About Betina Sirkin, AMFT

Trauma-informed therapy for children and adolescents in San Diego & Online

I have always felt a special connection with children and adolescents. Young people don’t always have the words to explain what they are feeling or what they have been through, and I believe therapy should give them a place where they can simply be themselves—where they feel safe, respected, understood, and never judged. I value meeting children at eye level, building trust at their pace, and helping them recognize their own strengths along the way.

For more than 15 years, I have provided psychological assessment, treatment planning, and psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. My background includes specialized training in the assessment of child sexual abuse, along with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and collaborative care. I integrate play therapy and existential approaches, adapting therapy to the developmental needs and unique personality of each child or adolescent.

I also believe strongly in supporting parents and caregivers. When a child is struggling, parents can feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to help. I enjoy working collaboratively with parents and providing parenting support and education to strengthen communication, connection, and understanding within the family.

In addition to my work with children and families, I enjoy supporting women navigating midlife and the many transitions this stage can bring—including changes in identity, relationships, family roles, parenting, and sense of self.

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, I have lived abroad for nearly 37 years and bring a multicultural, humanistic perspective to my work. I provide services in Spanish, English, and Hebrew and approach each client and family with warmth, curiosity, compassion, and respect for their unique experiences, culture, and strengths.

I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Southern California (USC) and am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I am also a clinical psychologist licensed in Mexico.

Above all, I hope to offer my clients a warm and steady relationship where they feel genuinely seen and understood. Whether I am working with a child finding their voice, a parent trying to better understand their child, or a woman navigating a new stage of life, my goal is to provide a supportive space for greater confidence, resilience, healing, and connection.