Photograph of Zach Defran (Zachary Defran), Licensed Clinician

Zach Defran (Zachary Defran)

he/him
About
Zach
I believe therapy provides a space to slow down, look a little deeper, and better understand yourself. This can help us make sense of the patterns and experiences that may contribute to anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck. My style is warm, relational, collaborative, and exploratory, with an emphasis on helping clients develop greater insight into their emotions, relationships, and life experiences. I work primarily with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and addiction. My approach is intuitive and responsive to each person as a unique individual, rather than highly structured. I value genuine connection and strive to create a comfortable environment where clients can be open, curious, and honest while exploring what is most meaningful to them.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, riding motorcycles, surfing, and collecting and caring for reptiles. In my personal life, I have a longstanding interest in contemplative practice, including mindfulness, and cultivating greater awareness in everyday life.
Zach
treats clients with
Stress
Depression
Anxiety
Weight Management
Cultural or Racial Identity
Relationship Difficulties
Childhood Challenges
Anger
Trauma and PTSD
Physical Health
Substance Use
Grief and Loss
Sleep or Insomnia
Life Transitions
Postpartum Mood Disorders
ADHD
Sex/Intimacy
Communities
Zach
specializes in
LGBTQIA+ Affirming
Men's Issues
Women's Issues
Immigrants/Refugees
Spirituality
Older Adults
Religion
Approaches
Zach
can use
Seeking Safety
Interpersonal Therapy for Depression (IPT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Panic
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Abstinence-Only Models of Recovery
Somatic Therapies
Mindfulness
Dialectical Behavioral (DBT)
Humanistic/Transpersonal
Zach
education and experience
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at San Diego State University
  • Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology at National University
  • Internship at The Center for Grief Care and Education at San Diego Hospice
Zach
license information