Fran is a compassionate and affirming therapist who believes healing looks different for everyone. She enjoys working with individuals at any stage of their journey and creates a welcoming space to explore growth and change. Fran is especially passionate about working with undocumented individuals, the LGBTQ+ community, people in the process of coming out, and those navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, or PMDD. She offers bilingual therapy services in both Spanish and English. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in a feminist framework that acknowledges how systems of power and identity impact mental health. Fran integrates person-centered and humanistic principles, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and emotion-focused therapy to support each client’s unique needs. She brings experience from a variety of clinical settings, including community-based clinics and schools, and has worked as a school-based therapist and academic counselor supporting at-risk youth, parents, and young adults from diverse cultural backgrounds. Fran is especially skilled in helping clients through major life transitions with empathy and care. She earned her Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Multicultural and Trauma-Informed Counseling from San Diego State University.

Matt provides compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals, couples, and families. Matt’s clinical experience includes working with clients managing ADHD, navigating personality disorders, and supporting those wrestling with dual-diagnosis and substance-related challenges. He is also experienced in crisis intervention and premarital counseling for couples preparing for marriage. Matt has worked with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing psychosis, families facing complex relational dynamics, and children and adolescents struggling with emotional regulation. His approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of each client, whether they are seeking individual growth or relationship healing. Matt has more than 25 years of combined experience in family pastoral counseling and over 3 years of clinical counseling. In addition to his clinical experience, Matt’s personal journey and experiences fuel his passion for helping clients build resilience, self-worth, and a sense of belonging both within themselves and in their relationships. Matthew “Matt” Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Nina is an empathic Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) dedicated to empowering clients through culturally sensitive, holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices. She earned her Master
of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Boston University and has experience in school-based and community mental health settings, as well as grief support programs. Nina is committed to providing an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients. She uses an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based therapies like IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to create personalized plans for clients of all ages facing stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, communication issues, ADHD, and trauma. With a focus on building strong therapeutic relationships, Nina is committed to meeting clients where they are and fostering a supportive environment
for growth. 

Emily works with adolescents, adults, couples, LGBTQIA2S+, and BIPOC populations, addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, communication, and more. She uses person-centered and feminist approaches, engaging in healthy discourse to encourage healing, growth, and empowerment. Collaboration is key to Emily’s practice, as she values authentic feedback to ensure the client is receiving what they are looking for while remaining productive. With 4+ years of clinical experience, Emily utilizes a variety of modalities, including Brainspotting (BSP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). Emily brings a down-to-earth approach, a touch of humor, and a genuine passion for helping people find solutions in their journey. Emily holds a Master's degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling and joined Grow Through Life Counseling in 2024.

Karen is an LGBTQIA+ affirming and has worked with clients experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, difficulties with attachment, life transitions, and other mental health concerns.  She believes in making sure her clients feel they are in a safe space by creating a nonjudgmental and culturally sensitive environment.  Karen has experience working with military families and children and has been a teacher, trainer, and director for the Navy Child and Youth Programs for 13+ years and has worked in an AAPI community-based program.  Being a first-generation Asian American from the Philippines, she understands clients who experience bicultural changes that involve environmental issues and family dynamics.  Karen believes in the holistic approach such as connecting the body, mind, and spirit to further one’s healing journey.  She uses a variety of skills learned from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to collaborate with her clients to achieve their goals.  Karen has her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator.

Rachel is an LGBTQIA+ affirming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). In 2011 she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and has since been working with children, adults, couples, and families. She has experience in school based mental health, and working with clients who are neurodivergent, including navigating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Rachel also has a passion for serving families who are pregnant, postpartum, and parenting young children. She specializes in anxiety, depression, parenting and attachment. She believes in being culturally humble, trauma informed, and always meeting clients where they are in the moment. Rachel joined the Grow Through Life Counseling team as a clinical leader and supervisor in La Mesa in 2024.