Barbara R. Cunningham, Psy.D., LMFT - San Diego, California

Lindsey Keith

Dr. Cunningham worked with my husband and I near the end of 2022—when our marriage was at a crossroads, unsure how to move forward. Her guidance opened my eyes to the importance of unity with my husband, and the value of setting healthy boundaries with my family of origin. Her insight into family dynamics opened my eyes and shed light on areas I didn’t even realize needed healing.

Thanks to her compassion, wisdom, and direct approach, we are now stronger than ever! This year, we welcomed our third baby, expanded our businesses, and created a happier, healthier family life. We often reference the little nuggets of wisdom we learned from her and find ourselves reflecting on the growth and healing we’ve done together the last couple of years.

Thank you Dr. Cunningham for your incredible ability to bring light and healing. You will forever be a part of our story, and we are so grateful for your role in helping us build the life we have now.

Christine Avery

I’ve been working with Barbara for almost 10 years now. She and I have worked together through my major relationships with my husband and parents as well as through major milestones in my life including pregnancy and starting motherhood. She introduced me to Bowen family systems and really helped me realize how many of my relationships have affected me over the years. Initially there was a lot of learning in our therapy sessions (recommended readings and exercises) which at first seemed too much but anyone in therapy knows that it isn’t always easy and requires work at times. I really appreciate how she always asks me what I want to talk/work on during each session. I have really connected with her over the years and feel like she is more than my therapist. She is a very caring and compassionate person and makes it very easy for me to communicate and open up with her. I whole heartedly recommend Barbara as a family therapist!

Steve Leyton

We've known Barbara for nearly two years and I would recommend her to anyone who is seriously interested in acquiring the tools and awareness that are the foundation of self-help. Her methods may seem somewhat mysterious at first - casual conversation about interests and personal history, plotting of family trees, details about our parents and grandparents and children. Early on, there's little or no discussion of why you contacted her in the first place. What's not apparent is her keen understanding of how people come to be the way they are, and the impacts of our relationships and environmental influences. Barbara is not what I'd describe as a hand-holder, and is usually very direct in conversation, but with great compassion and an innate sense of what and why we feel as we do. Working with Barbara has helped us relate better as a couple because we are learning to relate better to ourselves, and to understand why we react to certain things in certain ways. Personally, I appreciate her candor and appraisals because she has always been on point. There's definitely been pain and discomfort along the way - therapy isn't easy if you're committed to the process. But Barbara's core principal is that change only comes when you leave your comfort zone, and I unconditionally agree. We find ourselves talking about things learned in therapy often, and the take-aways from our sessions are always of high value. If you're committed to change, and want to dive deep into the "how" and the "why" of doing that, I would recommend Dr. Cunningham whole-heartedly.

drcm payne

I wish words could convey my feelings of gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Barbara. She’s been there through thick and thin of my life, weirdly helping me enjoy versus despair the slings and arrows of these last dozen years…
Oh yes, she can be pointed when you might expect softness. But there’s a warmth and a sense of safety there that helps me reach a bit further every time, and do so with courage.
Though I’m a therapist myself, privately I suffer from indirectness in my personal relationships. More than anything she’s done for me, she’s caused me to be a Self in the world.
This isn’t a traditional all-knowing therapist to uninterrupted client situation. Buckle up and prepare to be engaged.

Shanna Cullen-Carroll

Dr. Cunningham is a caring, compassionate therapist. She has a true appreciation for knowledge and cares for her clients. Her and I met in graduate school many years ago. She has always been passionate about helping others and it shows in her friendships & relationships with others. I cannot explain the amount of knowledge, and dedication she has to our field. She is a wealth of information and passion. You can see her dedication with the thriving practice she has created. I would recommend her therapeutic services to anyone who is in need in the San Diego area. She is worth every moment.

Becky Leon

After many years of treatment with Barbara, I’ve learned many new ways to think about my part in my relationships, ultimately improving my staying power.

I highly recommend her!

Lewis Mark Grimes (Surface.Artist)

She has extraordinary empathy, profound experience, and many assets that she freely shares. My partner and I had a problem in our conversation and Barbara knew just the right book for us to read together during our sessions working with her. Great experience. Highly recommend her. Do this work it will improve you

Ryane Shields

Seeking therapy is NOT a sign of weakness but, a sign of BRAVERY. I will never forget these words as I sat with Dr. Barbra for the first time . I knew I needed to be there, at that moment I felt a huge shift in my journey to grow into my best self. In just a few sessions Dr. Barbra gave me a great sense of grounding & Courage to continue in my journey as a Wife & Mother . We all go through life at our own speed and knowing there is someone like Dr. Barbra out there who is compassionate & ready to listen with an open heart helps to see things a little more clearly when your willing to do the good work !