Eli Recht, AMFT #126044
“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am, then I change.” ~ Carl Rogers
Dear friend,
My name is Eli (El-lee) Recht, and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and EMDR Trained Therapist. In 2012, I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Emory University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude and wrote a thesis on the relationship between sleep patterns and mood. In 2020, I earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Depth Psychology, from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where I wrote another thesis about the importance of integrating contemporary psychological knowledge with timeless spiritual wisdom in the therapeutic setting. Born and raised in San Diego, I have been a happy Encinitas local for the past eight years.
I chose the vocation of being a therapist because I feel a deep calling to assist my fellow human beings through the sometimes confusing and complex journey of Life. For many of us, suffering is an everyday reality, but it does not have to be. Through my education, professional experience, and my own therapeutic work, I have realized that our well-being and answers to our trials lie within each of us. When we take the time we deserve to look honestly at our lives – i.e. our being, values, thoughts, feelings, motivations, behaviors, relationships, and environment – we arrive at understanding, and we discover how to reach and sustain our full potential, however we define it.
As your therapist, my singular aim is to empower you through your own evolving awareness. I provide a warm, nonjudgmental, effective, and collaborative space to help you achieve your goals – be that inner peace, clarity and direction over your life, a sense of connectedness with your loved ones, or anything else that is important to you. I encourage you to take this step with me.
I have professional experience, both in a private-practice setting and at a crisis center, helping individuals, couples, families, and teens through a variety of challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, grief, anger, chronic pain, addiction, and relationship problems. I also have experience aiding those who struggle with identity, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+ matters, and spiritually-related topics. While these are my passions, I find meaning in assisting with all areas of mental health. Over the course of my training, I have learned (a never-ending process!) how to utilize different therapeutic approaches (including but not limited to Person-Centered, Existential, Jungian, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In addition, I am privileged to have had training in Gottman Couples Therapy, which is the only evidence-based couples therapy currently available. Together we can create and carry out a plan that resonates with you and moves at your pace. Come as you are.
In service and with all good wishes,
~ Eli
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Recent Reviews
"I have been working with Eli for the last 5 + months. This was also my first attempt at therapy. I knew not what to expect both in process and results. I am very happy I decided to go with Eli at Good Therapy. Eli is a fantastic therapist. He knows when to listen, when to offer suggestions, and asks questions that help guide my mental health in positive ways. Eli is about half my age chronologically, but twice my age spiritually and mentally. This makes a perfect match; I leave every session feeling uplifted, grounded, and more aware of the what’s, why’s and how’s of my thought processes. These are the very things that brought me to therapy in the first place!!
Life can suck, but it can suck less if you get the help you need. Eli and Good Therapy are a great solution to dealing with the day-to-day static of life. 5 stars."
~ JH
"Such a fabulous staff! The gals at the front desk are welcoming and responsive and the waiting room feels comfortable and calming. There is water, books to read and even coloring books.
I see Eli and I would truly recommend him 100%. He creates a safe space that is client led, and empowers you to realize your power and potential. I have seen more growth and breakthrough in 6 months with him than 2 years with another therapist. As someone who has experience in the psych field, he is truly so well suited for this job and is an incredible resource."
~ NM
"I have been seeing Eli for the better part of 5 months now and can wholeheartedly say that he is an amazing therapist. He has extensive knowledge of CBT, Mindfulness techniques, Meditation, and therapeutic practices. He has never once made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe during therapy and I look forward to seeing him during our sessions. No matter what you may be seeking therapy for, I'm sure Eli will have extensive knowledge in how to help you reach your personal goals and elevate you to a better place in life both emotionally and mentally. I would highly recommend Eli to anyone looking to explore therapy and am confident in his ability to be a quality therapist."
~ MR
Life can suck, but it can suck less if you get the help you need. Eli and Good Therapy are a great solution to dealing with the day-to-day static of life. 5 stars."
~ JH
"Such a fabulous staff! The gals at the front desk are welcoming and responsive and the waiting room feels comfortable and calming. There is water, books to read and even coloring books.
I see Eli and I would truly recommend him 100%. He creates a safe space that is client led, and empowers you to realize your power and potential. I have seen more growth and breakthrough in 6 months with him than 2 years with another therapist. As someone who has experience in the psych field, he is truly so well suited for this job and is an incredible resource."
~ NM
"I have been seeing Eli for the better part of 5 months now and can wholeheartedly say that he is an amazing therapist. He has extensive knowledge of CBT, Mindfulness techniques, Meditation, and therapeutic practices. He has never once made me feel uncomfortable or unsafe during therapy and I look forward to seeing him during our sessions. No matter what you may be seeking therapy for, I'm sure Eli will have extensive knowledge in how to help you reach your personal goals and elevate you to a better place in life both emotionally and mentally. I would highly recommend Eli to anyone looking to explore therapy and am confident in his ability to be a quality therapist."
~ MR