Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in La Mesa, CA

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

I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and Lead Clinician. I received my Master of Arts from Western Kentucky University have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1996 and provided services in child welfare settings involving abused and neglected children and parents who experienced addiction, trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I also have years of experience working in a private practice setting, working with teens, adults, couples and active duty military. I also specialize in treating trauma and PTSD using EMDR.

Many of the struggles that bring us to therapy—anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, self-doubt, or feeling stuck—have deeper roots than we realize. Sometimes these patterns develop through painful experiences, major life transitions, or family systems that taught us to prioritize others, question ourselves, or adapt in ways that no longer serve us. Therapy offers the opportunity to understand these patterns and create lasting change.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the spouse of a retired Army Veteran, I've spent much of my adult life living in different parts of the country and world, continually building community and connection wherever life led. Those experiences deepened my understanding of resilience, belonging, and the many ways people adapt through change, loss, and transition. I bring that perspective into my work, creating a warm, compassionate, and collaborative space where individuals, couples, and families feel genuinely seen and understood.

Together, we'll work to understand the deeper patterns shaping your life, strengthen your relationships, and help you move toward a more authentic, fulfilling way of living.

I was born and raised in the Bay Area and have spent more than six years working as a therapist and medical social worker in a variety of settings, including healthcare systems, schools, and community-based programs. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals across the lifespan, which has given me a broad understanding of the unique challenges people face at different stages of life.

I earned my Master’s Degree from California State University, East Bay, and specialize in supporting individuals experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, grief, and work or life stressors that impact overall well-being. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with a focus on helping clients process difficult experiences, build resilience, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges. My goal is to create a supportive space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move toward healing and lasting growth.

• Immigration--I have performed 5000 plus clinical studies for immigration clients facing deportation.: VAWA (Violence against Women Studies) U-Visa (Lasting Harm)

601 Waivers (Extreme Hardship) Asylum (fear of Returning) and Cancellation of Removal (extreme and unusual hardship). I have been qualified as an expert Witness in Federal and Superior Court. I have been in Practice for 40 plus years

If you’re struggling with your relationship with food, your body, or feeling stuck in cycles of restriction, bingeing, or guilt, you are not alone—and you don’t have to face it by yourself. In my private practice, I specialize in working with individuals navigating eating disorders and disordered eating.

I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, chronic dieting, and body image concerns. In addition to eating disorder treatment, I work with children, teens, and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, substance use, and challenges related to identity and the LGBTQIA+ community. I am committed to creating an affirming, inclusive space where clients of all backgrounds feel seen, respected, & supported.