what we do

We are a community of marriage & family therapists equipped to journey with you towards improved relationships, healing, & wholeness. Find out more about us here!
Skip to content
  • home
  • who we are
  • appointments
  • workshops & events
  • groups
  • blog
  • contact us

who we are


At the Soul Care House you will find a therapeutic environment alive with creativity, beauty, authenticity, and rest. Our team of professional therapists will engage you in an experience that is both personalized and transformative. As people committed to growth in our own lives, we understand and appreciate the complexities and effort required to create internal and relational change. Whether you come to us as a client or a participant in one of our workshops or events, know that each of our offerings is crafted to meet you where you are and help you find what your soul needs.

Elaine Martens Hamilton, MATS, MA MFT
Founder/Director
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“I see therapy as an opportunity to join with clients in their efforts to create internal and relational transformation.  My focus is to help people discover why they might be stuck in relating and behaving patterns that aren’t working for them, as well as explore how they can create change and experience freedom in their lives.  My background in theology makes the combination of theological concepts and therapeutic techniques a natural and exciting process for me, allowing me to address both spiritual and emotional concerns with clients.”

More about ElaineCollapse Elaine's Bio

Elaine holds a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Master of Arts in Theological Studies.  In addition to working with clients in private practice, she leads workshops and retreats on issues of emotional and spiritual growth.  Elaine is also an adjunct professor at Bethel Seminary.

Elaine specializes in:
- marriage counseling
- recovery from affairs
- sexual addictions
- trauma, abuse recovery
- ministry staff development
- small group leader training

Publications
Church on the Couch: Does the church need therapy? (Zondervan, 2008)
Come with Me: An invitation to break through the wall between you and God. (Discovery House. 2002)
Leave the Mud and Learn to Soar: A workbook for women who want to get unstuck in their relationships with God and others. (Discovery House, 2000)

License and Membership
Licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. #MFC43322
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 101
Email: elaine@soulcarehouse.com 

Jennifer Costanza

Jennifer Costanza, MA MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“I believe that therapy begins with a safe and respectful environment where individual and relational needs are compassionately addressed. It is my personal and professional commitment to assist every client in reaching a place of greater health, peace and wholeness through therapy.” Click HERE for Jennifer’s Video.

More about JenniferCollapse Jennifer's Bio
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, Jennifer is able to assist in the following areas: grief and loss, relationship issues in marriage, rebuilding after divorce, anxiety, and depression. She has worked extensively in private practice with adolescents and adults dealing with grief, loss, divorce, anxiety, and difficulties with self-esteem. Additionally, she specializes in the treatment of trauma, assisting individuals by working toward decreasing disturbing symptoms, significantly diminishing the impact these symptoms have on their lives.

Jennifer specializes in:
- relationship issues
- trauma
- grief and loss
- anxiety and depression
- issues with self-esteem
- behavior modifications
- pathological or problem gambling
- individuals affected by those struggling with gambling

Education
MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary San Diego
BS in Biopsychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara
Levels I and II Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) training

License and Membership
Licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. #MFC49250
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) 
Authorized UCLA Gambling Therapist

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 104
Email: jennifer@soulcarehouse.com 
Twitter: @JennCostanza

Heather Ruce

Heather Ruce, MA IMF
Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

Therapy can be a powerful catalyst of change for those who wants to experience more freedom and love in their relationships with themselves, others, and God. My goal is to provide space for exploration, insight, and healing so that individuals, couples, and families can learn to live out of their truest selves and learn to connect in more meaningful ways. My hope is to partner with you on a deeper journey of transformation.” Click HERE for Heather’s Video.

More about HeatherCollapse Heather's Bio
Before becoming a therapist, Heather co-directed a college ministry with her husband Charlie Ruce. She provided pastoral counseling, facilitated small groups, spoke and lead spiritual exercises. Heather recently finished her practicum as a Bereavement Counselor trainee for the Center for Grief Care and Education at San Diego Hospice. 

Heather specializes in:
-marriage
-pre-marriage
-spouses of sexual addicts
-sexual abuse
-grieving and loss

Licensing, Education & Experience
IMF# 67670 supervised by Karen Lenell, #M24515
MA in Marital and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary San Diego
BA in Anthropology from University of California, San Diego

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 106
Email: heather@soulcarehouse.com 

Charlie Ruce

Charlie Ruce, MA IMF
Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

“I believe therapy is an opportunity to discover more of who you are – your true self! As a therapist, I focus first on creating a safe environment for clients to explore their pain, frustrations, joys, challenges, desires, and any difficulties in their relationships. I then work with my clients to help them gain insight into what changes they need to make to find wholeness and happiness. Also, my previous experience as a college pastor as well as my educational background in theology have taught me that life is deeply spiritual and therefore finding wholeness often requires exploring this aspect of life as well. Whether you’re struggling with an addiction, a crisis, pain from the past, or just want to understand yourself better, I’d love to walk with you as you pursue healing and growth.” Click HERE for Charlie’s Video. 

More about CharlieCollapse Charlie's Bio
Prior to receiving his education in Marriage and Family Therapy, he worked in College Ministry for four years. Charlie is pursuing a 2nd MA in Theological Studies at Bethel Seminary.

Charlie specializes in:
-recovery from sexual addiction
- increasing intimacy in marriage
- grief and loss
- spiritual growth and change
- leadership development/emotional awareness development

Licensing Education & Experience.
IMF#67574  supervised by Karen Lenell MFC#24515
B.A. in theology/religious studies from the University of San Diego 
M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Bethel Seminary San Diego

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 105
Email: charlie@soulcarehouse.com 

Laura Gordon

Laura Gordon, MA IMF
Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

“As a therapist, I aim to provide a safe and nurturing place where self-discovery, growth, and healing are fostered; a relational context where authenticity and honesty are highly valued. I consider it a privilege to come alongside others as they courageously journey towards a deeper, healthier understanding of themselves and their relationships. Through my experience, I have come to know therapy as a transformational process that leads to the discovery of new freedom and new life. I invite you to come just as you are; no pretending necessary.” Click HERE for Laura’s Video.   

More about LauraCollapse Laura's Bio
Laura has experience working with teenagers as a program therapist in a residential treatment facility where she provided individual, group, and family therapy.  She also spent time in the private practice setting with adolescents, young adults, and families. Laura is an engaging individual with a warm presence and hope-filled approach to therapy.

Laura specializes in:
-depression, anxiety, grief, and loss
-abuse, trauma recovery
-addictions
-relationship issues
-establishing healthy boundaries
-life transitions
-spiritual formation
-teenage & college years (conduct and mood problems, self-harm)

Education
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Richmont Graduate University, Atlanta, GA
BA in Psychology from University of Richmond, Virginia

Licensing, Associations and Affiliations
MF#60269 supervised by Elaine Martens Hamilton MFC#43322
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Christian Association of Psychological Services (CAPS) 

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 103
Email: laura@soulcarehouse.com 

Amie Sharp BeMent

Amie Sharp BeMent, MA IMF
Registered Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

“Our deepest desires are to know and be known, no matter our age, stage or our journey in life.  It is my belief holistic health begins with understanding ourselves, our limitations, our background, our successes and our woundedness. With over 13 years of working with kids, parents and young adults my passion lies in assisting others to discover who they were made to be by uncovering what is holding them back from their true self. It is my goal to come alongside individuals, couples, and families to facilitate steps toward, healthy relationships, positive boundaries and true freedom.” Click HERE for Amie’s Video. 

More about AmieCollapse Amie's Bio
Amie specializes in:
-Children and adolescents
-Family/parent therapy
-Relational issues
-Anxiety
-Depression
-Self-injurious behavior
-Couples/pre-marital
-Sex Therapy

Education
MA in Counseling/Psychology from National University
BA in History from Christian Heritage College

Licensing, Associations and Affiliations
MF#65766  supervised by Elaine Martens Hamilton MFC#43322
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 108
Email: amie@soulcarehouse.com 

Caroline Fogarty, MRS, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

“From my perspective, therapy is a journey of discovery. Taking the first step can be exciting and challenging. Having someone come alongside to be a mirror, a coach, a facilitator, a guide and a travel partner can help us move forward and achieve our goals. In session, I use a number of therapeutic approaches to foster a unique experience, meeting you right where you are. Through my years of working in private practice, schools and acute care settings, I have found that empathy and compassion are two essential elements needed to create a safe place for healing and growth. It brings me great joy to partner with you as you embark on this journey..” 

More about CarolineCollapse Caroline's Bio
Caroline has worked as an inpatient psychiatric social worker, campus high school counselor and private practice therapist, she has experience with a wide variety of crisis, relational and substance abuse related issues.

More about CarolineCollapse Caroline's Bio

Caroline specializes in:
-Chronic Relapse
-Depression
-Anxiety
-Grief
-Struggles with Faith
-Life transitions
-Career Counseling
-Gang Activity
-Bullying
-College/Post-College
-Conflict Resolution
-Couples/pre-marital
-Anger Management

Education
Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology
Master of Arts in Religious Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Licensing, Associations and Affiliations
Licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist. #MFC51477
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Contact:  619.272.6485 ext. 107
Email: caroline@soulcarehouse.com 

1427 W. Lewis St. San Diego, CA 92103 / 619-272-6485 / copyright Soul Care House 2011
design by Topher Auyeung & hosted by MightyMitty
all images and content copyright Soul Care House 2011. all rights reserved.