Therapy for Dating in San Diego and across California
Stop Repeating Painful Dating Patterns — Therapy That Helps You Change
Why Dating Feels So HardDating
Dating can be fun and exciting — and it can also be overwhelming, discouraging, and exhausting.
Putting yourself out there requires vulnerability again and again. Over time, that can lead to rejection, self-doubt, and burnout.
If you keep finding yourself in familiar, painful patterns — dating emotionally unavailable partners, falling into situationships, or wondering why you attract the “wrong” people — you’re not alone.
At Cove Counseling Group, we see this often. And it’s not because you’re “bad” at dating.
Why You Keep Repeating the Same Dating Patterns
Dating can feel like an uphill battle when you notice the same dynamic repeating — even when you’re trying to choose differently.
Often, it’s not about willpower.
Your attachment style and patterns shape who feels familiar, what feels like chemistry, and how you respond when a connection feels uncertain.
You might notice:
A strong pull toward emotionally unavailable partners
Anxiety when communication shifts
Difficulty walking away, even when you see red flags
Losing clarity about your needs once your start to feel attached
These patterns aren’t random. They’re protective strategies learned from earlier experiences and relationships.
Dating therapy can help you:
Break cycles with emotionally unavailable, inconsistent or abusive partners
Reduce post-date anxiety and constant overthinking
Strengthen your assertive communication skills and help you set boundaries without guilt or fear of losing connection
Heal an underlying fear of abandonment and/or rejection
Stay grounded and clear about your needs as feelings develop
Date without losing yourself in the process
Over time, many clients experience greater confidence, emotional steadiness, and clarity in what they want—and deserve.
Instead of repeating familiar patterns, you will be able to date and pursue meaningful relationships from a more secure and empowered place.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
At Cove Counseling Group, we use a trauma-informed approach. That means we understand how deeply past experiences can impact the present—and we never reduce dating struggles to you having a “bad picker” or being “bad at dating.”
Instead, we look at the whole picture: your story, your core beliefs, and the protective parts of you that have been trying to keep you safe.
Our specialties include:
EMDR for dating anxiety and past heartbreak
Parts Work (IFS-informed) to heal the parts of you that feel unworthy, fearful, or overly self-protective
Attachment-focused therapy to help you build secure, connected relationships
This integrated approach helps create lasting change, not just short-term fixes.
Who We Help
Therapy for dating may be right for you if:
You’re tired of the cycle of unavailable or unhealthy relationships
You struggle with dating anxiety or fear of rejection
You feel “stuck” between craving a relationship and fearing losing it
You want to break generational or family patterns
You’re ready to find—not just love—but healthy love
What Therapy for Dating Looks Like (and What to Expect)
Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to understand your story and dating challenges, identify unhelpful patterns of behavior and narratives, and begin healing the underlying wounds that are keeping you stuck.
Together, you’ll:
Explore your relationship history and attachment patterns
Use trauma-focused modalities including EMDR and parts work to clear unhealed attachment wounds or unresolved trauma
Practice new ways of relating to others and how to set boundaries
Build confidence in yourself and your ability to choose healthy partners and relationships
Every session is tailored to your unique experience and goals.
Schedule a free 15-min consultation with a Cove therapist today!
Start Dating From a Place of Empowerment
Yes, dating can be hard—but it doesn’t have to keep draining your energy, self-worth, or hope. You don’t have to keep repeating the same painful patterns, either.
With the right support, you can:
Heal the wounds from past relationships and dating hardship
Build deep self-trust and self-worth
Date with greater intention and confidence
Therapy for dating can help you stop settling, stop second-guessing, and start pursuing healthy love from a place of security and strength.
Locations We Serve
We offer in-person trauma therapy in San Diego for individuals who value face-to-face connection and support in a calming, welcoming space.
Our office is centrally located in Mission Valley, with easy access to major freeways and just minutes from neighborhoods like Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, and other nearby communities.
Whether you're looking for trauma therapy close to home or during your workday, our convenient location makes it easier to prioritize your healing.
Meet Our California Based Trauma-Informed Therapists
At Cove Counseling Group, all of our therapists are trauma-informed—and several specialize in trauma recovery, including complex PTSD and attachment wounds. Each brings a unique approach, but all share a commitment to helping you feel safe, seen, and supported.
