Therapy in Bonita, CA | Counselor Johanna Lee

Bonita has a calm appearance on the outside, yet many mamas feel an emotional storm inside. I support first gen and Latina mothers who want a space to explore their identity, their needs and their truth without fear of judgment. Bonita’s quiet neighborhoods can make your struggles feel invisible. Therapy becomes a space where your voice returns and your feelings are finally held.

How it works

We start with a gentle intake session where you can share your experiences and goals. This is where we begin to understand what you’ve been holding and what you truly need,emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Intake Session

Through ongoing therapy sessions, we’ll dig into your individual needs. I’ll offer tools rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and cultural validation,so healing feels like it fits your life, not someone else’s version of self-care.

Follow Up Sessions

We revisit how far you’ve come, name what’s changed, and create a rhythm of support for what’s next,so you leave feeling steady, not dropped.

(# of sessions will vary based on individual needs)

Integration & Reflection Session-

Explore my therapy services and specializations

  • Therapy for Postpartum

    Bonita can look peaceful from the outside, but many mothers experience a storm of feelings after giving birth. Therapy helps you sort through the unexpected grief, the sudden irritability, the emotional crashes and the moments of sweetness that confuse you. You deserve a place where nothing about postpartum is judged and everything can be understood.

    READ MORE

  • Compassion-Focused Therapy for Anxiety

    Bonita often appears peaceful from the outside, yet many people wrestle with anxiety privately. Compassion focused therapy gives you permission to explore your emotions with gentleness so you can understand what your anxiety is trying to protect you from. Together we develop grounding practices and compassionate inner dialogue that make worry feel less consuming.

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  • Culturally Affirming Therapy for Hispanic Latina and First-Gen Moms

    There is a moment when everything inside you finally clicks: you are allowed to mother differently. Before therapy that feels like a dangerous thought. After therapy it feels like liberation. You understand that honoring your cultura and honoring yourself can coexist beautifully.

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  • Postpartum & Early Motherhood Therapy in San Diego

    There are moments in early motherhood when you feel like you disappeared beneath all the giving. Therapy helps you find yourself again. We work through the overwhelm, the self doubt, the overstimulation and the constant demands placed on your heart and body. As you reconnect with your needs and internal rhythms you begin to mother from a place that feels grounded, supported and emotionally honest.

    READ MORE

Testimonials

I was working with a first-gen Latina client who shared that she really appreciates that I give her education and examples for different mental health concepts and this helps her think about it in her own terms throughout the week (e.g. like having a full plate and taking just a moment to set it down when we journal so that it doesn’t feel as heavy all the time).

I helped a mom advocate for herself after experiencing workplace harassment throughout her pregnancy. She felt like she was complaining but after processing a couple sessions, she realized that this was one way she could protect herself (even if in the past she wasn’t able to). 

I hosted a Baby & Me Parent Community Event focused on 1) donations/swap station for baby & mom items 2) sensory play stations 3) selena dance along 4) new parent mental health 101 & 5) guest speaker on financial education. I had a few moms come up to me during the event saying how helpful it was to get tangible resources and also information to help them in their current season. 

I serve women in Bonita

My virtual therapy services support women in Bonita along with Chula Vista, Eastlake, Paradise Hills and communities throughout the South Bay. You can connect with me from anywhere in California.

Hello I am Johanna Lee your postpartum and early motherhood therapist in Bonita

Bonita mothers can feel overwhelmed by the quiet pressure to handle everything gracefully. Virtual therapy helps you understand your internal world with compassion and rebuild emotional stability from the inside out. You learn how to reconnect with your identity, soften guilt and feel supported during this intense season. I am licensed in California so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you are outside California you can join my escuelita or access my non clinical resources.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is virtual therapy effective?

    Absolutely. Virtual therapy allows you to receive care from the comfort of your home no need to arrange childcare, commute, or even put on pants (lol).  Many mamas actually find it easier to open up in their own safe space.

  • How are virtual therapy sessions held?

    Sessions are held via a HIPAA-compliant video platform to protect your privacy. All you need is a private space, a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera and microphone.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    I accept FSA/HSA, debit, or credit card for payment. I do not currently accept insurance and many clients appreciate the privacy, flexibility, and control that comes with paying directly for care (versus utilizing insurance).

  • How do I know if I really need therapy, or if this is just “normal” new mom stuff?

    That’s such a common and valid question. Yes, postpartum comes with big emotions—but feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious, invisible, or disconnected from yourself isn’t something you have to just “push through.” If you’re struggling to feel like you again, or carrying guilt for wanting space to breathe, therapy can help. You don’t need a crisis to deserve support—you just need a safe place to land.

  • Can I bring my baby to the session?

    Yes—babies are absolutely welcome. I know it’s not always possible to find childcare, and you shouldn’t have to put your healing on hold because of that. Whether you’re nursing, rocking, or soothing during our time together, this space is made with mamá life in mind. Come as you are—messy bun, spit-up, baby in arms and all. (ps snacks are also welcome and often encouraged lol)

  • What kind of therapy do you practice?

    My approach blends trauma-informed, culturally responsive care with mindfulness, self-compassion, inner child healing, and grounding tools (yes deep breathing together CAN be part of the work too!)

  • How long is each session, and how often will we meet?

    Sessions are 55 minutes. Most clients start with weekly sessions, but we’ll collaborate to find a rhythm that fits your needs, schedule, and goals.

  • Where are you licensed to provide therapy?

    I’m licensed in California, so therapy sessions are available to clients physically located in California at the time of each session. If you're outside California, you can still join my escuelita &/or access non-clinical resources -  View here 

  • Good faith estimate

    In accordance with the No Surprises Act and ethical standards for California-licensed therapists, I provide a Good Faith Estimate to all clients who are not using insurance for services.


    This estimate outlines the expected cost of services, including session fees and potential length of treatment, so you have full clarity before starting care. While therapy is individualized and timelines may vary, this estimate helps you plan with transparency and trust.


    You’ll receive your Good Faith Estimate in writing before your first session. You can always request a new one if your needs or frequency of care change.


    For more information about your rights under the No Surprises Act, visit cms.gov/nosurprises 

  • Disclaimer Privacy Notice: Do not submit personal health information (PHI) through this site.

    This website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical or mental health advice. Therapy services are available only to individuals physically located in California and provided by Johanna Lee, LPCC (#13089). Participation in community offerings, digital resources, or workshops does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 or visit your nearest emergency room.

  • Therapy vs education disclaimer

    Participation in workshops, classes, memberships, or educational resources does not establish a therapeutic relationship. These services are for support, education, and community and are not a substitute for clinical therapy. Therapy services are only available to clients residing in California, provided through a separate intake and consent process.