About Dana Sockolov

ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Dana Sockolov and I help people untangle the messiness of anxiety, OCD, addiction and relationship struggles.

You’re not broken. And just by being here reading this, tells me you have an ounce of hope that something could possibly help your current situation. I’m here to help you get unstuck.

I am therapist based in San Diego and I offer in-person sessions locally and virtually in California. I work with individuals and couples who get caught-up in the same “stupid fights” that lead to disconnection, or those who experience constant worry, repetitive thoughts, stress, or have found themselves using unhealthy coping habits more than they’d prefer. These behaviors are draining, lonely and quite debilitating.

My approach is warm yet direct, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I am not here to judge and I truly want to help you get better. I’m trained in evidence-based approaches for anxiety, OCD, addiction, and couples therapy. Admitting to yourself that you just can’t do this alone anymore is one of the hardest things to do and I am here to support you in the next steps.

My Credentials & Training

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship®

  • Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy Core Skills

  • 30+ hours of CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention for Anxiety and OCD

  • Domestic Violence Counselor Training

  • Certificate of Achievement in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies

  • Fundamentals of LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy

  • Polyamorous Clients in Therapy

  • Fundamentals of Kink

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

My therapy office in San Diego

Located in Mission Valley, San Diego, my office is a quiet, comfortable space where you can settle in and breathe. It’s easily accessible from Mission Valley, North Park, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, La Mesa and El Cajon, with convenient parking right in front of the building. And if coming in person isn’t practical, I offer virtual sessions to clients throughout California.
A woman with short gray hair smiling outdoors, wearing a light pink shirt and black pants, standing among green foliage and plants with small purple and white flowers.

Let me tell you a bit about my own story …

I guess you could call it bittersweet that I was introduced to the power of therapy at an early age. My family navigated addiction and mental health challenges when I was just 13 years old. Gratefully, I witnessed the life changing impact of recovery and when it was my turn to seek help, I knew where to go. I’ve personally been in recovery from drugs and alcohol, and an eating disorder for over 11 years and I take a lot of pride in that. It was a very difficult time but it has shaped me into who I am today and why I love being a therapist.

I earned my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University. I’ve worked with couples, individuals, and high-risk teens, along with the opportunity to lead a weekly domestic violence group for men. Before becoming a therapist, I was an Addictions Counselor for women referred by Child Welfare and probation.

Close-up of a baby lying on a white bed, wearing blue and gray clothing, with one hand and foot visible.

Outside the therapy room

When I’m not working, I spend my time with my two beautiful young boys. That keeps me quite busy! Being a parent brings out all the BIG feelings—LOVE, overwhelm, fear, anger, over-stimulation, pride, and purpose. I have no problem admitting how HARD it is to be a parent and I wholeheartedly believe in the power of finding a community to help carry you through.

If the days were just a little bit longer, you would find me doing yoga, pilates, rock-climbing, or anything outdoors in sunny San Diego, and then enjoying a yummy gluten free dinner at a restaurant.