Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in San Diego, CA

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.

Nona Kelly is a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT) with over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sector. Nona enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families who are wanting a healthier life. She has extensive experience treating many issues and diagnoses, including depression and anxiety, women’s issues, family issues, addiction, and life transitions. 

Nona completed her master’s degree at Loma Linda University and is licensed both in California and Tennessee. Nona has contributed to publications in Women’s Health, HealthScope Magazine and The Tennessean Publication. She brings an energetic and flexible approach to her work with clients, while also offering a supportive, empathic, and safe place to process client concerns. Nona appreciates the whole person and utilizes cognitive-behavioral and person-centered techniques in her approach to therapy. 

Nona seeks to journey alongside you, encouraging self-growth by active listening and giving feedback that will assist you in meeting your established therapeutic goals. Let’s get started working towards your best life!

Do you feel pulled in a million directions, unable to fit it all in? Are you struggling to keep up with your relationships, work and health? Is it hard to be kind to yourself? I help high performers manage anxiety and avoid burnout. Together, we can identify what's not working and get you back to balance. 

We'll use a whole self approach, addressing the needs of your mind, body and spirit. I also integrate mindfulness and somatic movement to help you develop a stronger relationship with yourself. Whether you're dealing with overwhelm, relationship issues or cycles of anxiety and depression, I'm here to help. 

Seeking therapy can feel scary but you're making the right choice. You deserve a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques so you can overcome the hangups and habits holding you back.Let's work together!

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.

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.