Meet Our Team
We embark with clients to discover the real cause of their challenges, and together we outline achievable strategies to bring about change. Though the therapist provides essential help and perspective, real change is achieved outside the office; therapy is merely a journey in discovering how to get there.
We embark with clients to discover the real cause of their challenges, and together we outline achievable strategies to bring about change. Though the therapist provides essential help and perspective, real change is achieved outside the office; therapy is merely a journey in discovering how to get there.
Ryan Leybas, LCSW
I take a direct approach to treatment. Although eclectic in style, I am most closely attached to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). We will focus on the thought processes and behavioral responses that are contributing to the life dissatisfaction you are experiencing. I am solution-focused. The atmosphere will be empathetic, but our goal will be to effect change in your life. We may discuss your childhood, family relationships, or specific losses and grievances, only to the extent necessary to understand what is happening now.
We will look at your past, but our focus will be on the present and working towards a healthy and successful future. The relationship you have with your therapist will be one of the most important factors in determining whether or not therapy will be effective for you. It is important you find a therapist who you can feel comfortable. Our meetings will be conversational, friendly, relaxed, and upbeat. If after our first meeting you don't feel that you connected well therapeutically, we will work together to find you a therapist to help you achieve your goals. |
Shanquette chance, CSW
Life is puzzling in both its perplexity and in that it resembles one. Where we attempt to find the
edge pieces for some kind of outline/guide, discover which pieces fit together, constantly looking at the bigger picture, realizing it’s going to take some time to complete, and having someone join in can be helpful and/or fun. If you can’t tell, I'm a lover of analogies as they are relatable and able to simplify a complex concept, which is my approach to therapy in using a combination of modalities to suit the individual. I do so in order to simplify a section of their life puzzle piece as they are attempting to find where it goes and how it fits in the bigger picture. Whether that’s through the use of trauma focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, DBT skills, Motivational Interviewing, solution focused therapy, and learned self-compassion or in the simplicity of habit change through journaling, mindfulness, or whatever serves as your conduit of wellness. I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals regarding crisis management, anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance abuse, interpersonal relationships, and identity (sexuality, self, faith) within diverse populations to include BIPOC, LGBTQ+, military, and multicultural refugee populations. I believe you are the author of your own story in which you choose to share. You are the writer, creator, and decision maker. I’m just a part of the editing team where you bounce ideas off of and ask for support. Word for word, page by page, chapter by chapter, I am privileged to read and see how it started, how the plot develops, but never will I know the ending. Now let’s pick up that pen and write. |
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Our lives are a journey with many ups, downs, and pathways we can choose. Sometimes we can become entangled in this journey and get lost down a path that does not suit us. My journey thus far has led me here to continue down my path of helping others obtain their best and most fulfilled life possible. I am here to listen with an open mind and reflect with you on whatever part of your journey you are on. Starting therapy can be an intimidating process, and sharing with someone you don't know can feel uncomfortable. My goal is to create a safe and calming space for anyone to come and feel they can get away for a moment. As we take time to build, this is a place you can begin to work through things that may be troubling you. Whether you are an adult, teen, or couple, let me help guide you to being your best self and finding your most fulfilling path. |
steve exarhos, lcsw
My approach to therapy is emphatic, collaborative, and unique to each individual's own needs. I believe the most important component of effective counseling is a genuine relational connection. I strive to create a therapeutic environment in which clients feel comfortable, respected, supported and understood so that they may actively explore personal issues and experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving. Too often we spend our lives living either in the past or in the future, and consequently struggling with feelings of depression or anxiety. I will work with you to help you learn how to spend more time in the here and now. I utilize various components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Mindfulness techniques with a Psychodynamic approach. I believe strongly in empowerment and the human capacity for adjustment and change. Together I am confident that we can make a difference! |
Zach Hillyard, CSW
I utilize a humanistic approach, recognizing each client as a unique individual, shaped by unique forces, with their own unique story to tell. As such, I employ a personalized treatment framework, working in collaboration with the client to address their specific needs and goals. I believe there is strength and goodness in every person and strive to help individuals access and understand their feelings, gain a sense of meaning in life, and reach self-actualization.
I believe in practicing trauma-informed care and aim to provide a safe and therapeutic space to allow clients to process and learn how to navigate the reverberating impacts of trauma and focus on bringing meaningful change to their well-being. I have worked at a children's hospital serving children and adolescents struggling with behavioral health and substance abuse issues and at non-profit agencies providing mental health services to the homeless community and substance abuse treatment to adults in the criminal justice system. I enjoy working with clients struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma and addiction. Together we can strive towards helping you create a more meaningful life, and to find peace. |
Sariah Kakishita, LCSW
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I believe that every person in this world is born with an inner voice that lets them know what they need to do in their lives. I work with a more eclectic approach using CBT, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Therapy to help someone rediscover their own inner voice. I bring compassion, understanding, patience and a non-judgmental attitude to the session, because I believe that every human being deserves respect. I work with adults as individuals and as couples, and with interracial couples.
I have a passion to serve our LGBTQ community and their families.
I also work with eating disorders, depression, anxiety and grief and loss. I know that not all of us go through the same experiences in life, nevertheless, with evidence based practices, we can rediscover our inner voice to help ourselves, even when we feel stuck.
I am bilingual in English and Spanish. Así pues, podemos trabajar juntos para buscar la mejor manera de hallar las respuestas a las preguntas que tenga, sin preocuparnos por la barrerea del idioma.
I have a passion to serve our LGBTQ community and their families.
I also work with eating disorders, depression, anxiety and grief and loss. I know that not all of us go through the same experiences in life, nevertheless, with evidence based practices, we can rediscover our inner voice to help ourselves, even when we feel stuck.
I am bilingual in English and Spanish. Así pues, podemos trabajar juntos para buscar la mejor manera de hallar las respuestas a las preguntas que tenga, sin preocuparnos por la barrerea del idioma.
YI Liu, cmhc
Counseling in an effective tool that helps us discover and explore ourselves. I treat it like a mirror- sitting opposite you, we will work together to better understand your world, help you know and love yourself, find solutions, solve problems and find some peace.
Among other methods, I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as it is one of the most researched and evidence-based models available. However, I always tailor my approach to fit my client's needs, as every individual is unique and requires a personalized approach.
It can be scary and overwhelming to start therapy. Our meetings will be empathetic, friendly and comfortable. Therapy should be an emotionally safe place where you can discuss anything without judgment. Together we can begin your journey of self-fulfillment! I am also bilingual in English and Mandarin.
ANDREW MUNOZ, LCSW
As as therapist, I like to take an approach that views you as a "whole" and all of the components that make you, you. By understanding the role that relationships, lifestyle, environment, communities and your personal experiences have on who you are as a person, we can better identify the consistent and stable variables in your life. I aim to guide you in exploring yourself and ultimately becoming the greatest version of yourself. The atmosphere will be comfortable, compassionate, direct and authentic. Change is possible, and I would love to work with you to help in achieving these results.
Whether dealing with anxiety/depression, addiction, relationship mishaps, or trauma, we will endure and push through any obstacle to accomplish your goals. Spanish speaker.
We can initially meet, and if you don't feel like we connect, then I will help you to find a therapist that best meets your needs. Let's take this first step together and see what possibilities exist for the rest of your life.
Whether dealing with anxiety/depression, addiction, relationship mishaps, or trauma, we will endure and push through any obstacle to accomplish your goals. Spanish speaker.
We can initially meet, and if you don't feel like we connect, then I will help you to find a therapist that best meets your needs. Let's take this first step together and see what possibilities exist for the rest of your life.
SAMUEL BLANCHETTE, ACMHC
Whatever has brought you to therapy is important. You are not a bother or a burden, and you are not weak for wanting to heal. Our bodies learn to survive from before we are born and they create strategies to manage stress in the world. At some point in life those early strategies do not match our current needs and they can create challenges or suffering in our life. We can change, we can grow, and we can heal.
My approach is both trauma-informed and humanistic. Having worked in diverse environments with numerous individuals, I've learned that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work.
I work with individuals and couples including LQBTQ and ethical non-monogamy/poly/lifestyle individuals and couples. If you have an alternative life style/ alternative beliefs or identify as a nerd/gamer we will explore the beauty and power of these identities.
Your experience is real. Your pain is valid and I would be honored to walk the path of healing with you.
travis miller, ACMHC
Life is unpredictable and oftentimes the only constant we have is ourselves. Through therapy, I hope to provide you with an expansive toolbox so you can be best prepared for any situation that comes your way. With these tools, I believe you can be a more successful version of yourself.
Therapy can be a rich and powerful experience of growth and change. A willingness to explore patterns of thoughts and behaviors can lead us to uncover a more authentic self. We will work together to set goals that will help you gain deeper insights into your past, and learn strategies to better manage emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to improve your overall well-being moving forward.
I am compassionate, active and direct. My objective is to create a therapeutic environment in which you feel that you can safely express whatever is on your mind. I strive to build a warm, empowering, and judgment-free therapeutic alliance with my clients while emphasizing honesty, transparency, empathy and mutual respect.
I believe that a good relationship between therapist and client is indispensable if progress is to be made. If my approach isn't the right fit then we will work together to find a therapist with whom you will connect.
"Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home... it's your responsibility to love it,
or change it."-Chuck Palahniuk