Find a therapist in San Diego, CA — covered by insurance

If you are struggling with relationships, depression, anxiety, grief, and tired of patterns keeping you from moving forward, then I'm here to walk with you. I can help you understand how to shift your perspective, learn more about your past, how to cope with stressors, how to communicate more effectively, and more. You have it in you, and I can help introduce new skills and awareness in your life.

I specialize in assisting children, individuals, couples, and families dealing with everyday stress, burnout, mood and anxiety issues, relationship challenges, complex trauma, behavioral concerns, and life transitions. My primary goal is to promote self-understanding and overall well-being of my clients. To achieve this, I am dedicated to aiding clients in developing effective coping strategies, enhancing emotional intelligence, and fostering healthier relationships with themselves and others.

I have over 20 years of experience helping clients explore and navigate challenges related to relationships, anxiety, depression, trauma, and addiction. My approach is client-centered, meaning therapy is tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. I integrate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory, with particular attention to how early life experiences shape our relationships with ourselves and others.

Living with anxiety, depression, or trauma can create deep feelings of isolation and hopelessness. Relationship struggles and low self-esteem often fuel fear, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Breaking cycles of overthinking, managing intense emotions, and facing uncomfortable people or situations can feel exhausting. When emotions feel unstable and life feels heavy, recognizing the need for change is an important first step. While change can be intimidating, having a supportive therapist can make the process feel more manageable and less isolating.

I genuinely care about my clients and strive to meet them with empathy, compassion, and respect. I have helped many individuals navigate difficult life circumstances by increasing self-awareness, strengthening emotional regulation, and reflecting on personal experiences. Together, we work to better understand the patterns that may be keeping you feeling stuck or distressed.

Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. Feeling safe and supported is essential for healing and growth. I provide a nonjudgmental, supportive space where you can speak openly and work toward meaningful change at your own pace.

Is your trauma, PTSD, anxiety & grief constantly getting activated? Do you feel like you can never get beyond what has happened to you? Together we will create a warm, compassionate, and understanding environment to help you get in touch and learn how to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions. I have developed a unique approach through building the therapeutic relationship to work with individuals struggling with stress, relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma response, and self- harm. My clinical experience, calm demeanor, and aspiration for trust, help build meaningful relationships with clients through exploration of life. I have been a clinical social worker since 2017 and have a life long history of working with children and families. My career as a social worker has taken me on many paths including child welfare, crisis response teams, hospital emergency room response, medical clinic behavioral health, hospice (most spiritual work ever), and meanwhile have always had my private pratice. I love to incorporate animal assisted therapy as who doesn't love dogs and horses? My speciality is working with trauma and I am constantly training to have the most up to date skills and be the best in my field.

I will join you on your healing journey and support you with compassion and education/tools. I will ask thought-provoking questions, challenge limiting beliefs, help you with grief, and celebrate your wins. I enjoy working with adults with giftedness, ADHD/AuDHD, echoism, and the anxiety that can accompany those traits in the modern world. I want you to thrive.

I specialize in helping individuals navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, narcissism, codependency, people-pleasing, and trauma. My approach is client-centered and collaborative, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

I’m Dr. Denise Moore, LCSW, a therapist with more than 20 years of experience walking alongside children, teens, and adults on their healing journey. I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from CSU Sacramento and completed my Doctor of Social Work at Loma Linda University. I’ve been licensed for over 18 years and have devoted my career to trauma-informed, relationship-centered care.

My practice, Root to Rise Therapy and Wellness, is built on the belief that when we understand the roots of our patterns, we can rise into healthier, more authentic ways of relating. I help clients explore attachment wounds, communication struggles, dating and relationship challenges, breakups, and self-esteem concerns. Together, we look at how early experiences shape your current relationships and sense of self, and we work toward confidence, clarity, and deeper connection.

I offer a warm, grounded, and supportive space for anyone seeking to heal old patterns, strengthen self-worth, and build relationships that feel secure, honest, and aligned.