About Our Practice

In the beginning...

The story of Counseling SDC began with two after work conversations fueled by a shared frustration. Michelle, a therapist with a sharp wit honed in corporate boardrooms, recounted her struggle to connect with clients amidst the pressure to meet quotas. Kathryn, a seasoned therapist with a deep well of empathy from years spent in hospital settings, echoed the sentiment. They were both providing excellent care, but something felt missing.

Their frustration wasn't about the work itself. They saw the pain, the resilience, and the strength in the BIPOC communities they served. What bothered them was the limitations of the system. Therapy often felt transactional, focused on diagnoses and timelines. Where was the space for laughter, for cultural understanding, for simply being human in the therapy room?

One fateful lunch break, fueled by a shared vision and a dash of rebellion, Michelle and Kathryn sketched out their dream practice. It wouldn't be about quotas or diagnoses. It would be about relationships: first, the one built between client and therapist, a space of vulnerability and trust, and second, the relationships within the BIPOC community they were so passionate about serving. Counseling SDC, named for their beloved San Diego County, was born from that afternoon dream. It was a practice where culture mattered, where healing went beyond labels, and where the journey towards well-being was walked together.

Counseling SDC: Where BIPOC Communities Find Healing and Connection

Welcome to Counseling SDC, a therapy practice founded by two Woman of color. Two BIPOC therapists with a shared passion for empowering our communities through personalized and culturally-sensitive care.

Our Journey to Bridge the Gap

Kathryn and Michelle, the co-founders of Counseling SDC, come from diverse backgrounds in community mental health. Working for hospitals and large corporations, they witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional therapy models. While dedicated to serving their clients, they often felt restricted by protocols and unable to fully connect with the unique needs of BIPOC individuals.

Therapy Beyond the Walls

Driven by the desire to create a space for authentic, whole-person healing, Kathryn and Michelle embarked on a new path. Counseling SDC was born from the belief that therapy should be a collaborative journey, fostering a strong connection between therapist and client. In our practice, we move beyond simply diagnosing and treating; we prioritize creating a safe space where cultural identities and experiences are acknowledged and valued.

Empowering BIPOC Communities

Counseling SDC was established to address two significant barriers to mental health care for BIPOC individuals:

Building Trust with the Therapist: We understand the importance of feeling understood and comfortable with your therapist. We cultivate a welcoming environment where open communication and cultural sensitivity are paramount.
Accessible Care: We believe that mental health support should be available regardless of a formal diagnosis or insurance limitations. We offer flexible scheduling and accept a limited number of insurance plans to prioritize client needs over third-party involvement. Additionally, we create individualized treatment plans that go beyond predetermined session limits, ensuring you receive the support you deserve.

Counseling SDC is more than just a therapy practice. We are a community resource, committed to empowering BIPOC individuals and families to build healthy relationships, overcome challenges, and find lasting well-being.

We specialize in treating individuals (ages 5+) experiencing interpersonal relationship concerns.

Contact us today to start your journey towards healing and connection.

Our Values

Cultural Sensitivity
- We acknowledge and respect the diverse experiences and viewpoints within BIPOC communities.
Client-Centered Care
- We prioritize your unique needs and goals, tailoring treatment plans that empower you to take charge of your well-being.
Transparency and Trust
- We believe in open communication and building a foundation of trust with our clients.
Accessibility and Equity
- We strive to make therapy accessible and affordable, regardless of diagnosis or insurance status.
Holistic Approach
- We acknowledge the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, and social well-being, and address the whole person in our counseling approach

"People with greater social support, less isolation, and greater interpersonal trust live longer and healthier lives than those who are socially isolated. Neighborhoods richer in social capital provide residents with greater access to support and resources than those with less social capital."

Contact