Name: Lisa Gunaydin, AMFT #142248

Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

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

*Supervised by 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, AMFT #130190

Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A.

*Supervised by Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094

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 Associate 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, AMFT #130190 Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist C... Read More

Name: Laura Macey, LMFT #152116

Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A.

What problem do you strive to overcome?

As human beings, we all need to feel a sense of connection and a sense of purpose in our lives. It seems simple, but so often life stressors, difficult relationships, and family issues get in the way of our connection to ourselves, to each other, and to our sense of purpose. On top of that, life in Silicon Valley, with its fast pace and high energy is often a pressure cooker, especially for adolescents and young adults just starting out in life.

My Solution:

I believe there is no one size fits all solution. Everyone comes to therapy with a unique perspective and an individual set of needs. I look to various therapeutic models including CBT, DBT, ACT, Existential, and Family Systems theories to understand my client’s experiences and to help them reach their therapeutic goals.

The Result:

Together we figure out what is working for an individual, couple or family, and what isn’t. I then partner with my clients to help them make real, lasting changes that work for both the individuals and, in the case of couples or family therapy, for the group as a whole.

Experience:

Laura is a Santa Clara University graduate with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. In her career, she has provided therapeutic support to people of various ages with a wide variety of issues, including work at the YWCA with adult survivors of DV, at Santa Clara High School with adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, learning differences, neurodiversity, issues of identity, and substance use issues, and here at CWL with families and young adults.

Client Focus:

Couples, Families, individuals, Adolescents, Young Adults

Types of therapy:

Eclectic blend of Family Systems, CBT, ACT, Existential and Psychodynamic

Issues:

Anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma

Specialties:

Family conflict, parenting coaching, stage of life issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, failure to launch, adolescent development, eating disorders

Availability:

In-person, Telehealth; Weekdays, Evenings

More than just my work:

My bachelor’s degree was a double major in Chemistry and Fine Art. In my free time, I love adventures. I scuba dive, hike, backpack, and travel.

Favorite Quote:

“There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” — Erin Hansen

Name: Laura Macey, LMFT #152116 Title: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Credentials: M.A.... Read More

Name: Harshita Pant, AMFT#151481

Title: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A. (Counseling Psychology), M.A. (Education Policy) *Supervised by Jaimi Taylor, LMFT #110094

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Are you feeling a lack of motivation or sense of isolation? Do you find it hard to focus or unable to genuinely connect to loved ones? Do you go through your day feeling tense and experience an increased sense of anxiety?

Regardless of individual histories and demographic differences, all humans are inherently social beings who flourish through healthy connections. Sometimes In our desire to belong to a group, we can inadvertently compromise our authenticity, which can lead to the repression of emotions. Common indicators of this can look like fatigue, insomnia, persistent feeling of sadness, fear of intimacy, mood swings, and other undesirable symptoms. This can contribute to chronic stress, which is linked to some of the leading causes of death, a range of health-related issues, and internal struggles.

My Solution:

My goal is to create a safe space where we can address the stressors that hinder our growth by uncovering habitual thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By focusing on underlying needs and maintaining curiosity about the “why,” I aim to foster a supportive, and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients. Together, we will explore triggers and derive meaning from our discoveries in a safe, non-judgmental, healing environment. For instance, parenting can often feel isolating, and by addressing the needs of both parents and children, therapy can foster a nurturing environment that empowers families to thrive together during these vital developmental stages.

The Result:

In our sessions, I invite you to take the lead in setting the pacing, content, and focus of our time together. By remaining fully present, compassionate, and empathetic, my goal is to create an environment where you can explore your feelings without fear of criticism.

Furthermore, depending on the presenting problem I offer a range of therapeutic modalities, including: Psychodynamic therapy where clients understand behavior by exploring the unconscious processes and how this can show up in their current lives; Mindfulness based practices where a major theme is based on awareness and acceptance; and Family Systems that allows for clients to view the roles within the internal systems of the family and how that can improve conflict.

After therapy, both parents and children can experience positive changes by enhancing their connection and communication. They gain a deeper understanding of each other’s emotions and learn to navigate challenging situations using a variety of coping skills.

Experience:

Harshita is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. She completed a fellowship at Adolescent Counseling Services in Redwood City, where she worked closely with youth and their families. Harshita has experience addressing a range of issues, including grief and loss, anxiety, ADHD, depression, and social-emotional disorders. She is committed to fostering culturally sensitive therapeutic relationships. Prior to her role as a therapist, she spent over a decade as an educator at some of the leading private schools in the Bay Area, enriching her understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Harshita has extensive experience working with different blended and multigenerational family types and honors their individual backgrounds and values systems. Recognizing that it takes a village to raise a child, her experience helps to collaborate with schools and families to build connections that support youth in becoming future leaders. Originally from India, she has spent over two decades living in Washington D.C. and California. She is a mother of two children and is deeply passionate about promoting healthy emotional development by supporting the youth with empathy and by a non judgemental approach.

Client Focus:

Couples, Families, individuals, children (starting at 6+), teens

Types of therapy: Mindfulness Based Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-informed

Issues: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Parenting Support, Life Stressors, Relationship issues, Grief and Loss.

Specialties: Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)

Availability: In-person and Telehealth

More than just my work:

Personally, I enjoy spending time with friends, baking, singing and traveling. What brings you a sense of ease? For me, it’s spending time with my family and being in nature.

Favorite Quote:

“Just as the pure white lotus flower blooms unsoiled in muddy water, our lives, which are supremely noble can continue to shine even amid life’s harshest realities.”― Daisaku Ikeda

Name: Harshita Pant, AMFT#151481 Title: Associate Marriage and Family Therapist Credentials: M.... Read More

Name: Julie Savage, AMFT #142233

Title: Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

Credentials: M.A.

*Supervised by 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