Sylvia Flanagan, MA, MFT
All of us at some point in our lives encounter times of uncertainty or periods of crisis and challenge. We respond to people or situations in a repetitive and unproductive manner leaving us frustrated and weakened, unable to effectively work with life's struggles and develop optimal relationships. I create a caring and safe, yet challenging environment. I invite positive change and new direction while you explore ways to break patterns that rob you of your potential. Whether you want to make better sense of your situation, or move life along an entirely new course, you will be encouraged to use your strengths, talents and potentials to foster insight and change. No person is broken, nor needs to be fixed, but only rediscovered.
Education/Training
I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from the University of San Diego and am a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist offering individual and couples counseling. I also hold two Bachelor’s degrees in the fields of Comparative World Religions and Philosophy and have minored in both Psychology and Sociology. I believe my solid academic education coupled with diverse life experiences contribute to the breadth and richness of my counseling style and the insightful and challenging form of therapy I offer. I work hard to discern the unique needs of my clients, thereby creating an environment which is comfortable and conducive to growth and discovery.
In addition to traditional counseling, I am also trained in EMDR and utilize relaxation and meditation techniques if desired. I have been trained and facilitated court mandated domestic violence groups and have run groups for victims of domestic violence. I also worked as a therapist with the chronic mentally ill at Scripps Mercy Hospital for eight years. My varied work and educational experience help me meet the differing needs of clients in my practice.
Bio
I’m a San Diego native and had the great opportunity to grow up at the beach when it was safe for kids to run around without parents. I went to college right after high school and gladly adopted the “career student” title and obtained two Bachelor’s degrees and two minor degrees. I moved to the East Coast for a short period of time after graduating and worked at Harvard Book Store on Massachusetts Avenue which was a great experience. I then went overseas to Japan and taught English as a Second Language for a year and a half. Upon returning from Japan, I was searching for a permanent career which would allow me to utilize my passions. I had undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Comparative Religions and minor degrees in Psychology and Sociology. After investigating the field of Counseling, I knew it was a good fit.
I applied to the University of San Diego and was accepted into their Master’s program for Marriage & Family Therapy. After graduating from USD in 1999, I worked on accruing the required 3000 hours of experience needed to test for licensure as a Marriage & Family Therapist with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. I gained my 3000 hours experience as an intern in private practice and as a therapist at Scripps Mercy Hospital. When I became a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFC 43147) I expanded my practice and moved to my current Mission Valley office.
I find the field of counseling a rewarding profession as I’m able to use all my educational and life experiences in varying degrees. It’s one of the only fields where life in and out of the office isn’t divided. I love my profession and appreciate my clients and all the hard work they do to make their lives and relationships better.
Memberships
CAMFT.
Payments Accepted
Cash, check, pay pal
Hours:9am to 6pm
Cost/Session
$130 is standard fee. Sliding scale as low as $85.
License:MFC 43147 California
Helpful Links
Practice Areas/Issues Treated
 Therapy
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Loneliness
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Anger Management
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Marriage & Family Therapy
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Anxiety and Panic
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Marriage Counseling
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
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Body Image Issues
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Online / Teletherapy
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Caregiver Issues
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Pre and Postpartum Mental Health
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Chronic Illness
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Relationship Issues
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Couples
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Religious Counseling
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Depression
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Self-Esteem Issues
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Divorce
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Seniors and Elder Care Issues
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Eating Disorders
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Stress Management
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Gay or Lesbian Issues
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Trauma and PTSD
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Grief and Loss
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Women's Issues
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Life Transitions
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Work and Career Issues
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Licenses/Certifications
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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