Clinical Program Manager

Associate Clinical Social Worker #123750 Supervised by Melissa McKenna, LCSW #112257

Hi, I’m Emma, an Associate Clinical Social Worker.

I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where you can be your true self. My approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and empathetic, allowing you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear. Together, we’ll work on uncovering your strengths and developing tools to navigate life’s challenges. I aim to help you better understand your brain, empowering you to heal and grow into the person you aspire to be.

I have experience working with teens, adults, and couples on issues related to anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, relationship challenges, neurodivergent couples, LGBTQ+ issues, and trauma. As a sex-positive therapist, I provide an open, affirming space for conversations about sexuality, relationships, and identity. I am especially passionate about working with neurodivergent and queer individuals, ensuring they feel seen and supported. I primarily use CBT, DBT, Inner Child Healing, and the Gottman Method in my practice.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a master’s degree in Social Work from California State University, Chico. When I’m not in the therapy room, you might find me on bike rides, creating things in my craft room, or simply enjoying time with loved ones.

If my approach resonates with you, let’s connect and start this journey together!

Licensed Clinical Social Worker #134424

As a dedicated and compassionate therapist, I bring over 4.5 years of experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults. My approach is rooted in a holistic perspective, recognizing that mental health is interconnected with various aspects of life, including emotional, physical, and social well-being. I have had the privilege of supporting diverse clients through a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. My experience spans across different settings, from schools and community organizations to private practice, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of the unique needs of each age group. With children and adolescents, I focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment where they can express themselves freely. I utilize play therapy and creative techniques to help them process their emotions and develop coping skills. For families, I offer systemic therapy that promotes healthy communication and strengthens relationships, fostering a supportive home environment. For adults, I employ a client-centered approach that emphasizes personal growth and self-discovery. I draw from various therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused techniques, tailoring my methods to meet each individual’s needs. I believe in the power of holistic healing and often incorporate mindfulness practices, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle adjustments into my work. Together, we can work towards uncovering your strengths, navigating challenges, and achieving your personal goals.

Associate Clinical Social Worker #118301

Supervised by Melissa Mckenna, LCSW #112257

Jenni works with adults and teens 14+, particularly with the LGBTQIA+ community and individuals with ADHD, anxiety, and attachment/relationship challenges. She is trained in, and often utilizes, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic processing techniques. Internationally educated in India, Mexico, California, and Hawaii, Jenni has thousands of hours of experience and training in massage therapy, yoga instruction, and mindfulness.

Her qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and a master’s degree in clinical social work. She is also a certified massage therapist and yoga instructor. She is now incorporating that experience into developing a mindfulness based psychotherapy practice that uses somatic approaches for engagement of the body in healing and trauma processing. This research supported practice is becoming more common, and she is proud to offer it in her hometown of Chico, CA.

Jenni’s other interests include the cultural and historical aspects of healing and bodywork, gardening, hiking, poetry, and making smoothies with her preschooler.

Associate Clinical Social Worker #121781

Supervised by Emily Periera, LCSW #29693

Welcome to my practice! I’m Amber Benedict, an ACSW (Associate Clinical Social Worker) dedicated to guiding you on a transformative journey towards healing and self-discovery. My approach to therapy is deeply rooted in a healing-centered philosophy, where your strengths, solutions, and holistic well-being are at the core of our work together.

I believe in a therapy process that is both nurturing and empowering. My work integrates a strength-based perspective, focusing on the unique qualities and abilities you already possess. We’ll collaboratively identify and build upon these strengths to navigate challenges and achieve your goals.

I incorporate a solution-focused approach, helping you to identify practical strategies and actionable steps towards achieving meaningful change. By focusing on solutions and progress, we can foster a sense of accomplishment and hope, even when facing difficulties.

My holistic approach considers your whole self—mind, body, and spirit. I incorporate somatic techniques to help you become more aware of how your body holds and processes emotions, creating a more integrated path to healing.

In our sessions, I am committed to holding a safe and compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. I aim to inspire hope and encourage a collaborative partnership where we work together to uncover and harness your inner resilience.

Whether you’re seeking to overcome specific challenges, improve your overall well-being, or simply need a supportive space to explore your inner world, I’m here to walk alongside you in this journey. Let’s work together to create a path of healing and growth that resonates with your unique needs and aspirations.

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

#156240Supervised by Laurie Taylor, LMFT #90687

Hi! My name is Charlotte Bodnar, and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist.

I believe deeply in the power of human connection, growth, and healing. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental, and client-centered approach where you are free to explore your story at your own pace. To me, therapy is a sacred space, one where your truth is honored, your pain is held with care, and your potential for change is always seen.

Taking the first step toward support can feel incredibly difficult, and also deeply courageous.

You don’t have to face it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you through challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, identity exploration, grief and loss, childhood trauma, and life transitions. I bring experience working with children, teens, and adults, and I strive to create a culturally sensitive and inclusive space for every client.

I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, using a strength-based approach to meet your unique needs. These include Systems Theory, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness practices.

Chico has been my beloved home for the past 21 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree in

Therapeutic Recreation at Chico State and later returned to complete my master’s degree in

Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. This community has shaped me, and I feel honored to give back through my work as a therapist. Outside of the office, I love spending time outdoors, watching my kids play soccer, connecting with friends, and cuddling with my dog.

Wherever you are in your journey, I look forward to meeting you—right where you’re at.

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #144786

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #15771

Supervised by Laurie Taylor, LMFT #90687

Hi! I’m Marla Christensen, and I’m so glad you’re here. As an Associate Marriage and Family

Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, I feel honored to walk alongside people during life’s toughest moments and biggest transitions.

I believe therapy works best when it feels like a warm, safe partnership. My approach is all about meeting you exactly where you are and creating a space where you can breathe, be yourself, and find your own path forward. What lights me up most is helping my clients discover their own voice, empowering them to make meaningful changes, and learning to use their personal agency in ways that feel authentic and strong. I love blending different approaches like Acceptance and

Commitment Therapy, self-compassion practices, and looking at the whole picture of your life, while also providing practical psychoeducation, skills, and tools you can use in your everyday life to find what works uniquely for you.

I work with teens, adults, couples, and families, and I’m especially passionate about helping with grief, loss, anxiety, relationship struggles, communication, and trauma healing. I’m always learning and growing too – I’m trained in Brainspotting, certified in grief work, and continuing to expand my training because I believe you deserve the best care possible. I earned my Master’s in

Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and my Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from California State University, Chico.

When I’m not in session, I’m usually with my big, beautiful blended family – five kids and two stepkids. I love long walks with my husband (who’s also a therapist), cooking meals that bring everyone together, getting lost in books (I definitely have way too many!), and learning from my own journey and all the messiness and beauty of real life.

Life can feel really hard sometimes, and that’s okay. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Whether you’re grieving, anxious, working through relationship challenges, struggling with a crisis, or just ready to grow, I’m here to support you with genuine care and understanding. Let’s take this journey together, one step at a time.

Associate Clinical Social Worker #13124

Supervised by Emily Periera, LCSW #29693

I’m Renee Richard, an Associate Clinical Social Worker with a humanist approach, dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space where healing and growth can unfold.

I view therapy as a collaborative journey, grounded in compassion, authenticity, and respect for your lived experience. Guided by a humanist perspective, I believe in each person’s innate capacity for growth and self-discovery. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you reconnect with your strengths, find joy, and navigate life’s transitions with clarity and resilience.

I take a holistic, client-centered approach that honors your unique identity and cultural context. I have experience supporting clients facing addiction, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, and trauma.

My work integrates evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strengths-Based practices, and Narrative Therapy. These methods allow me to help clients uncover their personal stories, identify their unique resources, and develop practical tools for healing and change. I tailor treatment to meet your individual needs.

Whether you are seeking healing from past experiences, navigating present challenges, or working toward a more meaningful and balanced life, I am here to support you in cultivating resilience and creating lasting change.

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #152369

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #18453

Supervised by​ Laurie Taylor, LMFT #90687

Hi, I am Yesenia Pineda, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist & Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. As a bilingual Hispanic therapist, I’m passionate about creating a warm, welcoming space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered. My approach is systemic and person-centered, deeply rooted in the belief that everyone has the capacity for growth, change, and healing. I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. I use various therapeutic and evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Play Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy. I also incorporate Brainspotting into my work, a powerful, brain based therapeutic approach that helps clients process and release deep emotional pain and trauma. Whether I’m sitting with a teen working through tough emotions, helping a couple reconnect and strengthen their relationship, supporting an adult in rediscovering their inner resilience, or guiding a family toward healthier communication, I feel honored to be part of each client’s unique journey. I strive to provide inclusive, culturally responsive care that honors each client’s identity and lived experience.

Hola, soy Yesenia Pineda, Asociada de Terapia Matrimonial y Familiar y Consejera Profesional Clínica Asociada. Como terapeuta bilingüe e hispana, me apasiona crear un espacio cálido y acogedor donde los clientes se sientan valorados, apoyados y empoderados. Mi enfoque es sistémico y centrado en la persona y se basa en la creencia de que todos tienen la capacidad de crecer, cambiar y sanar. He tenido el privilegio de trabajar con niños, adolescentes, adultos, parejas y familias que enfrentan desafíos como la ansiedad, la depresión, y el trauma. Utilizo diversas modalidades terapéuticas basadas en evidencia, incluyendo Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual (CBT), Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual Focalizada en Trauma (TF-CBT), Terapia de Juego, Terapia Focalizada en las Emociones (EFT), Terapia de Exposición, Terapia Dialéctico Conductual (DBT), Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso (ACT) y Terapia Narrativa. También incorporó Brainspotting en mi trabajo, un enfoque terapéutico poderoso basado en el cerebro que ayuda a los clientes a procesar y liberar dolor emocional profundo y traumas. Ya sea que esté acompañando a un adolescente a través de emociones difíciles, ayudando a una pareja a reconectarse y fortalecer su relación, apoyando a un adulto en redescubrir su resiliencia interna, o guiando a una familia hacia una comunicación más saludable, me siento honrada de ser parte del viaje único de cada cliente. Me esfuerzo por brindar una atención inclusiva y culturalmente sensible que honre la identidad y la experiencia vivida de cada cliente.