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Category: Monthly SEO Posts

What the Vagus Nerve Actually Does

The vagus nerve has become one of the most talked-about topics in wellness in 2026, generating 246,000 monthly searches and appearing in everything from clinical neuroscience journals to 30-second Instagram Reels. The conversation spans FDA-approved implanted devices for treatment-resistant depression all the way to breathwork routines that promise to “tone” the nerve in five minutes. […]

What Is Neurowellness — and Why Is Everyone Talking About It in 2026?

The biggest wellness trend of the year isn’t a supplement or a gadget. It’s a fundamental rethink of what it means to take care of your brain. “How do I regulate my nervous system?” That question is being typed into search bars millions of times a month. And the answer has a new name: neurowellness. […]

5 Signs Your Nervous System Is Stuck in Fight-or-Flight (And What to Do About It)

woman practicing breathwork to regulate her nervous system

“I’m always tired, but I can’t sleep. I’m constantly on edge, but I can’t pinpoint why. I feel like something’s wrong — but I can’t explain it.” If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things — and you’re not broken. What you might be experiencing is a nervous system that’s been running in […]

San Luis Obispo

NOTE: Due to limited in-person availability, we encourage adults and teens (12+) to explore telehealth—giving you access to more qualified practitioners while receiving the same high-quality and effective care from home.

Alexis Masters, MFT Trainee

Alexis Masters

**Accepting New Clients**
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✓ Children, Teens, and Adults

✓ Couples & Family Therapy

Anxiety, Depression, Grief and loss, Relationship issues, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family dynamics, Family conflict, Self-esteem/self-worth, LGBTQ+ mental health, Spirituality, Neurodivergence – ADHD, Sex and Intimacy, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Parenting, Addiction and Recovery, Existential issues

Lanelle Chavez

**Accepting New Clients**
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✓ Teens and Adults

 

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Life transitions, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family dynamics, Family conflict, Self-esteem/self-worth, Attachment issues, LGBTQ+ mental health, Racial or cultural identity, Spirituality, Attachment, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Addiction and Recovery, Existential issues

Scott Marlin

**Accepting New Clients**
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✓ Children, Teens, and Adults

✓ Couples & Family Therapy

Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Grief & Loss, Stress & Burnout, Relationship Issues, Life Transitions, Identity & Self-Esteem, Attachment Issues, Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD), OCD, Existential Issues

 

Mary Raia

** Currently Full **
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✓ Children, Teens, and Adults

✓ Couples Therapy

Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, OCD, Grief & Loss, Stress & Burnout, Relationship & Family Issues, Separation/Divorce, Identity & Self-Esteem, Attachment Issues, Spirituality & Religious Trauma, Chronic Illness or Pain, Neurodivergence (ADHD), Sexuality & Intimacy, Women’s Issues & Parenting, Communication & Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Existential Issues, Learning & Educational Challenges, IPV/DV, Co-Dependency

Denise Fritz

** Currently Full **
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✓ Children, Teens, and Adults

 

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Grief & Loss, Relationships & Family, Life Transitions, Burnout & Stress, Identity & Self-Esteem, Attachment & Parenting, Spirituality, Separation/Divorce, Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD), Sex & Intimacy, Women’s & Motherhood Issues, Postpartum, Communication Skills, Existential Concerns

Rachael Henze, MFT Intern

Rachael Henze

** Currently Full **
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✓ Teens, and Adults

✓ Couples & Family Therapy

Anxiety & Depression, Trauma & PTSD, Grief & Loss, Stress & Burnout, Relationship & Family Issues, Life Transitions, Identity & Self-Esteem, Attachment Issues, Spirituality & Faith, Neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD), OCD, Women’s Issues, Communication Skills, Addiction & Recovery, Existential Issues

Kristen Yogi, AMFT

Kristen Yogi

** Currently Full **
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Alexis Masters, MFT Trainee

Availability: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday

Book Alexis

Meet Alexis

I am working on finishing my master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My style has more of a casual, peer-to-peer feel as I have a lot of personal experience with most of the adversity life can offer and feel this style lends itself well to building rapport and trust with my clients. I prefer a humanistic, whole person approach rather than pathologizing labels, but sometimes labels can also be helpful to name and normalize the struggles someone may go through in life. While I don’t have my master’s degree yet, I have an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts with a special certification in Addiction Treatment, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health, a level three state certification in addiction treatment (CADC III), and am certified through UC Berkeley in Sleep Therapy. I have personal and professional experience with addiction and recovery, mild/moderate mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and panic disorder, relationship issues, LGBTQIA+ and identity navigation, stress and burnout.

I have been working in the mental/behavioral health field for about 5 years now and continue to build on my experience working with a wide range of clients. The bulk of this experience so far has been with adults of all ages, but I am excited to gain more experience with couples, families, and children. The therapeutic approaches I utilize are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, somatic work and mindfulness, spirituality, emotionally focused therapy, and internal family systems (parts work). My philosophy is that all humans need some sense of meaning and purpose to motivate them and create their personal definition of happiness and success in life, whatever that means to them. I aim to help clients achieve this by exploring their personal identity and encouraging them to take action steps.

I look forward to working with you.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Grief and loss, Relationship issues, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family dynamics, Family conflict, Self-esteem/self-worth, LGBTQ+ mental health, Spirituality, Neurodivergence – ADHD, Sex and Intimacy, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Parenting, Addiction and Recovery, Existential issues

Approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-based Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Humanistic / Client-centered, Trauma-informed care

Populations:

Children (ages 5–12), Teens / Adolescents, Young Adults (18–25), Adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey with Alexis?

Schedule your free initial call today and request Alexis as your therapist to start your path toward growth, balance, and emotional wellness.

Book Now

Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Book Lanelle

Meet Lanelle

Hello! My name is Lanelle and I am a pre licensed intern psychotherapist currently completing my graduate studies at Antioch University Santa Barbara. My approach is grounded in the belief that each person is the expert of their own lived experience and to treat each individual holistically: mind, body and soul. My deepest intention in the therapeutic dynamic is to always meet clients with compassion and curiosity regardless of where they are in their journey. In our work together, my role is not to tell you who to be or what choices to make. Rather, I strive to walk alongside you as you deepen your understanding of yourself and your experiences.

My therapeutic approach draws from Person Centered Therapy, Mindfulness Based practices, Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Object Relations Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Inner Child work. I tailor my approach to each individual, honoring the unique needs, strengths and experiences they bring into the therapeutic space.

I have experience working with children, individuals, couples, and people navigating significant life challenges including homelessness and high acuity mental health concerns such as psychosis or disruptive personality disorders. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and particularly resonate in working with individuals who identify as spiritually inclined or who wish to explore spirituality as a meaningful aspect of their healing journey.

I believe healing extends beyond the therapy room. Nature, meaningful community and authentic somatic expression can be powerful sources of growth and resilience. As appropriate, I may incorporate mindfulness practices, breathing exercises, grounding techniques and meditation to help clients cultivate greater self awareness and emotional regulation.

Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, intimidating, or uncertain. I want you to know that you do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Whatever you may be carrying, you are not “too much.” My intention is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported as you navigate life’s challenges and move toward greater healing, authenticity, and well being.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Life transitions, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family dynamics, Family conflict, Self-esteem/self-worth, Attachment issues, LGBTQ+ mental health, Racial or cultural identity, Spirituality, Attachment, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Addiction and Recovery, Existential issues

Approaches:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-based Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Humanistic / Client-centered, Strengths-based, Trauma-informed care, Culturally responsive therapy

Populations:

Teens / Adolescents, Young Adults (18–25), Adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey with Lanelle?

Schedule your free initial call today and request Lanelle as your therapist to start your path toward growth, balance, and emotional wellness.

Book Now
** Full **

Meet Scott M.

I received my M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis on Nature-Based Counseling through Prescott College and have been providing therapeutic support for individuals, couples, and families since 2023. Before I stepped into my current role, I facilitated outdoor programs as a naturalist-mentor. It was during this time that I began to see how building internal skills that promote creativity and awareness can have a strong therapeutic potential. I incorporate mindfulness-based and emotionally focused practices to assist in fostering deeper sense of meaning and connection to ourselves and the world around us. I believe therapy is most beneficial when a safe, non-judgmental, and collaborative space is created between the therapist and those seeking support. It is in this environment that true growth and healing can take place. I look forward to working together to find what that looks like for you.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Grief and loss, Relationship issues, Life transitions, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Self-esteem/self-worth, Neurodivergence – Autism, Neurodivergence – ADHD, Attachment, OCD, Existential issues

Approaches:
Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Humanistic / Client-centered, Strengths-based, Trauma-informed care, Experiential therapy, Child Centered Play Therapy
Populations Served:

Children (ages 5–12), Teens / Adolescents, Young Adults (18–25), Adults, Couples, Families, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities

** Currently Full **

Meet Mary

Mary Raia is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee. She helps people of all ages through life’s challenges and transitions. She works with adults, children, and teens, creating a safe space to explore thoughts, feelings, and goals at a comfortable pace.

Mary’s approach is gentle, collaborative, and empathetic. She meets each person where they are and respects their unique experiences. She believes in authentic connection and helps clients build insight, resilience, and skills to make positive changes in their lives.

Whether you are an adult managing stress, a child facing emotional struggles, or a teen finding your voice, Mary aims to foster trust, understanding, and hope in every session. 

Areas of Focus:
Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Grief and loss, Relationship issues, Life transitions, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family dynamics, Family conflict, Self-esteem/self-worth, Attachment issues, Spirituality, Chronic illness or pain, Separation/Divorce, Neurodivergence – ADHD, Attachment, Religious Trauma, OCD, Sex and Intimacy, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Parenting, Existential issues, Learning and Education Challenges, Sexuality, IPV, DV, Coping Skills , School Issues, Co-Dependency, 
Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-based Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Humanistic / Client-centered, Strengths-based, Trauma-informed care, Culturally responsive therapy, Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Body/movement Psychotherapy 
Populations Served:

Children (ages 5–12), Teens / Adolescents, Young Adults (18–25), Adults, Couples, LGBTQ+ individuals

Book Denise

Meet Denise

I completed my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy/Professional Clinical Counselor (MFT/PCC) at the University of Massachusetts Global. My passion for therapy started as I went through my own healing journey and saw the light through the darkness. Finding my own purpose through deep soul work inspired me to hold that space for others.

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

We all start somewhere, and my goal is to witness your first steps wherever you enter on the healing journey. With each step into the next, the goal is to feel better and less pain than the day before. Everyone’s situation is unique, and my approach, rooted in a balanced and integrative model of therapy, seeks to bear witness to your unique journey and help guide you along the way.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Grief and loss, Relationship issues, Life transitions, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family conflict, Self-esteem/self-worth, Attachment issues, Spirituality, Separation/Divorce, Neurodivergence – Autism, Neurodivergence – ADHD, Attachment, Sex and Intimacy, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Parenting, Motherhood, Postpartum, Existential issues

Approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness-based Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Humanistic / Client-centered, Strengths-based, Trauma-informed care

Populations:

Children (ages 5–12), Teens / Adolescents, Young Adults (18–25), Adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey with Denise?

Book your free initial call today and request Denise as your therapist to start your path toward growth, balance, and emotional wellness.

Book Now

Availability: Monday – Friday

Book Rachael

Meet Rachael

I’m an associate marriage and family therapist dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges and create more fulfilling, authentic lives. I specialize in supporting clients through trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues—focusing on strengthening the most important connections in life, including the one you have with yourself.

My approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and the belief that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for lasting change. Using evidence-based methods such as Narrative Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I tailor each session to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. I work with children, teens, and adults in a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.

Whether you’re navigating life transitions, healing from past experiences, or looking for tools to manage stress, I’m here to support your journey toward emotional well-being and healthy, balanced relationships.

Outside of my practice, I enjoy exploring nature, reading, working on puzzles, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Areas of Focus:

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Grief and loss, Relationship issues, Life transitions, Burnout and stress, Identity development, Family dynamics, Self-esteem/self-worth, Attachment issues, Spirituality, Neurodivergence – Autism, Neurodivergence – ADHD, Attachment, OCD, Women’s issues, Communication Skills, Addiction and Recovery, Existential issues

Approaches:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-based Therapy, Humanistic / Client-centered, Strengths-based, Trauma-informed care, Culturally responsive therapy
Populations Served: 
 Teens / Adolescents, Young Adults (18–25), Adults, Couples, Families, LGBTQ+ individuals, BIPOC communities

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey with Rachael?

Book your free initial call today and request Rachael as your therapist to start your path toward growth, balance, and emotional wellness.

Book Now
Kristen Yogi, AMFT
** Full **

Meet Kristen

I believe all pain stems from disconnection. Disconnection from self, others, and a greater belonging to the natural world. As a social species, we need love and support from one another to thrive and co-create a felt sense of safety. I view trauma as the fragmentation of painful experiences that get stuck within the body. Utilizing talk therapy, somatic, and mindfulness-based practices we will gently untangle what is keeping you stuck to create a more integrated sense of wholeness. Whether you are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and loss, relationship problems, or a life transition, I am honored to assist you in making meaningful internal and external change to co-create a life of fulfillment, connection, ease, and purpose. I value collaboration and use an integrative approach to tailor the style of therapy to fit your needs and goals. Together we will move through and learn from life’s difficulties to engender more harmony within yourself, your relationships, and your environment.

Issues Treated:

  • Anxiety
  • Coping skills
  • Depression
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief and loss
  • Life Transitions
  • Peer Relationships
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-esteem
  • Spirituality
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Women’s issues