Chynna is Caribbean American and a Womanist in every way. Her mother’s Trinidadian roots and her father’s Puerto Rican heritage are integral to who she is, how she loves herself and how she loves others. In different counseling iterations over the years, first as a substance abuse counselor and later as a case manager, she watched patients wrestle with their pain while knowing there was a better way but lacking the skills and knowledge. For her it is not about solving issues for her patients, but rather introducing more light for them, so that they are able to see their own path to liberation from pain. Over time, Chynna learned the deep power of curiosity and the roaring strength of silence. She learned to love the non-linear healing and wholeness that inevitably reveals itself to patients. She believes in each patient, and that the goals for change they set out for themselves are attainable. It is imperative to her that it is the patient’s goals, not her own, that are primary. The value she adds to the lives of her patients is that she approaches her work from a strengths-based perspective. In assessment, she spends time identifying her patient’s strengths, because these can often be overlooked. Drawing upon these strengths, Chynna helps patients see their own resources for change and growth. Unlearning long held patterns is important work that requires patience. Having patience as a guide to help patients learn to replace unhelpful patterns is key to developing healthier ways of seeing themselves, others and the world. Chynna knows wellness is achievable so she continues to offer hope and possibility as patients grow towards their goals. Her practice is unique in the way she infuses humor throughout her work. Chynna hopes that patients graduate from working with her feeling confident in their abilities to recognize and meet their needs with deeper knowledge and commitment to their own healing journey.
Family Therapy
Maria Thompson
Maria is a first-generation Mexican-American woman who has worked in the mental health field and with the geriatric population for over 10 years. She has provided grief counseling, transitional support through life changes with couples, families and groups of unrelated persons. We are all individuals who require different interventions for navigating our personal goals and challenges/changes in life. The process of creating individual plans based on a patient’s strengths and resources is a creative process that helps Maria find joy and excitement in the work that she does. She loves that her work allows patients to build their tool box for managing phases in their lives. In addition to being a psychotherapist, Maria is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Substance Use Disorder Rehabilitation Counselor (SUDRC) and Zumba Instructor.
Melissa Villamejor
As both a therapist and a mother, I understand the complexities and overwhelming feelings that can come with parenthood. Oftentimes it can be difficult to put ourselves first without feeling guilt or shame. I understand, however, the sacredness of everyone’s unique journey and I believe that by taking time to tend to ourselves, it only allows us to love and serve those around us better.
I believe at our core that we are all capable of living as our most authentic selves. I aim to create a nurturing environment to work alongside you and remind you of who that authentic person is. I work from a warm, accepting, and person-centered approach, where you can bring all of who you are to feel seen, heard, and valued.
With over 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in the fields of education and mental health, I draw from my diverse experiences when working with clients. Being a second generation Asian American woman, I understand the stigma that mental health can hold in communities of color. I know, however, from firsthand experience the effectiveness that therapy can have as a healing tool when we embrace vulnerability and share our challenges. In our work together, I aim to create a safe space where our emotions can be normalized and our healing journey can begin.
Stephanie McWoods
As a therapist I aim to provide a space that is beautiful, safe, and healing for folks who have few said spaces in the world. I aim to challenge the status quo, -isms, and White Supremacy. I have spent many of my years living and surviving in these oppressive systems that were not created for me or my people. In learning to adapt and “succeed” in these systems that do not appreciate nor nourish my spirit I have transitioned to unapologetically making space for myself and thriving. I found that in being unapologetically me I have no limits to my abilities, dreams, or connections. In my work with clients, I invite them to take the leap of letting go of socially constructed views of how they should be or exist and rather settle into what they desire and what works for them. I believe life can be easy and liberating when we step outside of these oppressive and limiting systems.
I encourage clients to live their best lives unapologetically and ruthlessly. I support clients with addressing trauma, emotional hang-ups, anxiety, depression, as well as celebrating the journey to self-discovery and re-centering.
Since 2017, I have provided a number of specialized therapeutic services to those who identify as BIPOC, Queer, Gender Non Conforming, or Trans dealing with challenging life experiences. My client’s well-being is a priority, and I go above and beyond to support them through their obstacles.
I work with individuals, couples, families, groups, and organizations. I help to restore relational balance and authenticity. I provide a healing space that is welcoming to those who hold marginalized identities. My style is direct, collaborative, conversational and affirming. I use a decolonized, social justice oriented lens and focus on race-based trauma and historical trauma. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.
Latoyia Griffin Piper
Latoyia Griffin Piper (she, her, hers pronouns) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Group Psychotherapist. She obtained her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Psychology, with a Minor in Childhood Development at Kentucky State University. She later obtained her Masters Degree in Social Work with a concentration in Family Mental Health at Syracuse University, as well as an advanced certification in Women’s Studies. She began and later completed the process of Certification as a Group Psychotherapist. She completed her practicum studies at The University of Rochester and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. She is a Social Work Board authorized supervisor for those seeking clinical licensure in Social Work (LCSW), an authorized supervisor for those seeking Certification as Group Psychotherapists (CGP).
Susan Regan
I have been a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist since 1994 and for over 25 years, I have had a clinical practice and served hundreds of couples and individuals of all ages, and from many different backgrounds, lifestyles, cultures. I have led groups that have helped people find the balance between their own fulfillment and connection to each other.
As a trained mediator, I also provide co-parenting counseling and mediation with couples and parents, who are in the process of separating. I facilitate groups in both Berkeley and San Francisco in the areas of separation and divorce and couples, family and relationship therapy.
Understanding that people are often blocked in life, due to trauma, I also help these clients by using the EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) technique, and other somatic-based therapies. In addition, I have in-depth training in Narrative, Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy and Enneagram.
Enneagram tests are an excellent way to discover more of what your personality type does and how you connect with another person’s strengths and weaknesses whether it be work, friendships, home, or intimate relationships.
I specialize in many creative methods to work with a variety of clients.
Jyoti Nadhani
The goals of therapy
In order for therapy to be effective, you’ll need to have a strong desire to improve your life and be as open as you can be in sharing your hurt and struggles.
Therapy helps you overcome your problems and move forward in your life. It enables you to get in touch with the deeper parts of yourself so that you trust yourself and others more.
Therapy empowers you to be better able to recognize your strengths and build upon them.
As you progress in therapy, you’ll be more accepting of life’s challenges and become more resilient to future stresses.
Working with me makes it possible for you to have more enjoyment and fun in your life and be kinder to yourself and others.
Life will never be perfect, but you can overcome the past and build the strength to tackle problems in the future.
My counseling style
In my therapy room, I offer a safe place where you’ll be accepted for who you are. You will never be judged. I am compassionate and truly care about your wellbeing.
You’ll feel understood and supported as you strive to overcome your problems to create a more rewarding life.
I trust that there is a deep part of you that knows what you need. I’ll help you get more in touch with that part so that you have more clarity in moving forward.
With my input, you’ll ultimately determine the direction of therapy and the goals you want to achieve.
I will always respect you, your problems, and your process in therapy. My ultimate goal is to help you develop the inner and outer resources to help yourself.
Brianna Brazle
Hello I am Brianna!
This is where I’m supposed to write about myself and assure you through my extensive experience and education that “Brianna is absolutely qualified to help me change my life.” Well, I am sure all of that will be listed somewhere in this profile :). I prefer to be more authentic, not focus so much on the things that make me acceptable to society’s standards but instead focus on one of my greatest assets as a therapist. That asset is something you have as well – humanness and understanding. Because once we peel back the layers, the years of education, the books read, certifications received – once that’s all stripped back, what ultimately connects us is our ability to understand each other on a human level. Through this connection, change is sparked.
“The only permission, the only validation, and the only opinion that matters in our quest for greatness is our own.” –Dr. Steve Maraboli
My Values and Approach
I view therapy as a road trip, wherein you are the driver. My role is, passenger and I help you to reach your destination. Sometimes that’s providing guidance through google maps, others it’s finding the best tunes to listen to on the journey, sometimes it’s making sure you stay awake so we don’t crash, and others just being there so you don’t feel alone. My goal and role is to help you reach your destination. It won’t always be an easy journey but as long as your willing to keep your foot on the petals I’ll be there to support!
I truly believe in meeting you were you are and through this leveled connection we can work together to build on your strengths to reach your desired heights of fulfillment.
6 UNIQUE Black-Indigenous-People-Of-Color (BIPOC) Telehealth Groups [times in description]
6 UNIQUE Black, Indigenous, and/or People-Of-Color (BIPOC) Online Therapy Groups in California Opening This Week
Calling In:
- Clients who may be served
- Those who can share this message to support their communities
- Those down to 1:1 or connect me to community folx to share this with
For Further Info / To RSVP or check on available space: https://tinyurl.com/FreeBIPOCGroupTherapies
Group Descriptions: 1 session/week, 90-minutes, 10 sessions, video chat, pay-what-you-may, available now
🏿 Black Adult Group – Tuesday 8:30-10 PM, 21+, 8-10 people, centering being Black and grown, covid, and community
🏾 Black Teen Group – ages 14-19, Tuesday 2-3:30PM, centering being a Black teen, covid, and community
🏽 Asian Pacific American (APA) Group – Tuesday 6:00-7:30 PM, ages 21+, 8-10 members, co-facilitated*, centering restorative justice, covid, and the APA experience
🏼 BIPOC 7th and 8th Grade Group – Thursday 2:00-3:30, 8-10 members, centering covid, restorative justice, and being a POC teen
🏿 BIPOC Adult Group – 8-10 members, 21+, centering covid, restorative justice, and being BIPOC
🏾 BIPOC Law Enforcement Group – 8-10 members, co-facilitated**, centering being BIPOC while working pandemic & protests
About Christhmus (pronoun them at your pleasure):
Christhmus Presence will be facilitating all groups above. They are a 3.5-generation Muwekma Ohlone (San Francisco) land-settler and Chinese-American Queer. Pillars that guide them are liberation psychology, narrative psychology, somatic psychology, spirituality, and expressive arts. Tools held in support of self-resourcing, clarity, and ancestral connectivity include meditation, Tapping, and Brainspotting. They enjoy plants, creative expression, the power of community, and being in water. MFTI/PCCI supervised by Josie Valderrama, License# Psy27913.
*About Lai (pronouns she/her/hers):
Lai Chien is a 0-generation Hong Kong born cisgender Chinese-Vietnamese American by way of North Carolina, Georgia, and finally landing in the east bay of Oakland/Alameda.
She is a harm-reduction focused, strength-based, and change-oriented therapist utilizing narrative psychology, motivational interviewing and DBT concepts such as radical acceptance to empower growth and promote well-being. She can be found tending to her aquariums, cooking and/or eating, days at the beach and planning the next camping trip.
AMFT #98435 supervised by Sandra Stultz, LMFT #43047 of Sankofa Holistic Counseling Services www.sankofatherapy.com
**About Annie (she/her pronouns):
Annie Chen is a marriage family therapist who has been helping people have better relationships with one another and themselves for over ten years. She is the author of a book on attachment theory and uses tools that are informed by neuroscience, trauma, and somatic psychology. She worked as a therapist for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Youth and Family Services Bureau from 2011-2014 and is interested in supporting those at the forefront of reforming law enforcement culture for the benefit of all. CA License# 80025