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Your Trusted Therapy Partner in San Diego
At Personal Evolution Psychotherapy (PEP), we specialize in providing evidence-based therapeutic solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, families, and the LGBTQ+ community. Our team of licensed clinicians brings decades of combined experience in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), gender therapy, and specialized mental health interventions. We pride ourselves on creating a non-judgmental, welcoming environment where clients can develop practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and emotional dysregulation.Our comprehensive DBT programs, including intensive outpatient options and private therapy intensives, are designed to help clients achieve measurable progress through structured, skills-focused treatment. With flexible scheduling available seven days a week and both in-person and telehealth options, we ensure accessible care that adapts to modern lifestyles while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.
Services
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Intensive Outpatient Program
DBT for Children
Private Therapy Intensives
Anxiety Treatment
Adolescent Therapy
Couples Counseling
Gender Therapy
DBT Skills Groups
Teletherapy Services
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 phone coaching for DBT clients
- Specialized programs for LGBTQ+ individuals
- Evidence-based DBT protocols developed by Marsha Linehan
- Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
- Teletherapy options available for remote access
Services
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy program develops skills for emotional regulation, crisis tolerance, and improved relationships. Clients learn mindfulness techniques, distress tolerance strategies, and interpersonal effectiveness through structured weekly sessions. This evidence-based approach benefits individuals with mood swings, self-harm behaviors, and emotional dysregulation.
Intensive Outpatient Program
The DBT Intensive Outpatient Program provides 9+ hours weekly of structured therapy for severe emotional challenges. This 12-week program combines skills training, individual therapy, and mindfulness practice while allowing clients to maintain home life. It's ideal for those transitioning from hospitalization or needing more support than standard outpatient care.
Gender Therapy
Specialized gender therapy addresses identity exploration, transition support, and gender dysphoria management. Our clinicians provide evidence-based care for transgender and non-binary individuals, including pre/post-surgery counseling and coping strategies for anxiety or depression related to gender identity.
Private Therapy Intensives
Nine-and-a-half-hour private intensives deliver rapid skill development for relationship challenges, parenting issues, or emotional regulation. This concentrated format combines assessment, skill-building, and strategy development over two to three weeks with personalized attention from licensed therapists.
DBT Skills Groups
Weekly DBT skills groups teach four core modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional regulation. These structured sessions help participants develop practical tools to manage intense emotions, improve communication, and build more fulfilling relationships through evidence-based techniques.
People
Sue Boyd
Executive Director
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in gender therapy and DBT. Board Certified Diplomate in Social Work who established PEP's gender therapy team in 2011.
Soojin Poole
Clinical Director
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with expertise in adolescent DBT programs. Oversees clinical operations and ensures adherence to evidence-based treatment protocols across all PEP services.
Carissa Pilkington
Therapist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in trauma-informed care. Provides individual and group therapy using DBT protocols for adults with complex emotional regulation challenges.
Hannah Corder
Therapist
Associate Clinical Social Worker supporting adolescent and family therapy programs. Implements DBT-C protocols for children aged 7-12 with emotional regulation difficulties.
Kira Sweetlove
Therapist
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist providing gender-affirming care and DBT skills training. Specializes in working with non-binary and transgender adolescents.
Questions
What types of therapy does PEP offer?
We specialize in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), gender therapy, couples counseling, adolescent treatment, and intensive outpatient programs.
Do you provide teletherapy options?
Yes, we offer secure telehealth sessions for all therapy services including individual, couples, and group therapy.
What insurance do you accept?
We operate as an out-of-network provider to maintain treatment quality. We provide documentation for potential reimbursement.
Are weekend appointments available?
Yes, we offer therapy sessions seven days a week with both daytime and evening scheduling options.
How long are therapy programs?
DBT programs typically require six-month commitments, while intensive outpatient programs last 12 weeks with weekly sessions.
Do you treat LGBTQ+ individuals?
Yes, we provide specialized gender therapy and affirming care for all LGBTQ+ clients with experienced clinicians.
