Eli Recht, LMFT #140144
“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 a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) 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, and relationship problems. I also have experience aiding those who struggle with identity, low self-esteem, LGBTQ+ matters, and spiritually-related topics, which includes faith-based counseling for all traditions. 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.
If you would like to learn more about my approach to therapy, I encourage you to read through My Therapeutic Orientation.
Please call (619) 330-9500 or email [email protected] to get scheduled with me or another therapist at GTSD!
~ Eli Recht
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Recent Reviews
"Eli really helped my wife and I to communicate more effectively and appreciate each other!. He has great insight and a very calm, gentle delivery that allows him to drill down into significant issues without creating unnecessary angst or defensive behaviours. Over 25 years of marriage we have been to at least 3 or 4 marriage counselors and Eli has been by far the best and most successful. My wife and I are doing much better these days and we owe Eli our sincere thanks and gratitude for helping improve our marriage. Thank you to Eli and Good Therapy!"
~ DM & LM
"First of all I am very thankful for all the help I received from the staff regarding which therapist would be a better fit for my teenage son. I also did research on all therapist looking at area of expertise, method of therapy and personality. I hand picked Eli based on his bio, peoples feedbacks and area of expertise and I could not have made a better choice. I would recommend Eli to anyone struggling with overwhelming feelings of stress anxiety and low self esteem.. We tried other therapists in the past and it was always the same result. After the first visit of two my son wouldn’t want to go back but now he’s looking forward his therapy appointments, Eli was able to get my son to open up to him and build trust. He made dramatic improvements already in managing his emotions, anxiety going thru hormonal changes . His self esteem improved too. I know there is still long way to go to build a strong self esteem, positivity and balanced feelings because in general therapy takes a long time be effective but I already saw great changes and I am extremely thankful."
~ Mother of client
"In my 35 years working in clinical medicine and holistic healing, I have met hundreds of doctors, therapists, and healers. Eli Recht stands out (having done energy work with him for several months) as a man of tremendous wisdom, compassion, and skill as a healer/counselor. Although he is humble, his insight about people is unparalleled and accurate. He helped me during a difficult period get in touch with hidden emotions that were blocking my happiness and move them out. His natural genuineness helps a client to feel accepted, and the healing starts from there. Although I know over 15 therapists in San Diego, he offers something special, because he IS special."
~ BR (UCSD, Holistic Health Practitioner)
"Some people are just born to be therapists. Their spirit and demeanor makes people feel safe and heard, and somehow they just always know the right thing to say. This is Eli in a nutshell. I've never met such a naturally gifted counselor. And when you combine that with years of spiritual soul-searching and therapeutic training, you've got someone truly special. This is why Eli is at the top of my list for recommendation for a therapist. And as a therapist myself, I don't take this lightly. I'd trust him with my friends and family."
~ MJ
"I highly recommend Eli as a therapist for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma. My 17-year-old son has been seeing Eli for nearly a year and has made noticeable progress in his mental health. Eli has used a combination of talk therapy and EMDR to help my son feel more hopeful about his life circumstances and cope with his suicidal ideation. I appreciate Eli’s willingness to meet my son where he’s at, even when it’s been difficult. He has been helping us strengthen our relationship and has been a great listener who has helped us create reasonable plans. I have seen my son’s overall mood and outlook on life improve significantly. I am grateful we found Eli and highly recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective therapist."
~ Mother of client
"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
~ DM & LM
"First of all I am very thankful for all the help I received from the staff regarding which therapist would be a better fit for my teenage son. I also did research on all therapist looking at area of expertise, method of therapy and personality. I hand picked Eli based on his bio, peoples feedbacks and area of expertise and I could not have made a better choice. I would recommend Eli to anyone struggling with overwhelming feelings of stress anxiety and low self esteem.. We tried other therapists in the past and it was always the same result. After the first visit of two my son wouldn’t want to go back but now he’s looking forward his therapy appointments, Eli was able to get my son to open up to him and build trust. He made dramatic improvements already in managing his emotions, anxiety going thru hormonal changes . His self esteem improved too. I know there is still long way to go to build a strong self esteem, positivity and balanced feelings because in general therapy takes a long time be effective but I already saw great changes and I am extremely thankful."
~ Mother of client
"In my 35 years working in clinical medicine and holistic healing, I have met hundreds of doctors, therapists, and healers. Eli Recht stands out (having done energy work with him for several months) as a man of tremendous wisdom, compassion, and skill as a healer/counselor. Although he is humble, his insight about people is unparalleled and accurate. He helped me during a difficult period get in touch with hidden emotions that were blocking my happiness and move them out. His natural genuineness helps a client to feel accepted, and the healing starts from there. Although I know over 15 therapists in San Diego, he offers something special, because he IS special."
~ BR (UCSD, Holistic Health Practitioner)
"Some people are just born to be therapists. Their spirit and demeanor makes people feel safe and heard, and somehow they just always know the right thing to say. This is Eli in a nutshell. I've never met such a naturally gifted counselor. And when you combine that with years of spiritual soul-searching and therapeutic training, you've got someone truly special. This is why Eli is at the top of my list for recommendation for a therapist. And as a therapist myself, I don't take this lightly. I'd trust him with my friends and family."
~ MJ
"I highly recommend Eli as a therapist for anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma. My 17-year-old son has been seeing Eli for nearly a year and has made noticeable progress in his mental health. Eli has used a combination of talk therapy and EMDR to help my son feel more hopeful about his life circumstances and cope with his suicidal ideation. I appreciate Eli’s willingness to meet my son where he’s at, even when it’s been difficult. He has been helping us strengthen our relationship and has been a great listener who has helped us create reasonable plans. I have seen my son’s overall mood and outlook on life improve significantly. I am grateful we found Eli and highly recommend him to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective therapist."
~ Mother of client
"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
