Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA
The origins of many psychotherapeutic approaches come from a Eurocentric and Male perspective. The very history of psychology as well as current diagnostic criteria are guided by Eurocentric standards. Intersectionality challenges the history of psychology, the therapeutic approaches, as well as the DSM (the therapist "bible") by encouraging a clinician to take a step back and look at all the identities that present with each and every client. Intersectionality in therapy allows for a more well rounded and appropriate form of treatment that takes into account the impact of discrimination on our emotional well being as well as the resiliency and strength that can come with our identities
Dr. Kavita Ajmere is a Clinical Psychologist in Los Angeles, CA. As the former Director of Counseling Services at Harvard Westlake school, she works with students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Ajmere is especially interested in young adults and health related concerns; specifically, depression, anxiety and sleep. As a certified yoga instructor she has a deep appreciation for understanding the mind-body connection. In addition to her clinical practice she is an adjunct professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Studying under Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D., ABPP, ACT, Professor & Chief of the Division of Psychology, Northwestern University, Dr. Ajmere completed a year-long course on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy— a program that focuses on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Children, Adolescents, & Families. She has also completed a CBT program for the treatment of anxiety disorders with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Director of Alexian Brothers Center for Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders. As humans, we are complex, interesting, and deep. I believe in the powerful connection between our inner world and our mental health. My style is eclectic and inclusive. I present the best tools and techniques in the fields of psychology and personal growth that are most relevant and produce results. These include coaching and counseling models, cognitive approaches, body centered practices, spiritual psychology and, positive psychology.
Using a compassionate and client-centered approach, I support each person in working toward their goals at a pace that feels right for them. I prioritize understanding what you want to get out of therapy and I work with you to develop a plan to get there. Insight is an important part of therapy, and I balance this with helping you find ways to actually see changes in your life and relationships. Working with me will feel like we are actually "getting somewhere". I describe my style as open-minded, warm and empowering. I also like therapy to feel like a natural conversation and my personality is naturally grounded and down to earth. Clients often share with me that I'm able to accurately capture and reflect how they are feeling, and they also appreciate my willingness to challenge their stuck points. My approach is all about supporting you in gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, while also finding the courage to change old patterns that are no longer serving you.
How many times a day do you daydream of dropping everything? Only to quickly be overcome with anxiety and frustration thinking of how everyone and everything will fall apart without you. Let’s face it—if you did take a break, the same issues would still be there, and there might be even more waiting for you. This is just one sign, among others, of burnout and a good example of an opportunity to learn the art of setting boundaries and saying “no” to others while saying “yes” to yourself. This is where therapy comes in! Many believe that therapy is only for the broken or the traumatized. False. Therapy is for anyone seeking to live more fully, love more deeply, think more clearly, and feel more like the 'you' you have been missing. In therapy you will have a safe space to reconnect with yourself and learn how to say “no” with confidence. Like my clients, you deserve to put yourself first without worrying about letting down your partner, kids, friends, or boss. Feeling peaceful and fulfilled without the guilt is not out of your reach!
For every challenge there is an opportunity. From the perspective of psychology, this means that the challenges we face can be gateways into a new understanding of ourselves; they are part and parcel of our development as human beings. I would be happy to support you in your development. I work collaboratively with my clients by helping them set realistic goals for our work together and use a variety of engaging or creative methods to support them in developing greater insight into themselves.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, struggling with relationships, or facing uncertainty about the future? I specialize in working with young adults who are juggling many responsibilities and are seeking relief from anxiety and stress. Together we develop effective coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, and foster resilience. If you need help navigating a difficult time in your life, like the end of a relationship or figuring how to find a healthy school/life balance, I offer both the compassion and the skills that can lead to symptom relief. Please reach out for a free consultation. I have sliding scale fees so please don't let financial hardship stop you from reaching out!
Having trained at Notre Dame, U.C. Berkeley and Stanford, I bring rigorous scientific expertise into my clinical work with adolescents, college students, millennials and high profile professionals. I often work with high-achieving individuals who find themselves looking for practical solutions to the barriers that impede their success. My clients are often driven, maybe a little overworked, and in need of balance! Having been there myself, I get it! I aim to be part coach, part cheerleader, and part educator as I support clients in living their optimal lives zestfully and fearlessly! I love what I do and can't wait to meet you! As a TEDx speaker, top media expert, adjunct professor at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology, tv personality and author of multiple clinical workbooks and tools, I employ a highly active approach to therapy. I combine CBT, mindfulness, and positive psychology interventions. My therapy style is a blend of processing emotions and teaching critical life skills. In today's ever fast-paced world, we can feel disconnected and alone. I thrive on building relationships marked by empathy, trust, hope, and always, laughter. Being a therapist has been my life's passion since I was 11! How many therapists can say that? ***Please note I only see clients virtually part-time. Please also review my website and FAQ PRIOR to booking and inquiries. TY!!
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I specialize in supporting young adults through life transitions—starting college, changing careers, managing relationships, becoming a parent, or navigating new independence. Your twenties and thirties (and beyond) can feel exciting, overwhelming, and uncertain. If life feels messy, you’re not alone. I’m here to help you make sense of your experiences, explore who you’re becoming, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion.
As you navigate your journey toward your degree, you might be having to deal with other stressors: anxiety, depression, family separations, loved ones passing away, breakups, difficulty with school, etc. The list could become endless. I've been there and can understand how rough it could get. While in therapy, you can learn the appropriate coping mechanisms to steer in the right direction so that you can focus on enjoying your college experience. I have made the experience of doing therapy with me easier, by doing it online. This way, you don't have to sit in traffic driving to/from your appointment, and you get to sit on your own couch while holding your favorite blanket.
I’m a Mindfulness expert dedicated to teaching skills to reduce anxiety , stress and binge eating disorders. I enjoy helping people learn how to build healthier relationships with themselves , food and their bodies. I work with all people in a nonjudgmental manner with a large LGBTQIA+ clientele. I believe in taking a collaborative approach to helping clients reach their goals. I’m passionate about working with individuals struggling with life changes, self -love, eating disorders, and relationship stress. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with me, please send an appointment request. I look forward to hearing from you.
If you’re a Gen Z or millennial woman who only realized you had OCD as an adult, you know what it’s like to feel stuck in your own mind. You might spend hours needing things to feel “just right,” second-guessing every choice, or checking and re-checking just to feel certain. You keep your thoughts to yourself because you know they don’t make sense but they still feel so real, and over time this can feel isolating and lonely. Decisions can start to feel impossible. Intrusive thoughts loop endlessly. The constant urge to get rid of doubt can be exhausting. If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken and you don’t have to face it alone. I support women questioning whether they have OCD or navigating a late diagnosis. Many feel trapped by intrusive thoughts, perfectionism, and the mental and emotional strain of trying to control every outcome. If you find yourself seeking reassurance just to feel a sense of relief, you’re in the right place. Therapy can be a space where you practice staying present even when your mind is loud. Together, we’ll work on sitting with discomfort, building safety in uncertainty, and developing tools that actually work for your life, not against it. My goal is to help you create more room for confidence and self-trust. I’m here and ready when you are. Reach out today.
Are constant changes making you feel lost and disconnected from loved ones? You're not alone. Many college students feel the same way—lonely, unworthy, and sometimes just getting out of bed feels impossible. I get it, and I'm here to help you navigate through it. Let’s work together to find fulfillment in your life. We’ll focus on managing your emotions, building healthy relationships, and understanding your past and present to empower you to live authentically. I believe in your ability to heal and grow. I offer teletherapy sessions designed to fit into your busy college schedule. My approach is compassionate and nonjudgmental, prioritizing your needs and goals. I strive to create a supportive environment that encourages personal growth and positivity. I'm excited to meet you—come as you are, and let’s heal together!
Our clients come from all walks of life, but tend to have one thing in common when they reach out to set up an initial appointment: they’ve realized they want more out of life. More joy, more freedom, greater emotional and relational health – in short, a more abundant life. In your first few sessions with us, it’s typical to breathe a sigh of relief – as you realize that there’s finally a space where you can be completely, authentically yourself. We start by processing your story – where you’ve been, where you are now, where you want to be. Stephen Covey writes that “to touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground.” Being invited to be a witness to your story – in all the pains and triumphs and tragedies and victories – this is not an honor I take lightly. As our work together progresses, we unpack what hasn’t been working – self-defeating beliefs, unprocessed events and emotions, stale relational patterns… and we explore and process and practice new ways of being. Over time, the “ah ha” moments start to add up into the “I can’t believe how far I’ve come” moments as we reflect on your journey toward healing and abundance.
I work with individual adults to create meaning, joy, purpose and well-being.
We specialize in a range of issues college students face and are passionate about providing warm collaborative mental health care tailored to your specific needs.
Dr. Vargas specializes in the treatment of depression, emotion dysregulation, trauma, and anxiety among teens and adults. She provides Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapies. She works with people experiencing the consequences of minoritization, including racial trauma, acculturative, and minority stress. She is an LGBTQ+ affirming provider. Provee terapia en español. Dr. Vargas completed her postdoctoral training at UCLA and predoctoral clinical internship at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. She received her PhD and MPH from the University of Southern California and her BA from McGill University.
Sondering Counseling and Wellness is a modern mental health counseling practice centered around providing accessible, high-quality, and compassionate care for all. Every clinician possesses competence, confidence, and an affirming attitude towards individuals of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship orientations.
You're ambitious, kind, hardworking, and yet, something in life isn't working out. It feels like you're trying so hard, and yet, you're stuck, or somehow falling behind in a part of your life. Maybe because of stress, a past romantic relationship, or maybe because you're feeling overwhelmed. Talking with someone about worries and circumstances to heal emotional wounds takes courage. Counseling could be intimidating and stirring. Thankfully, we offer an attentive and supportive environment that is safe, private and professional for your emotional health. If you need support, reach out. We are here to help. Book an appointment to meet with us at our office in-person, or via TeleHealth.