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I have successfully worked with individuals and groups by drawing on my bilingual and bicultural background....
I have successfully worked with individuals and groups by drawing on my bilingual and bicultural background.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 6 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My background includes providing support in outpatient settings and community-based programs, where I have guided clients through struggles with relationships, life transitions, and emotional well-being. I take a collaborative, compassionate approach, working alongside clients to help them feel empowered and supported in their journey toward healing.
I earned my Master’s in Counseling, Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. I integrate family systems and client-centered approaches to create a safe, balanced space for healing. My goal is to support clients in strengthening relationships, improving communication, and building resilience.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. I strive to create an environment where you feel safe, respected, and heard. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, your relationship, or your family, I welcome you to reach out. Together, we can work toward the growth and balance you’re looking for.
I use various approaches to make sure treatment is catered to my client's specific needs....
I use various approaches to make sure treatment is catered to my client's specific needs.
Aurelio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years of experience. Aurelio’s specialties include adults experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, loss of a loved one, relationships, and stress. Aurelio has a wealth of experience with overcoming life traumas, the loss of loved ones, and improving personal communications.
Aurelio draws upon his 26 years of military service and nine overseas deployments, along with his passion for serving others, to provide a meaningful therapeutic experience. He enjoys providing psycho-education and using cognitive behavioral therapy.
In your first session, Aurelio will explore the process of therapy, identify what brings you to therapy, and together, develop some goals of what you want to accomplish in therapy. Aurelio also thinks it is important to work together to help you better understand the "what" and "why" of what you are experiencing.
Through both personal and professional experience, I’ve seen how trauma and loss can reshape us and how, with compassionate care a...
Through both personal and professional experience, I’ve seen how trauma and loss can reshape us and how, with compassionate care and evidence-based support, it’s possible to rebuild strength, balance, and a renewed sense of self. I aim to make mental health treatment feel like a conversation, not a clinical checklist.
I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 6 years of experience supporting individuals on their journey toward emotional well-being and stability. I’m passionate about helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, mood instability, trauma, and relationship stressors. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where healing and self-discovery can take place. I believe in meeting clients where they are and working together to help them regain a sense of balance and control in their daily lives.
I earned my Master’s in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences. My approach blends evidence-based psychiatric care with empathy and empowerment, focusing on each person’s unique story. I integrate medication management, education, and lifestyle strategies to support both symptom relief and long-term growth.
Taking the first step toward care is a powerful act of courage. My goal is to make you feel understood, valued, and supported as we work toward greater peace and stability. I’m here to listen without judgment and help you uncover your strength, purpose, and clarity. When you’re ready, I invite you to begin your journey toward healing with me.
This will be a journey where I will walk alongside you, supporting you through tough times and cheering you on in easier times....
This will be a journey where I will walk alongside you, supporting you through tough times and cheering you on in easier times.
Melissa Dobson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked with all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings to address various mental health concerns, as well as substance use issues. Melissa specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Melissa completed her Master's in Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida. Melissa utilizes treatment approaches that include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
Melissa is passionate about supporting and empowering you with tools and techniques to help you face life’s challenges. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.
As a bilingual Swedish-speaking therapist, I will meet you with a deep, compassionate presence, provide a safe place to explore yo...
As a bilingual Swedish-speaking therapist, I will meet you with a deep, compassionate presence, provide a safe place to explore your inner landscape, and assist you in identifying needs and what might trigger difficult emotions.
Carina Demanigold is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience supporting individuals and couples through life’s most difficult transitions. She draws from both physical and mental healthcare backgrounds, including hospice care. Carina is passionate about providing emotional support to those facing grief, trauma, and other forms of suffering. She works with mild to moderate mental health symptoms and fosters healing through a compassionate, client-centered approach.
Carina holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern California. Her integrative approach combines mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional balance using cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and the Gottman method. She meets clients where they are and promotes authentic healing.
Carina offers evidence-based psychotherapy tailored to the needs of each client, helping them manage anxiety, depression, grief, and life transitions. Her calm, non-judgmental presence empowers individuals and couples to navigate emotional waves with clarity and resilience. She believes therapy is a path toward understanding the logic behind our behaviors.
I believe we all have the answers to our questions, problems, and desires within ourselves, but having someone else to support us ...
I believe we all have the answers to our questions, problems, and desires within ourselves, but having someone else to support us on our journey can make it much easier.
Mia Velarde is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in helping individuals ages 16 and older with concerns including depression, anxiety, chronic stress, PTSD, and LGBTQIA+-related issues. Mia creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can show up exactly as they are while they focus on strengths and evolve goals. In her free time, Mia enjoys running, spending time with family, visiting museums, and listening to records.
Mia received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of LaVerne. She uses family systems, attachment and commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques depending on their needs.
Life isn’t about toughing it out alone. There are so many people around to learn from and grow with. Mia would be humbled and honored to support you and encourages you to schedule your first appointment today!
I understand the internal conflict associated with life transitions and exploration of self-identity. I strive to support clients ...
I understand the internal conflict associated with life transitions and exploration of self-identity. I strive to support clients to reach their goals.
Elizabeth Janca is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience who specializes in depression, stress and anxiety, child therapy and parenting, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also works with those with concerns around autism, LGBTQ+-related issues, polyamory/ENM, trauma, grief, chronic pain, and ADHD. Elizabeth offers play therapy for children, activity and group therapy for adolescents, and talk therapy for adults. Before becoming a counselor, she spent 5 years in middle school education as an Academic Counselor and Assistant Principal.
Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University. She supports a person-centered approach with techniques and psychoeducation from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies.
Elizabeth believes counseling is a collaborative process to support and guide individuals to reach their goals. She lets clients set the focus of sessions and encourages them to take an active role in treatment planning. If you are ready to begin, book an appointment with Elizabeth today.
I believe it is important to feel your work brings value and assists in growth and transformation for others....
I believe it is important to feel your work brings value and assists in growth and transformation for others.
Mauricette Mancini is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience. She specializes in supporting adolescents, adults, and seniors who are struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship conflict, trauma, and ADHD. Mauricette was inspired to become a therapist because of the positive effect helping others has on her personal and professional journey. When she isn’t at work, Mauricette likes to read, hike, paint, and meditate.
Mauricette has a Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. She treats all clients with respect and compassion and utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness techniques.
It takes courage to seek a more meaningful and happier life, and Mauricette is honored to support and empower you to reach your goals.If you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with Mauricette today!
I enjoy reading, learning, hiking in nature, health, cooking raw, meditation, self inquiry, drawing and painting.
Mark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who works out of an office in Philadelphia, and holds licenses in both Pennsylvania an...
Mark is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who works out of an office in Philadelphia, and holds licenses in both Pennsylvania and California. He has 20 years of experience helping children, adults, and families work through challenges that impact their health and happiness. He spent much of his career working at a nonprofit agency that continues to serve trauma impacted children and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was through this work that Mark grew to understand both the grave impact of trauma and the healing power of psychotherapy. Mark works from a variety of therapies to best match an individual's needs. Some of these include cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and gestalt therapy. He also has subspecialties in parent training, behavioral intervention instruction, and play therapies. Regardless of the therapeutic orientation, he believes enriching an individual’s personal story is the key to change. When people can author strength based personal narratives, they are able to find the strength to overcome their doubts, fears, and worry. Mark believes every person carries within them the power to change and heal. He seeks to help individuals access this power through a safe, comforting, and expressive experience.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
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Thriveworks Couples therapy helps couples work through their specific relationship issues. It is led by licensed professionals — often licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs) — who are experts in their field and best-equipped to help couples. Some examples of common focuses within couples therapy include:
Couples therapy works by helping couples identify and better navigate their unique challenges. Following an initial assessment of the couple in terms of strengths and needs, the therapist would then discuss their therapeutic goals and any possible approaches or ways of working together as therapist and couple.Couples attend sessions together, whether they meet in person or by video. In addition to regular couples therapy sessions, each partner may also be asked to attend a few individual sessions to supplement their progress. This will allow their counselor to get to know each individual better, assess each of their personal needs, and develop the very best treatment plan moving forward.
Couples therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you and your partner.
On average, couples attend couples therapy for 12 weeks. However, couples therapy may last longer or shorter, dependent on the couples’ needs, the challenges they’d like to work through, and the pace of their progress.
It takes work to be in a relationship, and partners often feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or annoyed. These emotions may signal that it is time for the relationship to end, but they may also be an opportunity for partners to work through a challenge and grow closer together. Only those within the relationship can decide, but there is help. More and more, couples are going to therapy together and trying to establish a healthier, happier relationship.
Couples therapy is not a quick-fix for relationship problems, but many couples have established healthier ways of relating to each other with the help of a relationship expert. Thriveworks San Diego offers couples therapy, and our counselors have worked with many partners who are struggling. Reach out today to get started.
Unrealistic romantic expectations are everywhere. Hollywood often portrays a standard that everyday couples could never attain, and even if they could, it would not necessarily be healthy. Establishing and maintaining a happy relationship in real life takes a lot of time and effort. What does it look like? Here are a few ways to recognize healthy couples…
1) They do not have secrets. They are fully known and accepted. Happy couples do not hide from each other. They do not run from their own weaknesses, failures, or struggles. Instead, they are known and accepted. They also accept responsibility for their own thoughts, feelings, and personal growth.
2) Each partner maintains their unique personality and distinctiveness. Being in a relationship should never mean an individual’s uniqueness is downplayed. Healthy couples have room within the relationship for personal feelings, needs, thoughts, choices, and responsibilities. Self-care is important, even when an individual is in a long-term relationship.
3) They respect each other’s differences. One of the reasons each individual within a healthy couple can maintain their uniqueness is that partners handle differences with respect. Disagreeing and differences can be a sign of health.
4) They prioritize their time together. It is a guarantee that calendars fill up quickly. Life is busy and chaotic, but people choose how they spend their time. Happy couples choose to spend time together. They may live busy lives, but they always find time for connection. Healthy partners are often willing to turn down engagements and opportunities when they need to do so.
5) They are each other’s biggest fans. Everyone needs a cheerleader, and healthy couples support each other both privately and publicly. That means they do not put their partner down, and they do not allow others to put their partner down. That means they encourage each other to pursue their dreams and look out for one another’s best interests.
6) They are willing to sacrifice for each other. At some point in every relationship, one partner will have to make a sacrifice for the other and vice versa. Some people describe being in a relationship as a 50-50 effort, but the reality is that happy couples both give and do not keep tally. Each partner will need help. Each partner will make a sacrifice.
No couple is perfect, and no couple has to work through challenges alone. Thriveworks San Diego offers couples therapy, and our counselors are ready to work with you and your partner.
When you contact our office, you may have your appointment within the week. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept many different forms of insurance. We want couples to receive the counseling they need when they need it. Call today.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
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