OUR MISSION

To promote behavioral health and wellness for our clients to obtain a high quality of life within themselves, their family and their community. We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that include assessment, short-term solution focused interventions, consultation with other providers, and crisis intervention. If you are feeling stuck, stressed from life circumstances, or having trouble adjusting to new transitions, then please contact us. We are here for you!

MEET OUR TEAM OF THERAPISTS

Jennifer Little MS, LPCC #2992, Supervisor, Owner

The best counselors in San Diego are those that have gone through trials and tribulations- then to survive, overcome, and teach others how to do the same. I grew up as a caretaker for my single mother who suffered from mental health issues. She committed suicide when I was only fifteen after struggling with several debilitating symptoms.

This initially motivated me to get through college to become a special education teacher working with students in public middle schools. I absolutely loved my students; however, being a teacher prevented me from becoming closer with each student that needed a role model- an adult they could trust and turn to for help.

With the limitations placed on school teachers, I found this dilemma very frustrating. Therefore, I decided to obtain another degree in mental health counseling in order for me to open up my own practice. As a counselor, I am now able to establish deeper relationships with my clients, both children, and adults. I strive every day to help my clients grow in every aspect of their lives.

Regardless of their circumstances, I want my clients to recognize their true potential, their capacity to become, and achieve anything. Every time I help a person who is struggling with suicide, medical illnesses, or mental health issues- I reflect upon my own mother and reassured that being a counselor is what God had planned for me all along.

I also have experience with eating disorders, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, all mood disorders, pre and post-natal, grief, addictions, and family dynamics. As well as case management for more severe disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar. I conduct neurofeedback with people ages four years old until end of life for anxiety, anger, depression, insomnia, migraines, seizures, ADHD, autism, ODD, DMDD, memory, focus, and peak performance. I utilize EMDR to treat various forms of PTSD. Play therapy, CBT, and DBT are approaches used in both individual and group settings.

EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

Master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Nevada Las Vegas
Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Walden University.
Five years of teaching adolescent age students with special needs.
Owner of Healing Hearts Counseling Center SD INC private practice and supervisor of other therapists.

CERTIFICATIONS

EMDR Specialist
Play and Sand-tray Therapist under the ACAC division
Somatic Experiencing

Accumulation of clinical experience in a variety of settings:

Non-profit community agencies in Las Vegas, Nevada and NAMI for individual patients and their families seeking out mental health assistance.

Dana Alavi, AMFT #145882

I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and firmly believe that our actions, words, and thoughts both influence and are influenced by those around us. This belief in interconnectedness drives my commitment to the therapeutic relationship, as I believe it has the power to inspire healing and change when desired. As your therapist, I will guide you down the path of your choosing, while we explore new perspectives, unlock doors, and open our minds to new ideas together.

I love working with all populations but have a special passion for working with teenagers. They are open to new ideas, learning, and growth, making it a privilege to help guide them through such an important stage of life. I run a weekly DBT skills group for teens, providing them with a safe space to build social skills, self-esteem, and manage their emotions. Additionally, I find couples therapy incredibly rewarding, as I witness the most miracles occur when two people work together toward change.

In my personal life, I am a divorced mother of two boys who has remarried and now co-parents. Having navigated the fears and anxieties of divorce, I remain a firm believer that we are our best selves when in a deep and loving connection. In my free time, I enjoy dancing and am a member of a talented dance team.

During my career, I have advocated for foster youth and worked as a therapist in a halfway house in Newark, NJ, where I helped families heal and reunify after incarceration. I am also EMDR-trained and passionate about supporting clients on their healing journeys. As part of the Healing Hearts Counseling Center, I aim to help individuals, couples, or families navigate any challenges that may arise.

Karen Sadewater, LMFT #106026, Supervisor

Hello my name is Karen Sadewater, Doctoral Candidate in Psy.D Marital and Family Therapy at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have a passion for helping others through volunteering in my community. I enjoy traveling, concerts, finding new restaurants to try and football.
I have been working in this healing field for over 6 years. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps children, adolescents, adults, and families struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life challenges, relationship issues, and complex trauma. Over the years my niche has become complex trauma. I use EMDR and other evidence based practices to process trauma to assist clients in having a better quality of life. I believe the key to happiness is mindful connection to self, others, spirituality, the community, and the world. I have overcome many obstacles in life, and am grateful to now be in a position to help others as I have been helped. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment to explore barriers to happiness.

Tamika Wyatt, LMFT #113711, Supervisor

Feeling trapped, anxious, or depressed? I want to help! Seeking therapy is a personal choice motivated by many factors and as I appreciate your choice to seek out such care my aim is to collaboratively focus on solutions that build upon your strengths and values. I am motivated to equip you with the information needed to help you identify what seems broken and broaden your toolbox to repair yourself to wholeness. I am a client and solution-focused therapist with an emphasis on emotional awareness & empowerment. I aim to assist you in identifying your emotional style to facilitate your healing and capacity to adapt to life’s current stressors. Through my individualized approach to therapy, I offer a space where one can feel safe to shed the expectations of the world, de-mask, and feel observed, respected, and heard.

Jessy Milligan, LMFT #140774

I have always been a relational person, and since high school I’ve enjoyed listening to other people’s stories and getting to know people on deeper levels. I also grew up with a grandmother who was—and still volunteers as—a therapist, and I greatly admire the person she is and the way she is able to help others. As a result, I have always felt a passion for helping others and have felt drawn to the field of psychology and to become a therapist.

I achieved my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Point Loma Nazarene University and went on to complete a master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in marriage and family therapy from Azusa Pacific University. Since then I have gained experience working with adults healing from past traumas and substance abuse, as well as other mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

I believe the primary tool for healing is the therapeutic relationship between a therapist and her client; I aim to create a safe space for clients to process what they need and to build a trusting, collaborative relationship to reach their goals. I want to meet my clients where they are emotionally to help them reach their goals. I use empirically-based therapies, including CBT, psychodynamic, narrative, existentialism, and EMDR, tailoring sessions toward a client’s individual needs. I enjoy helping my clients gain insight into themselves and into past experiences that impact their thought patterns, behaviors, and relationships—and help them develop tools to experience healing and change and to begin reaching their full potential.

Jazlynn Sipplen, APCC #13144

Hi everyone, my name is Jazlynn Sipplen. I have always taken an interest in helping people with their emotional and behavioral needs. Since an early age people have always felt comfortable telling me about their experiences and problems that they may be facing. It has been interesting to see how our mind and emotions can have such a significant impact on our daily functioning. I grew up in a household where both of my parents worked in the healthcare field, so the idea of helping others was instilled in me at an early age.

I achieved my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida and completed my master’s degree in counseling and human development at Lindsey Wilson College. This has led me to gain experience working with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health challenges.

I believe the most effective tool in therapy is the relationship between client and therapist. Having a good therapeutic relationship can help pave the way for a healthy outcome. I aim to provide a safe and supportive environment to help clients achieve their goals and long term success. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution focused therapy in which I tailor strategies and treatment to benefit each client. I absolutely enjoy helping clients gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors and practice strategies to improve these thoughts and behaviors to better reflect the best version of themselves.

Haley Garrity, ACSW #105688

Haley Garrity originally from the East Coast, graduated from NYU with her Master’s in Social Work. She has since moved to California where she is a registered Associate Clinical Social Worker, working with children and families in North County, San Diego, and currently working towards her LCSW. Haley is a dedicated professional in the field of Social Work and is also the founder of Haley’s Herbals, a natural and organic line of skin care products. With her background in Psychology, and her passion for Health and Wellness, she believes it is critical to nurture the connection between mind and body. Haley has passionately worked both nationally and internationally, and offers a unique, well-rounded skillset to all she encounters. She has been counseling young children, adolescents, young adults, adults, and families for over 15 years; also as a developmental play specialist with all youth populations.

Julie Choi Trepkau, AMFT #147728

Hello, I’m Julie, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or relationship concerns, I strive to create a safe, compassionate space where healing and personal growth can flourish. My approach integrates evidence-based practices, including trauma-informed care and mindfulness techniques, to foster resilience and holistic well-being. I believe in co-creating personalized, systems-sensitive care plans tailored to your unique needs, empowering you to achieve sustainable mental health and meaningful transformation.

My journey to this work has been anything but linear, yet every step has led me here. I began my academic path studying Art History at Barnard College in New York City before earning an MSc from The London School of Economics and Political Science (Social Anthropology and Development Studies). After working in the corporate world in Hong Kong, my life took an unexpected turn when I discovered Ashtanga Yoga. This sparked a deep interest in mindfulness, meditation, and the mind-body connection, leading me to share these practices with others.

I then moved to Hamburg, Germany, where I embraced motherhood, deepened my yoga practice with extended trips to India, and experienced firsthand the profound connection between movement, breath, and emotional well-being. Returning to the U.S. after 15 years abroad, I settled in Encinitas and taught elementary school, where I became increasingly fascinated by the ways in which trauma is held in the body—and how somatic practices can support healing. Witnessing the transformative power of mindfulness, breathwork, and embodied movement, I felt called to expand my work into the field of psychotherapy.

I pursued my MA in Counseling Psychology at National University to bridge the worlds of mindfulness and therapy, allowing me to support others in healing, self-discovery, and emotional regulation. I’m passionate about helping individuals cultivate self-awareness, calm their nervous systems, and develop tools for lasting well-being. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward growth and healing.

Arianna Raiola, AMFT #136924

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step

~ Lao Tzu

Ever since I was a child, I knew that I wanted to help people grow and prosper in their lives. “Your success is my success,” is a resonating thought that gives me the passion to be a therapist.

My life journey started with extensive travels around the world, including Africa, South East Asia, Japan, and India where I studied yoga. Japan was my home base for five years, and being entrenched in such a rich variety of cultures was formative in building my perspectives on people and life. Travel can augment the soul, open the eyes to diversity, and create a humble enrichment of understanding of the human race.

Life’s journey also provided me with the task of raising two amazing boys; one on the path to be a fireman, the other who serves in the United States Navy.As a military spouse of twenty years, I developed an attunement with the needs, difficulties, struggles, and duties of the military family.

The journey continued with entrepreneurial endeavors and business acumen which developed into the creation and ownership of a yoga studio. This experience provided me with the task of training students to become teachers, as well as delivering business coaching. Many of my students now own their own studios…success!

A Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University offered me the opportunity to work at Union of Pan Asian Communities, treating adults and adolescents who struggle with Substance Use Disorders and the many coexisting diagnoses that often present. Assessment and treatment surrounding youth and adults who suffer from Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Loss, Trauma, Suicidal Ideation are a daily part of my therapeutic work at a non-profit organization.

My personal faith and person-centered application grounds me, giving me the tools to assist the client in their journey, making “You” the driver. Additionally, my wellness background enables a mindful, holistic delivery in my therapeutic approach, as the body is critically connected to our mental health, wellness, and development.

Jessica Urrutia, AMFT #154043

Hello, my name is Jessica, and I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I have a Master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts, Global. I have had a diverse work background, including healthcare experience and military service, which both led me into the field of mental health. I am very happy and excited for your mental health journey and finding out if we can be a match. I have worked with people of all ages, and have experience working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, abuse, and suicidal ideation. During my time in school I specialized working with older adults dealing with depression, anxiety, abuse, trauma, end of life, and grief. I also assisted in running grief support groups for people who have lost their spouse.

In the therapy room, I use an eclectic approach, utilizing tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. I believe in collaboration within the therapy room-yes, I am the professional, but you are the expert in your life and I am here to help guide you through the journey that you want to live.

Outside of the therapy room I try to practice what I preach: maintaining good work-life balance. I have a blended family, my husband and I both work full time jobs, we have 3 dogs, and we love the outdoors; camping and off-roading is our thing.

Meghan Dewees-Kern APCC #13659

I believe that therapy is a unique opportunity for each person to explore the nuances of their inner world and build awareness around the patterns that inform how they navigate the outer world. I am keen to support you in discovering how therapy can impact and improve your life from day to day.

In our time together, you can expect to be met with care, non-judgement, support and enthusiasm every time you step into the office. I believe that therapy is most effective when it exists as a space in which we can be curious, clumsy, and creative. I believe that every person is deserving of such an environment; and would be honored to hold space for you in this way.

I am eager to co-create an alliance in which you feel safe to fail without criticism and lean into what lights you up. My hope is that the work we do in-office serves as a catalyst for you to show up more confidently and frequently as your fullest self in the world. Because the world needs more of that! Let’s discuss what therapy looks like (and needs to be) so that you can get the most out of it.

Hailey Jackson LPCC #17786

Hi, my name is Hailey. I am grateful to be in this profession where I get to experience all the human complexities that make you, you.

I started my work in psychotherapy doing crisis care in a youth shelter. This environment helped to develop a deep compassion for humanity and the skills to be able to advocate for human rights. It was at this job that I knew being a therapist was what I was meant to do. I have experience working with students in high schools and community colleges, doing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression.

When you partner with me as a client you can expect to walk into a comforting and non-judgmental environment. I will always be my extroverted and energetic authentic self in session to promote you to be comfortable being authentic as well. However you show up, and whatever you present to me, you will be unconditionally accepted. I will work with you to challenge thoughts and behaviors that are contradictory to your personal goals. I will be validating and sensitive to your feelings. I will hear you and actively listen to what you say.

Things that I am passionate about include:

Working with teenagers and young adults (Transitional age youth)
Treating issues around anxiety, depression, ADHD, Trauma, PTSD, and grief
Psychodynamic therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Client Centered Approach, CBT, DBT

Rebecca Benrubi, AMFT #132044

My name is Becca and I come to Healing Hearts Counseling with decades of experience as a helper and healer. I love working with individuals to help facilitate mental wellness. No matter what specific mental distress we are experiencing, I believe strongly that each of us deserves the space and support to embrace our struggles on our path to self-actualize. Using strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches, I aim to empower my clients to identify and use their uniqueness to disrupt cycles of dysfunction and ensure growth and resiliency for generations to come. Post Traumatic Growth is not only possible it is achievable, with the support of a professional that is actively engaged and listening.

I draw on Psycho Dynamic approaches, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Focused Mindfulness and Narrative therapy to collaborate with my client on the best intervention for each person. I have found that disrupting unhealthy cycles is necessary and can be healing for the whole family. Early attachment issues in our families of origin, physical illness, external stressors all affect our mental health. From my background as a massage therapist and anthropologist, I understand the relationship between our movement through the world, our world view, our spiritual beliefs, our somatic intelligence, and our internal dialogue. Each situation is unique, and each client deserves a collaborative treatment approach that is designed for their specific issues, is inclusive of their world view, and is respectful of their autonomy. My work includes gender affirming practices.

Tara Tanna, AMFT #138854

Hello, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have an artistic background and use it to establish a creative, playful, non-judgmental and welcoming environment. I aim to assist others in improving their relationships and communication, advocating for self and moving through difficulties in life. I enjoy using multiple modalities such as mindfulness, mood regulation, acceptance, reframing, and other tools for finding purpose.

My expertise is in working with children and families experiencing challenges with Autism, behavioral challenges, learning challenges, and working through crisis. Family therapy sessions assist in developing a shared rewarding experience by deepening communications between parents and children of all ages through measured growth and development. As an active advocate for suicide prevention, I continue to support and believe in the potential of others through life challenges, to build a life of love, confidence and wellness.

Ivette Bautista, AMFT #151074

Hi there! I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree from Alliant International University. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.

My approach to therapy is warm, client-centered, and integrative, drawing from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Narrative Therapy. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your emotions, gain insight into patterns that may be holding you back, and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth.

I have experience working with individuals of all ages facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem struggles, and major life transitions. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking to deepen your self-awareness, I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.

I also speak Spanish and am happy to provide therapy in both English and Spanish.

HEALING HEARTS COUNSELING CENTER