Therapists for college students near San Diego, CA

Hey! I’m Afshin — pronounced “of-sheen,” like the glimmer in your eye when you realize you're allowed to feel your feelings and still be funny about it. Looking for someone who’s real, queer, neurodivergent-friendly, and actually shows up in the room with you? I’m really glad you’re here. I work with new parents running on crumbs and caffeine, teens navigating identity and pressure, young adults facing messy transitions, and LGBTQIA+ folks tired of translating their experience for people who just don’t get it. I pull from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused approaches — but mostly, I bring curiosity, honesty, humor, and a human-first vibe. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” healing. Some weeks we’re untangling trauma; other weeks, we’re celebrating tiny wins — like eating a real meal or setting a boundary without the shame. My core values? Radical kindness, transparency, and the belief that being “too much” is a damn superpower. If you’re craving therapy that feels like a mix between a grounding conversation and a gentle push toward who you actually want to be — let’s talk. I’m here when you’re ready.

College can feel like a never-ending marathon of stress, anxiety, self-doubt and no one hands you an instruction manual on how to cope. I’m Ashley, a therapist who specializes in helping students overcome academic burnout, social anxiety, imposter syndrome, and the constant pressure to “have it all together.” If your brain is always racing, your motivation has disappeared, or you’re tired of pretending you’re fine when you’re absolutely not, you’re exactly who I help every day. My sessions are a safe space to be honest, process what’s weighing you down, and learn real strategies to manage your mental health and feel more like yourself. Therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating or boring, it can be empowering, validating, and even a little bit fun. Reach out today, so you can start feeling less stressed and more in control. My approach: It’s all about meeting you where you’re at and helping you find some breathing room in the chaos. We’re not here to fix everything overnight, but to give you the tools to navigate life with more ease, more control, and more clarity. We’ll dive into the tough stuff whether it’s ADHD, trauma, anxiety, relationships, intimacy, or addiction and work through it together, at your pace. My goal is to help you connect with yourself, your emotions, and your relationships in a way that’s empowering, freeing, and totally real. No judgment. Just you, your process, and a plan to get you to where you want to be. I’m here to help you sort through the noise and rediscover the parts of you that bring you peace and fulfillment. So, what can you expect to take away from sessions with me: First off, you’ll get a safe, judgment free space to work through whatever’s on your mind. Whether you’re dealing with ADHD, trauma, anxiety, relationships, or anything else, we’ll tackle it together, at your pace. Expect practical tools and strategies that actually work in the real world, not just in theory. You’ll learn how to manage overwhelm, reconnect with yourself, and feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions, and life overall. But here’s the thing it's not just about checking off a to-do list. It’s about growth, healing, and building a stronger connection with who you are. I bring years of experience working with neurodivergent individuals, people dealing with trauma, and those navigating complex relationship dynamics. I’m here to help you uncover your strengths, break through the blocks holding you back, and get to a place where you can live with more peace and fulfillment. Together, we’ll work on a plan that’s unique to you because you deserve an approach that honors your journey and your individuality. Reach out today on my website for an initial 15 minuet phone consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Many people begin therapy feeling emotionally exhausted, stuck, or unsure of where they belong. This can be especially true for those navigating multiple cultures, identities, and expectations at once. When family values, cultural norms, and personal needs don’t fully align, it’s common to feel pulled in different directions—or to quietly lose touch with yourself. Over time, this strain may show up as burnout, anxiety, relationship stress, or a lingering sense that something isn’t quite right, even if everything looks “fine” on the outside. I take a collaborative, culturally responsive approach to therapy that honors the complexity of your lived experience. I don’t believe there is one “right” way to feel, heal, or move forward—especially when identity, family dynamics, and cultural expectations play such a central role in your life. My work integrates evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy, family systems therapy, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will make sense of patterns shaped by your past experiences and relationships while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, sustainable change. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Francisco. During graduate training, I completed my internship at Gateway Public Schools, where I worked with adolescents ages 11–18. In this role, I supported students navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, identity development, and a wide range of family-related and personal challenges, gaining hands-on experience working within complex systems that impact young people’s emotional well-being. Over time, clients often gain greater emotional clarity, self-trust, and a stronger sense of agency—feeling more empowered to live in ways that feel authentic rather than obligatory. Therapy is a space where you don’t have to choose between parts of yourself—you can bring all of you into the room. My goal is to create a supportive and affirming therapeutic space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. We will explore how family dynamics, identity development, and cultural influences have shaped your experiences, while also focusing on what matters most to you moving forward. Outside of therapy, I value humor, perspective, and taking meaningful chances in life. One quote that resonates with me is: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky — Michael Scott. This mindset reflects my belief in growth, courage, and the importance of showing up for yourself—even when the next step feels uncertain.

I work best with clients who are passionate about self-discovery, social change, and navigating life’s challenges. Many of the individuals I support are exploring identity, facing societal pressures, or advocating for human rights, including LGBTQ+ issues, women’s rights, and other radical movements. College can be a time of immense growth and uncertainty, and I help students manage stress, relationships, and personal identity while balancing academic and social expectations. Whether struggling with anxiety, self-esteem, or navigating systemic injustices, I provide a supportive, affirming space to explore these challenges. My goal is to empower clients to embrace their authentic selves and build resilience in the face of adversity.

If you have ever said, "I did everything right, how could this have happened?" I'm here for you. I help high achieving, successful people navigate the shock and struggle of major life transitions to regain joy, peace, insight and understanding. With you guiding, we work together to better relationships, improve communication, and heal traumas. Central to my work is for us to have "goodness of fit"; so you feel safe and manifest your best potential. I treat: high stress, loss, grief, transitioning to new situations, and trauma. I'm your GPS system to improved wellness.

We often come to therapy because something in our life has emerged in a way we find challenging to navigate on our own. I approach our work together with this in mind, and as an honored participant in your journey toward growth and deepened insight. My therapeutic style is rooted in relational psychodynamic, IFS, and ACT interventions and centered in values of patience, humility, empathy, and humor. I strive to see you through the lens of your unique life experiences and to work collaboratively so we can effectively address your concerns. My hope is that, together, we can help you live a life that feels authentic and empowered. My experience working with young and emerging adults has allowed me to effectively support people in finding both a work-life balance and relief from stress. My areas of interest and specialization include working with anxiety, depression, interpersonal/relationship issues, grief, family-of-origin concerns, disordered eating, trauma, and self-acceptance. I'm committed to providing therapy to people of all races, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and nationality. I work with adolescents and adults. I provide psychological assessments and individual or couples therapy in-person in San Francisco or online anywhere in California.

Welcome, and congratulations on taking the first step toward seeking therapy—which can be intimidating for many people. I understand that discussing sensitive topics with a stranger can feel daunting. Therefore, I create a warm, non-judgmental, and culturally responsive environment that builds trust and allows clients to share their deepest vulnerabilities without fear of judgment or ridicule. Whether you're dealing with academic stress, anxiety, low self-worth, identity development, or relationship challenges, I aim to empower clients on their therapeutic journey by providing tools and strategies that address barriers to YOUR value-driven goals. I will work alongside you as a team to ensure we're aligned and that each effort contributes to transformative healing. In therapy, I utilize evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills training, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These approaches stress the importance of being present through mindfulness, embracing internal experiences, and committing to value-driven goals that foster a meaningful life worth living. Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming, and at times, it involves trial and error. I offer a free initial 15-minute phone consultation to help potential clients and I determine whether we are a good match.

Human sexuality is an endless source of self-knowledge through which we tap into our subconsciousness. In most people it is suppressed and hidden from our conscious minds due to the rigid cultural and religious belief systems along with our personal beliefs. Learning about ourselves through our sexual expressions will help some of us obtain wisdom and knowledge about who we are. Most of non-sexual issues stem from unhealthy self-perceptions, specifically from denying our own sexuality and freedom to express ourselves sexually. Ability to fully realize ourselves comes from expanding our consciousness through exploring our sexuality and sensuality.

My practice is infused with warmth, care, and heart. Since childhood, I've held a deep curiosity for the relationships that make up our world. I greatly admire and honor these connections - whether between caregivers and children, friends, romantic partners, or animals we see in nature. This curiosity led me to become a relational therapist, where I now have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and couples on their journeys, creating an environment that brings to light the connection that has always existed between us and guiding relationships toward deeper, more resilient roots together. Integrative and relational in nature, the therapeutic work I do incorporates somatics, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness practices. I hold the belief that we all carry our own innate wisdom, and as such, I create space in the therapeutic relationship for my clients to be the experts on themselves and to articulate their needs, wants, and experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. The focus within my work is less on fixing and more on accompanying your human-ness. In addition to the work I do with couples, I am passionate about providing care to those navigating the journey to parenthood. This love for the perinatal space and supporting future and new parents started when I was a child and would spend a great deal of time caring for young children in my community and connecting with their caregivers. Since, this passion has expanded through advocacy work in the paid parental leave space and training I’ve completed as a Postpartum Doula. This beautiful time of transition into parenthood brings about inevitable change, and it is a true joy and privilege of mine to hold a nurturing space for people to process these changes, cultivate connection during a time when community is needed, and heal. I'm not a parent myself at this stage in my life, yet I feel deeply called to this meaningful work of supporting individuals and couples as they navigate these profound life transitions.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Starting or continuing college can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. Whether you’re navigating new independence, academic pressures, identity exploration, or unexpected challenges, it’s a lot to hold on your own. For years, I’ve supported my community in a variety of settings—from community clinics to crisis counseling—and I understand how life transitions can impact mental health. I specialize in working with LGBTQIA+ students and those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life changes. My time as a 911 crisis counselor especially taught me how to hold space during some of life’s most difficult moments. In my practice, you’ll find a safe, nonjudgmental environment where your story matters. I use a mix of evidence-based approaches, tailored to your unique needs, all grounded in a humanistic framework that values self-exploration, growth, and discovering your full potential. Together, we can work on building insight, breaking unhelpful patterns, and creating new ways forward—so you leave each session feeling more grounded, confident, and ready for what’s next.

College is a time of growth, change, and sometimes a lot of pressure. If you’re feeling depressed, anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself, therapy can help you create space to reflect, reset, and move forward with intention. We begin by building trust, so you can explore what’s coming up for you and build tools to feel more grounded and confident.

Let’s start with the fact that life is HARD! It can be overwhelming and one wild ride! When we go ahead and add loss and anxiety and relationship issues to that mix it can be hard to know where to turn. I offer a safe place to explore all the issues holding you back from a happy and healthy and fulfilling life. My specialties include pregnancy and infant loss, grief, mood disorders, and PTSD. My approach is working collaboratively toward a happier life for you by helping you make positive changes, including increasing your self-awareness and those barriers that have come between you and your goals. I work with clients in a caring and compassionate manner, and I tailor the treatment to fit their needs and goals. You are the most important part of your treatment - it needs to relate to your life in a way that works for you. I will challenge you to overcome the challenges you see in your life with support and positive feedback.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or anxious, or just hoping to sort things through, talking with someone who is supportive can be very helpful. College years present many new experiences and challenges--intellectually, socially, and emotionally. I've worked with college students in many capacities through the years, as therapist as well as teacher and mentor. I look forward to meeting you.

Sondering Counseling and Wellness is a modern mental health counseling practice centered around providing accessible, high-quality, and compassionate care for all. Every clinician possesses competence, confidence, and an affirming attitude towards individuals of diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship orientations.

Whether you experience anxiety, depression, or conflict in your marital or parent-child relationships; I can help you! I’m here to help in your journey of healing and restoration! Therapy can be that safe space you’ve been looking for in which you can openly unload your heart and experience non-judgmental support and genuine connection. Together we can explore where you currently are, what you would like your future to look like, and how we can work together to help you get there. I know it is important for you to find a therapist you can connect and work well with. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California and Michigan. I am South African and bilingual in Afrikaans. My educational background includes a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University.

As a young therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the intricate dynamics of college life. Having navigated the complexities of college myself, I comprehend the intricate tapestry of pressures, relationship dynamics, substance use concerns, and the myriad challenges that accompany this transformative period. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a compassionate guide committed to your well-being. I’ve been through the complexities of college life and I understand the pressures, relationship dynamics, potential substance use concerns and the different challenges that come with this transformative period in your life. From the outside looking in, parents don’t always understand the challenges that come with college life, and I want to be that supportive other to help you get through it. Therapy is a sacred space and my focus is helping you get to the root cause of your struggles. I find that healthy relationships are the key for psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I provide awareness into your behaviors, and the ability to see the underlying issues of why you're unsatisfied with your life. If you're having difficulty regulating your emotions when it comes to romantic relationships, or feel that you find yourself in the same relationship again and again, then you have come to the right place. I will help you get to the core of these issues, and find yourself content with your personal relationships. I create space and offer insight into your behaviors, and together, will teach you about repetition compulsion. You will feel that you have control of your emotions, over codependency, and be free of addictive behaviors. You can heal. I am not the type of therapist that will sit back and just listen, I truly want to help you turn over your pain and be free. I offer a strong, empathetic approach, and teach my clients how to feel confident within themselves. You will receive guidance from me. We will be engaging in dialogue. I am direct but compassionate, and want to teach you how to be direct and vulnerable too. You will leave each session gaining insight into your behaviors. You will challenged and supported.

You’re insightful, self-aware, and driven—but the same old patterns keep taking over, no matter how much you try to change. Maybe you overanalyze relationships, struggle with a relentless inner critic, or overwork to outrun self-doubt. On the outside, you appear capable and accomplished, but beneath the surface you feel anxious, burned out, or stuck in patterns that haven’t shifted. You’re skilled at intellectualizing your problems, yet connecting with your body and deeper emotions feels harder. Part of you wants to be seen and understood, while another part holds back, unsure if it’s safe to express what you truly need. I specialize in working with young adults and creatives who want to move beyond insight and create deep, lasting change. Using Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, we’ll explore the protective “parts” within you so the patterns driving anxiety, burnout, and relational struggles can finally begin to shift. Healing at the root is possible. Together, we’ll work to break the cycles that keep you feeling stuck so you can move toward greater clarity, self-trust, and freedom in your life and relationships. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out to schedule a free consultation.

I am a psychologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I have spent the past 10 years working with folks who are excited and curious about how they can learn to best care for themselves. In general, I tend work with clients who are looking for support around their career goals, including transitioning out of or into a career, finding a better work-school-life balance, establishing or refreshing professional skills/communication, or navigating the experience of college/career integration. I have a particular passion for working with clients in "helping" industries or in training, including healthcare, healthcare administration, mental health, and teaching. I also work regularly with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other mood regulation concerns. I have experience working with students, especially as they are exploring the next phase of their life. Transitions are sometimes moments of great growth and self-discovery, and often accompanied by great pain and confusion. I think addressing both side of the coin honestly and with support can help us navigate the tough stuff with a sense of clarity and hope. I currently work in a private practice clinic, and provide talk-therapy from a variety of clinical orientations. I usually go for a somewhat down-to-Earth approach when first working with someone: taking the time to learn more about what is and isn't working in their lives, thinking collaboratively with them about what some attainable long-term goals might look like, and then allowing us to settle into the process of engaging and tracking areas of growth as our work develops. Therapy is such a unique and personal process. This should work with and for you, even if it's not always easy. I'm open to meeting you and learning more...even if we aren't a great fit. I'm also happy to support your process in finding that next-right-one. I do my best to respond to voicemails and emails within 24 hours during the work week, and follow-up on all weekend inquiries by end of business on Mondays.