Questions about therapy in Encinitas.

What is an AMFT?

An AMFT is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist: a master's-level clinician registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences who is completing supervised clinical hours toward full licensure as an LMFT. Emma Bourroux is AMFT #153960 and practices under clinical supervision at Good Therapy San Diego in Encinitas.

How much does therapy cost in Encinitas, and do you take insurance?

Good Therapy San Diego does not accept insurance and does not bill insurance providers directly. They can provide receipts you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. This works only for PPO plans with out-of-network benefits, which usually reimburse between 40 and 80 percent after your deductible. Please check your mental health out-of-network benefits before booking. For current session fees, call (619) 330-9500 or email intake@goodtherapysandiego.com. See the Session Times & Fees page for payment details.

How long is a therapy session?

The initial evaluation, individual sessions, and couples or family sessions are each 50 minutes.

Do you offer in-person sessions?

Yes. Emma sees clients in person at Good Therapy San Diego, 285 N El Camino Real #218, Encinitas, CA 92024.

How do I book an appointment with Emma in Encinitas?

Emma sees clients through Good Therapy San Diego in Encinitas. Use the “Book an Appointment with Emma” button on this page to reach her profile and request a first session. Alternatively, call (619) 330-9500 or email intake@goodtherapysandiego.com to book your appointment.

What is DBT?

DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. It is a practical, skills-based approach that combines acceptance with change. Skills include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Emma draws on DBT with clients in Encinitas and North County San Diego to explore intense emotions, anxiety, self-criticism, and communication difficulties.

What other approaches does Emma use?

Along with DBT, Emma works from Narrative Therapy, which treats you as the author of your own story rather than a problem to be fixed; Trauma-Informed Care, which keeps safety, pacing, and choice at the center; and Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1 trained), which gives couples research-backed tools for conflict, friendship, and repair.

Who does Emma work with?

Emma offers individual counseling, couples therapy, family counseling, and child therapy. She supports clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, and life transitions. Her services also include support for children and families navigating ADHD, parenting concerns, and changes connected with divorce. The intake team can help you discuss whether her services fit your needs.

What are Emma's credentials?

Emma Bourroux holds an M.A. and is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. She is trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1, and previously worked as a Registered Behavior Technician with Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification.

Where is Emma's office located?

Emma practices at Good Therapy San Diego, 285 N El Camino Real #218, Encinitas, CA 92024, in North County San Diego, and serves nearby communities including Cardiff, Leucadia, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, and Del Mar. Ask about current in-person and telehealth availability when you reach out.

Where do your clients come from?

Emma works with people throughout Encinitas, including Leucadia, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, and Olivenhain, as well as nearby Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe. Online sessions are also available for anyone in California.

What happens in a first therapy session?

The first session is mostly a conversation. Emma will ask what brought you in, what you have already tried, and what you would like to be different. You set the pace. Nothing has to be shared before you are ready. Together you will name a starting goal and a rhythm for meeting, usually weekly at first.

How long does therapy take?

It depends on what you are working on. Some people come for a focused stretch of eight to twelve sessions around a specific transition; others stay longer for trauma, grief, or ongoing relationship work. Emma revisits your goals with you so you always know why you are still meeting.

Is what I say in therapy confidential?

Yes. What you share in session is confidential, with the narrow legal exceptions every California therapist must follow, such as risk of serious harm to yourself or someone else and suspected abuse of a child, elder, or dependent adult. Emma will walk you through these in your first session.

Do you have couples therapy availability?

Emma offers couples therapy for relational conflict, premarital counseling, and the impact of infidelity or betrayal, drawing on Gottman Method tools. Call (619) 330-9500 or email intake@goodtherapysandiego.com to ask about current appointment availability and how to arrange a first session.

Does Emma offer child therapy?

Yes. Emma offers child therapy for ADHD, trauma, life transitions, grief, and the emotional impact of divorce. The intake team can discuss your child’s age and needs to help determine whether her services are a fit. Caregiver involvement can be discussed when planning care. The Child Therapy page includes more about the scope of this service.

Can Emma support children and families navigating ADHD?

Yes. Support can include exploring emotions, frustration, daily routines, family expectations, and a child’s sense of self. Emma can discuss caregiver involvement as part of planning care. Therapy does not replace a medical assessment or medication advice.

Does Emma offer premarital counseling?

Yes. Premarital counseling is part of Emma’s couples therapy services. Sessions offer space to discuss communication, money, family expectations, boundaries, and commitment before marriage. You can bring specific questions or concerns about building a shared life.

Can couples therapy help us talk about infidelity or betrayal?

Emma offers couples therapy for the impact of infidelity and betrayal. Sessions can make room for each partner’s feelings, questions about trust, and boundaries. Emma does not assume that reconciliation is the goal; you can discuss uncertainty about the relationship as part of the work.

Does Emma support families going through divorce?

Yes. Family counseling can address the emotional and relational impact of divorce, changing homes, parenting concerns, grief, and shifting family roles. Child therapy can also offer support for children affected by divorce. Ask the intake team who should attend an initial appointment. Therapy does not replace legal advice.

Does Emma support clients experiencing panic or panic-like symptoms?

Yes. Emma offers support for clients experiencing panic or panic-like symptoms, including worry about another episode or situations that have become difficult to face. Sessions can explore what you notice in your thoughts and body and draw on DBT-informed skills. New, severe, or unexplained physical symptoms need medical attention; therapy does not replace a medical evaluation.

Do I have to describe traumatic experiences in detail to begin therapy?

You do not need to arrive prepared to describe everything that happened. Emma’s trauma-informed approach emphasizes safety, choice, boundaries, and a collaborative pace. Sessions can begin with how earlier experiences affect your emotions, relationships, or daily life now.

Can I talk about body image, self-esteem, stress, or anger in therapy?

Yes. Emma offers support for body image, low self-worth or self-esteem, stress management, and anger and forgiveness. These concerns can be part of individual counseling, even if you are unsure how to explain them or they overlap with other difficulties. You do not need to choose a single topic before reaching out.

Explore Emma’s services and areas of support, or get in touch with a question about getting started.