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La Mesa ~ In Person and Telehealth Options Available 

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Matthew "Matt" Johnson, AMFT

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Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (142969)  Supervised by Rachel Pittsley, LMFT 

​Matt provides compassionate, evidence-based support to individuals, couples, and families. Matt’s clinical experience includes working with clients managing ADHD, navigating personality disorders, and supporting those wrestling with dual-diagnosis and substance-related challenges. He is also experienced in crisis intervention and premarital counseling. Matt has worked with diverse populations, including individuals experiencing psychosis, families facing complex relational dynamics, and children and adolescents struggling with emotional regulation. His approach is grounded in authenticity, empathy, and a commitment to meeting the unique needs of each client, whether they are seeking individual growth or relationship healing. Matt has more than 25 years of combined experience in family pastoral counseling and over 3 years of clinical counseling. In addition to his clinical experience, Matt’s personal journey and experiences fuel his passion for helping clients build resilience, self-worth, and a sense of belonging both within themselves and in their relationships. Matt holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. 

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Nina Hebert, ACSW

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Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (119737)  Supervised by Rachel Pittsley, LMFT 

Nina is an empathic Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW) dedicated to empowering clients through culturally sensitive, holistic, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practices. She earned her Master
of Social Work in Clinical Practice from Boston University and has experience in school-based and community mental health settings, as well as grief support programs. Nina is committed to providing an inclusive and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients. She uses an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based therapies like IFS, ACT, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to create personalized plans for clients of all ages facing stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, communication issues, ADHD, and trauma. With a focus on building strong therapeutic relationships, Nina is committed to meeting clients where they are and fostering a supportive environment
for growth. 

This is a photo of Emily Holcomb, LPCC in our La Mesa location

Emily Holcomb, LPCC

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Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (16819)  

Through person centered and feminist approaches, Emily looks  to engage in healthy discourse to encourage growth and empowerment. Emily also utilizes FIT (feedback informed treatment) to work in collaboration with clients to obtain authentic feedback ensuring treatment is progressing appropriately and expected via client feedback. In Emily’s years as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, she has used a variety of evidence based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Brainspotting. Emily’s experience includes working alongside children, adults, and couples, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC population by addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, communication, recovery. 

This is a photo of Karen De Jesus a therapist in our La Mesa Location

Karen De Jesus, AMFT 

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Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist  (143061) Supervised by Rachel Pittsley, LMFT

Karen is an LGBTQIA+ affirming and has worked with clients experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, difficulties with attachment, life transitions, and other mental health concerns.  She believes in making sure her clients feel they are in a safe space by creating a nonjudgmental and culturally sensitive environment.  Karen has experience working with military families and children and has been a teacher, trainer, and director for the Navy Child and Youth Programs for 13+ years and has worked in an AAPI community-based program.  Being a first-generation Asian American from the Philippines, she understands clients who experience bicultural changes that involve environmental issues and family dynamics.  Karen believes in the holistic approach such as connecting the body, mind, and spirit to further one’s healing journey.  She uses a variety of skills learned from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to collaborate with her clients to achieve their goals.  Karen has her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University and is a certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator.

This is a photo of Taylor Callaghan a therapist in our La Mesa location.

Taylor Callaghan, APCC

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Registered Associate Professional Clinical  Counselor (13882) Supervised by Rachel Pittsley, LMFT  

Taylor is dedicated to empowering individuals in creating healthy and authentic lives, with a focus on supporting children, teens, and adults through various life changes, emotional struggles, and interpersonal difficulties. She believes no one has to face these struggles alone, as hope is available. As a clinician with lived experience, Taylor celebrates differences and provides a nonjudgmental space for anyone seeking support. Employing a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach, they bring genuine curiosity, humor, and empathy into the therapeutic space to highlight strengths and nurture resilience. With experience in various settings consisting of outpatient, in-home, and partial hospitalizations, Taylor is familiar with utilizing several therapeutic modalities, including DBT, mindfulness, psychodynamic theory, and attachment theory.

Macy McClung, ACSW

Macy McClung, ACSW

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Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (105432) Supervised by Erica McDaniel, LCSW

Macy has experience working with youth, families, transitional aged youth (TAY), and adults with her most recent experiences including individual outpatient counseling and supporting youth and their families in a school-based setting. Macy is a person-centered therapist who aims to empower her clients by providing a nonjudgmental environment that encourages honest self-exploration and nurtures self-awareness. Under this belief, a client is seen as a person who is driven toward, and has the capacity for, growth and self-actualization. Macy is familiar with several modalities including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, and Expressive Arts. Macy loves the natural world and enjoys being outside. Macy is an Associate Clinical Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work from San Diego State University.

This is a photo of Rachel Pittsley, LMFT and clinical leader in our La Mesa location

Rachel Murphy Pittsley, LMFT, PMH-C

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Clinical Leader & Supervisor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (86371)

Rachel is an LGBTQIA+ affirming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Certification in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C). In 2011 she graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy and has since been working with children, adults, couples, and families. She has experience in school based mental health, and working with clients who are neurodivergent, including navigating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Rachel also has a passion for serving families who are pregnant, postpartum, and parenting young children. She specializes in anxiety, depression, parenting and attachment. She believes in being culturally humble, trauma informed, and always meeting clients where they are in the moment. Rachel joined the Grow Through Life Counseling team as a clinical leader and supervisor in La Mesa in 2024. 

La Mesa Leadership Team

Clinical Leader & Supervisor: Rachel Murphy Pittsley, LCSW

La Mesa Location

​© 2024 by Grow Through Life Counseling, Inc. 

Locations: Chula Vista, Sorrento Valley, Scripps Ranch, La Mesa, Oceanside, Santee, Mission Valley, Murrieta & Temecula 

*Now Offering Telehealth in California too! 

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619-549-0329 

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