Maria “Levy” Downs, M.A., LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #83790 Practice Supervisor - Core Wellness Living and Family Therapy Inc. levy@corewellnessliving.com Phone: 650-826-1628 Fax: 650-695-0995 Pronouns: She/Her

Maria “Levy” Downs, M.A., LMFT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #83790 Practice Supervisor ... Read More

Name: Lisa Gunaydin, AMFT #142248

Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A. (Counseling), PhD (Neuroscience)

*Supervised by Licensed Therapist Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094

What problem do you strive to overcome?

You may be feeling like something is wrong but aren’t sure why. Perhaps others see you as successful but to you it feels like something is missing. Maybe you are shouldering the weight of anxiety, stress, or self-doubt that can often cause our worlds to shrink. I will meet you in that place and we will work together to dig our way out. I help people who are struggling with anxiety, healing from past trauma, grappling with dissatisfaction in career or relationships, and facing life transitions.

My Solution:

Therapy can help us identify patterns in our lives that keep us stuck in ways that are often outside of our awareness. Together we will explore how your past experiences and your current situation may be impacting your mental health. Releasing old patterns that are no longer serving you can make space for the change you want to see.

I bring my authentic self to our sessions and care about creating a space where you feel safe and affirmed in your identity. I offer covid-conscious therapy and value working with people from diverse backgrounds. My background in neuroscience gives me a unique lens into how the brain and body interact in mental health.

The Result:

My approach to therapy is collaborative, client-centered, and trauma-informed. I integrate cognitive-behavioral knowledge with a more depth-oriented form of psychodynamic therapy that has the goal of cultivating greater self-awareness and emotional resilience. I also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which uses mindfulness approaches to help clients move towards living in greater alignment with their values. My own values as a therapist include authenticity, safety, curiosity, and diversity.

Experience:

Lisa is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who holds an MA in Counseling from Palo Alto University and a PhD in Neuroscience from Stanford University. She is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS). Prior to becoming a therapist, Lisa had a 15-year academic research career in the mental health field studying the neurobiology of anxiety and OCD, most recently as an Assistant Professor and research lab director at the University of California, San Francisco. She has prior counseling experience working with adults and teens in community mental health and private practice settings, as well as three years as a certified sexual assault counselor. Outside of the therapy room, Lisa currently teaches psychopharmacology classes to master’s students in counseling psychology graduate programs at Palo Alto University and Santa Clara University.

Client Focus:

Individuals, couples, and families

Types of therapy:

Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Emotion Focused, ACT

Issues:

Anxiety, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, life transitions, burnout, career issues

Specialties:

Sexual trauma, Covid-consciousness, Academics and STEM professionals

Availability:

Telehealth

More than just my work:

I enjoy hiking, running, playing tennis, cooking, and watching reality TV.

Favorite Quote:

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”. ― Chinese Proverb

Name: Lisa Gunaydin, AMFT #142248 Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Cre... Read More

Name: Sarah Grace Kim, LMFT #160035

Title: Registered Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A.

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Being alive comes with the full range of human emotions and experiences, many of which are painful to endure or overcome on your own. I believe that everyone tries to do their best to cope with and manage difficulties to the best of their ability, but can feel isolated, overwhelmed, or ineffective. Sometimes the things we do to try to feel better or improve our situations seem to make things worse.

My Solution:

I believe that finding a therapist who can partner with you to seek a better way through life’s pain and hardships can make a difference. In treatment, I utilize psychodynamic and attachment theories that look to the past, as well as incorporating evidence-based approaches to increase insight, resilience, and acceptance of what’s happening in the present.

The Result:

I hope to be a trusted partner that can support your therapy work with curiosity, care, and compassion. My utmost aim is that you can feel safe and supported, so that you find new ways of moving through all of life’s challenges.

Experience:

Sarah is a Registered Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. Over the past four years, she has worked at the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley and Core Wellness Living. She specializes in supporting clients recovering from eating disorders, as well as with depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. She especially enjoys working with adolescents and providing support to their families.

Client Focus:

Families, individuals, adolescents (12+), adults

Types of therapy:

Person-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based, CBT, DBT

Issues:

Eating disorders, Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Life Transitions, Grief & Loss, Relationship Issues, Stress

Specialties:

Family-based treatment (FBT), Racial identity, Intergenerational/Cultural Issues

Availability:

In-person, Telehealth

More than just my work:

I love to talk about books, dogs, and Gilmore Girls. If you like any of these, we can find something to connect on! My favorite core memories include singing in a choir, bobbing in the ocean at Huntington Beach, and riding bikes at dusk.

Favorite Quote:

“You become strong by doing the things you need to be strong for.” — Erin Hansen

Name: Sarah Grace Kim, LMFT #160035 Title: Registered Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Cr... Read More

Name: Lindsay H. McHugh, AMFT #138730, APCC #13624

Title: Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

Credentials: M.S. Clinical Psychology

*Supervised by Licensed Therapist Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094

What problem do you strive to overcome?

If you have been living with anxiety, depression, an eating disorder, or trauma symptoms for years, it can start to feel like this is simply who you are. Many people begin therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves.

Many clients arrive carrying years of difficult experiences with food, body image, mood, family conflict, or major life transitions. Often, they feel as though certain parts of themselves are broken or too difficult to discuss.

My Solution:

Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, relationship difficulties, or life transitions. I do not believe your struggles define you or dictate what your future will look like.

Instead, symptoms often develop as adaptive patterns to protect you, manage anxiety, or create control. While these responses made sense initially, they can eventually leave you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself and others.

When we listen to these symptoms with curiosity and compassion rather than fear, we can understand what they have been doing for you and develop healthier ways to meet your underlying needs.

My collaborative, evidence-based approach ensures our work is tailored to your unique experiences.

The Result:

Meaningful change begins with curiosity rather than judgment. My goal is to create a space where you can feel deeply seen, compassionately challenged, and empowered to create lasting change. Together, we will understand how your symptoms have protected you and build healthier ways to meet your underlying needs.

Beyond symptom relief, we work toward greater self-understanding, trust, and resilience. Developing these internal resources supports a lasting sense of well-being and the active pursuit of goals guided by your personal values.

For eating disorders, I help cultivate a trusting relationship with your body by moving away from shame, weight stigma, and rigid rules toward self-compassion, flexibility, and sustainable well-being.

Experience:

Lindsay is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor with over eight years of clinical experience across all levels of care, including outpatient, IOP, PHP, residential, and K–12 school settings.

In addition to her clinical work, she has contributed to research at Stanford Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences focused on child and adolescent mental health, psychotherapy outcomes, and eating disorders.

She has extensive experience providing crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment, collaborating with treatment teams to develop individualized plans covering both the psychological and medical aspects of recovery.

Lindsay works from a Health at Every Size® (HAES®) perspective, rooted in the belief that bodies of all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, abilities, and gender identities are worthy of pursuing health and well-being without judgment or stigma in ways that honor their individual needs.

Lindsay is particularly passionate about helping her clients to realize their goals and find motivation for recovery while empowering parents and caregivers to become active participants in the recovery process.

Client Focus:

Adolescents/Teens, Young Adults/TAY, Individuals, and Families.

Types of therapy:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Family Systems , Trauma-Informed Therapy

Issues:

Eating Disorders, Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Transition and Phase of Life.

Specialties:

Co-occurring Conditions, Self-Harm, Fear & Phobias, Academic Struggles, Teen & Young Adult Concerns, Technology & Social Media.

Availability:

In-person, Telehealth

More than just my work:

Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy time outdoors, movement, exploring new coffee shops and being around people I love. Whether that’s a hike, a yoga class, or a quiet morning with good coffee, these moments remind me of the importance of connection, balance, and finding joy in everyday life - the same values I hope to help clients rediscover in their own lives.

Favorite Quote:

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”. -Anais Nin

Name: Lindsay H. McHugh, AMFT #138730, APCC #13624 Title: Registered Associate Ma... Read More

Name: Julie Savage, AMFT #142233

Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A.

*Supervised by Licensed Therapist Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Are you experiencing a unique struggle or difference with no clear solution?

Oftentimes, not wanting to be defined by struggle, or the uncertainty of a way forward can prevent us from seeking support and ultimately result in increased distress, isolation, and overwhelm.

No matter your circumstances—whether you’re navigating physical disability, dealing with mild to debilitating anxiety or depression, or grappling with other challenges that impact your well-being—there is a solution.

My Solution:

In therapy, I work with each client to establish increased clarity and a healthy path forward. Your unique needs and circumstances deserve support and validation.

I combine research-based tools with compassionate psychological insight to support your unique healing and growth.

The Result:

I strive to create a safe space that empowers resilience, helping clients integrate growth from struggle, feel better in their circumstances, and enhance their ability to cope more skillfully with their unique needs.

I believe we are more than our struggles and differences, and I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey toward healing and growth.

Experience:

Julie is a registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University where she completed a specialization in Health Psychology. She has experience supporting anxiety, depression, unique health differences, family separation and grief and loss.

Julie brings valuable and unique lived experience to her clinical work, including a deep and personal understanding of the various challenges associated with chronic medical conditions and embodiment. She is passionate about supporting individuals and families navigating unique or complicated health challenges and strives to empower clients to find wellness. She has clinical experience working in the elementary school setting, and is a parent herself of three children.

Client Focus:

Individuals, Families, Teens, Children (starting at 6+),

Types of therapy:

DBT, Family systems, Positive psychology and Existentialism

Issues:

Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Parenting Support

Specialties:

Chronic Medical Conditions, Caregivers, Learning Differences, Physical Differences, Parents with Anxious or HSP children.

Availability:

In-person, Telehealth

More than just my work: Personally, I love the arts, traveling the world, and I am an active advocate for Rare Muscular Dystrophy Communities.

What brings you a sense of ease?

For me, I am inspired by nature, and the diverse, stunning landscapes formed through natural pressures. It reminds me that our lives can become more beautiful when we accept things outside our control.

Favorite Quote:

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths. ― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Name: Julie Savage, AMFT #142233 Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Cred... Read More

Name: Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094

Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CWL Practice Founder and Director

Credentials: M.A., FBT-Certified, iaedp-Approved Supervisor #1514-C, and Certified Eating Disorders Specialist.

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Do you struggle with:

-feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed?

-being overly self critical and negatively comparing yourself to others?

-focusing too much time and energy on your appearance, food or exercise?

-struggling to like your body and even who you are as a person?

Do these experiences negatively affect your ability to find joy and contentment in your life?

Do you feel exhausted, frustrated, or even hopeless in trying to navigate the rough waters of our culture’s impossible and neverending expectations, ideals, and pressure to be “better” or different?

My Solution:

You are not alone. Life is complicated. People have always been uniquely different and ideals have always been problematic. Now more than ever, we need support and guidance in building specific skills and confidence to learn to respond to the increasing challenges of this world we live in.

I believe it’s possible to feel better and to learn how to thrive vs. survive, despite the various stressors we all inevitably experience.

While it would be wonderful to never feel self critical or experience negative emotions, this goal is not realistic or even possible. I believe an important part of therapy is learning to develop skills to support yourself through challenges, to learn to trust your ability to build resilience, and to navigate whatever life brings to you.

The Result:

I utilize a strength-based approach with a focus on empowerment and work collaboratively with my clients to support them with therapeutic exploration, growth, self-discovery, and developing healthy coping skills.

I respect and accommodate each client’s unique experience, needs, and goals for therapy. My intention is to offer a safe, open, and supportive environment in which to help you better understand your circumstances, identify your individual needs and ways to feel better, and improve your ability to cope more skillfully with your unique life experiences.

Experience:

Jaimi (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and graduated from Santa Clara University with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and an Emphasis in Health.

In 2021, Jaimi expanded her private practice to include training, supervision, and consultation to associate and licensed clinicians in order to increase the availability of skilled adolescent and eating disorder treatment providers. In addition to growing and expanding her group practice and clinical work, Jaimi has past experience co-facilitating a community EDRC Body Image and Eating Disorder Support Group and as an Adjunct Group Therapy Facilitator with The Healthy Teen Project in Los Altos, CA.

Jaimi’s clinical work is influenced by her background in yoga and mindful movement practices, which has led her to a deeper understanding of mindfulness, the power of intention, awareness, and acceptance. She naturally incorporates these principles into her clinical work with all clients and is planning to incorporate future somatic therapy offerings in order to further aid in healing, recovery, and self acceptance.

Client Focus:

Adolescents/Teens, Young-Adults (TAY), Individuals, Parents, and Families

Types of therapy: Person-Centered/Humanistic, Solution-focused, CBT, DBT, and EFFT interventions, Family Systems theory, trauma-informed

Issues: Eating Disorders, Body Image, Anxiety, Depression, Transitions & Phase of Life

Specialties: FBT, Mindfulness-based interventions, Somatic therapy

Availability:

In-person, Telehealth; Weekdays

More than just my work:

Personally, Jaimi keeps busy with her partner, two daughters, beloved rescue dog, and personal quest for balance and self care. She enjoys learning, expanding her knowledge base (including habitually starting too many projects at once), values rest and relaxation, and loves the ocean, yoga, hiking, and traveling…and aspires to learn how to salsa dance and play beach volleyball one day!

Favorite Quote:

“I have to think that care of the soul requires a high degree of resistance to the culture around us, simply because that culture is dedicated to values that have no concern for the soul”

-Thomas Meron

Name: Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094 Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, CWL Practice Fo... Read More

Name: Jamie Vi, LMFT #163051

Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A.

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Are you feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to navigate the challenges life has thrown your way? You are not alone.

Life can feel overwhelming —especially under the weight of societal expectations, constant comparisons, and the pressure to always “have it together.” We are all doing our best to navigate life as it comes. Whether you’re an individual struggling with anxiety, depression, self criticism, body image concerns or other life stressors, a parent concerned about your teen, a family, struggling with relationship difficulties, or a couple feeling stuck in a difficult relationship not knowing what to do next — I’m here to help you.

I believe that every person has the capacity for growth and meaningful change. At times unhelpful thought patterns, emotional stress, and complex family and relationship dynamics can make it hard to see the way forward. Through a supportive and collaborative approach we work together to untangle what’s holding you back to uncover deeper understanding, build healthier relationships, and reconnect with your inner strength.

My Solution:

I take a strength-based, personalized approach, working collaboratively with clients to create a safe, supportive space that honors each person’s unique experiences, needs, and goals. I prioritize making clients feel heard and validated, while respecting their cultural and family values. By fostering an open, inclusive environment, I support self-discovery and deeper understanding of what each individual, couple, or family truly needs.

The Result:

My intention is to help you navigate life challenges by reconnecting with yourself, utilizing your strengths, building healthy coping tools and creating more meaningful, fulfilling relationships. By using approaches like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and family therapy, I tailor our work to your unique needs, helping you move toward a life that feels more aligned, empowered, and fulfilling. I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and care every step of the way.

Experience:

Jamie is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. Over the past few years she has worked at Columbia Middle School, and Starlight Community Services helping adolescents, teens, parents and families work through a variety of challenges.

Her experience includes supporting clients as they navigate complex family dynamics and conflicts, parenting challenges, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, Autism spectrum disorders, suicide and crisis interventions, substance use, probation involvement, teachers and administration supporting kids with IEP’s.

Prior to her role as a therapist, she taught and volunteered in various elementary, middle and high schools in Palo Alto. She has also committed her time at organizations like CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) and Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY) supporting at- risk youth in finding themselves, developing conflict resolution, communication and life skills.

With extensive experience working with multigenerational families, Jamie honors individual values and diverse backgrounds. As a mother, she has raised three children in a multicultural home, and brings personal insight into parenting and family dynamics.

Client Focus:

Families, Parents, Individuals, Couples, Teens and Young adults/TAY.

Types of therapy:

CBT, DBT, Trauma-focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Person-Centered/ Humanistic and Solution-focused therapy.

Issues:

Eating disorders, Anxiety, Depression, Life stressors and transitions, Relationship challenges, Trauma

Specialties:

Parenting Support, Conflict Resolution, Troubled Youth and Failure to Launch, Intergenerational/Cultural Issues

Availability:

In-person and Telehealth

More than just my work:

Personally, I love to be with my family, exercising, being with friends, playing games, and being outdoors.

I enjoy the time I can dedicate to learning and expanding my knowledge in different cultures and languages and traveling around the world.

Favorite Quote:

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” -Nido Qubein

Name: Jamie Vi, LMFT #163051 Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Credentials: M.A. W... Read More