Meet our female therapists

Let’s be real—gender shouldn’t matter when it comes to getting quality care, and we stand firmly against discrimination of any kind. But sometimes, when you’re navigating really tender stuff, it just feels right to talk with someone who gets it on a deep, feminine level. Whether you’re unpacking trauma, healing from heartbreak, or just need a soft place to land, our incredible team of women therapists is here to hold space, offer insight, and walk with you through the messy, beautiful work of healing.

This page is all about getting to know our amazing team of women therapists. (And hey—if you’re looking for our male therapists, don’t worry, we’ve got a page for them too!) We want you to feel comfortable with the therapist that best fits your needs before you walk in for a counseling session. 

Get to know our female therapists

Each of our women therapists brings her own unique spark, expertise, and heart to the therapy room. Whether you’re looking for someone who specializes in couples work, trauma recovery, or just “gets” what you’re going through, this is where you’ll find the right fit.

Click on their profiles to learn more about their style, specialties, and how they can support you on your journey.

Danielle-Pawling-Photo

Danielle Pawling

Danielle is active in her counseling sessions, helping clients get to the root of the issue quickly.
Lauryn Plush Therapist

Lauryn Plush

Lauryn leans on her Psychology and Human Development foundations to help couples and individuals feel empowered to navigate their relationships through a focus on connection and attachment.
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Aly Allen

Aly is a San Diego native, a graduate of SDSU with a BA in History, and National University with an MA in Counseling Psychology, and she specializes in working with both couples and individuals.
Cynthia Savage

Cynthia Savage

Cynthia is active in her counseling sessions, helping clients get to the root of the issue quickly.
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Jennine Estes Powell

Founder and Owner of Estes Therapy, Jennine uses practical and effective methods, helping clients create life-long positive relationships by focusing on communication, conflict resolution, self awareness, and more.
Liz-Barajas

Liz Barajas

Liz is an Associate MFT specializing in helping multi-racial, multi-lingual, and queer couples and individuals navigate the complexities of intimate relationships.
Sarah OLeary Therapist

Sarah O’Leary

Sarah works with her couples and individual clients using a biopsychosocial-spiritual model, embracing biology, psychology, social environment, and spiritual interconnectedness.
Lauryn Plush Therapist

Lauryn Plush

My name is Lauryn, and I want to support and help you on your unique journey to feeling empowered and navigating your relationships. Love is an essential primary need for

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Sarah OLeary Therapist

Sarah O’Leary

Hi, my name is Sarah O’Leary. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, as well as the Clinical Manager here at Estes Therapy. First I want to commend you

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Aly Allen Couples Therapist 768x1024 portrait b1e10cae83da77c352e5956c3a567812 610c7e92d9035

Aly Allen

I am a San Diego native, a graduate of SDSU with a BA in History, and National University with an MA in Counseling Psychology. I am an Associate Marriage and

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Cynthia Savage

Cynthia Savage

Hello, my name is Cynthia, welcome. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and integrative practitioner devoted to the art of healing and relationships.

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Kavon Banejad

Kavon Banejad

My name is Kavon and I work almost
exclusively with couples, and I also see individuals whose relationships keep looping in the same painful ways.
My attention goes

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Danielle-Pawling-Photo

Danielle Pawling

Hi! I am Danielle Pawling, a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate here at Estes Therapy in San Diego. I use EFCT for my couples work.

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Liz-Barajas

Liz Barajas

Hello! I’m Liz, and I am thrilled to be on the Estes Therapy team as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I provide counseling in both English and Spanish. My

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Navigation to Other Therapists

The therapist you choose is important.

We know that finding the right therapist is deeply personal—and sometimes it’s not just about skill, it’s about vibe, energy, or identity. While this page spotlights our talented women therapists, we’ve got a full team of compassionate, skilled clinicians ready to support you, regardless of gender. No matter who you choose, you’ll be in expert, empathetic hands.

Looking for someone else on our team?

Meet our Male Therapists

LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapists

Trauma Informed Therapists

Couples Counseling Therapists

Finding the Right Therapist

As mentioned above, gender discrimination is not okay. AND we understand our clients have preferences on having a female therapist in San Diego, CA. We have in-person therapy sessions and you can book online or give us a call.  

Ready to take the next step? We’re here when you are.
If one of our women therapists feels like the right fit, don’t wait—reaching out is the first brave step toward healing and growth. Click below to schedule a consultation or reach out with questions. We’ll help you get matched with the right therapist for your needs, personality, and goals.

Or connect with our Care Coordinator with a free 10-minute matching call and let’s take the first step toward gaining the tools to put your relationship on the track you want and deserve.

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Counseling with Estes Therapy

All you need to know about counseling

a woman comforting their child

Recognizing Unwanted Behaviors: How our Childhood Experience Affects our Adult Life

body language communicaiton advice

What is Your Body Language Saying About You?

Get To Know Jennine Estes: Therapist & Relationship Expert

how to stop the negative thinking

Stop Critical Thinking: Live Without Beating Yourself Up

A couple smiling and reading together in the living room.

Healthy Communication: It’s Not What You Said But How You Said It

Jennine Estes Powell, LMFT

It’s been nearly 20 years since I first became interested in studying psychotherapy. I began practicing the scientific approaches to psychotherapy in 1997 and I was hooked from then on.

I earned my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family psychotherapy in 2004 and I am currently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist MFT (LMFT#47653) with the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS).

I focus my practice upon the empirically-based and proven research methods of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I’ve seen these techniques consistently get results and I truly believe they are the most effective at creating positive, long-term change.

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estes therapy logo

Schedule an Appointment

Seeking a therapist can be the best thing you do not just for your relationship, but for yourself. If you are seeking compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding professional help, we invite you to explore our services. We are here to help you make the most of your life.