FAQs about Counseling, Coaching, Psychotherapy, and Finding Therapy in San Diego

Finding the right therapist in San Diego can be easy!

You made the decision to look for a therapist, and after putting in lots of time and energy, you’ve finally narrowed your search down to a few therapists in San Diego. That alone is a big step, especially in a city as busy and vibrant as ours, where the pace of life can make it hard to slow down and prioritize your own needs. It’s likely that you have lots of questions at this point, which is totally normal.

You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out. It’s completely okay to come with questions — in fact, it’s encouraged. Whether you're wondering what therapy will be like, how to know if someone is the right fit, or what kind of support you might need, I’m here to help you sort through it. My goal is to make this process feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more human.

What is therapy? 

“Therapy” is sometimes associated with deeper or longer-term work. It often involves creating a safe space to gently explore things like childhood trauma, long-standing emotional patterns, or ongoing mental health concerns. This kind of work doesn’t always have quick answers. It is a process that unfolds over time, with care and consistency. Therapy can help you connect the dots between past experiences and present challenges, offering insight, healing, and meaningful change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in patterns you can’t quite explain, or if you’ve carried pain that’s hard to name, therapy can be a powerful path toward understanding and relief.

What is counseling? 

The word “counseling” is often used to describe shorter-term or solution-focused support, especially when you’re facing a specific life challenge. This might look like getting help with a difficult relationship, navigating a career transition, coping with grief, or managing a stressful life event. Counseling can offer a safe place to talk things through, gain clarity, and develop tools to feel more grounded and empowered. While it may not always involve a deep exploration of your past, counseling can still be incredibly meaningful. It’s about getting the support you need, right when you need it most. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need someone to help you sort things out, counseling can be a great place to start.

Wait.. are counseling and therapy in San Diego the same thing? 

While counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, counseling typically focuses on present-day challenges and short-term solutions, like managing stress or navigating life transitions. Therapy, on the other hand, usually tends to be more in-depth and longer-term, exploring deeper emotional patterns or mental health concerns. Both offer meaningful support. It’s all about finding the right fit for your needs.

Counseling and therapy both involve talking with a trained professional to work through emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. It may also be helpful to understand that different professionals may use the terms based on their training or preference- a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) may all refer to themselves as either a “therapist” or a “counselor.” There could also be differences in the term that is used depending on the region or setting. For example, “counselor” is a more commonly used term in school settings, while in a private practice setting, the term therapist is most widely used. Regardless of the title, the services offered often look similar. The goal of either therapy or counseling should be that you feel supported and are able to make progress towards meeting your goals. 

What about coaching? Is a coach what I need over a therapist in San Diego? 

While therapy and coaching can both offer meaningful support, they aren’t the same, and it’s important to understand the difference. Therapy is a regulated healthcare service provided by licensed professionals who are trained to work with mental health concerns, trauma, and emotional challenges. Therapy is also protected by confidentiality laws (like HIPAA), which means your sessions are private and ethically safeguarded. Coaching, on the other hand, isn’t a regulated field. There’s no formal oversight, and coaches aren’t required to follow the same ethical or training standards. Coaching can be great for setting goals or getting support with motivation and life transitions, but it doesn’t replace the depth and safety of therapy. Therapists can legally offer coaching if they choose, but coaches can’t offer therapy or treat mental health conditions. If you’re unsure which kind of support is right for you, I’m always happy to talk through it and help you find the right fit.

Wait, what about LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Psychologists, LMHC, etc.? What do I need? 

When you start searching for a therapist, all the different letters after people’s names — like LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LMHC, or even Psychologist (PhD or PsyD) — can feel confusing. The truth is, all of these professionals are trained to provide therapy, but their paths to licensure and areas of focus may vary. For example, LCSWs (Licensed Clinical Social Workers) often have training in systems and social justice; LMFTs (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists) focus on relationships and family dynamics; LPCs and LMHCs (Licensed Professional or Mental Health Counselors) typically take a generalist approach to mental health; and Psychologists have advanced training in assessment and research. Here’s the good news: you don’t need to decode it all to find the right fit. What matters most is finding someone you feel safe with- someone who has the right training, experience, and relational style to help you grow. If you’re ever unsure, it’s completely okay to ask about someone’s training or approach during a consultation.

A Free Consultation with a Therapist in San Diego

Finding the right therapist in San Diego is more than just checking off boxes. It’s about discovering someone who truly understands and supports you. Whether you're navigating trauma, dealing with anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of life, you deserve someone who will walk alongside you with care and compassion.

My specialties include trauma and PTSD, and I bring over 14 years of experience offering trauma-informed care to clients across San Diego. I understand how complex healing can be, and I work with each client to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded in trust.

If you're searching for a compassionate therapist in San Diego, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I specialize in trauma recovery, and my approach is grounded in kindness, safety, and collaboration. Whether you're feeling stuck in old patterns or simply overwhelmed by life, healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk that path alone. If you're curious about working together, I’d love to invite you to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if I’m the right fit for your journey.