Find a Therapist in Del Mar, CA

Welcome! I am an associate clinical social worker. I earned two B.A.s in psychology and women’s studies from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. I went on to achieve my master’s in clinical social work from Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts. When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher. I’ve always loved connecting with others, and have worked with children since I was practically a child myself! When I was in middle school, a therapist came to present on career day, and I was hooked. I still see myself as a teacher of sorts, helping to guide you as you learn more about yourself and what skills work for you. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to gain valuable clinical experience working in a wide variety of clinical settings and mental health issues. As a therapist, I take an eclectic, relational approach. I was trained in psychodynamic therapy at Smith and consider that to be my foundation. I believe that the client is the expert, and that building a trusting, connected relationship is essential to therapy. I also practice from a trauma-informed perspective, which means I am aware of and take into account how traumatic events in your past may be playing a role in whatever issues you are currently having. Trauma can take place in the form of something happening in your life, like child abuse or a car accident, or something not happening in your life, like childhood emotional neglect (CEN). In couples counseling, I utilize an emotionally focused therapy (EFT) and Gottman Method approach to foster healthier communication and strengthen the couple’s emotional bond. I look forward to meeting you and having the privilege to embark on this journey together!

My approach to healing is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental, and culturally sensitive space where clients can freely explore their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. I believe that healing begins with feeling truly heard and understood, which is why I take a compassionate, client-centered approach tailored to each person’s unique needs and background. I integrate person-centered therapy, which emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and empowerment, helping clients reconnect with their inner strengths. Narrative therapy allows clients to reshape the stories they tell about themselves, fostering a more positive and resilient sense of identity. For those struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-focused interventions, providing practical tools to manage emotions and build coping strategies. As a bilingual therapist fluent in Mandarin and English, I am especially mindful of the role that culture, identity, and intergenerational expectations play in mental health. Many individuals from Asian backgrounds face stigma around seeking therapy, and I strive to break down barriers by offering a supportive and culturally informed approach. Whether working with children, adolescents, young adults, couples, or families, I tailor therapy to align with each client’s values, strengths, and personal journey. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. My goal is to meet each client where they are, guiding them toward greater self-awareness, emotional well-being, and meaningful change. I believe that every person deserves to feel heard, valued, and supported, and I am honored to be part of that journey.

Hi there, I’m Dr. Alyssa. I’m a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Thrive Health, where compassionate, personalized care helps adolescents, young adults, and their families navigate eating disorders, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma on the path to a more fulfilling life. I specialize in evidence-based treatments—Family-Based Treatment (FBT), Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Parent Management Training (PMT)—and tailor each approach to meet you or your loved one exactly where you are. My goal is not only to ease symptoms but to guide you toward thriving—living with purpose, connection, and a deep sense of alignment. At Thrive Health, you’ll find a concierge-style practice grounded in both research and genuine care. I blend structured psychological approaches with holistic mind–body support, weaving in mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and yoga-informed practices for those seeking integrative approaches. I believe lasting change takes root when you feel truly seen, supported, and empowered. It would be my privilege to walk alongside you or your loved one as you move from surviving to Thriving—building a whole, meaningful life that feels authentically yours.

You're worried about what will happen the next time you need a break. You don't want to lash out, but everyone's needs are overwhelming you. Caregiving, whether you decided to do this or it happened to you, is hard to do on your own. You wish things were different with your loved one, maybe back to the way they were before a diagnosis. You want to have the hard conversations with your family and supports while you still have a chance. Burnout, grief, overwhelm, panic, and frustration are not new concepts to you. I have lived experience as a caregiver to strangers, friends, and family. I am also a relational therapist, meaning I recognize the importance of connection in our lives. Together we can manage caregiver burnout and use real, tangible skills to go from relationship stress to living in your authentic values. You've tried everything and attempted to manage on your own. Chronic stress comes back over and over again no matter what tips and tricks you follow. It impacts your mind, your body, and your relationships. You just wish that someone would care for you the way you've cared for others. What is getting in the way of receiving that care?

Perhaps you are dealing with painful events outside of your control, your emotions are becoming unmanageable, or you are experiencing a new symptom that is sudden and overwhelming. It is very human to want to "feel normal" when dealing with these, but sometimes how we attempt to do this hurts us more. This could include the different ways we avoid our emotions, attempt to “be perfect" or negatively judge ourselves. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and techniques from Mindfulness and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT,) I will help you identify and change (as needed) ways of thinking and behaving that are impacting your mental health. My approach includes teaching coping skills that will target symptoms and addressing the triggers and any unresolved or painful emotions that may be impacting you. My style is warm and empathic, yet direct and to the point and my goal is to give you symptom relief with use of coping skills and to help you to understand your triggers and warning signs so that you feel empowered to take on future challenges as they come. I have 10+ years of experience and training using this approach to treat anxiety, panic, grief, PTSD and depression and the underlying issues that contribute to these such as trauma, loss, anger or unresolved relationship conflict.

FREE consultations! Are you feeling stuck in negative thoughts, intense emotions, or behavioral patterns that don't serve your best interest? Are you hoping to build more meaning and joy in your life? You may feel hesitant about reaching out for help, especially with pressure from all directions to "have it all together". I'm here to join you on this journey to discover healing and build a balanced life. My goal is to help you find compassion for yourself, develop skills to help you navigate life stressors, identify how you can become the best version of yourself, and be confident in the resilient person you are. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders and body image issues, life transitions, and trauma who want to build a better future ahead. I have been told by clients and colleagues I am warm, caring, skilled, and authentic. I primarily use Dialectical Behavior Therapy to help clients achieve more skillful ways of coping. If you want to work towards positive change in mind and body wellness, I'm ready when you are. I am an LCSW accepting clients in California, New York and Florida. Send me an email to schedule a free phone consultation today! "You’re so hard on yourself. Take a moment. Sit back. Marvel at your life: at the grief that softened you, at the heartache that wisened you, at the suffering that strengthened you. Despite everything, You still grow. Be proud of this.” —Unknown

With life comes pain and frustration, but learning how to cope is what aides in long-term happiness. I am here to help you achieve your short and long-term goals with your career, relationshipsfamily, and personal growth. Additionally, in over close to a decade of working in the field, I have found that addictions of all kind are prevalent no matter who you are or where you come from. Often overlooked is that depression andor anxiety are the source of addiction. Understanding ourselves and working on what parts of ourselves hinder our progress in life is essential in creating and maintaining change. Helping individuals and building meaningful relationships is my ultimate passion in life.

ABOUT ME This is not your average therapy and I'm not your average psychologist. I'm not someone who just listens, nods her head and agrees with whatever you say. I will challenge you, encourage you to dig deeply and offer insights and feedback that can help you change your life for the better. I focus on helping people succeed and reach their true potential. MY APPROACH My approach to coaching is rather eclectic. Because each client is different, with different needs and goals, my approach must also be different. I believe we all have the power and strength within us to be successful but we need the determination, motivation, support, and encouragement to make it happen. I use traditional psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing) mixed with Life Coaching, Spirituality, Animals, and Nature, which are all highly effective in promoting personal empowerment, strength, self-esteem, growth, healing, and success. SERVICES Our vision is to work with the WHOLE person- mentally, emotionally, spiritually & physically. One person cannot do this all, which is why Free Spirit teamed up with other practitioners who specialize in these specific areas of healing. Each of our practitioners brings something special to the team: Children, Teens & Adults Individual, Couples & Family Therapy Equine-Assisted Coaching Spiritual Coaching Therapeutic Yoga Sound Healing Crystal Reiki Healing Workshops & Retreats and more...

You may find yourself in unsatisfying relationships and unable to make decisions. Becoming stuck can lead to a host of destructive thoughts and emotions that if left unattended can greatly decrease your quality of life. I am highly skilled in helping others gain awareness and live by healthy boundaries, thereby increasing self-esteem and self-worth. I would be happy to help you on your journey of self-discovery and renewal. Through the therapeutic relationship, I offer an empathic and empowering setting to explore, process, and grow in order to achieve a rewarding life. For teens, this time is an exciting transition between childhood and adulthood. Forming your own identity and achieving independence is the primary goal. You may be faced with many decisions, while at the same time, are increasingly aware of how others, especially peers, see you. Therapy can help in navigating through this with the purpose of increasing self-awareness and fostering healthy decision making. I am committed to providing a non-judgmental and supportive environment to assist you in finding healthy avenues to express thoughts and feelings.

Advanced Health Care is HERE To HELP during COVID-19. Now more than ever, life can be stressful, confusing, and painful at times. The purpose of our work together is to help you live a healthier, happier, and more meaningful life. We will work together to process what is holding you back, and to find ways to help you move forward. I am not here to tell you what to do or how to live your life, but to assist you in creating the life that you desire - in a way that works for you. You may be asking yourself, is this the right time to start therapy? Here are some things to ask yourself: - Do you feel like you are not on the right path? - Have you been chronically unhappy or made poor decisions? - Do you have a good life but find yourself feeling off or unsatisfied? - Are there situational problems in your life that you need guidance for? - Do you feel that your issues have been following you for years? - Do your problems seem to not have any solutions? - Are you confused as to what is even wrong? The good news is this: Psychotherapy can help. I treat a wide-range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, coping with illness, trauma, grief, self-esteem, women's issues, & stress. I also conduct psychological evaluations, including: Workers' Compensation evaluation and treatment, Agreed Medical Evaluations, Qualified Medical Evaluations, Personal Injury Claims, Fitness For Duty Evaluations, and Independent Medical Evaluations. I look forward to helping you.

I believe that healing and growth happen in the context of safety, connection, and understanding. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based methods that help clients create lasting change. I specialize in working with couples to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and deepen intimacy using the Gottman Method. With individuals, I draw from psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) approaches to help uncover patterns, build insight, and develop practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. Whether you are navigating conflict in your relationship or struggling to feel like yourself again, I'll meet you with compassion, honesty, and a focus on helping you feel more grounded and empowered in your life.

Welcome! My name is Vanessa Villasenor and am located at a group practice, A Place of Growth that is located in San Diego, and provides therapy to those throughout San Diego and also throughout the State of California via phone and online counseling. We want to provide a safe place for you to grow. Please contact us to begin your path to improving your overall health. Our mental health is important and should be treated just as important as we take care of our physical health. At A Place of Growth, we provide therapy to those with anxiety, depression, trauma, current medical illnesses to all age ranges including young children.