Therapists serving clients in Santee, CA

You deserve to live a fulfilled life with meaning and joy! I am excited to support you in promoting your mental health and well-being with our therapy sessions. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California with 5 years of experience in providing therapy to couples, families, and individuals. I have specialized training, experience, and interest in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, phase of life issues for transitional age youth, and eating disorders. I have a background in working in community outpatient mental health, residential care, transitional living facilities, and private practice settings. I believe in a holistic approach to mental well-being and taking context, physical, and spiritual components into account in counseling. As a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, my therapeutic style draws predominantly from CBT, which has been supported by research to be helpful for many mental health concerns. CBT also provides a clear path to helping you feel better, more often. I am also certified in using Interpersonal Therapy, Seeking Safety, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Of course, I am open to incorporating more therapeutic techniques that are important to you as well! I would be honored to be a part of your journey and to support you in your needs. Reach out to me today!

Nadja Zapasov (MA, LMFT) ABOUT ME Welcome! I salute you on your choice to get help in moving forward in your life. Once you have made that decision, your own positive energy will support you and guide you to the next level. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.” William Hutchison Murray The energy of one’s thoughts has the power to create an extraordinary life (or not). Directing your positive and constructive thoughts and emotions to the creation of your goals is the first step in achieving them. I would be honored to assist you in realizing the next step in your life plan, whether it is in the area of relationships, education or career, creative pursuits, coping with life changes, or your personal spiritual evolution. Your “world view” or what your beliefs are about life (and death) are the key to what is happening (or not happening) for you. If you change the way you think, you change the energy that creates things in your life. You are in control of your thoughts. Can you change how you think and what you believe? Of course! Are you looking to explore the possibility of a more spiritual perspective? Although I may not have all the definitive answers, I have learned enough not to fear death. I can help with the ability to discuss those spiritual questions and universal laws, and assist you in learning to use practical methods to move you towards living your best life. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California since 2004, with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. The last twelve years I have worked with the active military and their families, and supervised thirty psychotherapists in their work with adults, children, families, and couples on military installations. Most people are looking for a better balanced life between work and personal satisfaction, as well as better communication, self-esteem, stress management, and how to cope with anxiety, infidelity, body issues, infertility, and parenting. We will work together using educational videos, books, art projects, and various other techniques that will enlarge your personal insights and are sure to make life more interesting and exciting!...you are the most important project you can work on! I really look forward to working with you--on YOU!

Hello and welcome. Deciding to reach out for support is a really important first step in the process of moving forward with your life. Working with a skilled therapist can give us an ability to see our lives from a different perspective which often leads to new and creative insights about how we get stuck, what we really want and how to get there from here. I have been a Social Worker for 14 years and a licensed psychotherapist since 2009, working in the fields of Treatment Foster Care, Substance Abuse Recovery, Community Mental Health and Private Practice. In addition to my professional training and experience, I have also been on my own path of personal healing and growth for almost 30 years. Over that time, probably the most effective tools I have found, both for myself and my clients, are the practices of Mindfulness and Self-Compassion. Mindfulness is a powerful method for getting to know ourselves, our minds and our stories better so we can see how often we get in our own ways and create “problems” which actually only exist in our heads. Self-Compassion is a practice of making friends with ourselves, being kind and accepting ourselves unconditionally, just as we are. Combining Mindfulness and Self-Compassion with other clinical approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Hakomi (Mindfulness-based Body Centered Psychotherapy) can create a powerful set of tools for changing ourselves and moving towards the life we really want. Applying these wisely to our lives can profoundly impact our levels of inner peace and overall sense of well-being and safety in the world. While not all issues are amenable to quick fixes, I generally see clients begin to have new hope and optimism about their lives in fairly short order. Here’s a short poem which I feel expresses the value of practicing self-kindness and compassion: Self-Observation Without Judgment (Danna Faulds) Release the harsh and pointed inner voice. it's just a throwback to the past, and holds no truth about this moment. Let go of self-judgment, the old learned ways of beating yourself up for each imagined inadequacy. Allow the dialogue within the mind to grow friendlier, and quiet. Shift out of inner criticism and life suddenly looks very different. i can say this only because I make the choice a hundred times a day to release the voice that refuses to acknowledge the real me. What's needed here isn't more prodding toward perfection, but intimacy - seeing clearly, and embracing what I see. Love, not judgment, sows the seeds of tranquility and change. I look forward to having the opportunity of working with you to help increase your sense of happiness, contentment and general life satisfaction.

I am a licensed Marriage & Family Counselor in Southern California with over 22 years of experience working in private practice and county and state funded agencies that offer behavior therapy to young children, teens and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder. Treatment included play therapy, ABA, social skills groups and guidance for parents. In private practice, I have a great deal of experience with teens and adults with Asperger’s or high functioning autism, as well as teens and adults with anxiety, depression and other disorders associated with adolescence. I also work with adults of any age. I have been certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach that is very effective for numerous problems and disorders including depression, anxiety, phobias, OCD and relationship issues. My counseling style is warm and interactive with some humor inserted at strategic times. I strongly believe that a sense of humor and the ability to laugh does wonders toward lightening the perception of many “heavy” issues. I treat all clients with respect, and can tailor my treatment approach to each individual client’s needs. I use any appropriate combination of cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, solution-focused and client centered therapy, and I believe in taking a collaborative approach with my clients, allowing them to participate more actively in their sessions. I am greatly looking forward to working with YOU!

Hello and welcome! I know from experience that sometimes it takes a great deal of courage to take the step to contact a therapist. So, thank you for reading! I am a graduate of the University of Southern California (also the University of Michigan) with over fifteen years’ experience as a psychotherapist treating individuals, couples/partners, children/adolescents, families and groups. My clinical training was at Saban Community Clinic, treating a diverse array of patients with wide ranging conditions. I enjoyed the team approach at Saban, which included medical and psychiatric practitioners. I have been licensed and in private practice in Los Angeles, CA since 2017. I offer an individualized approach to therapy, beginning by meeting the client where he/she is in the moment according to the client's needs. The goal is for you to be able to express yourself, be comfortable and ultimately realize your human potential and be happy in your own skin. There are many ‘schools’ of therapy. Some useful approaches I have found have been: Person-Centered Therapy: a non-directive, collaborative approach, often called ‘guided discovery’ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): the relationship between emotions, thoughts and behaviors Solution Focused Brief Therapy: focusing on client strengths, skills and goals Mindfulness Training: being fully present in the moment without judgment Psychodynamic/Self-Psychology: self-identity; developing a healthy understanding of who you are These are brief descriptions. If there is something of interest you know about please let me know and we can discuss. My profession requires 36 hours of continuing education for license renewal every two years. Some common areas of treatment include: • Depression and Anxiety (which often occur together) • Obsessions, Compulsions, Phobias (which tend to have an anxiety basis) • Personality Disorders • Mood Disorders • Trauma and Abuse Survivors; Support and Recovery • Communication/Intimacy; Relationships; Attachment • Living an Authentic Life; Self; Identity • Parenting Support • Grief Counseling • Work and Career issues, Stress Management • Addiction & Recovery (Assessment and Referral) • Eating Disorders (Assessment and Referral) • Cultural Diversity Issues • Sports and Creative Arts Performance Among my skills is complex differential diagnosis. Since many symptoms overlap more than one diagnostic category (and therefore guide treatment planning), a deeper understanding of the client is important. Treatment doesn’t necessarily have to take a long time. CBT and Mindfulness may provide benefits very quickly. If a condition is beyond my scope of practice I will provide guidance and appropriate referrals. In addition to being a psychotherapist, I have substantial interests in the creative arts and am a songwriter and musician myself. I am committed to meeting the client where he/she is in the moment and collaborating on goals to meet his/her needs, provide support and help the client address whatever challenges he/she might face. My approach is to provide warmth, empathy and understanding to help the individual build on his/her strengths and attain the personal growth he/she is committed to accomplishing. Best of luck in your life journey. I look forward to meeting you!

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, problems with attention and impulsivity, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have experience working with neurodivergent individuals and look forward to working with you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Sometimes we feel ready to "do the work," but might feel uncertain about where to start. I work in this field because I believe we are capable of making tremendous changes when we understand ourselves better. Through making sense of our past, we can better understand our current motivations. I believe in empowering you to recognize the ways you can be in control of yourself and your situation. I am interested in who you are, how you describe your culture, and like to meet you where you're at. My style is to support you in connecting your head and your heart to help you gain clarity on your current concerns, and ultimately help you make the right decisions for yourself. I am licensed in California with 6 years of clinical work experience. I received my Master's degree in Counseling at Palo Alto University, and am currently a candidate for a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and self esteem struggles. I know it's not easy to ask for help, so I'm glad that you are taking the first steps towards healing yourself.

I am licensed in California with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Idaho with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.