Meet the Team providing psychotherapy services at A Place of Growth. We provide child therapy, teen therapy, and adult therapy in San Diego both in the office and online throughout San Diego and California.
Vanessa Villasenor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 85865
My name is Vanessa Villasenor and I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist who has experience working with children, teens and adults for individual, couples and family therapy. I provide a therapeutic counseling environment to help you address your needs.
I use evidence-based practices including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, behavior modification, trauma therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and prolonged exposure when providing therapy. I work with individuals who struggle with depression & mood disorders, anxiety, trauma & post-traumatic stress disorder, childhood behavioral disorders, and life transitions.
The ultimate goal is to help you identify and overcome your obstacles so you can better adapt to change and live a happier, more balanced life.
Esperanza Applestein
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 106076
My name is Esperanza "Espi" Applestein and I am a bilingual Spanish-speaking therapist and have over 17 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. I provide a therapeutic environment that allows you to feel safe and accepted. I love working with individuals who are ready to take that first step to start working through their emotional pain and current struggles to discover their full potential and live a more fulfilling life. We will work together to learn healthy coping skills to manage depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. I utilize evidence based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, behavioral modification, play therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-focused, and mindfulness.
Jessica Hoffman
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 103752
My name is Jessica Hoffman and I am passionate about working with children, adults, and families in the San Diego area to enhance relationships and offer guidance in navigating life's obstacles. Through a collaborative process of developing mutual trust and respect I believe that hope can be restored and each individual has the ability to reach their infinite potential. I specialize in working with substance abuse, trauma, self-esteem, negative thinking, life stressors, conflicts with interpersonal relationships, difficulty with communication, feelings of sadness and worry, grief, and abuse. I am also both personally and professionally familiar with the military community and welcome military/veterans and their spouses and children into practice.
Ruth Juarez
Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 88541
Hello and welcome, my name is Ruth Juarez and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience providing bilingual (Spanish-English) therapy to teens, adults, couples and families. I believe that you bring your own expertise to the therapeutic process. And I believe that I can offer the support you need in the process of creating a life that is worth living for you.I have experience in working with individuals struggling with suicidal and self-injurious behaviors, difficulties with mood and anxiety, substance use, learning disabilities and impulsive behaviors. I thoroughly enjoy my role as a DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) therapist, but I also incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution Focused Therapy. I focus on providing a non-judgmental and culturally-sensitive treatment and I’m experienced in working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+. I am available when you are ready to take the first step.
Lisa Wasnock
Licensed Clinical Social Worker # 85835
Hi, my name is Lisa Wasnock and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in treating children, teens, and young adults. I provide individual, family, and group therapy in San Diego in-person and online. I have a wide range of experience healing trauma, abuse, and behavioral and emotional concerns. I also have experience navigating the school system and supporting children and parents through the 504/IEP process. I enjoy working with individuals as well as working with the family unit as a whole, and support through a client-centered and collaborative approach. I am professionally familiar with the military community and welcome military/veterans and their spouses and children into practice.
Jessica Wallace
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist # 103283
Welcome! My name is Jessica Wallace, and I’m here to help. At A Place of Growth in San Diego, my goal as a therapist is to provide a safe and compassionate place where counseling clients can get encouragement and support as they navigate through the challenges of life.If you are currently struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or recent life stressors have begun to affect your qualify of life, there is hope. I have over 7 years of experience providing counseling working with teens and adults in the therapeutic setting including active duty service members as well as their dependents and veterans.
Neshmil Ariy
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 79412
Welcome! My name is Neshmil Ariy, and I’m here to help. My first goal as a therapist is to provide an environment where you will feel safe and comfortable in order to make the most progress. I'm a bilingual (English and Spanish) and bicultural therapist in San Diego and have 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, adults, couples, and families overcome current obstacles to live a happier balanced life. I specialize in providing therapy to individuals struggling with anxiety, mood, ADHD, depression, relationship issues, stressors related to adjustment/life transitions, and more. I utilized evidenced-based practices in a safe environment to support your mental health goals.
Barbara Arriaga
Associate Clinical Social Worker # 76987
My name is Barbara Arriaga and and I am passionate about working with those currently struggling with anxiety, depression, life stressors, or a recent medical diagnosis or chronic illness. My experience in the medical and behavioral health fields working with adults across the lifespan and I have worked in both hospital and clinic settings. I take a holistic approach to assessing your needs and working with you towards improving your personal well being and maximizing your healthy support network. The first step towards the road to healing is to reach out for help. I work with teens, adults & seniors, and in between. Contact me today to schedule your first appointment. It's never too late to take that first step.
Hana Taberner
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist # 10252
