ONLINE INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLES THERAPY SERVICES

Get to know more about our team & their approach
Our Therapists

Marie Nersesian
LMFT, Owner & Clinical Director
marie@sonomacountycounseling.com
(707) 595-8161
My name is Marie Nersesian and I am a Sonoma County native! I graduated with my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from The Wright Institute and am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe takes a village to build up our children's inner most strengths and help families and individuals through difficult times. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, that belief is my foundation. I specialize in working with children, teens, and their families and individuals with complex trauma. I have experience helping individuals and families with school related behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, ADHD, parent separation, and trauma. No one is the same and therefore I use evidence-based interventions and uniquely tailor them to the needs and strengths of each individual client. I am a certified Parent Child Interaction Therapist and trained in EMDR therapy. I use strengths based, client centered, and trauma informed approaches in all of my clinical work. I work with each individual client's hopes and concerns to create a joint and self-affirming plan for therapy and healing. I use my training and education to help folks across the lifespan meet their goals and heal. I believe in creating a safe space for individuals to be themselves and be accepted no matter what challenges or celebrations are going on in their lives.

Carol Valencia
LMFT, PCIT certified and EMDR trained
carol@sonomacountycounseling.com
(707) 241-3567
It is my belief that you are not meant to merely live—you are meant to thrive. Human beings are wired for freedom, fulfillment and deep relationships with one another; however, there are many things that can get in the way of this—loss, relational rupture, substance abuse, trauma, mental illness, and much more. My approach is to walk with clients in whatever circumstances they find themselves, without judgment. Together, we will set goals and work to reach them. I will provide a safe space and listening ear, along with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, to support you in your quest for health, healing, and a meaningful life. I was an elementary and middle school teacher for many years and have experience working with a number of non-profit agencies in Sonoma County providing therapy to adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families—coming alongside them when their lives and relationships turned out differently than they ever expected or imagined. I apply the following therapeutic approaches in a client-centered manner: PCIT EMDR Play Therapy, including Sandplay Therapy Trauma-Informed Practices Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Emotionally-Focused Therapy Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Somatic Therapy I would be honored to walk with you as you face the difficulties of life, helping you become equipped to change, grow, and thrive.

Mary Haynes
LCSW
maryj@sonomacountycounseling.com
(707) 774-5637
Hi, my name is Mary Haynes. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 18 years experience serving adults. I am licensed in the state of California. I received my Masters in Social Work from California State University Long Beach in 2011. I have experience working with veterans with a wide range of clinical challenges including: posttraumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, and substance use issues. I primarily work with adults. My goal is to help you overcome challenges in your life and reach your healthiest, best self. I am a creative and intuitive person with a background in performing arts, dance and fitness. I use a trauma-informed, person-centered, strengths-based approach. I am trained in several modalities in therapy, and primarily use cognitive and behavioral approaches to help my clients achieve their goals. I’m here to help you explore and overcome any challenges you are facing. I believe that no situation is hopeless, and that ultimately we each have the inner strength and wisdom to overcome any obstacles in our path.

Myron (Mike) Siegel
LCSW
mike@sonomacountycounseling.com
707-583-1762
I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from humanist, existential, cognitive, and social systems theory traditions to help clients achieve the changes they identify. Working with children, adolescents, couples, and families, I have dealt with severe trauma, dual diagnoses, learning differences, depression, and anxiety. Diversity is another aspect of my experience, encompassing racial, ethnic, economic, educational, and sexual orientation differences. I have found developing goals and a therapy time line with my client's to be most effective, whether the therapy be short term, solution focused, or long term, open ended. I have a master's degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University, in Cleveland, Ohio, where I specialized in working with groups. I have also taught elementary school for eleven years. I look forward to discussing your goals with you.

Joe Wheeler
LMFT, EMDR trained
707-536-1892
joe@sonomacountycounseling.com
I approach therapy as a sacred relationship. It is a time and place that any person can feel seen and heard. I believe that people come to therapy seeking relevant answers to questions about their lives that they feel they currently do not possess. I also believe that it is the role of the therapist to help clients come to the realization that they are the experts of their own lives. This is accomplished through developing a rapport with my clients and helping them to believe in themselves – if they do not already – and showing them that they have an ally and an advocate in this process of self-discovery. I specialize in working with clients who suffer from anxiety, and anxiety related disorders. I have found that it can be important for clients to develop coping skills so that they can feel better in control of their lives. I enjoy working with pre-teens, teenagers, and adults. I incorporate the knowledge I have acquired, the wisdom I have accumulated throughout my life, and my ability to empathize with my clients into my clinical work. I am also developing proficiency in working with clients who are suffering from grief and trauma. One thing that makes my practice unique is that I am a very Person-Centered therapist. My clients have commented on how different and wonderful it is to have a person give them their complete focus and undivided attention during weekly therapy. Too often we go through life not feeling seen and heard. I extend unconditional positive regard to my clients and utilize active listening skills, so that my clients do feel seen and heard. I have discovered that most people can recover and get back on track much faster if they know that they have an advocate for their overall wellbeing. I am honored to be a part of this profession and feel blessed to be a part of my client’s lives.

Verenice Muett
AMFT, PHD Candidate, Certified in Alcohol and Drug Addiction, Certified in Hypnotherapy, EMDR Trained, Fluent Spanish Speaker
verenice@sonomacountycounseling.com
(424) 259-1730
My name is Verenice Muett and I am currently an Associate Marriage and Family psychotherapist and a doctoral candidate. I am in the Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy and Healing Practices Doctorial Program. I am so honored to be part of all of my client’s healing journeys. I strive for my clients to feel seen, heard, and understood with compassion and gentleness. I often remind my clients to allow themselves to be present and, in the moment, and that we have no control of what happened in the past or what will happen in the future. Life is a learning experience. We are here to become a better version ourselves one day at a time. My résumé is colored with a wide variety of Western Psychology certifications and trainings, but also nontraditional healing modalities. I have worked with clients of all ages, different part of the world and all walks of life. Being a fluent Spanish speaker has blessed me to reach many additional communities. I look forward to seeing my next client that the universe sends my way. We all cross paths for a special reason.

Shawna Bell
LMFT, PCIT and EMDR trained
(707) 234-5022
shawna@sonomacountycounseling.com
I have over 10 years of experience volunteering and working within the helping field of mental health, and my love of the work has only grown over the years. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of San Francisco (USF) in 2011. Years later, after many years of experience working with youth in Oakland, CA with Co-Occuring mental health and Substance Use Disorders, and working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness; I graduated from University of San Francisco's (USF's) Santa Rosa branch campus with a Masters in Clinical Counseling as an Associate Marriage Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. Since graduating with my Masters, Ihave continued serving adults with severe and persistent mental illness and youth who have experienced trauma and Substance Use. Due to this experience, and a growing desire to work with this population, adults with severe and persistent illness (Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective, PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder with psychotic features/severe suicidal ideation, and Substance Use Disorders), and youth 6-17 hold a special place in my heart that I am reminded of daily in the work that I do. I am an Eclectic therapist, mostly using interventions and approaches from Solution Focused, therapy Narrative therapy, Feminist therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths Based therapy, and Positive Psychology to collaboratively create obtainable goals that will help clients move toward being able to let go of old behavior and thought patterns that are no longer serving them, and achieve goals that may have seemed out of reach. I cater treatment around each individual I work with, and approach therapy as a collaborative process where the client really drives the process and interventions used. I believe in the inner strength of each person, and their ability to recover. I empower clients to make the changes they want in order to reclaim their hopes and dreams, and live their best life. I bring strength, humor, empathy, and compassion to my work, and appreciate people's willingness to share and make meaning of their story. I specialize in working with youth and adults, and have a long history of providing trauma informed care to people of all levels of functioning and walks of life. I provide non-judgemental, unconditional positive regard, and empathy to people of differing ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, nationalities, religious/spiritual orientations, sexual orientations, gender expressions, alternative lifestyles, socioeconomic statuses, and other labeled or unlabeled orientations, experiences, and lifestyles. I approach each client as the expert in their life, and offer a wide variety of interventions that the client decides works best for them. I am always open to learning more about each client, and learning from each client, as I view clients as the experts and teachers of their life experiences and realities. I treasure diversity, and the wealth of knowledge and experience I gain from working with different people. I highly value client teachings and a willingness to try things. I believe in the connection between body, mind, and spirit, and understand trauma's impact on this trinity. I focus my work with people on helping them identify their strengths, build on these strengths, and use them to mend the unseen damage done to the trinity of their mind, body, and spirit, to help clients feel whole and at ease in their mind and body, and with their spirit. In working with clients, I help them learn how to identify the various injuries of each part in the trinity, and help them identify and practice healing interventions to mend the mind, body, spirit trinity within.

Haley Shmidt
AMFT
(707) 582-2073
haley@sonomacountycounseling.com
My name is Haley Schmidt, and I graduated with my Master of Arts in Holistic Counseling at John F. Kennedy University, focusing on Somatics. I am an Associate Marriage Family Therapist, and I work with children, teens, and adults. I bring my unique life experiences and training to support my clients in their healing process, which includes cultivating safety, practicing new skills, nurturing the mind-body connection, and supporting autonomy as well as resource-building. I use both process and solutions-focused approaches, and always work to be client-centered. I have experience supporting clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD/shock trauma, developmental trauma, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and life transitions. I focus on using somatic and movement-based therapy, expressive arts therapy, DBT skills, Internal Family Systems, and mindfulness skills. When working with clients, I help with developing and identifying resources, practice self-regulating skills, somatic tracking, offering psychoeducation, and meeting my clients where they are at. I am also a certified TRE Provider, which I offer separately from my AMFT services. TRE is a gentle bodywork approach to releasing trauma and tension in the body.

Gianna Ambrosio
APCC
(347) 996-0791
gianna@sonomacountycounseling.com
Hi! My name is Gianna and I graduated from Pepperdine University with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology. In California, I work as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I enjoy working with children, teenagers, and families. I think that everyone should be able to work through life's challenges in a secure and therapeutic environment. I characterize myself as having a friendly and grounded personality. I have worked with individuals who have dealt with trauma, anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, interpersonal issues, and low self-esteem. In addition to drawing from cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, I use play and art therapy practices. I want to see families live more peacefully and joyfully together and help individuals realize their full potential.

Marie Rich
LMFT, PCIT certified
(415) 290-4517
rich@sonomacountycounseling.com
My name is Marie Rich and I am a San Francisco native that fell in love with Sonoma County. I graduated from Sonoma State University with my bachelor degree in Psychology and a minor in Art. I then attended the University of San Francisco and graduated with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT). I have an extensive knowledge of working with individuals, couples and families who have experienced trauma, marital conflicts, postpartum depression, anxiety/depression, anger management, grief, and suicidal ideation. I am also certified in Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) services. My therapeutic approaches include, but not limited to, Solution-Focused therapy and Interpersonal therapy, where I can offer a supportive space where you can feel heard and work toward practical, meaningful change. I believe creating a relationship built on trust is crucial for client-therapist interactions to flourish. I value authenticity and compassion in my practice as a method to validate my clients in their experiences. I work to advocate for all of my clients and set up goals that have been collaboratively agreed upon to ensure that my clients voice is heard and present.

Nanor Vassilian
AMFT
(818) 822-2514
nanor@sonomacountycounseling.com
I focus on authenticity over formalities. How I show up in session is warm, authentic, and intentional. In clinical terms, my approach is integrative. I don’t believe therapy is one-size-fits-all, so I draw from different methods and tailor my approach to fit each client’s needs. My focus is always on creating a safe, supportive relationship where real growth can happen. My specialties are couples, children, and families, and I also care deeply about supporting adults across many life stages.With couples, my style is direct and structured. I like to think of myself as a translator, helping partners truly hear one another, rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and break out of conflict cycles. With children, my approach is gentle, supportive, and playful. I create space for them to feel safe while expressing themselves. I want to hear what you have to say.

Mariah Girouard
LCSW
(707) 220-3706
mariah@sonomacountycounseling.com
My primary intention in therapy is to support people in the process of tapping into their own innate healing capacities and wisdoms and in staying connected to their strengths, values, and vision for themselves. My therapeutic approach is an eclectic mix of holistic and person-centered practices that honor people’s pain and hardships, while also centering on their strengths. My practice is relational and prioritizes building safety and connection. I work from a social justice framework, and see healing and liberation as inherently intertwined. My style is gentle, warm, and collaborative. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a Masters in Social Welfare, and have a varied background in the mental health field. I have worked in community mental health programs with children, teens, and adults, as well as schools, health clinics, and non-traditional mental health settings. I have training and experience in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Play Therapy. My practice is research-informed, particularly in the areas of trauma, the nervous system, human development, and attachment. I am a lifelong learner and am deeply committed to my own healing and growth work, as well as to expanding my knowledge of the complexities of the human experience and therapeutic processes. My current area of clinical interest lies in somatics. Somatics sees the body and bodily experiences (emotions, sensations, movements, impulses, etc.) as a powerful site of change. From a somatic perspective, I support people in deepening the body-mind connection and working through the body and the nervous system to create lasting change and healing.

Mat Burnett
AMFT
mat@sonomacountycounseling.com
(818) 253-1439
I’m an associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works in a humanistic, existential, and relational psychotherapy model. I deal with the existential and relational issues that arise for us regardless of our backgrounds or orientations. Essential to me is receiving you as you are. I seek to provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space to allow for a mutual exploration of what may stand in the way of satisfaction and fulfillment in your life. I work frequently with issues of OCD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief. I am especially interested in the challenges that men often face in today’s world. I am also interested in working with and supporting the women dealing with the men who are facing these challenges.

Narjes Faraji
AMFT
(415) 462- 4973
Hi, and thank you for being here. My name is Narjes (pronounced Nar-Jess), and I graduated with my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University of California and am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I believe that taking care of yourself, especially in difficult times, is a powerful act of courage. Reaching out for support is not easy, and I honor the strength it takes to take that first step toward healing and growth. In my work, I strive to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals, youth, families, and couples. I bring compassion, openness, and insight into our sessions, and I often use humor, when welcome, and creativity as tools for connection and healing. I find that laughter can be an essential part of the therapeutic process. I’m grateful to come from a diverse background and am passionate about working with people from all walks of life. My clinical interests include trauma, anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, gender identity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and supporting clients from varied ethnic, social, and economic backgrounds. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches including Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and couples therapy. It would be an honor to walk alongside you on your journey, aiding you navigate life’s challenges and move toward the goals that matter most to you.

Vai Thompson
AMFT, APCC
vai@sonomacountycounseling.com
(707) 709-6235
I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with a Master of Art’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. With nearly four years of clinical experience, I have had the privilege of supporting adults, groups, children and families through a variety of life challenges. These experiences have shaped my approach as a therapist where my work is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and non-judgment. I have a deep respect for each client’s unique experience. I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person Centered Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy. I strive to be an objective resource, creating a safe space where clients can process their emotions, challenge patterns of thinking and explore their identity. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship issues, life transitions, or family dynamics, my goal is to help you move toward greater clarity, trust, self-acceptance and connection to yourself.”

Lindsay Richardson
AMFT, APCC
My name is Lindsay Richardson, and I received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of San Francisco. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, and I work with children, teens, adults, families, and couples. My approach is person-centered; I work collaboratively with clients to co-create goals while recognizing them as the experts in their own lives. I believe that healing happens in a space where people feel seen, heard, valued, and respected. My goal is to create an environment where clients feel safe and supported as they explore their experiences, gain new perspectives, and develop strategies and skills to manage the difficulties and challenges they are encountering in life. I have a deep awareness and appreciation of the broad range of human experiences, and greatly value the uniqueness of each individual's background and life story. I work alongside clients, helping them to navigate challenges, heal from past experiences, and build the confidence and tools necessary to achieve personal goals and reach their full potential. I am passionate about helping individuals, youth, families, and couples heal, grow, and bring their strengths to light. Through this process, it is my hope that clients can find greater harmony, peace, acceptance, and fulfillment in their selves, lives and relationships. My trauma-informed approach ensures that our work is grounded in safety, trust, and empowerment, always honoring the impact of past experiences. My background includes individual therapy, family systems work, and experience in both Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), where I have supported clients facing acute emotional and behavioral challenges. My clinical experience and training in evidence-based treatment models enable me to provide personalized, evidence-based support to clients with complex needs, and to work with diverse family dynamics. Whether in individual therapy, family counseling, couples therapy, or group sessions, my focus is on fostering connection, safety, and meaningful growth, helping clients develop the skills they need to thrive and move toward the type of life they envision for themselves.
