Book a therapist or psychiatrist in El Cajon, CA covered by Cigna

I am a Latina EMDR therapist who uses compassion to guide my patients through healing areas in their lives where they are feeling stuck. My patients are often working through trauma, grief, or unhelpful beliefs about self, others, or the world that can manifest into anxiety, depression, interpersonal conflicts, and/or PTSD. I also offer Individual and Group EMDR Consultations to clinicians looking to become Certified in EMDR Therapy. Se habla español.

Hello, I’m Cerise Dossman, LCSW.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience supporting individuals and families through life’s most challenging moments. My background includes community mental health and child welfare, where I’ve helped clients navigate complex trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions.

I specialize in working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions.

I have lived in the Truckee Tahoe area off an on for over 30 years, I have an AA Degree in Early Child Development, a BA Degree from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I attended the University of. Nevada, Reno for my Masters in Social Work.

My husband and I have two grown children who live in Northern CA and Nevada. We are avid skiers, mountain bikers, and my hobbies include cooking, art, writing, and learning, and of course, playing with our mini golden doodle, Joaquin.

My roots are in Scranton, Pennsylvania; growing up, life was challenging and unpredictable for me and my sisters. I was the first member of our extended family who was able to put themselves through both undergraduate (BA - Latin American Studies/UCSC, and graduate school (MSW- Masters in Social Work, (UNR) and graduate with honors.

All three of my younger sisters followed in my footsteps to pursue higher education and to find success as Professionals.

My husband and I moved to the Tahoe/Truckee area together in the early 1990s, pursuing seasonal employment. We somehow made ends meet, things got a little easier each year, and he later pursued a career in resort and business management, while I pursued continuing education, mental health and licensure, and opening up my practice.

Our son and a daughter both grew up enjoyed attending local public schools in Truckee, and later the Univeristy of California; they are both living fulfilling adult lives in the nearby region.

I look forward to talking with you about what needs to change in order for you to have the life you want & deserve. I believe most of our problems are usually short-term issues.

My clients should know that I truly care about their well-being and take the time to listen. I want them to feel comfortable, respected, and never rushed. I believe in providing care that is compassionate, thorough, and personalized to their needs. I also value honesty, trust, and clear communication, so clients feel informed and supported every step of the way.

I provide empathic, compassionate care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and respected. My goal is to offer therapy you can trust—an environment where you can openly explore your thoughts, challenges, and goals while receiving understanding and supportive guidance.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Since graduating in 2021, I have worked with adolescents, adults, and couples in community mental health and outpatient settings.

I became a therapist because I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I’m passionate about helping others better understand themselves, work through challenges, and become the best versions of themselves. I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and create a life that feels fulfilling and authentic to them.

I have experience supporting clients navigating depression, anxiety, mood and personality disorders, neurodivergence, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and general life stress. I believe therapy should be a space where clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard.

My approach is collaborative and individualized, drawing from modalities including CBT, DBT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. I work alongside clients to better understand patterns, build coping skills, improve relationships, and create meaningful change aligned with their goals and values.

Hello and welcome!

As a licensed clinical social worker, I truly believe that mental health is the foundation for growth and healing. It takes courage and strength to take that first step and I want to celebrate you for making it!

I mainly work with adults in individual therapy, drawing from various modalities tailored to each person's unique needs and issues. I'm also certified in EMDR, which can be really helpful for processing difficult experiences.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Berkeley, CA, and I’ve worked in mental health care since 2012. My background includes community-based work, trauma-informed care, and leadership in training and clinical development. I earned my MSW from NYU and specialize in treating anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I enjoy working with adults navigating changes - career shifts, identity questions, or simply trying to feel more at home in themselves. Clients often say they feel safe, understood, and more at ease after we talk. I believe therapy works best with a good sense of humor - even in hard sessions, there’s room for relief and laughter.