TROY NICKELL, LMFT
Troy Nickell is President of PsyNamic and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Private Practice since 2014. He works with individuals and couples mindfully reach their goals and overcome any obstacles that may be in their way.
In his therapy sessions in Solana Beach, CA, Troy uses an Integrative approach with an emphasis in Mindfulness-Based, Cognitive-Behavioral, EMDR, and Psychodynamic techniques. He currently works with a broad spectrum of clients in his private practice. Among his areas of expertise are the treatment of anxieties (including trauma), stress reduction, addictions, self empowerment and self actualization, relationship and employment struggles, grief and loss, as well as spiritual dilemmas. To schedule a counseling or therapy session with him, contact us today!
Outside of his Therapy Practice, Troy utilizes mindfulness techniques to help businesses and other large groups overcome stress and operate more efficiently. Troy provides these services in a variety of settings, including working with small, medium, and large size businesses to provide employees the tools to function at a higher level, as well as working with community organizations and private coaching for individuals to overcome stress.
History: Troy has worked in a variety of settings, which included the treatment of the Severe Mentally Ill, Military Veterans, substance abuse and addicts, the chronically homeless, as well as adolescents with emotional distress.
Growing up in the Los Angeles area he later relocated to North County San Diego in 2008. Establishing a home here, he now enjoys the outdoors, including surfing, beach volleyball, and much more that this great city has to offer.
Troy received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his Master’s of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology.
License: Marriage and Family Therapist, License No. 82993
(Previous) Executive Member of the Board of Directors San Diego North County chapter of CAMFT
Member of California Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT)
Extensively Trained in EMDR and Mindfulness-Based Techniques
JONATHAN STEIN, LMFT
I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) in Solana Beach, CA and have been working in mental health and counseling in various clinical settings for over 18 years. I am trained in evidence-based models including CBT, strength-based solution focused, mindfulness-based and trauma informed therapy.
I specialize in working with mood disorders, relationship issues, anxiety. I believe that to embrace change is to embrace life. I also consult and support families and friends of those that have a loved one suffering mental illness and don’t know what to do.
History: Jon has extensive background of providing mental health services in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient, emergency mental health and outpatient clinics. Jon has worked with individuals suffering from substance abuse issues and severe mental illness. Jon has worked with clients of all ages
from elementary school aged to geriatric population. In his other role Jon works with Psychiatric Emergency Response Team (PERT).
Originally form Colorado Jon has called San Diego home since 2003. He enjoys reading, movies, travel, making art, visiting museums and spending time outdoors.
Jon received his Bachelor’s in Psychology and Fine Art from University of Colorado, Boulder and Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage, Family Clinical Therapy.
License: Marriage and Family Therapist, License No. 98774
Member of American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
(Previous) Executive Member of the Board of Directors San Diego North County chapter of California
Association of Marriage and Family Therapist (CAMFT)
CHRISTIE MONTGOMERY, LCSW
Christie Montgomery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who utilizes an adaptive approach to help clients experience their full potential. She believe that the time you give to therapy is valuable and Her job is to honor that by helping you achieve the goals of your choosing. With that belief in mind, she utilize a connection-centered approach to help clients to alter their perspectives, behaviors and mindset to achieve a more centered and empowered life experience. She uses an integrative approach to help her clients including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic theory, trauma informed therapy and mindfulness practices.
Christie has worked extensively with clients who experienced trauma and attachment injuries. As well as clients experiencing extreme feelings of suicidality and even psychosis. She specializes in relationships issues, low-self-esteem, depression/anxiety and clients who have experienced trauma and are now attempting to change patterns of behaviors in their lives.
Originally from New Mexico, Christie completed her Bachelors of Fine Arts at the University of New Mexico and her Masters of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York City. Christie provides therapy for individuals/couples and has a passion for working with groups.
Outside of professional endeavors, Christie enjoys being a Mom, traveling and theater.
License: Licensed Clinical Social Worker License No. 104256
Nila Anderson, LMFT
Nila Anderson specializes in helping clients overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relational distress. Nila is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California and in Colorado. Nila has a masters degree in Counseling Psychology from NU and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from SDSU. Nila has 13 years of clinical experience in outpatient mental health therapy and in crisis intervention services. Nila interweaves experiential, attachment, emotion focused, and mindfulness practices. She provides trauma informed care and is trained in evidenced based modalities such as Accelerated, Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Attachment Core Pattern Therapy (ACPT).
Nila views her role of a therapist as an “emotion coach.” She is there to walk beside you, guide you, and support you as you experience the fullness and complexity of your emotions. It isn’t always easy, sometimes there is pain, but along the way there is a beautiful, new way of life. Nila’s approach to therapy is relational, full of warmth. and unconditional support. Nila’s clients often express a deep sense of safety and trust in their relationship, which helps them navigate life’s challenges and find healing.
Nila gently helps clients confront their deepest feelings, face what in life isn’t working, adopt a plan for, and endure the discomfort of change. She helps clients explore their past, undo long standing adaptations, discard habits so entrenched that they may have become part of their identity, clear a path to change, and make a way back to their authentic self.
When working with couples, Nila takes a historical and attachment approach to help them discover how their childhood experiences influence how they currently relate as a spouse and as a parent. Nila believes each spouse‘s childhood history is important to explore because it shapes the way they currently view relationships. By looking through the lens of attachment, Nila can help couples discover and heal the roots of repetitive fightsor frustrating attachment core patterns.
Nila’s education, training, and years of experience as a licensed clinician in outpatient mental health and crisis intervention services have given her the means needed to bring clients hope, healing, relief, and transformation.
Eunice Lee, AMFT
Eunice Lee is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a background in mental health care for adults in various outpatient hospital clinics and young adults in an academic setting. She has had experience in areas such as crisis, anxiety and depression, trauma, and intimate partner violence.
Taking a person-centered and solutions-focused approach, Eunice will prioritize your goals and values (whether cultural, religious/spiritual, political, etc.) during your time in therapy, while helping you make the necessary changes you feel are best for you to experience a thriving life.
Eunice received her Bachelor of Arts in at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Lynn Finnell, LMFT
Lynn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 20 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, anger and/or relationship challenges.
Lynn enjoys working with adults, couples, adolescents and families. Her treatment approach is client-centered, with emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Family Systems, Mindfulness Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. Lynn also has an emphasis on Trauma Focused Treatment.
Lynn utilizes a non-judgmental approach, where a safe place is created and a Client is fully heard before helpful solutions are explored, processed and integrated.
Along with working in private practice, Lynn has extensive experience addiction and facilities-based treatment. She is certified in addiction treatment, and has also taught psychology and addiction classes to graduate students at Brandman University, which kept her current and up to date with changes and cutting-edge treatment in the field.
Kipenzi Herron, LMFT
Kipenzi Herron, originally from New Jersey, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT#154306) with a passion for supporting couples, and individuals on their journey toward healing and growth. She specializes in couples therapy, enhancing communication, rebuilding trust, and deepening emotional connection. Kipenzi creates a safe, supportive space where both partners feel heard, understood, and empowered to navigate their challenges together.
In her practice, Kipenzi uses a trauma-informed and client-centered approach, incorporating evidence-based techniques like Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). She also works with high-achieving individuals, helping them balance personal success with emotional well-being, and supports those with high-functioning anxiety. She also specializes in working with couples, guiding them through communication challenges, trust-building, and fostering deeper connections.
In addition to her work in private practice, Kipenzi serves marginalized and underserved communities, offering culturally competent care that addresses systemic issues and intergenerational trauma.
Kipenzi holds multiple master’s degrees and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Couples and Family Therapy at Alliant International University. She is committed to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Arthur Lawida, APCC
Arthur is a client-centered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. His practice combines CBT and Existential Theory to help clients gain a greater understanding of themselves, quickly work through issues, and create a life of meaning and purpose.
His practice is based on a positive approach to life that helps his clients know themselves, heal trauma, and ultimately love themselves.
He brings a deep background in various spiritual traditions, meditation, inner work, and a long career in business to ensure that the work he does with clients is accelerated, effective, and compassionate.
Arthur works with Individuals, Adolescents, and Couples to help them gain a greater understanding of themselves, their relationships, and communication patterns that may be impacting their lives. With this, he helps facilitate a space where a client can grow and learn the skills necessary to reach their goals. Arthur is approved to practice in the state of CA APCC#15624.
Elizabeth Dammeyer, APCC
Elizabeth is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with a passion for supporting those seeking help with anxiety, depression, addiction, and relationship issues. She uses a person-centered approach in her practice, along with CBT, Mindfulness Therapy and ACT as needed.
Elizabeth works with individuals, couples and adolescents to overcome the issues they may be struggling with internally, helps them communicate more effectively and empowers them to make better decisions for their lives. Her desire to help and ability to help clients feel validated and heard are often praised by her clients.
Beth is dedicated to creating a safe space for exploration and growth using evidence-based practices that are based on her clients goals and outcomes for treatment. Beth is authoirized to practice in the State of CA with Registration No. APCC#14327.
Lauren Kaufman, APCC
Lauren is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, (APCC) CA#17673. Her approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practices to help clients navigate difficult emotions, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives. She strives to meet clients where they are and provide support for their growth journey. Lauren utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Lauren is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) and employs mindfulness practices, breath work, and relaxation techniques in session, to help clients balance both body and mind.
Her clinical experience includes adolescence and young adults experiencing depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, suicidal ideation and engaging in self harm behaviors.She has worked extensively with parents and families in collaborating to provide safe and supportive environments for children to flourish.
In her free time, she loves to do yoga, surf, hike, and read. She also loves to write and can spend hours journaling when there is time.
Grant Zoppi, AMFT
Grant is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (AMFT#134434) and sees therapy as a holistic venture, rich with opportunities to develop meaning and to craft a sense of purpose and belonging. In cultivating a well-rounded and flexible approach to therapy, Grant relies on principles from Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, Emotion-focused therapy, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic approaches, Family Systems therapy, and Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Grant is dedicated to working with adults, adolescents, families, and couples.
Grant is a San Diegan through and through. Originally from the area, he attended University of San Diego–studying psychology, theology, and religion—where he developed a fond appreciation for existentialism and humanity’s struggle for finding meaning and purpose. Expanding his understanding of suffering, Grant completed his master’s in counseling psychology at Santa Clara University in the Bay Area and gained experience working in outpatient mental health with children, adolescents, adults and families.
While studying at SCU, Grant worked as an advocate for homeless adults in San Jose and provided case management and rehabilitation services for those transitioning into affordable housing. During and after his traineeship, Grant worked briefly in an outpatient program supporting adults struggling with mental health and substance use difficulties referred from Federal Pretrial and Probation Services. Grant then gained experience working with adolescents and children in intensive outpatient care in San Diego, advancing his skills in facilitating individual, group, and family therapy. Most recently, he worked in an intensive outpatient setting supporting adults struggling with co-occurring substance use and mental health symptoms.
Adjunct to the clinical realm, Grant is an avid surfer, baseball player, Padres fan, musician and concert-goer.