Stress, PTSD and Anxiety Therapists in El Cajon, CA.

Licensed professional counseling for anxiety, stress, phobias, and panic in El Cajon, California.


Rika Tanaka, Ph.D.
Anxiety Counselor

Rika Tanaka, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

In 92118 - Nearby to El Cajon.

I provide personalized, accessible, and effective evidence-based psychotherapy to clients struggling to cope with anxiety and stress. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with the right therapist has been found to be effective in relieving a variety of symptoms of anxiety, including excessive worry, nervousness, restlessness, sleep difficulty, muscle tension, and more. Although CBT cannot erase stress from happening, when tailored to your unique needs and goals, it can improve confidence in your ability to cope with a wide range of stressors as they come about.

Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW, CCTP
Anxiety Counselor

Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW, CCTP

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Available for Online Therapy

Anxiety and stress are the symptoms I treat most often in my practice. Some people are not aware, but trauma is deep-rooted anxiety that is held within our body. We can feel anxious about work, children, relationships, or family. We can feel stressed about work or relationships and friendships. A highly effective tool for treating these symptoms is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way that you can learn to relax the anxiety that is held within your body and your mind. I love this technique because it is not only highly effective, but it is very easy to learn. You can walk away from your first therapy session with a start to your mindfulness journey and have real tools at your disposal.

Cynthia Valentine, MA
Anxiety Counselor

Cynthia Valentine, MA

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92116 - Nearby to El Cajon.

Learn effective ways to observe and manage your anxious thoughts, feelings and behaviors. If you are struggling with overwhelm in your daily life, overthinking seemingly small decisions or have underlying anxious feelings that you're sick of being there, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) can help. I'm unique from others who practice ACT because I don't treat it as simply "learning coping skills." ACT is an approach to living your fullest life and walking, proudly, with your values leading the way.

Brian Jones, AMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Brian Jones, AMFT

Brian La Roy Jones, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Available for Online Therapy

I begin by understanding how you experience anxiety/stress because how you experience them is unique for you. Then we begin to increase your tolerance for how you experience anxious/stressful thoughts, feelings, memories, and/or situations. This is necessary so the anxiety/stress stops being an overwhelming experience that interferes and gets in the way of your life. It's crucial to be able to become more comfortable when you experience anxiety/stress because they're a part life. The problem is the distressing and limiting to debilitating effect they have on you. As you learn to be able to do this, you will begin to experience more peacefulness, calm, hope, self-confidence and self-esteem.

Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.
Anxiety Counselor

Kevin Fleming, Ph.D.

Coach/Change Agent/Consultant

In 92101 - Nearby to El Cajon.

While most treatment approaches for anxiety and stress are effective on the surface, they don’t treat the real problem. Mantras, deep breathing, and rational dialogues about your fear being irrational rarely work---for most people don’t believe it or you! Imagine if you can trick the brain into changing without you telling your conscious mind that you are changing it? Problem with anxiety and stress is that the brain in this state knows you want to change it and it resists. Contact Kevin@kevinfleminphd.com for the ultimate stress and anxiety solution that will literally change your brain's autonomic nervous system patterns while you sit on your butt. 877-606-6161.

Roxanne Strauss, M.A., LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Roxanne Strauss, M.A., LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92020 - Nearby to El Cajon.

A little anxiety or stress can be good for us. It motivates us to get to our work done, to study for an exam, or to help us recognize we are overwhelmed and need to slow down. When anxiety is problematic, it creates an unhealthy sense of well-being and it interferes with daily living. Because there are different forms of anxiety, and because often anxiety can occur with depression, I work with individuals to assess what kind of anxiety they may be experiencing, and then focus holistically on not only managing the symptoms of anxiety, but also gaining a better awareness of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of anxiety.

David Peters, MS, MFT
Anxiety Counselor

David Peters, MS, MFT

Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92108 - Nearby to El Cajon.

While mild anxiety is a normal part of our everyday lives, it can sometimes be paralyzing, and undermine your work, your relationships, and your ability to interact in the world. That's when you need help. Psychotherapy for anxiety can take a variety of forms: Psychodynamic Therapy - to vent, release, and understand the highly charged emotions that cause your suffering. Cognitive Therapy - to change irrational thoughts to calming ones. Mindful Awareness - to train you to hold calm while observing uncomfortable feelings. Physiological Interventions - to release stress by increasing serotonin levels in your body. Working together, we will choose the best approach for your situation.

Taylor Wikel, MA, LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Taylor Wikel, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Available for Online Therapy

With the current times, stress and anxiety may be heightened and affecting various aspects of your life such as: work, relationships, sleep, and every day responsibilities. Anxiety can be overwhelming but it can be treated and you will get better. I will help you learn tools to manage and decrease your anxiety by developing an awareness of your triggers.

Sue Cates, MA, LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Sue Cates, MA, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92014 - Nearby to El Cajon.

Anxiety and stress are part of living in our busy world. When your anxious thoughts and fears seem overwhelming and are impacting your life in negative ways, therapy can help. I create a warm, engaged, and supportive atmosphere where your experiences can be understood and accepted. Using a holistic approach that includes body-based mindfulness and stress reduction strategies, we can work together to help you get back to living a life that brings joy and meaning.

Shirley Babior, LCSW, LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Shirley Babior, LCSW, LMFT

Licensed Clinical Therapist, Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92103 - Nearby to El Cajon.

I specialize in treating people's anxiety, stress, panic attacks, OCD, social, & generalized anxieties, etc. Since I overcame a fear of flying, I understand the complexity of your disorder and also have the professional knowledge to help you. With a combination of research-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness & Compassion Focused CBT, together we will target your specific problems in a collaborative way. I have co-authored several published books specifically devoted to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety disorders to aid you on your path. I welcome your call anytime and together, we can help you regain control of your life!

Well Coached Life, PhD, MA, SEP
Anxiety Counselor

Well Coached Life, PhD, MA, SEP

WELL COACHED LIFE| Individuals | Couples | Youth

Available for Online Therapy

We hold our anxiety and stress in our body. We feel tension, gut problems, hot flashes, disrupted sleep and more. I work with anxiety and stress by helping individuals learn and develop tools to re-regulate their nervous system. When we have a coherent and fluid nervous system, we can do difficult things without feeling paralyzed by overwhelming fear.

Philip Kolba, MA LCPC NCC
Anxiety Counselor

Philip Kolba, MA LCPC NCC

Psychotherapist

In 92105 - Nearby to El Cajon.

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, but for some the anxiety is so frequent or intense that it interferes with their lives or even triggers panic attacks. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help my clients get a sense of control over their own anxiety. We collaborate to learn skills to reduce the frequency or intensity of the anxious feelings, to tolerate the anxiety when it does occur so they can still function through it, and to practice habits that reduce stress and improve general mental health.

Ross L. Kellogg, LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Ross L. Kellogg, LMFT

Licensed Individual, Marriage, and Family Therapist

In 92101 - Nearby to El Cajon.

I create a transformative experience that emphasizes your personal growth and well-being. My approach to anxiety recovery prioritizes the unique needs and goals of each client, fostering a safe and supportive environment where you can explore and overcome anxiety-related challenges. By focusing on practical strategies and personalized interventions, clients will gain the tools and insights needed to manage anxiety and stress more effectively. This tailored approach of somatic, emotion-focused, and attachment-focused therapeutic techniques will empower you to build resilience, enhance quality of life, and achieve a more balanced and fulfilling existence free from painful anxiety.

Ronald Reichard, MA, MFT
Anxiety Counselor

Ronald Reichard, MA, MFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 91910 - Nearby to El Cajon.

Anxiety as often been referred to as worry gone out of control. When anxiety gets to high levels it can be very debilitating making it very difficult to function at home, work and interpersonal relationships. Anxiety can also result in panic attacks in which a person may feel like they are going to shut down. I assist clients in identifying triggers to their anxiety and developing strategies to successfully cope. I help the client understand how their thought patterns directly influcence their feelings of anxiety. I than assist the client in learning how to better manage thought patterns and adopt thought patterns that lead to increased feelings of calmness and self-control.

Regina Knox, PH.D
Anxiety Counselor

Regina Knox, PH.D

Marriage & Family Therapist

In 91942 - Nearby to El Cajon.

In addressing Anxiety & Stress Treatment and Counseling, my approach centers on understanding the unique triggers and stressors each individual faces, combined with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. By delving deep into the root causes of anxiety and stress, clients can better comprehend their reactions and develop coping mechanisms. I incorporate mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and personalized strategies to empower clients in managing their anxiety. As they journey through this process, clients not only learn to mitigate their symptoms but also build resilience, allowing them to face future challenges with increased confidence and a sense of mastery.

Sean Sprigle, LPCC
Anxiety Counselor

Sean Sprigle, LPCC

Licensed professional clinical counselor

Available for Online Therapy

Anxiety and stress are like an evil and corrosive thread that work their way through every aspect of a life. It can rob the joy that can make life worth living. I know from both personal and professional experience how anxiety and stress can take the joy out of life and also how to overcome these issues and put them in your past. With the aid of tools like EMDR CBT and guided visualizations I can help you overcome this issue and heal from the issues that drive it. Additionally, I can provide tools, coping skills, and other resources to help you manage this particular issue, and experience increased relief from these symptoms with each session.

Paul Santero, Psy. D.
Anxiety Counselor

Paul Santero, Psy. D.

Licensed Psychologist

In 92037 - Nearby to El Cajon.

Like most issues that people experience today, anxiety and stress can be caused by un-resolved trauma in one's past. Trauma can leave a wound when it has not been processed and resolved. This wound, when not delt with, can lead to other issues including anxiety and stress. An effective way to treat anxiety and stress is to look at and deal with unresolved trauma in the individuals past and present. An effective way to deal with trauma is through the technique called EMDR. I am trained through the EMDR Institute and have helped individuals heal the wounds left by their trauma experiences. When this occurs, the stress and anxiety can subside and the individual feels better.

Gita Seshadri, Ph.D, LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

Gita Seshadri, Ph.D, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92129 - Nearby to El Cajon.

I believe anxiety can be stalled by shame, miscommunication, and hidden thoughts. I will work with you to identify how this happens through your relationships-- and this can be any type of relationship; coworker, friend, boss, sibling, partner, child, and/or spouse. What often helps in this area is to practice mindfulness and a cognitive intervention and other techniques to create self awareness and foster relationships.

Aleksandra Drecun, Psy.D.
Anxiety Counselor

Aleksandra Drecun, Psy.D.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

In 92130 - Nearby to El Cajon.

If you suffer from unmanageable stress, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, a difficulty to relax or release your worries, you may experiencing stress and anxiety. You can live free of distress, anxiety or fear. When it comes to treating anxiety disorders or stress-management, research shows that therapy is the most effective option. Therapy can help you uncover the underlying causes of your stress, worries and fears; learn how to relax; look at situations in new, less frightening ways; and develop better coping and problem-solving skills. Therapy gives you the tools to successfully manage stress, overcome anxiety and teaches you how to use them.

Stephanie Knatz Peck, Ph.D, BCIAA
Anxiety Counselor

Stephanie Knatz Peck, Ph.D, BCIAA

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

In 92109 - Nearby to El Cajon.

Dr. Peck is trained in evidence-based models of treatment for anxiety and stress disorders. The good news about anxiety and stress is that there are treatments that have been rigorously studied and are proven to be effective! Unfortunately, not all providers treating these common issues are using the most effective treatments. Dr. Peck can provide education on how anxiety develops, and equip you with a toolbox of coping strategies that are proven to reduce anxiety and stress disorders. Treatments include: Biofeedback, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Exposure and response prevention (a component of cognitive-behavioral therapy), and Coping Cat (children and teens).

John Kane, LMFT
Anxiety Counselor

John Kane, LMFT

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

In 92154 - Nearby to El Cajon.

I take a practical approach to treating anxiety and stress. I help you identify the sources of anxiety if you do not already know them. I support you in learning skills to regulate your emotions and increase awareness of body sensations and experiences in order to help you be able to control and reduce feelings of anxiety. I also use a combination of exposure therapy, if appropriate, and adjustment to lifestyle to help you reduce or eliminate sources of anxiety or stress. I know that every experience of anxiety or stress is unique and I will work with you to develop a plan of support tailored to your needs. I will provide a safe environment for you to challenge and overcome your fear/stress


You have Found the Top Therapists for Stress, Anxiety, and PTSD in El Cajon, CA.

Thank you for visiting our California page of stress therapists in El Cajon, California who are skilled and experienced in dealing with anxiety, worry, and panic in all its forms.  Worry and stress can cause a myriad of physical symptoms and wreck havoc on both our personal life and our relationships. Counseling for stress and PTSD in El Cajon, CA will give you healthy tools and help you move forward. Let's get started. Reach out to us today, our contact forms are "open" 24/7.

El Cajon is located in San Diego County, California. It has a land area of 14.48 square miles and a water area of 0.00 square miles.  The population of El Cajon is 103,679 people with 32,564 households and a median annual income of $45,925. .


Therapy Affordability Meter for El Cajon, CA

Some budgeting needed

While counseling can certainly be an expense for individuals and families in El Cajon, with proper budgeting, it is entirely do-able and the risk/reward is worth it. For some families, it may be difficult to sustain a commitment to therapy without proper insurance coverage. If this is you, ask your therapist about low cost options as practitoners in and around El Cajon may have flexibility or sliding scales. Low cost counseling and affordable therapy are also sometimes offered by listed city and university level clinics, check with your local El Cajon public health department.