Mary Cipriani, LMFT, MFT #32742, Owner/Director
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.
Email: mcipriani@sdicouples.com
Blog Posts:
Do You Have a Love Map in Your Relationship?
What is Post-Traumatic Stress?
Being Intentional in Your Marriage
Getting Through Difficult/Traumatic Times in Your Life
Flaws, Fondness and Admiration
The Scientific Case for Marriage and Couples
Are Married People Happier?
10 Myths about Emotion and Marriage
Why Good Marriage Therapy?
Rebecca Lee, LMFT, MFC #50308, Bilingual
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
You may contact Rebecca by phone or email:
P: (858) 225-7626
E: rlee@sdicouples.com
Donna S. Scott, LMFT, MFC #30175
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.
You may contact Donna by phone or email:
P: (619) 500-4653
E: dscott@sdicouples.com
You may also visit her personal website:
W: www.donnasscottlmft.com
Blog Posts:
Help for Those Who Have Suffered Childhood Sexual Abuse
Jeff Allen, LMFT, MFC #114523, CSAT
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
Email: jallen@sdicouples.com
Phone: 619.630.5806
Christopher ‘Bucky’ Bateman, LMFT, MFC #106150
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
You may contact Bucky by phone or email:
P: 619-630-3607
E: cbateman@sdicouples.com
Blog Posts:
Habits that Connect Couples
Melanie P. Wolf, LMFT #124745
“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.
You may contact Melanie by
phone 619-736-0378
email at mwolf@sdicouples.com
Blog Posts:
When Change is Unwelcome
6 Keys for Grieving Towards Wholeness
Could Spiritual Direction Be for You?
Marc Sherman, LMFT #141246
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
You may directly contact Marc by phone or email:
P: (619) 535-9370
E: msherman@sdicouples.com
Kendall Stewart, AMFT #124997
It is no secret that therapy provides space that leads people to be vulnerable. And being vulnerable can sometimes be scary but can also lead to opportunities of growth, clarity, and resiliency. Even looking at this page might feel a bit awkward and even a little nervous. Those feeling are valid. This is the first step towards healing from past traumas, disappointments, and even beginning to uncover the mysteries of your life story. It would be an honor to join you or your family on this journey of discovery whether it be through talking, playing or creating.
I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who focuses on supporting children, family, parents, and maternal mental health at all stages of a family’s journey. It is important that we understand that every family and individual is different and every journey is different. There in not one path and I work to help clients understand the path they are on and how they can embrace, or change, and grow their journey. The therapeutic space should be one that cultivates, vulnerability, and resiliency. It should allow for clients to feel comfortable enough to share things that allows for their own personal growth. I believe that each client is the expert of their own lives and it is my hope to join them on the journey of recognizing their expertise and developing the voice and tools to build on that.
As a mother myself and through the stories heard through previous clients I know that parenting can be challenging. There are a range of feelings that are experienced in the journey of becoming a parent, while being a parent, and after children have become more independent. Creating a space where mothers feel comfortable sharing the wins, losses, and all that comes with motherhood is something that I can provide.
I have received training in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Training), trauma-focused CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and play therapy techniques. I have also been certified in the use of the AIM-HI intervention. AIM-HI is an evidence based intervention used with a goal of decreasing challenging behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder ranging from the ages of 5 years old to 13 years old.
The areas in which I focus are:
Children
Adolescents
Caregivers
Families
Mothers in all stages of motherhood
Adults who desire to explore through art and play
Kendall Stewart, M.A.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #124997 Supervised by Donna Scott, LMFT #30175 Employed by SDICF
You may contact Kendall by email:
kstewart@sdicouples.com
Blog Posts:
Black Women!! We Have Gone Through So Much
Marlee Cornue, APCC #9000
A Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC). 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
Marlee Cornue, M.S.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC #9000
Employed by SDICF and Supervised by Mary Cipriani, LMFT #32742
You may contact Marlee by email:
mcornue@sdicouples.com
Blog Posts:
Example of Healing Childhood Trauma through Therapy
How to Balance Raising Children and Keeping Your Marriage Alive
Attachment Explained
Christina Thomas, APCC #8892
We are made to be in a relationship with one another, however, there are times when those relationships can become fractured or go off course. Likewise, as individuals, we can also become fractured within and become off-course with ourselves. My passion is to work along side you to create meaningful and positive experiences leading to lasting and effective change.
I use a collaborative approach with each couple, families and individual to foster self awareness and encourage personal and relational growth. My goal for you is that you feel you have a trusted space and are safe to be in the moment with your concerns. I work as an ally who is there to guide the process of discovery and resolution to grow forward in life. It is my passion to help you to develop a healthy communication style whether in a marriage, in a couple’s relationship, in a family, or individually with friends or co - workers.
My life experience includes earning my B.A. in Psychology from Liberty University, M.S. in Counseling at Concordia University, Irvine and completed training in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I am a parent of three and a wife who has been married for over twenty-five years. Prior to becoming a therapist, I enjoyed my role as an elementary teacher and worked alongside my husband serving military families in the areas of marriage and family for over 17 years.
I specialize in developing effective communication and healthy boundaries within all relationships. My areas of focus are:
Couples Therapy utilizing:
Emotionally Focused Therapy/Attachment
SYMBIS certified for pre- martial, second marriage, married and newly married Building strong communication skills
Trauma therapy utilizing:
Art Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, and Mindfulness
Individuals:
Skills for building healthy Boundaries Self Awareness
Trauma processing
Grief Counseling/Loss
Testimonials:
“Our work together has changed my marriage. My husband and I are not the same people today as we were. Thanks to our work with you, we are better versions of ourselves. More compassionate and more in our integrity than ever.
Personally, I feel immensely grateful for the way you’ve helped me see the good in myself. I am a more confident, more centered, more generous woman today because I have gained a glimpse of my true nature.
I am beyond thankful! You are an extraordinary therapist and are very specially to me on a personal level as well.”
-Anonymous
Christina Thomas, M.A.
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC #8892
Employed by SDICF and Supervised by Mary Cipriani, LMFT #32742
You may contact Christina by phone or email:
P: (661) 789-7469
E: cthomas@sdicouples.com
Fleurette McNair, AMFT #128842, APCC #10568
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
Fleurette McNair, MHA, M.A.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #128842
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC #10568
Employed by SDICF and Supervised by Donna Scott, LMFT #30175
You may contact Fleurette by email:
fmcnair@sdicouples.com
Jen Smith, AMFT #144310
Hello and welcome!
I've found such enthusiasm and passion in creating safe spaces for individuals. My objective is for every client I work with to feel seen and heard with genuine compassion and understanding. I find it an honor to enter a space of vulnerability that allows for self-discovery, and healing.
One of the greatest advantages of therapy is intentionally seeking and allowing the space for awareness to be developed. Awareness allows the opportunity for choice to enter, leading to empowerment and growth. My goal as a therapist is to provide a secure space and guidance through that exploration of the unknown and sensitive parts of life. I like to view myself as a fellow traveler as we enter the challenges you’re facing together.
I've used a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Gottman Level 1, and art therapy in my work. I am currently furthering my education in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
I maintain the idea we inherently have a desire to become better, yet sometimes struggle to know what possible outcomes and/or outlooks could even exist. My style of therapy is to explore those possibilities with authentic curiosity, soaked with grace and humor sprinkled in when fitting. This process of learning and ‘unlearning’ can be scary, but in taking the step to enter therapy you are already undoing the notion that you’re in it alone.
"Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light," - Brene Brown, Ph.D. LMSW. Together let’s make that light brighter. I'd love to connect and chat with you!
My areas of focus include:
Individuals
Children and Adolescents
Young Adults
College Aged
Family Conflict
Premarital and Couples
Who are struggling with:
Anxiety
Stress
Depression
Women’s Issues
Spirituality and Faith
Life Transitions
Direct: (619) 363-3297
Email: Jsmith@sdicouples.com
Casey Parker, AMFT #144138
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.
Phone: 619-892-8214