Marriage Counselor in San Diego & Family Therapist

I’ve been a practicing marriage & family counselor for over 30 years and if I’ve learned anything during that time it’s that problems rarely get better on their own. You wouldn’t be on this website if everything in your life was going the way you wanted. What you’ve been doing to this point isn’t working. Now is the right time to get things back on track. You deserve this!

Are you having problems with your marriage or relationship? Is your spouse abusive or neglectful? Are there drug or addiction issues in your household? Are you depressed, anxious or just not feeling like yourself? These are major life issues that need to be addressed and there’s nothing wrong with getting help from a professional. Life transitions are also significant periods that can benefit from specialized therapeutic techniques.

I’ve dealt with all of these problems and many more. Helping adult individuals just like yourself is my passion. I can provide you with all the tools you need to live a rich, fulfilling life, but you have to be willing to take the first step. Give me a call today for a free phone consultation or book an appointment below.

A Little About Me

: David L. Christopher LMFT

As a highly skilled, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, David provides specialized treatment for anxiety, depression, addictions and a wide range of relationship issues.

David’s clients commend him on his broad ranging skill as a therapist and strong, supportive commitment to them.

Well known by his colleagues in the mental health industry, he has provided training to therapists throughout the county on substance abuse disorders, family intervention and step-family dynamics.

David has been married over 25 years and has two adult children. Over the years, his diverse interests have resulted in his becoming an expert furniture maker and a serious runner, having completed four marathons.

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My Approach To Therapy

As a licensed San Diego Therapist, my mission is to help families solidify their relationships by challenging old beliefs, learning positive communication skills, and supporting changes they want to make. At the same time individuals improve their emotional well being, feel empowered by new awareness’s and change behaviors that have previously prevented their sense of well-being.

My approach is characterized by empathy, compassion, optimism and a collaborative spirit. I work with people’s strengths rather than emphasizing their weaknesses. I pride myself on being down to earth. I’d rather kid with people than judge them and, though I enjoy talking, I find listening and exploring to be incredibly powerful. Understanding attachment theory is crucial in this process, as it helps clients comprehend how early relationships impact their current emotional health and relational dynamics.

As a relationship expert, I have been honored to offer my counseling and therapy services to North San Diego County families for over twenty-five years. My belief is that our lives revolve around healthy relationships. I empower people to learn the tools that build strong connections – great communication, effective boundaries, healthy attachments and emotional authenticity. I also provide couples therapy, utilizing methods like the Gottman Method, to help couples enhance their bond and resolve issues.

In addition, embracing family systems is important in therapy, as it provides a holistic view of individual and relational dynamics within families.

My main office is located at 141 N. Acacia in Solana Beach in a beautiful Mediterranean-style building one block from the ocean. Our offices were built specifically for doing psychotherapy and marriage counseling, they are safe and warm. Double french doors open to a completely private fenced backyard. The convenient waiting room and off-street parking create a sense of well-being from the time you arrive. For your convenience, office hours are available in the evenings, afternoons, and mornings.

Regardless of where you are located in North County, Solana Beach is minutes away. Encinitas, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Leucadia, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley and La Jolla are all just a few minutes drive – Take the step and give me a call or request an appointment. I look forward to working with you.

MY AREAS OF SPECIALTY

Marriage Counseling:

As a marriage counselor, my role is to provide a safe, neutral space for couples to explore their relationship dynamics and work through challenges together. During our sessions, I guide couples through structured conversations that aim to uncover underlying issues, whether they’re related to communication breakdowns, unresolved conflicts, or emotional disconnects. I use evidence-based techniques tailored to each couple’s unique needs, such as active listening exercises, conflict resolution strategies, and emotional expression tools, to help partners understand each other more deeply. My goal is not to take sides or assign blame but to facilitate a process where both individuals feel heard and valued. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to discord and develop practical, actionable steps to enhance intimacy, trust, and mutual respect, ultimately empowering the couple to build a stronger, healthier relationship.

Drug & Alcohol Addiction Counseling

As a therapist specializing in drug and alcohol addiction counseling, my approach is to support individuals in understanding the root causes of their substance use and to guide them on a path toward recovery. During our sessions, I create a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where clients can openly discuss their struggles, triggers, and motivations. I use a combination of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention strategies, tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. Together, we explore the emotional, psychological, and social factors contributing to the addiction, and work on developing healthier coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes.

Individual Therapy

My primary aim as an individual psychotherapist is to provide a supportive and confidential space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental setting. During our sessions, I work collaboratively with clients to identify their personal challenges, which may include anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or self-esteem concerns. I utilize a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and psychodynamic therapy, depending on the unique needs and goals of the client. Our work together is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, where we uncover patterns that may be holding the client back and develop practical strategies to address them. My goal is to help clients gain insight, build coping skills, and foster resilience, ultimately empowering them to lead more fulfilling and balanced lives.

PTSD Treatment

When helping clients with PTSD treatment, my focus is on helping individuals process and heal from the traumatic experiences that continue to impact their daily lives. During our sessions, I create a safe, supportive, and empathetic environment where clients can explore their trauma at their own pace. I use evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, all of which are designed to help clients reframe their traumatic memories, reduce distressing symptoms, and regain a sense of control.

Mood Disorder Treatment

Specializing in mood disorder treatment, my approach is to provide a comprehensive and compassionate framework for individuals struggling with conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood-related challenges. In our sessions, I work collaboratively with clients to explore their symptoms, triggers, and the impact of their mood disorder on daily functioning and relationships. I employ a variety of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques, tailored to each client’s unique needs and goals.

Family Counseling

My goal is to help families navigate challenges and improve their relationships by fostering open communication, understanding, and cooperation among all members. Family counseling sessions provide a safe and neutral space where each person can express their thoughts and feelings, and where we can explore the dynamics and patterns that may be contributing to conflicts or misunderstandings. I use a range of therapeutic approaches, such as systemic family therapy, structural family therapy, and narrative therapy, tailored to the unique needs and goals of the family.

What My Clients Are Saying

LisaEncinitas, Ca

“David is an excellent therapist and very easy to talk to. He helped me and my husband and I can’t recommend him highly enough.”

AlyssaDel Ma, Ca

“My husband and I were on the path to divorce until I got in touch with David and we started counseling. Now our relationship is as strong as ever. I’m so grateful for David and the help he provided us.”

WilliamSan Marcos, Ca

“I was struggling with all sorts of personal issues including drugs and alcohol. I couldn’t find a way through it. Now I feel like I’m doing much better and I have David to thank.”

Serena W.Encinitas, Ca

“I’ve been going here for several months for individual therapy sessions and I’ve made great progress on some depression & anxiety issues. David can help with individuals, couples, just about anyone who needs to talk with a professional therapist. I highly recommend them.”

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