Campfire Healing

Hello, I'm Rebecca. My love for the outdoors was instilled in me by my parents, who frequently took us kids camping. A pivotal moment for me was hiking the High Sierras with my dad in 4th grade which solidified my bond with nature. I cherished every moment of being in the wild—no trails, getting dirty, sleeping under the stars, observing wildlife, enjoying s'mores and canned beans, and collecting rocks. In my early adulthood, I believed I had found my purpose as a Park Ranger, but soon after, I discovered my true calling in Social Work.

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For over twenty years, I worked primarily with individuals experiencing homelessness and those diagnosed with severe mental illnesses. Much of my work involved meeting people where they were, on the streets of Skid Row, Los Angeles. This work was both fulfilling and transformative. In 2016, I felt the universe nudging me toward a new direction, leading me to the mountains of San Diego. I said goodbye to traffic and my 520-square-foot LA home, and I bought a log cabin tucked away from the hustle and bustle. My vision was to create a tranquil space for family, friends, and myself. Shortly after moving, I began working as a trauma therapist for the Kumeyaay Nation. During this time, I grew personally and changed once more. I came to better understand the effects of historical trauma and the importance of respecting and connecting with the land. This connection inspired me to find an alternative to working within four walls, and the idea for Campfire Healing was born.

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I now offer fireside therapy on my homestead in Descanso CA, a small community in San Diego County, with a land acknowledgement that I do this on Kumeyaay land. My goal is to support your journey with compassion and without judgment. Whether you have a clear vision for your life but are struggling to achieve it, or you're unsure what you want but know your current situation isn't working, I'm here to help you navigate your life and figure it out.

 

In my work, I mainly rely on the following modalities.:

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• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and challenging the cognitive distortions in your thinking. It involves becoming more aware of your "what ifs" and negative thoughts, examining and questioning them, and replacing them with positive ones. The idea is that your thoughts shape your reality, so changing them can help you feel better.

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• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)

EMDR is a phased approach that focuses on past experiences instead of current stressors. Together, we create a treatment plan by exploring your history and the intensity of your emotional distress. Stress reduction techniques are used to prepare you for confronting distressing memories while undergoing bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or taps. The process involves addressing difficult emotions and replacing negative beliefs with positive ones.

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• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

​Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance an individual's motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence.

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• Couples Therapy

​Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy designed to help partners improve their relationship by addressing issues, enhancing communication, and fostering emotional connection.

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• Group Therapy 

The group therapy I provide is for women and those who identify as women. The group focuses on addressing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, codependency, self-esteem, and self-care. Being surrounded by other women facing similar challenges can be empowering and help you feel less alone. 

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My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, grief, adjustment and change, codependency, low self-esteem, substance use, women's issues, and couples therapy.

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​Oh yeah, I use humor a lot—life’s too short not to laugh at ourselves.