Hi, I’m

AJ Wagner!

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #126961) based in San Diego, California. For over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate unthinkable trauma, tough transitions, relationship struggles, and all the messy parts of being human.

I specialize in supporting survivors of trauma and domestic violence, couples needing connection, teens riding the rollercoaster of adolescence, and LGBTQ+ individuals and families looking for affirming, compassionate care.

Over the years, I’ve worked in settings as varied as hospitals, child protection services, community mental health, and private practice, providing:

  • Trauma-informed therapy for survivors of abuse and domestic violence

  • Outpatient therapy for individuals, couples, and families

  • Support for LGBTQ+ teens and parents navigating identity and family stress

  • Behavioral therapy for children on the autism spectrum

  • Parent coaching for foster and adoptive families

  • Group facilitation for mothers in recovery and adolescents in high-stress homes

  • Advocacy and mental health support for incarcerated individuals

  • Medical social work at Rady’s Children Hospital

  • Mental health advocacy for incarcerated individuals while working at a county jail.

Each of these roles has given me a deeper understanding of resilience, healing, and the power of being truly seen.

My Experience

What You Can Expect With Me

I believe therapy should feel safe, supportive, and maybe even a little hopeful. You’ll get:

  • A judgment-free space to explore your story

  • Compassionate guidance rooted in science-based care

  • Tools you can use right away in your daily life

  • A therapist who’s not afraid to sit with the heavy—but also knows the value of lightness, humor, and celebrating wins.

My Therapy Style

Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and collaborative. I bring warmth, humor, and compassion into the room (yes, we’ll find reasons to laugh). My role is to listen deeply, hold space for the hard stuff, and give you practical, science-backed tools that actually help outside of session.

I pull from approaches like trauma-focused CBT, DBT, and solution-focused therapy, as well as relationship methods like Gottman and Imago, but I won’t drown you in jargon. Together, we’ll customize strategies for managing stress, improving communication, setting boundaries, and actually feeling lighter when you wake up in the morning.

And because healing doesn’t happen only in session, I may suggest helpful readings, videos, or quick exercises to keep your progress moving between our meetings.

All sessions are offered via secure telehealth, so you can show up from the comfort of your home or from wherever you find yourself in need.