostering a safe space for those navigating serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and bipolar disorder. Her commitment to culturally sensitive and emotionally focused therapy underlines her deep understanding of the complexities around mental health and her drive to help clients cultivate resilience and healing.

Agustin Valadez, a compassionate and skilled Marriage & Family Therapist, brings over a decade of experience in guiding individuals through life's challenges. Understanding that everyone faces difficult times, he utilizes his own journey to empathize and support his clients in finding their unique paths to healing. Agustin is dedicated to helping clients of all ages, from preteens to elders, navigate transitions, overcome relationship struggles, and gain clarity in their lives. As a bicultural and bilingual therapist, he offers culturally relevant services in Spanish, ensuring inclusivity and understanding. His diverse array of treatment modalities—ranging from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to Art Therapy, and Trauma-Focused approaches—allows him to customize the therapeutic experience to suit the individual needs of each client. Agustin firmly believes in the connection between thoughts, mood, and actions, while also recognizing the profound impact of past traumas. Together with his clients, Agustin strives to discover the best therapeutic approaches, ultimately leading to an enhanced understanding of oneself and an improved quality of life, embracing the beauty of being perfectly imperfect.

Jeff Williams, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist at Pathways Family Therapy, where he embodies a commitment to healing and support. He applauds those who take the courageous step to seek help for themselves or their loved ones. With 15 years of experience, Jeff has assisted a diverse array of individuals in discovering long-term relief, practical solutions, and a more fulfilling life experience. In his therapeutic practice, he provides a safe space for clients to express their true selves, gain valuable insights, develop new behaviors, and build immense personal strength. He is proficient in addressing a range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, mood swings, trauma, family conflict, anger, identity issues, change, loss, and addiction. Jeff thoughtfully adapts his theoretical approaches to fit the unique needs and personalities of individuals and families, utilizing methods such as person-centered, emotion-focused, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical, narrative, Bowen Theory, and Structural Family Therapy. While the prospect of therapy can feel daunting, Jeff encourages anyone seeking support to take that important next step, whether with him or another professional. He looks forward to welcoming new clients into the transformative journey of therapy.

Johanna Bravo-Montes is a dedicated marriage and family therapist (LMFT) whose primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients, guiding them along their unique paths to healing. With 11 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, she believes that therapy thrives on collaboration. Johanna views it as a privilege to stand by her clients every step of the way, helping them manage and improve the challenges they face. Her approach is always customized to meet the specific needs and goals of each individual. Utilizing evidence-based practices and mindfulness, Johanna fosters a goal-oriented atmosphere that empowers her clients to feel motivated and truly understood.

Judy Miller, a seasoned Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years of private practice, specializes in guiding adults and elders through the complexities of relationship dynamics and life transitions. She understands that many individuals resist counseling due to fears of blame, which is why she emphasizes a collaborative and understanding approach. Rather than focusing on assigning blame, Judy facilitates communication to address emotions and needs, aiming for constructive solutions. By exploring each client's personal history and coping styles, she encourages insights that help partners break unproductive patterns. Judy functions as a neutral, objective partner in therapy, teaching skills to communicate effectively without interruptions or negativity. She often assigns tailored homework to reinforce the lessons learned during sessions, ensuring that clients can practice and integrate these tools into their daily lives. Judy’s expertise extends to managing issues such as anxiety, depression, dependency, codependency, and self-esteem, providing personalized strategies to help clients regain their footing and foster self-healing. While she does not bill insurance directly, she offers insurance-submittable receipts for clients to pursue potential reimbursement. Judy is dedicated to equipping her clients with the skills necessary for lasting change and growth.

Taina Aceves is a compassionate marriage and family therapist, holding an MA and LMFT credentials. She specializes in providing support for individuals grappling with everyday struggles and more serious challenges. As a bilingual LMFT and CA Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, she offers a diverse array of therapeutic services, including parent coaching and both individual and family therapy for clients from various cultural backgrounds. With a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Taina understands that each person is the expert of their own life, and she is dedicated to assisting clients in identifying their unique needs, goals, and strengths. Her experience encompasses working with individuals facing diverse mental health needs, such as behavioral and relational difficulties, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Taina provides online, video-based therapy tailored to the specific needs of her clients residing in California.

Veronna Dizon is a compassionate clinical social worker and therapist dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the complexities of life. She understands that life can become chaotic and that anxiety can feel overwhelming, leaving one constantly on edge and emotionally drained. Veronna specializes in helping those experiencing anxiety related to significant life transitions, such as school, work, or motherhood. Recognizing that it’s common to feel this way during pivotal moments, she emphasizes the importance of learning to manage emotions and behaviors to regain a sense of control. Veronna believes in forming a partnership with her clients based on honesty, trust, and respect, meeting them where they are on their journey. With a preference for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client Centered Therapy, she skillfully integrates various therapeutic techniques tailored to her clients' unique needs. As a second-generation Filipino American, Veronna is committed to providing therapy that is culturally competent, affirming, and inclusive for all individuals. Her practice at Good Life Counseling reflects her dedication to helping clients get back on track and find balance in their lives.

Dr. Elva Hoxie is a dedicated marriage and family therapist whose holistic approach to therapy is deeply rooted in her extensive education and experience. With a background as a licensed registered nurse, she holds a Master's degree in Public Health, which underscores her commitment to integrating mind and body for enhanced well-being. Following this, she completed a second Master's degree in marital and family therapy, specializing in adapting to life's changes. Furthermore, Dr. Hoxie achieved a Ph.D. in psychology, focusing on humanistic-existential perspectives. Her diverse expertise ensures a compassionate and insightful therapeutic experience for her clients.

Elia Jimenez, PhD, is a compassionate psychologist dedicated to supporting individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. She understands that feelings of guilt and shame can be burdensome, affecting personal relationships, including the one with oneself. Navigating the complexities of life can sometimes trigger intense feelings of unease, reminiscent of the challenges posed by untreated Complex PTSD. Elia specializes in working with individuals who have faced invalidation or dismissal in their upbringing, guiding them towards self-love and acceptance. By exploring and processing earlier memories, she helps clients recognize the connections between their past experiences and present triggers. Her approach involves retaining the lessons from the past while letting go of what no longer serves them. Elia strives to empower those ready to enhance their emotional wellness and regain a sense of control over their lives. She invites individuals to join her on a journey towards feeling lighter and more grounded, all while fostering a sense of empowerment to embrace the present without the weight of overwhelming emotions.