Therapists in Rancho Bernardo

Ciara Peterson is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. She strives to create a warm, collaborative, and engaging therapeutic environment where clients feel understood, empowered, and supported in discovering their strengths and building meaningful change.

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Ciara earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from Sonoma State University. She specializes in supporting clients presenting with concerns such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, family conflict, school-related stressors, substance use concerns, relationship challenges, and low self-esteem. She is deeply committed to supporting children through play-based approaches, guiding adolescents through emotional challenges, and working alongside families to promote growth and resilience. 

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Ciara’s clinical approach is client-centered and integrative, with a strong foundation in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to cultivate mindfulness, emotional awareness, and self-worth. She also draws on evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Ciara believes with compassionate support and individualized strategies, everyone has the capacity to build confidence, discover happiness, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Taylor Flinn is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who supports children,
adolescents, young adults, and families in navigating challenges related to anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship dynamics, and developing a healthier body image and relationship with food.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in human development from California State University San Marcos and her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

Taylor has a strong interest in working with students and student-athletes, helping them strengthen emotional regulation skills, build confidence, and find balance both in and outside of their sport. Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, LGBTQ+ affirming, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic techniques, Taylor helps clients cultivate self-awareness, foster self-compassion, and move towards desired change. She is committed to providing culturally
attuned and trauma-informed care that honors each client’s intersecting identities and lived experiences.

Taylor strives to create a supportive and empowering environment where clients can explore challenges, share their unique experiences, and reconnect with their sense of balance, confidence, and purpose.

Lara Anderson is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor who supports individuals of all ages in navigating the complexities of life.  Lara earned her Bachelor's of Arts in educational studies and psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and achieved her Master's degree in school counseling from the University of San Diego. 

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Lara has a passion for working with individuals, couples, and families to reflect on and actualize their values in ways that foster connection and meaning.  Lara has worked with individuals that are neurologically unique, couples that find themselves stuck and lonely, and families that are exhausted and/or exasperated.    

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Lara draws from a variety of modalities when working with her clients, adapting her approach to meet their specific needs and goals.  You can expect a warm, compassionate environment where you will be listened to and cared for in sessions with Lara.   

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Lara is a lifelong learner and has a unique sensitivity to the experience of becoming and being a mother.  Lara approaches her sessions with both humility and respect for her clients, knowing that taking the step towards self-discovery is brave and tender.   

Mary Al Chammas is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who is dedicated to supporting individuals, adolescents, and families as they navigate emotional challenges and work toward meaningful, lasting change. She strives to create a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore their experiences.

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Mary earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. She has experience working with teens, adolescents, adults, and families, and has supported clients presenting with concerns such as eating disorders, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-esteem and body image challenges, as well as relationship difficulties. Mary is particularly passionate about working with individuals navigating anxiety and self-esteem concerns, as well as those facing cultural stressors and immigration-related challenges.

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Her clinical work is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness-based approaches. Mary integrates these modalities thoughtfully to meet each client’s unique needs, goals, and strengths.

Mary values culturally responsive, inclusive care and is committed to honoring each client’s identity, background, and lived experience. She approaches therapy with empathy, curiosity, and respect, and views the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership. In addition to English, Mary offers therapy in Arabic.

Pamela is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She believes that life’s struggles aren’t meant to be faced alone. Pamela provides a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and relationships, and walks alongside her clients on their journey to living a balanced, healthy, and authentic life. Pamela earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Master’s Degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. She is bilingual and provides therapy in both English and Spanish.

Although Pamela has extensive experience working with children and families, she is currently focusing on working with adults, couples, and families, who are seeking help for a variety of concerns, not limited to anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, adjustment disorders, ADHD, ASD, familial conflict, parenting and co-parenting struggles, marital and relationship concerns, as well as work stress and burnout. 

Pamela is passionate about perinatal and postnatal mental health as well as helping parents and caregivers through the unique struggles of being a caretaker in today’s world. She is neuro-affirming and enjoys working with neurodivergent clients and families. Pamela has extensive experience teaching executive function skills and supporting individuals and families with ADHD. Pamela worked closely with other healthcare professionals during her time in primary care behavioral health/ collaborative care and is passionate about helping healthcare providers through the unique struggles of a career in healthcare, finding work/ life balance in a demanding environment, and navigating compassion fatigue and burnout. 

Pamela has experience with multiple therapeutic modalities but primarily uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. She also has experience utilizing the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples and families. 

Bailey Greene is an Associate Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting her clients. She recognizes and applauds the courage and effort it takes to seek mental health support and believes the therapeutic relationship is vital for meaningful growth and healing. A session with Bailey will be grounded in warmth, empathy, authenticity, (and perhaps a little humor), to create a safe and supportive space. Bailey will work together with you to develop a treatment plan, objectives, and goals that align with whatever challenges you are facing.

Bailey is a native San Diegan. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona, and a Master’s Degree in Social Work, with a Pupil Personnel Services Credential, from San Diego State University. Bailey has worked in a variety of settings including non-profit organizations, outpatient mental health programs, medical facilities, and public schools.

Bailey works with youth, young adults, and families who are seeking support for a variety of challenges, including school or higher education-related challenges, depression, anxiety, neurodivergence (including ADHD, ASD), familial or relationship conflict, life transitions, trauma, and grief and loss. Bailey’s experience includes working with families, individuals, and support groups. She has worked with families affected by separation and divorce, and has extensive experience working with youth ages 7-18, providing culturally-sensitive individual, group, and family therapy, as well as case management and coordination. Bailey welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, providing an inclusive and safe environment.

Bailey tailors each treatment plan to the individual and their preferences. She incorporates techniques from a variety of theoretical models including, but not limited to, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Somatic (Mindfulness-Based) Therapy. Bailey looks forward to working together with you in achieving your goals.

Lauren Appleby (she/her) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and her Bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego. Lauren provides inclusive, affirming care to individuals across the lifespan and is committed to creating a space where clients feel safe, supported, and understood.

Lauren has a particular passion for working with individuals navigating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. She understands how challenging life can feel when our minds are constantly focused on the future, trying to prepare for, or prevent, what hasn’t yet happened. Her goal is to help clients reconnect with the present, develop more flexibility in their thinking, and build meaningful lives even in the presence of discomfort.

Her therapeutic approach draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and a client-centered foundation. Clients often share that they feel comfortable with Lauren because of her grounded presence, thoughtful questions, and the way she holds space without judgment. Lauren values cultural humility, neurodiversity, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. She approaches each session with curiosity, warmth, and respect for her clients’ unique identities and lived experiences. Outside of the therapy room, Lauren is passionate about creativity, nature, and helping people rediscover what makes them feel most connected, alive, and whole.

Jane Smith is a registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). She received her master’s degree in clinical counseling from Centenary University in 2022. While attending and immediately following her master’s program, she worked in New Jersey with substance use and co-occurring disorders at the PHP, IOP, and long-term residential levels of care prior to transitioning to outpatient mental health private practice. In 2024, Jane moved to the west coast and is now happy to call San Diego and PCCC her home office.

 

Prior to her career in the field of counseling, Jane worked for over 10 years as a licensed massage therapist. Her first career was in animal training and behavior following her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Connecticut in 2008. Jane strives to combine her knowledge and life experience from her prior careers and education to provide the highest quality of care for adult individuals with a variety of clinical needs utilizing an eclectic, holistic, and personalized approach. Areas of special interest include mood disorders, life transitions/adjustment disorders, and chronic pain/illness management. She is also confident working with adult neurodivergent diagnoses and multiple diagnoses care. Jane has advanced certification in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) to assist in the care of chronic pain management.

 

Jane is trauma-informed and culturally sensitive in her approach with her clients. You can expect sessions with her to be strength-based and collaboratively goal-oriented, utilizing a variety of evidence-based interventions including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her integrative approach and genuine demeanor provide a supportive space for working towards personal growth and wellness goals.

Paulina is a bilingual (English/ Spanish) Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with
experience providing individual, family, and group therapy in an outpatient setting. She enjoys working with individuals dealing with a range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, relational issues, life transitions, and more. She is passionate about supporting clients in their mental health journeys and values creating a safe and empowering space where each person’s experience is honored and their path to healing is supported. She believes in a non-judgmental, strength-based, client-centered approach. She is LGBTQIA+ friendly and committed to providing care that is accepting of all identities and backgrounds.

Paulina earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communications from UCLA
in 2019. In 2022, she moved to San Diego to attend the University of San Diego’s Master’s
program in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has a strong background in conducting
biopsychosocial Behavioral Health Assessments, creating personalized treatment plans, and utilizing evidence-based tools to conduct risk assessments. Through her academic and clinical training, she has developed a deep appreciation for cultural competence and the importance of family dynamics in the healing process.

Her therapeutic approach is grounded in a variety of evidence-based modalities, such as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-
CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SF-BT),
Motivational Interviewing, Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Parent Management Training (PMT), Unstuck and On Target, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Paulina is dedicated to tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each individual and is excited to accompany you on your journey of healing and growth.

Heather is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has experience helping adult individuals who are struggling with Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Adjustment Disorders, trauma, relationship concerns, and life stressors. Heather additionally has a special interest in working with first-responders and law enforcement, and in helping individuals heal through grief and other forms of loss.

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Heather earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in 2010, and her Masters degree in Marriage & Family Therapy at the University of San Diego (USD) in 2014.  She completed her internship as a Lead Therapist at the UCSD Family Medicine Collaborative Care Program. She then joined Positive Change Counseling Center after earing her MFT License in 2016.

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Heather incorporates techniques from a variety of theoretical models including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Behavior Modification, Narrative Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Structural Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. In her work, Heather adopts a “bio/psycho/social/spiritual” perspective: seeing all of the parts that make a person whole. Heather welcomes clients of all backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths/belief systems, genders, and sexual orientations to join her in working toward creating meaningful change. Through empowerment and teaching self-efficacy, Heather hopes to join clients on the journey of creating the life they envision for themselves. She aims to not only offer therapy, but also hold a space for healing. She looks forward to meeting you.

Kion Fukuda is a compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to empowering individuals, couples, and families navigating mental health challenges, life transitions, and relational growth. With a client-centered approach, Kion believes in the innate resilience of every person and strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. His practice emphasizes collaboration, cultural humility, and fostering practical skills to help clients build emotional awareness, improve relationships, and reclaim agency in their lives.

Kion integrates evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Passionate about helping couples navigate relational patterns and challenges, he utilizes the Gottman Method to foster deeper communication, rebuild trust, and create lasting intimacy. He holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University and a B.S. in Psychology from UC San Diego. Fluent in Japanese and Chinese, Kion brings cultural sensitivity to his work, honoring diverse identities and systemic influences on mental health.

 

Whether supporting individuals in reclaiming agency or guiding couples toward deeper connection, Kion meets clients with empathy and intentionality. He looks forward to walking alongside you as you cultivate self-compassion, strengthen relationships, and embrace holistic growth

Carissa is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a passion to support individuals during their mental health journeys, navigating major life stressors, and addressing past trauma. Carissa graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver and her Masters in Legal Studies from Pepperdine University.

Carissa enjoys working with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. She provides a strengths-based and client-centered approach to support clients with reaching goals and making positive changes within themselves and their lives.

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Carissa has experience providing individual and group support within behavioral health settings and specializes in borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, stress management, mediation, and life transitions. She utilizes various modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.  Carissa tailors her clinical knowledge to the specific needs of each client in order to best support clients and their goals for therapy. Carissa comes to each session with compassion, empathy, humor, and authenticity as she values the connection it can bring to the therapeutic relationship. Carissa emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are at and providing guidance towards healing and living a fulfilling life!

During sessions with Christina, you will be met with warmth, empathy, and authenticity. She cares deeply about her clients and creates an affirming space for all. Christina specializes in working with families, children, teens, and young adults. She enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+ community and people experiencing trauma disorders, anxiety, depression, adoption and attachment issues, behavioral challenges, and other life and relationship stressors.

Christina’s approach is trauma-informed and strength-based. She incorporates techniques from a wide variety of theories to meet clients where they are, and draws heavily from Narrative, Solution-Focused, and Attachment theories. Using art therapy as an additional tool, Christina helps her clients work toward their goals while feeling safe and connected with themselves and others.

Christina (she/her) received her Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized training in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. She has worked in various settings including schools, clinics, non-profits, and community-based services, and has worked with many different ethnicities, family types, cultures, gender identities, and sexualities.

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

Dr. Seifert completed her graduate training at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Professional Psychology. For over 10 years, Dr. Seifert 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, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and EMDR. 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.