Dr. Ariella

Dr. Lynda Ariella, the Clinical Director of Porch Light Psychology, Inc., is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in El Cajon, California, just east of San Diego. During her years in practice, she has helped many single adults, couples, families, children, and teenagers repair their lives. She has successfully advocated for the rights of children in custody disputes. As a service to the community, she presents free workshops including Improving Couples' Communication, Parent-Teen Conflict, Gentle Motivation for Children, and Wisdom of Women.

Prior to opening her psychology practice in 2004, Dr. Ariella worked for several public and private entities in the San Diego region. She worked on the San Diego County Juvenile Hall Crisis Team, assisting adolescents with a variety of personal, family, and social issues. She also provided individual and group psychotherapy services in the STEPS program. In addition to working with children and teens, Dr. Ariella assisted adults in crisis at the Halcyon Crisis Center in El Cajon. She worked with families, children, and single adults in private practice, and is currently working for Family Health Centers of San Diego.

Before becoming a psychologist, Dr. Ariella had a long career in education. She received her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Northwestern University in 1980, and her Masters Degree in Education from National University in 1993. Dr. Ariella taught gifted children in a small private school in Chicago. In San Diego, she taught first and second graders in a public school and fourth, fifth, and sixth graders in a private school.

Recognizing the much deeper needs of her students and their families, she returned to school herself, receiving her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with honors from Huron International University in 2000. Her doctoral dissertation used a curriculum created by Dr. Ariella to increase children's creativity. She was awarded her California State Psychology License (PSY19450) in 2003.