Peter was lovely, as a couples therapist and a personal therapist. He is perceptive and forthright…read more I recommend him to anyone who is looking for someone who says it how it is while maintaining compassion and understanding. He is able to see past peoples facades, get to the point quickly and is not stuffy and overly formal. Conversation flows easy and his perspective is often times eye opening and possibly life changing...depending on what you do with it :)

Pete is a talented, productive and respectful counselor. I recommend him strongly to anyone…read moreseeking any level of guidence. His intuative, uncanny way of wading through drama and getting to the meat of the matter has had a positive and dramatic effect on how I relate to ... everything! Any time I have a chance to talk with Pete, I come away with insight and perspective that leads to incredable, positive changes in my life. Just start talking and he will find the keys and open the doors. Amazing!

I have visited with Dr. Hatherley from time to time over the last 25 years and have found his work…read moreto be incredibly useful. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology myself! Dr. Hatherley is NOT a Psychiatrist, as the previous review stated; that would require a medical component; rather, he is an exceptionally gifted Psychologist and Teacher. All of mankind is out there "trying to be happy" in a world that is growing more complex and demanding by the day. Few realize that happiness is a RESULT of leading a satisfying life. Dr. Hatherley has provided me with a sure and steady pathway of growth over the years which has resulted in a sense of satisfaction with my life. I met him at age 34; I am now 61. Dr. Hatherley does have a dry sense of humor which perhaps takes a little getting used to. It is intelligent humor and not designed to be belittling or rude at all and it comes from a caring heart. There is value in levity when dealing with life's serious issues. Perhaps this Renee C. may not have been ready to look at him/herself. In which case it's easier to to criticize the Doctor than take the medicine. Dr. Hatherley is a world class Psychologist who should be on PBS broadcasting. His work is unique and extraordinarily important. Kay G

This review has been overdue for a while as I went through a lot of the old cliche adage, "I did a…read morelot of soul searching" on whether to post something. I don't like giving bad reviews considering I did get a *few* good tips from Dr. Paul's insights. But given how much money I have spent on his services and finally now seeing clearly his methodology and preaching, I need to give an honest assessment incase others on here come across his psychiatry and they deserve to know what they're getting themselves into. I will start clearly stating that Dr. Paul is at most levels, a textbook psychiatrist. I'm not sure how much real life experience he has dealing with large groups of people on an intimate/real friendship level beyond his practice... as he even claims that he doesn't believe working in a corporation because he doesn't fit in that environment. That is scary considering I'm assuming many of his La Jolla clients are going to him to neander through the corporate ladders today, but that's just the tip of it... A lot what he talks about - and relays in his books (if you go into his group "class" sessions, you are required to do some reading) are purely conceptual and abstract ideas. I've gone to enough counselors to finally figure out that while these concepts may be profound to think about from a cognitive, rationalization viewpoint... how can one appropriately apply to real human beings? Much of his "teachings" are about meeting other people's needs, wants and understand in order to gain happiness. Yes, that is a basic principle in psychiatry, we all get that. But so much of what he talks about is so convoluted in not meeting or taking care of the self's own needs that this actually becomes co-dependent on making others happy first, you second. (very Confuciusism and he will say much of that he got was from his Eastern philosophy education) Instead, he will tell you that life's happiness will come largely from non-human pleasantries like nature, animals, hiking, music... which don't get me wrong, are nice to observe and temporarily fill in our empty void. But come on people, most of us don't live in the woods like John Muir.. we have real lives that involve being at a workplace, dealing with multiple personalities and real life challenges and scenarios. I felt like the reason I was going down WAS for the very reasons he was teaching and was growing frustrated that instead of hearing helpful advice, I was routinely being downsized, ridiculed or "put in my place." He talked about his other patients negatively when they weren't even there. This is how he operates his group sessions too: He goes around, takes apart every person's character defect (which hey, is okay if you want that) with much cynicism. Oh wait, cynicism is supposed to be funny! Several times I went in with hope in healing and finding understanding (which he preaches about and I understand), but I left.. feeling depleted, depressed and negative. More than that, I would often hear one thing and contradict himself the next: Be humble, don't be outstanding - yet he plastered photos of himself everywhere on his books. Right. I often left feeling negative about the world, negative about others, myself and hopes of elevating myself. Sure, I gained understanding... but I wasn't any happier. Therapists aren't supposed to do that to you... they're supposed to encourage you to get yourself back up, gain energy to seize your problems and move out of your hole. Instead, I felt like Dr. Paul wanted me to just keep coming back - as he would incidentally promote about his upcoming teaching sessions in hopes of me signing up. He actually refused to answer my questions saying that I did not have the knowledge to apply them into my daily life. Yeah, that's a bit f!#%'d up? Who's the paying customer here? I should've reported him to the BBB right then and there. I'm not a psychiatry major, but a friend of mine who is told me that Dr. Paul's own self-concept is so skewed (like many other therapists) and grand on himself. Therefore, he doesn't even know about his own problems and instead of nourishing me with the tools to empower myself, I felt belittled and resigned. Mind you, this is my opinion and my opinion only. If you are looking for someone who is has a pessimistic viewpoint of life (oh, excuse me... he says he's "realistic") - and to "tell you" how to think, then he's your guy. I don't know about you, but with all the baggage I've had in my past and given how tough work and real life can be many times over, I know notions like hope and optimism are key drivers for keeping me sane and hoping to improve my way of life. If you go into Dr. Paul's office with a shred of optimism, he will close your happiness in no time flat - and gladly insult you while at it.

The office has soft lighting and it smells calming, and peaceful inside…read more Shows they care. Did some couples therapy with Liz and individual therapy with Aly. Liz helped my partner and I tremendously. And Aly has been working with me, and helping me so much. I absolutely recommend this place if you need some help :')

Kate Nicholson has been a trusted and reliable colleague of mine since 2022. Over the years, I have…read morebeen constantly impressed by her clinical insight, professionalism, and genuine dedication to her clients. Throughout our graduate program, our professors were consistently highlighting Kate's excellent combination of strong clinical skills and authentic compassion. She has a natural ability to attune to her clients, and builds trust effectively and organically with a foundation of respect, understanding, and safety. Her warmth and presence allow her to connect with people in a meaningful way, while still maintaining the professionalism and structure needed to facilitate growth and change. As a fellow AMFT, perhaps what I admire most about Kate is her commitment to continued learning and excellence in this field. After graduate school, she pursued additional certification in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), reflecting both her passion for helping clients and her dedication to providing evidence-based, high-quality care. Out of our graduating cohort of 30+ individuals and only a handful being presented with awards, I vividly remember how appropriate our classmates agreed it was that Kate was selected for the "Outstanding Clinical Skills" award. She approaches her work thoughtfully and intentionally, always seeking ways to deepen her skills and better support the individuals who she works with. Kate's passion for therapy is evident in every aspect of her work, and I would confidently recommend her to anyone looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated therapist. I highly recommend Estes Therapy, and I highly recommend Kate Nicholson.

Dr. Linder is a truly compassionate and gifted therapist. I did EMDR a few years ago and while it…read morewas helpful, it did not help the PTSD as I'd hoped it would. Working with Dr. Linder has been a completely different experience. Mostly, I am no longer reacting in a trauma based way. My life has become so much more full and happy. I have incredibly deep gratitude for Dr. Linder. I would highly recommend him to anyone suffering and in need of EMDR.

I have worked with Jason for several years and he is an exceptional therapist. He is professional,…read moreempathetic, and highly effective in the help he provides. He creates a safe and supportive environment to feel heard and validated. I highly recommend Dr. Linder to anyone seeking relief.

Ruth Gillis is very understanding, she always tries to come up with solutions to help your…read moresituation. Some of the things she Recommended for me, they work I just have to be consistent! With everything! And it gets hard sometimes, but I keep at it.. I get it right. So I'm very happy with her service Thank you very much! Ruth

Ruth Gillis helped guide me through an extremely challenging period in my life. Using EMDR we were…read moreable to address some incredibly traumatic events from my past, and in turn help me better manage my mental health. I would recommend Ruth and EMDR for anyone struggling with PTSD and childhood trauma.

WARNING DO NOT BRING YOUR CHILD HERE FOR THERAPY.this was the most unprofessional business I've…read moreever dealt with hands down. Charging and sending bills for appointments I never scheduled.telling me it's court ordered so I have to go bye the schedule they create.i have a full time job I can't just do whatever whenever.long story short they sided with the mother against our child making her feel uncomfortable and just really did not know how to talk to a child.Ed is old and senile.he was very very very unprofessional,he couldn't even figure out zoom mostly because he couldn't connect due to the fact he was on his boat in the ocean at times .do not use this place they are a mess.

What can I say, Laurel (McIntyre ) is a wonderful therapist who is kind, compassionate and caring…read more She would listen and provide feedback when appropriate, which is a nice touch in contrast to the militant style some clinicians employ. I really felt like I "clicked" with her and its a shame that I no longer live in the area, or else I'd definitely continue seeing her as my primary counselor. The office is well kept and laid back at the same time, which allowed me to relax and let my tension just slip away. Highly recommend you come here for your mental health needs! :)

I can't speak to the kind of doctor he is but after being denied care because I am over the age of…read more70, that speaks volumes to me. The problem with our society is that we throw away our elderly and do not give them the respect that they deserve. I think that all people regardless of age should have a right to a happy healthy life...ageism is rampant.

Dr. Sivtsov is extremely patient, honest, and knowledgeable. Went through three psychiatrists…read morebefore him to treat depression to no avail, but under his careful guidance we were able to find the right treatment within a month. He might not be the perfect fit for everyone but he is very good at what he does and truly listens to the patient and their needs.

Our marriage was on the rocks, and a previous marriage counselor was not helping. We left…read morevoicemails with several potentials late Friday, and Paul responded to us Saturday morning. Even though we had not met yet, his concern for our situation was evident from the start, and we were hopeful we were on the path to better help. Well, we got it in spades! Over the course of the next several months, Paul's empathy and cut-to-the-heart-of-the-matter probing has finally got us on the right path. He is professional and knowledgeable and we cannot recommend him highly enough. Who you gonna call? Sincerely, Dan C

Dr. Standal was a huge jerk to me. He is one of those therapists who places greater focus on…read morethemselves and their needs rather than your own and makes you feel bad if you do not conform to their rigid, unspoken rules of therapy. This was especially apparent at the end of the appointment, when I expressed I may not want to return. He practically had a meltdown over it. He then tried charging me more than what I owed. Sorry that I'm a client with my own feelings!!