About Our Team
Alia Shenasa
Associate Clinical Social Worker #117941 - Supervised By John Bacon Gilbert, LMFT #125762
When we have experienced complex trauma, a series of separate events that have felt overwhelming, scary, or unmanageable, it can feel impossible to begin to untangle the pieces of our lives and feel safe in our current life. We may not know ‘what’ is wrong, but we might feel that something is uncomfortable- we may overthink, take on too much at home or work, or feel overwhelmed often and deal with emotions that feel impossible to manage. It might be difficult to visualize a way forward with things going how they are.
Wherever you are in your journey, I am here to meet you where you are, and give you the tools you need to live a healthy, fulfilling, balanced life. I utilize a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic experiencing and awareness, and solution-focused therapy to create an understanding of past experiences, their impact, and healthy coping strategies.
I strive to create a warm, non-judgemental atmosphere where you can share your experiences and thoughts, and where we can find solutions together that meet your unique, individual needs.
About: Alia is an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from California State University, Fullerton. Alia has worked in healthcare for over 10 years, and in the past 5 years has specialized in treating PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Substance Use Disorders. Alia has experience working with survivors of sexual and domestic violence, veterans, unhoused populations, and teens.
Client Focus: Individuals, Women of Color
Types of therapy: TF-CBT, DBT, Somatic Awareness, solution-focused, person-centered, motivational interviewing
Challenges you may be facing:
Anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, suicidal ideation
Speciality: Boundaries, cultural identity, healing from developmental trauma, women’s issues and experiences, recovery from sexual violence, codependency
Fun fact:
I enjoy spending my free time in nature, reading novels, or practicing yoga. I also enjoy painting or drawing scenes of tranquility.
Angela Singer
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #125134. Supervised by John Bacon Gilbert, LMFT 125762
Have you and your partner grown apart recently? Are you and your partner tired of feeling like roommates and you’re looking to recapture those early days when nothing else mattered but your love for one another? Sometimes relationships can shift after kids, careers, and life gets in the way resulting in a lack of intimacy and poor communication. If this sounds like you, I am here to help!
My name is Angela Singer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. I am a married mom of two, I enjoy reading, playing tennis, spending time with family, and traveling. In my senior year of high school, I took a class that offered an introduction into psychology. I came alive as I learned about the way our thoughts can affect our emotions, which can create behaviors that we aren’t so proud of when our attachment to someone is being threatened. I knew then that I was only scratching the surface, but I was hooked and couldn’t wait to learn more about how to help couples work through challenges like these.
I have always been passionate about helping others, and that is why I look forward to helping you and your partner reform the bond that brought you together in the first place. I’ll walk alongside you, providing an unbiased perspective and support.
As your therapist, I approach our sessions prepared, and prioritize a supportive and non-judgmental space where you and your partner can explore your thoughts safely. Collaboration is such an important part of couple therapy. Together we will strive to empower your relationship to achieve one you can only dream of.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we will work to build a bond. Together we will set goals and learn about the negative pattern that occurs in your relationship. Once the pattern is identified, we will work to understand each of your reactions when it’s alive in your lives and grow toward ways that pull you two closer. Before you know it, you will find yourselves interacting in connective ways.
I really enjoy working with both heterosexual and same sex couples, couples who have experience with infertility, blended families, those who live with grief, and postpartum.
You’ve started this journey already by finding this site, now take the next step and book a free video/phone consultation with me at Couple Connection San Diego. I look forward to working with you.
John Bacon Gilbert - LMFT#125762
My partner and I sat down over coffee and discussed what we would do if we could have any career in the world. It was no surprise to either of us, if I could do anything in the world I would be a therapist. I’ve had a lot of passions in my life, I still do, but finding a career as a therapist does not feel like work.
The development and growth of my clients brings me so much joy. As a young parent I served as a shipboard fire fighter in the Coast Guard, later I became a small business owner. I rolled up my sleeves, moving from contractor to IT system analyst. Today I have the honor of finding my passion as a therapist.
The highest compliment I can receive is when a couple reaches an increased level of connection with one another that they have not previously experienced. It’s a blessing to be able to find joy, peace, and a true sense of purpose in this work.
When I first learned about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), I was in awe. Suddenly thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in previous relationships began to make sense. Consequently, it became clear why my relationships felt disconnected, lacked transparency, and felt lonely. I was immediately hooked on EFT and couldn’t wait to learn more.
As a result, my aim as your therapist is to share the same experiential change that I felt with EFT.
Email John at [email protected]
What we do
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Although EFT is a relatively new type of therapy, it is grounded in Attachment Theory. Attachment Theory was first introduced by Dr. John Bowlby more than 70 years ago. Like Dr. Bowlby, we believe a secure connection is not only needed for children age 0-5, but something adults need as well. Although we learn all sorts of behaviors that may deny our desire for connection, we believe most clients need it.
I have been fortunate to learn from two of the absolute best emotionally focused couple therapist in the world. For the past couple of years I have learned directly under Dr. Lisa Palmer-Olsen and Dr. Scott Woolley. I continue to develop skills and knowledge in specialized training with George Faller and Dr. Jim Furrow.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my wonderful partner and our young family, traveling, hiking, socializing with friends, running, fishing, reading, and exploring our beautiful city.
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Couple Connection San Diego
Types Of Therapy Services We Offer
Are You Looking For Relationship Counseling In San Diego?
Finding the right therapist in San Diego
Finding the right therapist can be quite challenging. I recommend that you call several therapists in San Diego to see which one is the right fit for you. I am happy to offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to answer any questions you may have about relationship counseling and therapy. If it turns out that we are not a good fit, I can provide you with other possible different available recommendations for marital counseling in San Diego.
Have Questions?
Do you have questions before you decide to book your Free 15 Minute Consultation?
Text, call, or fill out the form to the right to contact us with your questions.
858-284-6779
5252 Balboa Ave, Suite 204
San Diego, CA. 92117
Monday – Friday
(9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
