Dr. Michael Pinover — Psy.D.
As a Clinical Psychologist, I’m committed to creating a space grounded in trust, respect, and authenticity—where you can feel safe exploring what matters most to you. I draw from evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, with the goal of helping you gain clarity, build resilience, and create meaningful change.
My Approach
I believe therapy works best when it’s built on a genuine relationship. I take the time to get to know you and tailor our work to what feels most helpful, because I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I balance deep listening and empathy with practical guidance so that you feel both heard and empowered. Together, we’ll explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want, set meaningful goals, and adjust them as we go. You are the expert on your own story; I’m here to help guide you through it.
My Specialties
I work with adults, couples, and adolescents navigating trauma, addiction/recovery, insomnia, and compulsive behaviors including OCD. I draw primarily from psychodynamic psychotherapy and CBT-I, tailored to what each person needs.
My Training
I earned my master’s and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant University San Diego. I completed my doctoral internship at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation and have received specialized training in EMDR, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, and CBT-I.
If you’re ready to do meaningful work, I’m here for it. Reach out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
– Carl Rogers
Dr. Ned DeWitt— Psy.D. Postdoctoral Psychological Associate
I am a Postdoctoral Psychological Associate. My path into psychology was non-traditional: before earning my Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, I spent decades in the corporate world, including trading stock options on the Pacific Stock Exchange and serving as an executive in the renewable energy and agriculture sectors. That background gives me real-world insight into high-pressure environments, reinvention, and major life transitions. Clinically, I have extensive experience supporting individuals in psychiatric hospitals and substance use treatment settings. I work with teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families, drawing primarily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy, with a commitment to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for meaningful change.
My Approach
Meaningful change begins with building an honest, compassionate relationship with your inner experience—your thoughts, emotions, and patterns—free from judgment or avoidance. Before becoming a psychologist, I spent decades in the high-stakes corporate world, giving me firsthand insight into performance pressure, leadership, stress, and burnout. In therapy, I bring a warm, active, and engaged presence: supportive and thoughtful, yet willing to challenge unhelpful patterns. Together, we work toward greater clarity, resilience, and a life more aligned with what matters most to you.
My Specialties
I work with teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigating substance use, anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. With over thirty years of experience in recovery settings and crisis management, I help clients stabilize distress, build emotional resilience, and create lasting change. My approach draws primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy, combining practical tools with deeper insight into longstanding patterns.
My Training
I earned my Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology. My training includes psychotherapy and psychological assessment in psychiatric hospitals and substance use treatment settings, where I worked with individuals facing complex mental health challenges. I also stay engaged with emerging developments in the field, including research on psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Whether you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for meaningful change, therapy can offer a place to better understand yourself, shed unhelpful patterns, ease your suffering, and move forward with greater clarity. I welcome you to reach out for a consultation to explore whether working together feels like the right fit.
Ash Takestani— M.A. Psychological Associate
I am a Registered Psychological Associate. My approach to therapy is grounded in warmth and collaboration, creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and comfortable being themselves. I work with diverse populations drawing primarily from Psychodynamic therapy and ACT, with a commitment to culturally sensitive care.
My Approach
My approach to therapy is grounded in warmth and collaboration. I believe that building a genuine therapeutic relationship begins with the therapist showing up authentically and creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and comfortable being themselves. I work closely with each client to understand their unique needs and tailor treatment accordingly. Growing up in the Iranian community gave me firsthand insight into the cultural stigma that can make seeking support feel difficult. This perspective has shaped my commitment to providing culturally sensitive care.
My Specialties
I have experience working with diverse populations and ages, including teens, young adults, college students, adults, military personnel and older adults. To meet my patients’ needs I utilize an integrative approach primarily drawing from Psychodynamic therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
My Training
I hold a master’s degree in clinical psychology and am nearing the completion of my doctoral education. I have trained at a crisis center, a San Diego Unified School District high school, and an inpatient behavioral health hospital, giving me experience supporting individuals across diverse settings and levels of care.
Whether you’re going through a difficult time or simply want a space to better understand yourself, I’m here to support you. If you think we might be a good fit, I encourage you to reach out. I’d be happy to connect and answer any questions you may have.
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