Ava Ames, LMFT
(she/her)
Preferred Name: Ava
About Me
I’m a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist practicing in San Diego who helps adults, couples, and families who carry the legacy of childhood wounds, attachment injuries, and patterns of self-doubt or disconnection. Many of my clients grew up feeling unseen or “not good enough,” and now live with anxiety, low self-esteem, or a sense of being unmoored from their true self. In our work together we will gently yet directly explore how early relational experiences shaped your inner story, uncover patterns that keep you stuck, and build new ways of being that feel grounded, embodied and authentic. I integrate EMDR with psychodynamic, narrative, attachment-based and somatic approaches to match the unique shape of your story. My style is warm, grounded, and collaborative. While our therapeutic relationship is at the heart of the work, I also offer a clear and supportive structure that helps you move through your healing with direction and safety. Sessions are intentional and paced around your goals, balancing deep exploration with practical, embodied integration. Together we will create space for you to feel more at home in yourself and more connected to the life you want to live.
Education & Experience
I earned my bachelor’s degree with Honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and completed my master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Bethel University, a COAMFTE-accredited program, graduating summa cum laude. My early clinical experience was rooted in the nonprofit sector, where I provided therapy to individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and major life transitions. This experience established a strong foundation for my current specialization in trauma-informed care. I have pursued advanced training in EMDR, complex developmental trauma, somatic and polyvagal approaches, and Gottman Method couples therapy. These modalities allow me to bring both structure and flexibility to the therapeutic process, integrating depth-oriented and evidence-based methods to support meaningful, lasting change.
Specialty Area
- ADD/ADHD/Disruptive Behavior Disorders
- Abuse/Neglect
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Depression
- Domestic Violence
- Family Issues
- Marriage/Relationship Issues
- Phobias
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Race, Culture, Ethnicity Issues
- Somatic Issues
- Spirituality
- Stress Management
- Survivor's Guilt
- Traumatic Incident
Population Served
- Adults
- BIPOC
- Couples
- Expats
- Families
- First Responders
- Immigrants
- LGBTQ+
- Seniors
- Veterans/Military
Language
- English
Insurance
- Does Not Accept Insurance
