"WHEN YOU KNOW HOW YOU FEEL, YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT. WHEN YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE."
MARY S. ZIADEH, LMFT #111120
Clinical Director
I am a seeker of truth. Over the course of my life, I have learned the value of following my heart & trusting my intuition. I value integrity & humility, & embody these qualities as the source of my authority. I consider it my privilege to have the opportunity to work as a healer, & specifically as a psychotherapist. I have a unique combination of education, training, & intuitive abilities that I draw upon in my work with my clients. I am passionate about supporting others on their journeys towards self-actualization & fulfillment. My intention is to assist you in becoming who you were born to be. Marianne Williamson said, "Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." As a psychotherapist, I support you in your unique process to manifest change, empowerment, & healing. I hold you in sacred space, & accompany you in your exploration of yourself to help you achieve the outcome that you seek. This may be clarity, peace, resolution, or tangible coping skills. We work together to determine your goals, & to help you achieve the change you desire. I implement an eclectic therapeutic approach that draws upon person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, & Brainspotting. I am also a certified Shamanic Practioner & reflect the spiritual elements of your experience in your healing journey to the extent that you choose.
I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from UCLA, & my Master of Arts degree in counseling from Saint Mary's College of California. Since 2007, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults as a clinician in public school settings & private practice. I have also worked as adjunct faculty with graduate students in the Counseling Department of the Kalmanovitz School of Education at Saint Mary's College of California, & served on the Advisory Board to the Counseling Department. I am a member of CAMFT & AAMFT. I am a certified Brainspotting practitioner. I completed the Shamanic Certification course at HCH in Lafayette under the guidance of Greg "Wilder" Harper in 2012.
TAWNY CHESTNUT, AMFT #128205
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
I believe that trust begins within ourselves & deepens in every moment where we allow our truth to be acknowledged, seen & valued. My most important goal during your treatment is to provide a trustworthy emotional space to allow for you to grow into the person that brings you the most joy. Mental health treatment is not always a linear process & our time together will show you that every movement, whether it feels forwards or backwards, is ultimately vital to your unique and beautiful process towards wellness. I will provide you with person-centered, solution-focused, & strengths-based coping and interpersonal tools, & mindfulness training that allow you to function in your inner and outer world most effectively.
If you are seeking treatment for your child &/or family, for any of life’s obstacles, I can help. I call upon my vast experience in school-settings & with families to effectively transform perceived challenges into learning experiences for your child & those around them. I employ solution-focused, family systems, & cognitive behavioral support to foster your child’s success in school and in life. I am also a trained Brainspotting practitioner.
I completed my undergraduate degree as an aspiring classroom teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. I began to realize that my students needed more than achievement & higher test scores - they needed a holistic approach that took into consideration their unique circumstances. I completed my master’s degree in Counseling at Saint Mary’s College of California with a specialization in School Counseling to see if my work could reach their lives in a more meaningful way. After years of working as a credentialed School Counselor, I sought to deepen my understanding & ability to help people & pursued a second specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy. Currently, as your therapist, I utilize my experience, skills, & knowledge to support you through all of life’s challenging seasons. Our work will help to see these challenges through a different lens that promotes admiration & gratitude for the life in front of you & the possibilities that await you. I cannot wait to meet you.
MARIE MOLEFE, AMFT #141858, APCC #14794
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
I am currently a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) after having earned a Master’s degree in Counseling with a dual specialization from St. Mary’s College, in addition to completing the coursework to obtain a PPS credential. My earlier education includes a Bachelor’s degree from SJSU in Sociology with a concentration in Family and a Minor in Psychology. In 2012, I served in the Peace Corps where I lived in a rural village in South Africa on the border of Zimbabwe, further building upon my valued experience of cultural integration and cultural humility.
I am a Strength-Based, Person-Centered, Family Theories focused therapist who enjoys working with teens and youth as well as intercultural/blended families, and am open to working with all abilities and cultural diversities. I have worked with a wide variety of presenting issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, social-skills support, and family functioning. As a therapist, I support individuals in discovering their strength and purpose while empowering them to recognize what’s within their control and how to utilize mindfulness as a valuable tool in moving forward.
My clinical experience includes two years of working in the Santa Clara School District at the K-8 grade level. I’m also currently working in private practice with adults of all ages and life circumstances. Additionally, my personal experience as a full time mother and step-mom in a culturally diverse household has brought forth increased awareness, understanding, and empathy for the clients with whom I work.
In my personal time, I enjoy hiking, baking, being physically active, and spending time at home with family.
BRYANNA ARMSTRONG, AMFT #145437
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
There are moments in life when we feel confused, overwhelmed, and are searching for transformation and self-discovery. Recognizing that change may be needed, and taking the first step to seek help, is a courageous milestone you've already crossed by considering therapy. This journey might not be straightforward, but I promise to support and stand by you on every stride you make towards personal growth. I am passionate about helping individuals become the best versions of themselves and truly prosper in this thing we call “life”! I will support you as your life takes on new positive direction, and together, we’ll work through obstacles and challenges, while also celebrating progress and success achieved along with way. I'm excited to join you on your journey towards improved emotional wellness, enriched relationships, or any aspect of life that holds significant meaning for you.
I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with minors in English and Communication. After discovering my passion for the field, I went on to complete my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. My approach to therapy rests on creating a collaborative setting between us. In unity, we'll navigate the challenges you're currently facing and work together to unlock new approaches. As you progress towards your goals, I'll be there, filling our sessions with warmth, understanding, and unwavering commitment to your wellbeing. Together, we can uncover and nurture the inner strength and resiliency you possess.
EMMA MARSON, AMFT #127808
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
As a therapist I seek to build a foundation of trust and understanding upon which I can help my clients work through life’s struggles and toward their goals. I work from a systemic and humanistic, “whole person,” approach, with treatment being individually tailored. Believing that every client is the expert on their own life, I focus on understanding your goals, values, and motivations, and on building a strong client-therapist relationship. I am fascinated with how the experiences and environments we grow up with inform and shape our identities and patterns of behavior. I help clients to identify and interrupt the patterns that are no longer serving them in order to work toward a fulfilling life—whatever that may look like for each individual.
Therapy is both an art and a science, and I would describe my working style, and myself in general, as a mix between the right and left sides of the brain. I thrive in learning the latest treatment standards and delving into research and data. However, I am also an artist who believes deeply in the power of the intangible, and as a therapist I rely on my ability to genuinely connect with others, my intuition, and my empathy to impact my work.
I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy at USC and have since worked in inpatient, outpatient, and telehealth settings with clients including adults, children/teens, families, and couples.