A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, and Assistant Professor at Azusa Pacific University, Mary’s personal mission is her passion to change the divorce statistics and help couples create a deeper and more meaningful connection that will last their lifetime. She is also passionate about helping individuals and families live to their greatest potential. Mary earned her B.A. from Eastern University, M.S. in Counseling and Human Relations at Villanova University and completed an advanced training doctoral-level certificate, in Marriage, Family, and Sex Therapy with the Marriage Council at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Mary has been in the counseling field for 35+ years with a focus on couples counseling, individuals, and families. She continues her training in Couples Therapy from Susan Johnson/EFT and has trained with the Couples Institute, John Gottman -Levels 1 & 2, Sex Addiction-CSAT Candidate, EMDR, Domestic Violence, and Sex Therapy. She is currently a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. 

Mary has extensive training and experience working with the following:
Couples
Sexual Difficulties and Intimacy
Marital Distress
Healing from Partner Betrayal/Affairs

Co-parenting and conscious uncoupling
Depression
Anxiety
Adults Molested as Children
Grief and Loss
Domestic Violence

Sex Addiction for addicts and their partners. (CSAT Candidate).

Trauma: EMDR

Relationship Coaching: In addition to being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Mary is available for coaching in order to help you take action and create the change you desire.

Testimonials:
"There are lots of therapists out there, but if you want your challenges fixed not just your symptoms treated and, in the process, loved and cared for you have come to the right place." Pastor Darren Carrington, Rock Church

"I left feeling "heard". I am so thankful and can't tell you how refreshing that was for me. " T. 

"Other therapists suggested individual therapy or divorce...we had little hope. You were able to help us understand what went wrong in our marriage and helped us to break our destructive cycle. We are now happy and our children won't suffer the horrible consequences of divorce." L. 

"My husband had an affair. We were devastated and ready to divorce. You did not judge us but helped us understand where we had disconnected and helped us to heal from our past injuries. We are now strong and helping other couples in our church." S.

A Registered Marriage and Family Therapist, Rebecca's personal mission is to help her clients move beyond their past to become the person that they want to be. Rebecca helps her clients shape new beliefs and habits that cause lifelong changes that lead to establishing stronger ties in their relationships and to the community around them. Rebecca earned her B.A. in Psychology at San Diego State University and her Masters at Bethel University in Marital and Family Therapy. She has specialized training in EMDR and Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is a California certified Domestic Violence Counselor and is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Rebecca is also conversational in Cantonese and Vietnamese. 

Rebecca has extensive training and experience working with the following:
Grief and Loss
Anxiety and Depression
Pre-marital and Marital Therapy
Domestic violence and Abuse Issues
Rebuilding after divorce
Phobias and PTSD
Children and Adolescents
EMDR (Eye Movement De-sensitization and Re-processing)

Testimonials: 
"Our experience with marriage counseling was truly beneficial, both to our marriage and as individuals. We had been married only a short time and rather than being in the honeymoon phase, we quickly found that there was a great deal for us to work on if we were truly to be committed to one another. So, we opted for counseling, a road we never pictured ourselves going on so soon, or ever for that matter. But we are so thankful we did! Our counseling experience really helped us to truly learn about one another, and as we took the time to look back on the family patterns that shaped our views on life, we developed a deeper understanding for why we act in certain ways. After time in counseling, we also learned how not to let things escalate to the next level, and we have been able to handle our issues in a much calmer way. The issues in a marriage will never go away, but how you handle an issue means everything! Overall, we are very thankful that we opted for counseling, rather than opting out of marriage. Since our time at counseling, we have grown tremendously, and we are in a better place than ever before with our marriage." -J & B

"I want to say thank you for being you and allowing me to feel comfortable to open up in our sessions. You made a difference for us!!" -M&J

"When I first went into see Rebecca, I had just received a "Dear John" letter and I was very angry and devastated at the same time. And I was feeling like a failure. Rebecca helped me get back on my feet again, helped me work through the anger and grief and look at life positively again. She helped me see my strengths and helped me focus on them. In fact our counseling sessions were becoming more about sharing my joys and passions, rather than focusing on the failed relationship. Rebecca has a great gift in encouragement, drawing out the positives, and great compassion in helping you get through times of grief." D.B. 

"I've worked with Rebecca for the past few years coordinating Middle School support groups for our school. First off, she is a pleasure to work with, in that she is warm and friendly, responsible and hard-working, follows through with her word, proactive and solution-oriented, is an amazing listener and has a big heart. In her work with her clients (our students), she develops a strong rapport, creates a trusting environment, follows through with providing support, tailors the counseling sessions to fit the clients' needs, and because of all of these qualities, the students love her groups! In fact, each year they eagerly ask me if we'll hold the groups again. I highly recommend Rebecca as a therapist for children, adults and families alike!" 

- J.G., School Counselor

"As a board member of a charter school in these challenging times, it is difficult to apply our relatively limited resources to help guide the school in balancing the educational and emotional needs of all students. That's why, when you come across someone as skilled and dedicated as Rebecca Lee, you consider yourself incredibly lucky. Rebecca's worked with a number of our students, who just needed a safe place to work through some issues, was nothing short of phenomenal and was constantly praised by staff, parents, and most importantly, by the students themselves. It is rare to find children that look forward to a group therapy session, but that was exactly what happened when Rebecca was leading the group. I know, as a parent of two young children myself, I would not hesitate for an instant in asking for Rebecca's help with any issues they were facing. I think it's fortunate that many of the old stigmas around engaging a child in therapy are gone, having been greatly outweighed by the desire of parents to help their children. Many parents know their children just need a little extra attention or guidance that they themselves might not be able to give in some particular circumstance. Whenever I know a parent in that situation, Rebecca is the person that comes to mind, and I can recommend her without reservation." 

Lincoln Fish, Board President of the San Diego Cooperative Charter School

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Adjunct Professor at Bethel Seminary and Azusa Pacific University, Donna has over 23 years of experience providing individual, couples, family and play therapy in a variety of settings. Donna's focus is to help clients to heal their marriages, relationships and families by empowering, educating, enlightening and equipping them. Through counseling she can facilitate improved communication, increased connection and understanding.

Donna earned a BA in Psychology from Biola University and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family therapy from United States International University. She has also trained with many leaders of the field including The Couples Institute and now Emotionally Focused Therapy. Donna is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, American Association for Christian Counselors, Black African American Christian Counselors and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies.

Donna has extensive training and experience working with the following:
Couples
Individuals
Children
Adolescents
Families
Grief and Loss
Depression and anxiety
Adults molested as children

Testimonials: 
"You helped us repair and mend our marriage and helped us understand how to continue on our renewed path. We were very fortunate to have you as our therapist." M.&C. 

"You have helped me over the years with raising my children, especially helped me when my teen was going through turbulent times and we thought we would not be able to make it through. You also reminded us of God’s help through our distress. I highly recommend you to all families." M.

We, as humans, are wired for relationship and connection. Often challenges in life bring about difficulties that are deeply troubling and painful and get in the way of our relationship with our self and others. My desire is to help you navigate these challenges to help restore hope and healing in your life and relationships with others.

I approach our time together as an honor and privilege, and want our time to be safe and transformational.

I have advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and have completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, however I have training in Cognitive Behavioral, Family Systems, and Solution Focused Therapy and utilize the most effective approach for the challenges you share. I specialize in utilizing Emotional Focused Therapy with couples to restore broken relationships and working with children and adolescents and their families to open communication and resolve conflict. I also am a Certified Sexual Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and work with individuals experiencing sexual addiction.

I have two Masters degrees from Azusa Pacific University in Clinical Psychology and Organizational Leadership and continue to seek out professional trainings to bring my clients the best possible care.

Additional areas of focus include:

Pre-marital and Marital Therapy
Self-Esteem
Life Transitions
Anxiety
Depression
Sexual Addiction
Family Conflict
Children and Adolescents
Restoring Broken Relationships

Email: JAllen@sdicouples.com
Phone: (619) 630-5806

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Chris ‘Bucky’ Bateman, has over 13 years of experience providing individual, couples, and family therapy in a variety of settings. He desires to assist people in living free to become their best selves in their relationships and personal life. Bucky spent his early years working in mental health agencies and group homes working with children and families in adoption and reunification work. In private practice, he has worked with couples, families and individuals to help facilitate improved communication, increased connection and deeper insight. Bucky earned a BA in Applied Communications from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Bucky has extensive training and experience working with the following:
Couples
Individuals
College Students
Adolescents
Families
Children
Grief and Loss
Anxiety and Depression

“There is no need to fear. Your story matters here.” - Morgan Harper Nichols

Seeking therapy is a courageous step. Whether it is a desire for change, growth, or answers to your life’s pressing questions, sifting through your story is a brave and important task. I would love to embark on that sacred journey with you.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT124745). I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy and have completed additional training in Leadership Coaching, Grief Counseling, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I am also a trained and certified spiritual director with extensive experience in pastoral ministry.

Ultimately I believe that we as humans have the capacity to grow and heal. Working from this premise, I look at therapy as an opportunity to look into your story and take steps toward a life of wholeness and flourishing.

Areas of focus include:
Individuals
Children & Teens
Young Adults
Families
Parent - Child Relationships
Spiritual Direction
Grief & Loss
Complicated Grief

You may contact Melanie by phone 619-736-0378 or by email at mwolf@sdicouples.com.

Do you want someone to hear you...really listen to you? Someone who meets you on your life journey and provides an empathetic environment with understanding and free from judgement?

Marc offers a collaborative approach to therapy where client and therapist work together to find solutions and alternatives to seeing life through a different lens and life perspective.

Marc’s warm and inviting presence will help put clients at ease as they present the issues that are impeding their growth and peaceful existence. Marc believes that having inner peace, coping skills and happiness are essential for one to successfully navigate the travails of life.

Marc is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Marc attended Claremont McKenna College for undergraduate school and earned a BA in Philosophy. While in college, Marc excelled in baseball and football. As a captain on the baseball team, Marc enhanced his leadership and people skills.

Marc has received training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In addition, Marc has also received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy. As a former All-American, collegiate and semi-professional baseball player, Marc is also trained in Sports Psychology.

Marc’s passions are serving God, service of others, mentorship and over-the-line (beach softball).

Marc looks forward to meeting you today, hearing your story and hoping to help make a favorable difference in your life and journey.

Areas of Focus:
Couples
Marital Therapy
Individuals
Families
Adolescents & Teens
Young Adults
PTSD
Anger
Depression
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Sports Performance

You may directly contact Marc by phone or email:
P: (619) 535-9370
E: msherman@sdicouples.com

A Registered Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Marlee was drawn to the field of Psychology by a desire to help individuals connect with themselves and others. Marlee specializes in working with individuals, children, and parents. She is passionate about helping people grow and heal while they navigate the everyday tasks of careers, family life, and relationships.

Marlee knows that change is often necessary to live a more fulfilling life, but the process of getting there can be hard to navigate. She works with clients from an attachment lense, using a variety of evidence based practices. She helps individuals to understand how events, beliefs, and thoughts have shaped them while empowering them to grow and facilitate the changes they want to make.

When working with children, Marlee uses a play based approach as well as parent coaching. She knows that patterns of play connect children to themselves and help them to make sense of their own stories. In this way, play can be incredibly healing, and tell us a lot about a child's inner world. She also knows that a strong attachment is the best gift a child can have. She partners with parents to understand what goals they have for their children, and facilitates that through parent coaching. To her, there is nothing better than seeing individuals and families learn to thrive through vulnerability and healing.

Marlee earned her B.A in Psychology and Spanish from Hope College and her M.S. in Early Childhood Mental Health and Clinical Counseling from San Diego State University.

Marlee is trained in the following:
Children
Individuals
Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Parenting
Play Therapy
Anxiety/ Depression
Trauma Work (TFCBT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy

For many, there are acute stressors or lingering life challenges that remain unresolved affecting us. This may include past trauma, life transitions, changes in family structure or a host of many other things.These stressors and unresolved issues can impact your relationship with self and others. Working through these challenges allows you to evolve by confronting the threat of fear, stress, anxiety (and any other issues which may make you feel ‘stuck’), while developing healthier coping strategies.

Within my personal journey, my experience encompasses working with civilians, active-duty, veteran, and military families from culturally diverse backgrounds. As a mom and military spouse, I have experienced and coached through the difficulties of military life and the transition to civilian life as well.

I’ve received training in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Training), Trauma-Focused CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy techniques, Art Therapy techniques, Mindfulness-Based techniques and have a Gottman Level 1 certification.

My goal is to meet you where you are. I provide a safe space, with no judgement, where you can feel free to seek support and grow according to your purpose and objectives. I am flexible in working with individuals, couples and/or families to see what works best for you. It takes courage to seek therapy and my goal is to make sure your experience is a meaningful, yet healing one.

The past can hurt but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it. -Rafiki,The Lion King

Fleurette is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and A Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Fleurette also holds a Masters Degree in Health Administration from National University and attended Denison University for undergraduate study, where she earned a BA in Sociology.

Areas of Focus:
Couples
Individuals
Children
Family/Peer Relationships
Anxiety/ Depression
PTSD/Trauma
Career concerns and transitions
Work/Life Stressors
Ethnic/Cultural Identity

I believe that change is possible for everyone, no matter their circumstances. Whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, relationship troubles or things that seem like no one could understand, there is hope in that struggle. Therapy can be a powerful tool to experience lasting change in whatever it is you are going through.

I try to take a unique, holistic approach by blending psychological tools with a somatic perspective. This creates a process that is more experiential in nature, which I believe is an important building block for change. When you work with your beliefs about yourself, alongside the messages your physical body is attempting to give you, you can regain the energy and meaning of things like joy, hope and peace.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling with a focus in Marriage and Family Therapy from Point Loma Nazarene University. The two structured paths that I take when working with clients are Emotional Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with individuals. I’m not limited to these methods but I find them to be the best place to start. Every session does not need a specific goal but it is important to have structure and purpose in the work we are trying to accomplish together. I specialize in working with relationship conflicts, anxiety, grief, trauma, depression, shame and career transition.

I would love the opportunity to see if we are a good fit. Finding someone you trust is the most important part of the process of change. I hope to earn your trust and have the privilege of assisting you as you navigate this period in your life.

I am an Associate Clinical Social Worker whose mission in life is to help others overcome hardship, heal, and find hope in their lives. I believe that therapy is an important step in the healing process, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey. I am a compassionate person who has experience working with people through varying life stages. 

I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work from San Diego State University, with an emphasis on direct practice. Additionally, I have training in Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Trauma Informed Practice, and Grief and Loss. I am currently furthering my education in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and the Gottman Method.  

I have specific experience working with children and families. Through the use of age appropriate games and activities paired with evidence based treatment modalities, I work with children on identifying feelings, naming emotions, social skills, and emotional regulation. I have found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Theory are effective in working with children. I may also work with families on communication and fostering trust in relationships.

Another area I specialize in is Grief and Loss. Suffering a loss is often disorienting and traumatic; it can feel impossible to continue with daily tasks when you feel like you’re trapped in a fog. I can help with providing a safe and empathetic space for you to process loss. I can provide education and coping skills to help guide you through waves of grief, and over time help you with finding meaning in your situation. 

My areas of focus include:
Individuals
Children / Teens
College Aged / Young Adults
Families
Parent and Child Relationships
Grief and Loss
Substance Use
Family Conflict
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Life Transitions

It would be my joy and privilege to work with you or your family. Please feel welcome to reach out to me via phone or email to see if I could be the right fit for you. 

Sharon is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master of Arts in Counseling from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. While there, Sharon became acquainted with Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples and other models that help people change in dynamic and powerful ways. This began an intensive training journey, founded on a passion to help others heal and reconnect with themselves and others.

Sharon’s heart is to help people restore their most precious relationships and to heal from the inside out. She is currently under supervision to become a certified Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist and has a level three certification in Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment. A former special education and elementary school teacher and mother of four, Sharon has her own lived experiences in the trenches and would be honored to walk with you in yours.

Sharon has extensive training working with adult individuals and couples with relationship issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and complicated grief.