Katie (she/her/hers) is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about providing individuals, couples, and families with culturally sensitive and inclusive care for the current struggles they may be facing. Katie values respect for her clients’ individuality, and strives to create a safe space for folks to come to know and express their most authentic selves.

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Katie graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and Masters in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. Katie has experience in a variety of settings, including residential treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and outpatient clinics. Katie approaches therapy from a person-centered and strengths-based lens, seeing each individual client for their unique attributes while helping them recognize just how capable they already are. Katie has experience utilizing Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Narrative Therapy, and particularly enjoys integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, as she firmly believes there is great value in getting to know more about the different parts of oneself and how they interact to influence the unique person you are today.

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As part of the community herself, Katie feels especially passionate about providing inclusive and affirming care to LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and couples facing relational issues, life transitions, gender dysphoria, stress, depression, and anxiety. Ultimately, Katie hopes to join with her clients in embodying the Positive Change name by helping guide her clients to understand themselves, trust themselves, advocate for themselves, and help themselves make positive change towards healing.

Katie, a native San Diegan, is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor here at Positive Change Counseling Center who is looking forward to joining you on your journey to better overall wellness. Working from a background of culturally competent, trauma-informed care and a strengths-based approach, Katie uses humor, warmth and compassion to help each client feel seen and safe. Experienced in providing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Katie is confident in providing evidence-based tools to help those suffering from intense emotions to feel grounded and empowered as well as rebuild trust within themselves.

Katie has earned degrees for her undergraduate studies at Valparaiso University in Indiana before coming back to California to earn her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at University of Redlands. Katie is experienced in working with diverse populations struggling with acute and chronic trauma backgrounds at domestic violence shelters and programs for low-income clients and their families. Katie has also worked with young adults in a college setting and wishes to continue to work with adolescents, young adults and adults. Throughout these opportunities, Katie has had extensive training in parenting support, boundary setting, harm-reduction approaches to substance use, transgenerational trauma, attachment styles, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices.

Katie, being deeply aware of how our complex intersecting identities influence our lens of the world and our issues, is excited to provide space where each client can feel affirmed in their identity. With this framework, she hopes to support all clients in meeting their mental health goals and continue to be an advocate in the community for lasting change.

Natalia (she/her/hers) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who joined Positive Change Counseling in the summer of 2023, bringing a compassionate and client-centered approach to therapy. With a commitment to tailoring treatment to each individual's unique needs, she provides comprehensive therapy services including individual, group, and family therapy. Drawing from a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, Natalia integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) into her practice. This eclectic approach allows her to address a wide range of concerns and support her clients in achieving their therapeutic goals.

Natalia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego (USD). She has previously worked in primary care settings providing short-term interventions. She also has a background working within an Eating Disorder Partial Hospitalization Program, providing trauma-informed distress tolerance treatment. Natalia's extensive experience encompasses working with adolescents, families, adults, individuals, and couples struggling with various challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, shame, trauma, body image, eating disorders, and relationship conflicts. Her ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space enables her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, facilitating personal growth and transformation.

Natalia welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientations, and generations. By fostering a strong therapeutic alliance, she ensures that each individual's unique experiences and identities are honored and respected throughout the therapeutic journey. Passionate about empowering her clients, Natalia integrates psychoeducation into her sessions, providing valuable insights and resources that enable clients to develop a deeper understanding of their struggles and take meaningful steps toward healing and growth. Through her warm and collaborative approach, she guides clients in exploring their inner strengths, building resilience, and embracing positive change. Natalia looks forward to accompanying you on your personal growth journey, offering support, guidance, and compassionate care every step of the way.

Lexi (she/her) is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who works from a trauma-informed and strengths-based lens to support clients in achieving their goals. She approaches therapy from a place of authenticity, collaboration, and compassion. Lexi believes that each of us is the expert on our own unique experiences, and we therefore have the power and ability to make the positive changes necessary to lead fulfilling lives. She often integrates DBT, Internal Family Systems, CBT, self-compassion, and positive psychology interventions to support clients. 

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Lexi received her Bachelor’s degree from Chapman University, and a Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of San Diego. She has experience working with clients on building healthy relationships and boundary setting, strengthening healthy parenting skills, processing grief, overcoming difficult life transitions, and navigating depression, anxiety, and trauma.

She values the opportunity to embrace each person’s unique cultural background, as our ethnicity, race, sexual and gender identities all contribute to who we are and are integral parts of the way we experience mental and emotional well-being. Lexi recognizes the healing power of simply being truly heard and understood, and she creates a supportive, compassionate space where individuals can experience this. She looks forward to the opportunity to be a part of your journey and assist you in becoming the best version of you.

Ianne Nayeli is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who is bilingual in English and Spanish. Ianne Nayeli has experience working with children, adolescents and adults, and utilizes a client-centered, trauma-informed lens, cultural humility, and a strength-based approach to collaborate with clients to help them meet their mental health goals. She utilizes multiple evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, narrative therapy, play therapy, and art-based approaches.

Ianne Nayeli is passionate about helping clients to explore their attachment styles, love languages, cultural and generational components, and family dynamics to gain insight on their relationship with themselves and others. She helps clients to manage their symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and stress, and to navigate adjustments, transitions, and parenting concerns. Additionally, she likes to provide structure during sessions, assign homework that is relevant to the client’s goals as needed, and also encourages clients to 'go with the flow'. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development, and Master of Science degree in Child Development with an emphasis in early childhood mental health. Ianne Nayeli is ready to support you in your journey to wellness at any stage in your life!

Katrin Seifert PsyD (pronouns: she/her) is a licensed psychologist, board certified in Clinical Health Psychology, whose areas of interest and expertise include health psychology, the effects of long-term trauma and stress, and working with adolescents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and culturally diverse populations. Dr. Seifert practices from an anti-racist perspective with a focus on equity.  

Dr. Seifert completed her graduate training at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology. For the past 12 years, Dr. Seifert has worked in primary care settings, alongside medical doctors, focusing on providing short-term interventions to help people of all ages, addressing a wide array of physical, mental, and behavioral concerns. Dr. Seifert has been in leadership roles, overseeing a Behavioral Health team and a psychology training program at a community health center, and has also focused on providing supervision and training to behavioral health and medical learners.

Dr. Seifert welcomes people of all ethnicities, races, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, and education level. Dr. Seifert does not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and instead tailors her work to the individual and their preferences; however, Dr. Seifert is comfortable applying interventions from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Dr. Seifert aims to help each person make progress toward their goals by understanding that person’s perspective as well as sharing her own insights, observations, and strategies.

Ginny (pronouns are she/her/ hers) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Ginny believes that therapy should be with a calm, caring and compassionate person who can help you achieve your therapeutic goals at a pace where you feel growth and positive change. She strives to connect the body and mind to help create a sense of wellbeing. Ginny will offer a safe space to feel, explore and grow. With over 12 years of experience working with families, children and teens as a therapist in the community, she will provide you with the tools and strategies to recover, reclaim and learn to ground yourself in all areas of your life.

Ginny's therapeutic work incorporates various evidence-based psychotherapy practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Practices, Attachment Theory, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Somatic Models; all with an emphasis on a mindfulness approach. Ginny has experience working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Behavior Modification, Family Therapy and Positive Parenting Skills. Ginny's empathic nature allows her to express: "I understand that life can be hard".  

Jennifer (or Jen) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 8 years of experience working with children struggling with intense and frequent emotional and behavioral problems. Jennifer has a broad range of clinical experience working with children in the following areas: disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders, depressive disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, and anxiety disorders. Jennifer works with clients and their families to process trauma, promote healthy communication, and strengthen the family unit. Jennifer also has experience running groups that focused on social skills, coping skills, anger management, and emotion regulation.

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Jennifer utilizes a strength-based approach and offers a safe and non-judgmental space. She works closely with her clients to develop realistic and achievable goals as she wants her clients to be successful. Jennifer’s experience working in a residential program has allowed her to support children and family’s mental health treatment in a variety of capacities, further deepening her understanding of the complexities and vulnerabilities involved in mental health care. Jennifer has received training in CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, and DBT. She also incorporates other modalities such as Solution Focused, Client Centered, and Art-Based therapeutic interventions. Jennifer provides trauma-informed and culturally competent therapeutic services, takes a creative, understanding approach with all her clients, and supports her clients in deepening their personal exploration.

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Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University and her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University.

Carol Dawidowicz is passionate about helping people improve their well-being and relationships. She has been working as a therapist with children, teens and adults since 2005. Carol started her counseling career at a non-profit agency serving at risk youth. Carol has over 6 years of experience working with military service members and their families. She supports clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, family of origin issues, grief & loss, separation & divorce, issues of identity/self-esteem, and relationship problems. She also works with couples facing a variety of challenges including parenting issues, infidelity, communication difficulties, intimacy problems, conflict and domestic violence.

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Carol received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2000. She obtained her graduate degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego in 2006. Since graduation, Carol has continued to further her education and training by participating in programs focused on Gottman Therapy for working with couples, Prolonged Exposure for working with PTSD and multiple anxiety treatment related programs.

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Carol values diversity and strives to understand the unique needs of each individual. She helps clients identify their strengths and develop the tools and relationship skills to lead a more productive and satisfying life.

Jennifer specializes in treating adults with a variety of anxiety and depressive disorders. She will work with you to address past trauma, decrease work-related stress and teach you skills to help get "unstuck" with challenges you may be facing. She also does a great deal of work with couples and families to address common relationship concerns, such as: communication, conflict resolution, trust, intimacy issues and financial concerns. Relationship therapy focuses on providing couples with skills to help increase trust, gain intimacy and strengthen their overall relationship. 

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One of Jennifer's passions includes working with expectant and new parents on their journey as they work toward creating a special space for the newest member of their family.  As an advocate for parents, Jennifer believes in the importance of understanding your rights during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond in providing the care you feel is best for you and your family. Jennifer is a Certified Facilitator for Gottman’s “Bringing Baby Home” curriculum.

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Jennifer received her Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2000 and a Masters of Arts from the University of San Diego in Marital and Family Therapy in 2002.  Jennifer founded Positive Change Counseling Center in 2006 and with over 15 years of experience she continues to provide effective treatment to her clients. She has worked as a Research Therapist at the Veteran's Medical Research Foundation in La Jolla providing evidence-based Prolonged Exposure therapy to U.S soldiers returning home from combat who are challenged by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from combat and other traumatic events. Success rates are high in minimizing and eliminating issues such as increased fear, depressed mood, flashbacks, and poor concentration related to traumatic events including physical violence, sexual and combat trauma. Jennifer's background also includes human relations and diversity trainings, supporting survivors of domestic violence, providing in-home services for at-risk youth, facilitating anxiety support groups and providing residential treatment for adults with chronic mental illness and addiction.