Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Chula Vista, CA

Hello and welcome! There is so much I want to share with you!

I acknowledge that finding a therapist can sometimes feel overwhelming because you want to find a good fit, someone who “gets” you, so I thank you for being here.

I identify as a Latinx, cis gender woman, feminist, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ ally, and spiritual. I am the granddaughter of immigrants from Mexico and the daughter of working class parents. Before coming to Marriage and Family Therapy, I earned a Master’s degree in Women’s Studies, and wrote my thesis on the jurisprudence of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I am aware of the dominant societal structures, narratives, expectations and pressures that can impact your story and how you live it. I look forward to being alongside you as you write a preferred story – one that is fully authored by you.

Prior to focusing on Marriage and Family Therapy, I worked for close to nineteen years in higher education leadership, advising and mentoring college students at a public university in Southern California. The relationships I fostered with students and the stories they shared with me inspired me to move into Marriage and Family Therapy. Like my work with the students, my therapy work is filled with compassion, empathy and understanding. And while there may sometimes be difficult conversations and tears in our work, I also invite in laughter, lightness and joy.

I am currently scheduling online and in-person appointments. I am available Mondays- Thursdays, and Saturdays.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.I specialize in working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with anxiety disorders, OCD, phobias, and trauma.

You can visit my website for more information: https://www.thiwlodarskilmft.com

Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges or feeling stuck-you don’t have to navigate it alone. I'm a licensed therapist with nearly 20 years of experience in the field helping individuals and couples create lasting, meaningful change.

Together, we’ll identify what brings you to therapy, we'll gently look at where you're feeling stuck and examine the patterns that are no longer serving you. Then, with evidence-based interventions we'll modify these patterns leading to lasting meaningful change.

My formal clinical training was received through the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I gained extensive experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to military veterans and their partners. I specialize in treating PTSD (combat and sexual trauma), Depression, Anxiety, Panic, Grief and Couples. My clinical training leans heavily on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with emphasis on trauma informed and attachment focused perspectives.

I am a bicultural, 55-year-old and very proud father of two adolescents. In this growing age of isolation and need for sincere, genuine human connection, it has never been more important to regain our sense of control and serenity. The foundation of our work together is based on restoring this basic human need. I believe the answers lie in the path itself, not just in reaching the destination. Together, we will learn to welcome challenges as opportunities.

I specialize in helping children, families, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, grief, family stress, and men's mental health. I work with clients from infants and toddlers through adults, which means I can support the whole family, not just one person. I don't believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, and I won't treat you like a checklist. The work I do is practical, collaborative, and focused on helping you direct your life, not just understand it.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders.

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I’m trained at the graduate level in mental health care across the lifespan. I assess mental health concerns, diagnose conditions, prescribe and manage psychiatric medications, and provide psychotherapy. I also coordinate care with therapists, primary care providers, and other specialists as needed.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience providing mental health services in behavioral health, crisis intervention, community mental health, and medical settings. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and other emotional challenges.

My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma-informed. I believe healing happens when clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I work alongside clients to build on their strengths, develop practical coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.

Throughout my career, I have provided therapy and clinical support in outpatient, community-based, hospital, college mental health, and correctional settings. In my private practice, I provide bilingual psychotherapy to individuals and families experiencing trauma, stress, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and behavioral health issues. I also have extensive experience supporting foster, adoptive, and biological families caring for children impacted by trauma and attachment-related difficulties.

My professional background includes crisis stabilization, risk assessment, treatment planning, wraparound services, and multidisciplinary care coordination for youth and families with complex needs. I am also a part-time lecturer in the School of Social Work at San Diego State University, where I teach and mentor future social workers.

I am passionate about culturally responsive care, equity in mental health services, and helping clients feel empowered throughout their healing journey. I provide services in both English and Spanish and welcome clients from all backgrounds.