Through person centered and feminist approaches, Emily looks  to engage in healthy discourse to encourage growth and empowerment. Emily also utilizes FIT (feedback informed treatment) to work in collaboration with clients to obtain authentic feedback ensuring treatment is progressing appropriately and expected via client feedback. In Emily’s years as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, she has used a variety of evidence based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Brainspotting. Emily’s experience includes working alongside children, adults, and couples, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC population by addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, communication, recovery. Emily is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (11180) Supervised by Rachel Pittsley, LMFT. Emily joined Grow Through Life Counseling in 2024. 

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. 

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.

Taylor is dedicated to empowering individuals in creating healthy and authentic lives, with a focus on supporting children, teens, and adults through various life changes, emotional struggles, and interpersonal difficulties. She believes no one has to face these struggles alone, as hope is available. As a clinician with lived experience, Taylor celebrates differences and provides a nonjudgmental space for anyone seeking support. Employing a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, they bring genuine curiosity, humor, and empathy into the therapeutic space to highlight strengths and nurture resilience. With experience in various settings consisting of outpatient, in-home, and partial hospitalizations, Taylor is familiar with utilizing several therapeutic modalities, including DBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory.

Macy has experience working with youth, families, transitional aged youth (TAY), and adults with her most recent experiences including individual outpatient counseling and supporting youth and their families in a school-based setting. Macy is a person-centered therapist who aims to empower her clients by providing a nonjudgmental environment that encourages honest self-exploration and nurtures self-awareness. Under this belief, a client is seen as a person who is driven toward, and has the capacity for, growth and self-actualization. Macy is familiar with several modalities including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, and Expressive Arts. Macy loves the natural world and enjoys being outside. Macy is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from San Diego State University.

I believe that every person has the potential to achieve their dreams, and I am dedicated to

helping them get there. I am a caring, passionate, and solution-focused therapist that has

helped countless individuals overcome challenges that drive their well-being. My

compassionate and understanding nature allows me to create a safe and supportive

environment for my clients to open up and explore their feelings and experiences. I have a

particular passion for working with kids and teens with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community,

and transition-aged young adults, and have extensive experience with these populations. In

addition to my experience, I have also completed advanced courses in a variety of areas,

such as play therapy, multicultural competence, and lifespan development. I use a

combination of techniques and approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy,

mindfulness, and goal-oriented therapy, to help my clients make lasting changes and

achieve their goals. Whether you are struggling with mental or behavioral issues, looking to

improve your relationships, or trying to achieve personal growth, I am here to support you.

Together, we will work to create a personalized plan to help you reach your goals and lead

an authentic and more fulfilling life.