Meet Aaron Skobel | Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aaron Skobel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aaron, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success has been developing and using a unique therapeutic approach that integrates four complementary types of therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Self-Compassion Therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I created this blended model a few years ago after realizing how powerfully these methods work together in supporting clients who experience a wide range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, people-pleasing tendencies, anger management issues, feeling like “I am not enough,” and more.

Each component of this approach targets a specific area of growth and healing. Mindfulness helps clients stay present and grounded as they navigate difficult emotions. Self-compassion encourages them to be kind and understanding toward themselves, treating themselves with the same care they would offer a close friend. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps reframe negative thought patterns, allowing clients to view their experiences from a healthier, more balanced perspective. Finally, Internal Family Systems helps clients connect with and better understand the parts of themselves that may be causing pain or conflict, fostering acceptance, and inner harmony instead of self-criticism.

By combining these four therapeutic methods, I have found that clients are able to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with themselves. Many begin to genuinely like who they are, experience greater emotional balance, and feel more resilient when facing life’s challenges. This integrated approach has proven effective across a wide variety of issues, and I rarely encounter a situation where it cannot be applied successfully.

I am deeply grateful to have created a therapeutic framework that not only supports healing but also empowers clients to connect with themselves in transformative ways. This method has been a cornerstone of my professional success and continues to inspire my work every day.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey to becoming a psychotherapist began in my twenties while I was working in the field of social work, supporting families through difficult situations. During that time, I often collaborated with therapists, and I was deeply struck by the level of emotional awareness and insight they brought to their work. I realized that I wanted to develop that same depth of understanding, not just to help others more effectively, but also to better understand myself. I knew it would require both personal and professional growth, so I made a commitment to do the inner work necessary to get there.

The path was far from easy. Like many people, I’ve faced my own traumas and challenges, and there were times when self-doubt and emotional pain made the journey feel overwhelming. But through those struggles, I learned how to heal, reflect, and grow, lessons that have become the foundation of how I now help others. I learned that healing isn’t linear, that true empathy comes from having walked through your own pain, and that transformation happens when we meet ourselves with compassion instead of judgment.

Professionally, these experiences shaped how I connect with my clients. I’ve learned how to hold space for people from all walks of life, to listen with presence and authenticity, and to create a safe environment where healing can unfold naturally. Over time, I’ve come to see this as some of the most meaningful work anyone could do, helping others reconnect with themselves and rediscover their strength.

What I want the world to know about my story and my practice is that it’s built on authenticity, compassion, and deep respect for the human experience. I feel truly honored to be able to walk alongside others on their healing journeys, and I carry immense gratitude for every person who allows me to be part of that process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting me here in San Diego, I’d want to give them the full experience of everything that makes this area so special, the sunshine, the beaches, the mountains, and the incredible food. We’d spend most of our time outdoors, soaking up the scenery and enjoying the laid-back energy that San Diego is known for.

We’d start our week at Ocean Beach, one of my favorite spots, where we could take my dog Snickers to the dog beach and relax in the sand while watching all the other dogs play. From there, we’d head over to Sunset Cliffs to walk along the rugged coastline and watch the sun dip below the horizon, one of the most beautiful sights in the city. Another day, we’d make our way to Coronado Beach, spending time near the historic Hotel del Coronado and having dinner outdoors while watching another perfect San Diego sunset.

Midweek, we’d head east to Mount Laguna, about 5,000 feet up in the mountains, to enjoy some hiking and the incredible views, with the desert stretching out on one side and pine forests on the other. If it’s autumn, we’d drive up to Julian, a charming mountain town known for its apple pie. We’d grab a slice (or two), enjoy dinner at one of the cozy cabin-style restaurants, and stroll through town before heading back.

We’d also spend some time exploring Balboa Park, visiting a few museums and the botanical gardens, and taking a long walk at Mission Trails Regional Park to connect with nature. For dinner, we’d go to one of my favorite spots, Korean BBQ 356 in Mission Valley. And because relaxation is part of the San Diego lifestyle, we’d schedule a visit to Firefly Spa for massages to recharge.

To top off the trip, we’d cross the border into Mexico for a day to experience a different culture, try some authentic Mexican food, and visit the El Cielo Winery in northern Baja. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot, the perfect way to end an unforgettable week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several people I’d like to express deep gratitude to for shaping me into the therapist I am today. The first person I’d like to acknowledge is Alan Sumwalt from Wisconsin, a therapist who graciously allowed me to shadow him for 10 months during my master’s program. Sitting alongside him in the therapy room and later being guided by him as I began working directly with clients was one of the most formative experiences of my career. Alan taught me the foundations of Solution-Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems Therapy, and his mentorship gave me the confidence and skills I still carry into my sessions today.

I would also like to thank Dr. Kristin Neff, the founder of Self-Compassion Therapy, with whom I trained in 2022. Her work not only helped me cultivate greater kindness and gentleness toward myself, but it also gave me the tools to teach my clients how to develop self-compassion and form a loving relationship with themselves.

Another important influence in my journey has been Dr. Judith Beck from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Institute, with whom I trained in 2012. Her guidance in applying CBT to clients experiencing severe depression and anxiety was one of the most impactful professional trainings I’ve attended, and it continues to inform my approach to cognitive and emotional restructuring today.

Lastly, I would like to thank all the teachers at the silent meditation retreat centers I’ve attended over the past four years. Their wisdom and guidance in mindfulness practice have taught me how to remain fully present with my emotions and thoughts, and in turn, how to teach others to do the same. Through those extended silent retreats, sometimes lasting two to three weeks, I learned invaluable lessons about stillness, intuition, and the power of self-compassionate awareness.

Each of these teachers and mentors has played a significant role in helping me grow both personally and professionally, and I am truly grateful for the ways they’ve influenced my path.

Website: https://www.aaronskobeltherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronskobeltherapy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronskobel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Aaron-Skobel-Therapy/61565641917869/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aaron-skobel-therapy-san-diego?osq=Aaron+skobel

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/aaron-skobel-therapy-san-diego-ca/1381644