About Dr. Rina Schul

 
Dr. Rina Schul, a psychologist in San Diego, California, specializing in working with foreigners and immigrants, LGBTQ+, students and couples.
 

Is therapy in San Diego, California right for me?

Dr. Rina Schul, a psychologist in San Diego, California, specializing in working with foreigners and immigrants, LGBTQ+, students and couples.

You might be hesitating about contacting a therapist: Can I trust a stranger? Can anybody really help me? Is it OK to focus on myself and make myself a priority? Let me tell you a bit about myself and my approach to therapy so that you can decide whether I might be a good fit for you.

My clients

In therapy, I often find myself working with people who function well in life, yet feel that they do not fully “show up” or that they do not “belong.” It is as if their real authentic self shies away because it does not feel safe enough to occupy the space.


Different life stories may lead to one’s sense of discomfort with who they are, noticing differences with others, or not feeling the bond of belonging. If this is also your experience in the world, I would love to sit with you and help you sort it out. We will gently and gradually remove barriers to you feeling comfortable showing up again. I do this work using both individual therapy and couples /  relationship therapy.


With many years of experience as a therapist in San Diego, counseling hundreds of people from all walks of life, I find myself using an individually-tailored approach to each and every person or couple that I work with. I have substantial experience practicing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), among other therapeutic approaches. I use these in a soft format, and capitalize on honest talks, touching the pain, laughing, and helping you connect with your strengths. With me, you will summon the courage to exercise the freedom to be you.

My specialties

Two populations that I specialize working with are immigrants facing relocation and cross- cultural stress, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Individuals in both groups may at time struggle with their sense of belonging, which in turn can affect how comfortable they feel being themselves.

I also have specialty working with college and graduate students. I have worked at a university counseling center for close to 20 years and know the ins and outs of working with this population quite well.

Brief personal history

  • I immigrated to the US over 30 years ago. I am bilingual and provide therapy in both English and Hebrew.

  • I have a PhD in Clinical Psychology and have been practicing as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY19800) since 2004.

  • I have a prior PhD in Neuroscience and use my knowledge about body-mind connections in my practice.

  • I have a strong commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. I have studied Social Justice and incorporated it in my practice consistently over the years. I care about life experiences of marginalized communities and strive to make this world a better place for all.

Interested in more detail? See here.

Take action — you have waited too long!

I know it can feel like a big step to call a psychologist, but I’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone and I’ll let you know how I can help. If I am not the right person, I’ll do my best to get you to the right person. Click here to schedule your 15-minute FREE phone consultation for therapy in San Diego, California, or call me at (858) 330-0065.

 

Get started with Therapy, today.