RECLAIM AND RISE
Psychotherapy to Feel Fully At Home In Yourself
Untangle what’s holding you back and move toward a life that feels grounded, authentic, and free.
I support people in exploring the deeper roots of their struggles.
Together we create space for clarity, healing, and a more authentic way of living. Many who reach out to me have a sense that the past is shaping their self-doubt, anxiety, or relationship patterns, even if they can’t quite put it into words. In therapy, we make sense of those connections in a safe, supportive space, opening the door to greater ease, healing, and self-trust.
-Ava Ames • LMFT #142527 • EMDR Certified Therapist
Hi, I’m Ava
I’m so glad you’re here. As a psychotherapist and EMDRIA Certified Therapist™, I offer a personalized approach that integrates EMDR, psychodynamic, narrative, and somatic methods to fit your unique story. Together, we’ll explore how early relationships and past experiences shape your life today, uncover the roots of limiting beliefs, and create space for lasting growth and change.
I work with adults who grew up feeling unseen, not good enough, or disconnected. Many now carry the weight of low self-esteem, anxiety, or the lasting effects of attachment wounds, childhood trauma, emotional neglect, or PTSD. Some don’t realize at first how the hidden echoes of neglect continue to shape their sense of self and relationships today.
Others initially come to therapy because of anxiety, relationship difficulties, burnout, ADHD, or a major life transition, only to discover deeper patterns beneath the surface. They may find themselves repeating the same patterns in relationships, feeling stuck despite their best efforts, or carrying a lingering sense that something is missing, even when life appears fine from the outside. My focus is on helping you gently uncover and heal these deeper patterns so you can feel more grounded, connected, and fully at home in yourself.
Clients often describe me as warm, grounded, and easy to talk to. I bring lightheartedness when it helps, while also being steady and direct when that’s what’s needed. I approach every session with presence, care, and dedication, creating a thoughtful experience where you feel truly seen, supported, and understood.
I offer therapy online throughout California as well as in-person sessions in San Diego.
ways to work together
Couples Therapy
Together we’ll strengthen connection, improve communication, and work through patterns that keep you feeling stuck as partners.
Individual Therapy
A space to understand yourself more fully, uncover what’s driving old patterns and limiting beliefs, and create new ways of living with clarity and confidence.
EMDR Therapy
A research-backed method to help reprocess difficult memories and release the weight of old beliefs, opening the way for healing, resilience, and freedom in the present.
Colleague referral
“Ava consistently demonstrates the ability to hold space that is safe, empowering and aids in healing.
Ava is a skillful EMDR therapist who shows technical proficiency, as well as the curiosity and attunement required for competent case-conceptualization, and ability to deeply see and show compassion for each unique individual. “
- Rebecca Schultheis, LMFT, EMDR Certified Therapist
