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 Hill MS, LPCC #2992

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.

Caitlin Mikulicich, MA, LMFT #133130

Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a healer in some sense as I’ve always been highly sensitive and empathetic. I also have a brother with autism, which affected my outlook and career path. These gifts were accompanied by a number of challenges including OCD, anxiety and depression. These factors led to my interest in psychology. I struggled with my mental health throughout my childhood and young adulthood until I sought therapy at 19.

I was at a very low point in my life and therapy, along with medication, allowed me to return to my authentic self and enjoy life again. My personal experiences have shaped me and created my purpose, which is to help others find the same peace, happiness and sense of wholeness.

It’s been found that the most important factor for creating change in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotions and transmute pain into growth.

I consider all aspects of an individual and implement a bio-psycho-social-spiritual , culturally-sensitive and client-centered approach with individuals, couples, families and groups. I’ve used various research-based modalities including CBT, EFT, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and art therapy.

Prior to starting at Healing Hearts Counseling Center, I worked as a Bereavement Counselor at Hospice of the North Coast. During my time at Hospice of the North Coast, I’ve learned that grief is a significant part of therapeutic work, whether it be managing transitions, grieving past losses, traumas, or the healthy childhood one never experienced.

Our wounds and traumas can help transform and shape us. We often look to be cured or fixed, but the reality is we are not broken. We may never go to who we were before, but we can become even better, and therapy can help with this reconstructing.

This makes me think of the Japanese practice of “Kintsugi” (“Kintsukuroi”) of mending broken ceramics with gold. The item is thought to be more beautiful for having been broken, as the flaw is an important part of its history. We too are the same.

Parva Nouri, AMFT #132438, APCC #11646

(She/her/hers) is an Iranian American associate marriage and family therapist and also is an associate professional clinical counselor with a background on trauma, crisis, intersectionality, and feminist therapy.

Parva was born in Iran and began as a journalist at the age of fifteen during the times of war and crisis. Having worked with many repressed Iranian men and women, she continued her journey as a public defender after graduation from Isfahan’s law university.

As a student of psychology, and mother of two and Certified positive parenting discipline, Parva carried her experience from the Iranian collectivist culture, and misogynistic society to help people in a more personal manner. After graduating as a counselor psychology emphasized in licensed professional clinical counseling, specialization in marriage and family therapy, she worked in Community Research Foundation, crisis house, gaining prowess in working with clients of all kinds, especially with Farsi speaking women and immigrants who deal with issue that she is familiar with in the United States.

Parva believes that a good therapy session must be a safe space to allow for productive and restorative therapeutic relations between her clients and her. A place to better understand both personal and cultural trauma, oppression, anxiety, and other disorders, in order to make space for new opportunities along with chances for healing and growing.

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, Supervisor, LMFT #113711

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.

Teri Smallwood, APCC #10361

My journey as a counselor began with an avid curiosity about understanding people and blossomed into a desire to help. I received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Development, and earned a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. My interest in the subject of trauma and its impact on mental health led me to become trained in the use of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing).

I am a behaviorist by nature, but I have learned through experience that it is only one aspect of healing. I bring a unique perspective which integrates the theological-philosophical-psychological nature of the mind-body-soul relationship through thoughtful exploration and application of appropriate psychotherapy. Because I want the best for clients, I am willing to learn new approaches to achieve the best results. My goal for all clients is to help the discover within themselves the desire and ability to flourish. Although I feel the most comfortable with young children; I am open to working with clients of all ages.

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.

Alexis Johnson, AMFT #130020

Hi there, welcome to Healing Hearts, I’m Alexis and I’m both happy you are here and hope to be a match for you as you begin your therapeutic journey. I’ve loved helping people feel better about their struggles and find solutions and skills that work for them through the psychotherapy process over the last 4 years I’ve been in practice.

I’m here to honor your or your child’s story and history because I believe our personal experiences and upbringing help explain why we are the way we are. When clients are with me,I help them to work through their issue(s) by using several interventions from IFS, Imago (couples) CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic.

I believe in therapy as an essential part of healing because I grew up with anxiety and didn’t start to make progress with coping with it until I went to therapy for help. Through medication and therapy, my life has changed for the positive and I am excited to help you work through whatever is affecting you from living your fullest life.

As a client of mine, you can expect to be met with empathy and understanding and an environment where you will feel comfortable and safe sharing. Whether you come to address your struggles, pain or personal goals you will be encouraged, accepted, and met where you are. I do not have expectations or a timeline for your growth and I hope to cultivate a space where you are able to tell me if you need to sit where you’re at before tackling solutions. It is my humble privilege to sit with you and hold space for your feelings and thoughts

I am passionate about the following areas:

✼ helping couples in all areas: pre-marital counseling, navigating difficult situations, communication issues, infidelity, and divorce/co-parenting.

✽Helping Families to thrive as individuals within the family system and become a more cohesive unit.

✽Individuals 9 and up with anxiety, depression, relationship/family issues and grief.

Cherrie Phillips APCC 10324

I was in born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to parents who struggled with drug addiction among other issues, which resulted in my being sent to my maternal grandparents and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. With time, I have realized more and more that being raised by my grandparents was the best thing for me, however, it was not without its own set of challenges. That is, I endured quite a bit of childhood trauma that I continue to overcome every day.

At 19, I joined the Navy and served for just shy of 13 years, so understanding those set of challenges is one of my specialties. Because of the difficult things I endured as a child and employing maladaptive coping skills, evidenced by losing relationships and experiencing challenges in the ones I managed to hold onto, my overcoming journey began with pursuing an education.

I started with a BA in Psychology from National University (while active duty) in 2011 and graduated in 2013. After which I took a three-year break to complete various operational military commitments, and seek God on what direction he would have me go next. After separating from the military in June 2016, I enrolled in a master’s program in August 2016. I successfully graduated in 2021 with my master’s in Mental Health Counseling/Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary San Diego.

I have experience providing comprehensive mental health services to youth and adults working through anxiety, depression, crisis, suicidal ideation, grief, addictions, life transitions, identity issues, spirituality, career counseling, codependency, life coaching, relational challenges, stress, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem, self-efficacy, punishment issues, among many others in individual and group settings. As a certified Prepare-Enrich facilitator, I also work with premarital issues and couples.

My mission is to provide a safe space where you can come to receive the help you need, for as long or as short as you decide, as you navigate the life challenges that we all experience. Together, we will unearth the gold hiding within you. You can expect to be encouraged, empowered and equipped to live the life you were always meant to. Always remember, you are not what has happened to you, you are who you choose to be.

Claudia Rose Algover, APCC #15993

Hello, my name is Rose (she/her/hers), an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I have a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from National University, as well as a long background of working in mental health. Since I was a teenager, I’ve enjoyed volunteering with community-based programs and love working with diverse populations. I have experience working with individuals with trauma, depression, and chronic or severe mental illnesses. While in school, I did specialized work with survivors of sexual and relationship abuse and trauma, and assisted individuals, couples, and groups.

While working with my clients, I utilize tools and approaches from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and somatic practices. I find that much of therapy is identifying patterns in one’s life that may contribute to struggles or feeling “stuck,” recognizing and accessing strengths and supports to grow confidence, and creating a “tool box” of useful coping skills. Through connecting with clients, finding the most effective approaches, and building resilience and autonomy, I assist my clients to find healing, happiness and meaning in their lives.

Dana Avanzino, AMFT #145882

I have my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and I believe that our actions, words, and thoughts both greatly influence, and are greatly influenced by those around us. This is why I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship to help inspire healing and change when it is desired. As your therapist, I am here to guide you down the path of your own choosing while together we can show each other new paths, unlock new doors and open up our minds to new ideas.

In my personal life, I am a single mother of two boys balancing work and home life. I have overcome the fears and anxieties of divorce while still holding on to my belief that we are our best selves when in a deep and loving connection. In my free time, I love to dance and I am a part of a talented dance team.

During my career, I have advocated for foster youth as well as worked as a therapist in a halfway house in Newark, NJ where I helped families heal and reunify after incarceration. I am passionate about my work and I care deeply for each one of my clients. As part of the Healing Hearts Counseling Center, I hope to help individuals, couples or families sort through whatever issues have come your way.

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.

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 APCC #8794

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

HEALING HEARTS COUNSELING CENTER