I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Carlsbad, San Diego County. I provide therapy services for individuals (adults, children and adolescents), couples, families and groups on a variety of life's problems and issues. My clients are of all ages ranging from young children and adolescents to older adults.
I use a practical cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approach in my work and offer invaluable resources. I believe that changing one’s way of thinking can alter the way we behave and feel. Sometimes we just need to make a change.
A message from Donna Alpner
I feel that it is essential for a therapist to develop a strong, open, caring and collaborative relationship with their client. I also find that humor is a key ingredient in the therapeutic alliance. It is important to me to provide the best care that I can for my clients. I offer a mature and experienced, non-threatening, non-judgmental, compassionate, relaxed and safe environment.
My education and experience.
I completed my undergraduate work in psychology at California State University, San Marcos, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. I went on to graduate with a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego (USD). My professors at USD graciously selected me as an Outstanding Student.
I also Interned for a year at UCSD Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (CAPS). I worked with many children and adolescents, in an inpatient setting, who presented a wide range of mental health issues, including:
ADHD (attention deficit hyperacivity disorder)
Anxiety
Depression, Mania
Addiction
Psychosis
Personality disorder
Behavior problems
Elimination disorder
Autism
Reactive attachment disorder.
I know how important it is to involve the family and outside resources in treatment.
I then worked in an outpatient setting with adults (male and female) couples and families at Mental Health Services, Inc. (MHS) in Oceanside for three years. Here I worked with clients suffering from some of the following:
Mood disorders including depression and mania
Anxiety disorders such as PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), phobias and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Addictions
Psychosis
Personality disorders,
Eating and sleeping disorders.
I work with couples and families on relationship and work issues. I was kindly nominated for MHS Employee of the Year two years in a row and I enjoy what I do.
