Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT
Founder, Executive Director
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#92413)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Therapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Imago Trained Couples Therapist
Certified First Responder Counselor
Darla sees clients in her own private practice.
She has a deep desire to provide healing to those who are hurting, to give each individual the resources for positive change, and to help them gain insight and understanding into the world; resulting in a brighter tomorrow. She holds to the belief that you cannot change the past, but you can be strengthened by it. One of her favorite quotes is 'It's okay to look back into the past, just don't stare." Darla graduated from Brandman University and has a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has also completed the "Faith in Crisis Academy" with a specialized focus on trauma. She has experience working with individuals, adolescents, and children bound by anxiety, depression, obsession compulsion, ADHD, anger, addiction, grief, and codependent behaviors. In addition, she works with couples who are experiencing difficulties with conflict, communication, and unhealthy relational patterns. Darla's therapeutic approach is creative and engaging, as she combines spiritual, mindful, cognitive, and behavioral principles in her process. Darla believes the client-therapist relationship is of the utmost importance and her goal is to lead individuals on a personal journey of awareness while providing them with hope, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. In her spare time she enjoys crafting, kayaking, fishing, boating and road trips with her husband.
Rachael Uchison
Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Rachael is a professional clinical couselor trainee finishing up her degree at Walden University. She has worked in the counseling field since she was 20 years old and has loved every second of it. Her process is to help her clients learn how to own their story and work through any current or previous trauma they have experienced. Rachael has worked extensively with people diagnosed with different mental illnesses and has helped these clients gain more control over their lives. It is very easy to let a mental health diagnosis control your life, but with the right help, you can learn how to manage it and still live a very happy life.
Rachael has experience working with severely troubled teenagers, their family members, and adults with mental illnesses and past trauma. She offers a compassionate understanding, knowing full well that every client deals with life’s challenges differently. Her only goal is to help clients find their own unique way to successfully navigate through life.
Lindsey Wilson
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Lindsey Wilson is an MFT Trainee and graduate student studying Clinical Psychology at Pepperdine University. She graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Lindsey has a humanistic, person-centered approach to treatment that incorporates narrative therapy techniques and utilizes mindfulness and creative expression in order to help clients heal and grow. She believes the therapeutic relationship can serve as a springboard for emotional healing, self-discovery, and an increased sense of trust and well-being. She strives to take a holistic approach to treatment that factors in all the different systems and environments that may be impacting an individual.
Lindsey is passionate about working with teens, adults, and families on issues such as depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, spirituality, grief, and stress. She is honored to walk alongside clients on their healing journey and recognizes the bravery it takes to begin treatment.
To relax and unwind, Lindsey enjoys reading, writing, cooking, painting, meditation, and spending time with her family.
Tessa Tafarrodi
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Tessa Tafarrodi is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee (MFT Trainee). She is in her final year of her Master's Program at William Jessup University. She received her undergraduate degree at William Jessup University, graduating with her BA in Psychology with a focus in Clinical and Developmental studies. In addition, Tessa has a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and Behavioral Sciences. She is passionate about helping all kind of individuals, whether it be youth, adolescents, families, or couples, on a personal and individualized level.
Tessa will show unconditional positive regard in a non-judgmental, safe atmosphere where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Tessa is dedicated to being an extension of the community's mental health resources offered to individuals seeking effective psychotherapy. Tessa desires to come alongside you in a powering and supportive way that will help you process and heal whatever is at hand. Through genuine honor, empathy, and trust, Tessa would be happy to come along side your journey in life to help you in any way you may need.
In her free time, Tessa loves spending time with her family and her dogs!
Marla Christensen
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Marla is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee (MFT Trainee) in her final year of graduate school at Pepperdine University. She received her Communication Sciences and Disorders undergraduate degree from California State University, Chico. She is passionate about continually learning and growing both in her educational pursuits and in life.
Additionally, Marla has life experiences in parenting for over two decades, divorce, blended family life, betrayal. trauma, and living with family members navigating life with addiction, ADHD, depression, and anxiety. She also understands the complexities that culture, religion, and socioeconomic status can create in life.
Marla believes in a collaborative approach to therapy that focuses on a client's strengths and encourages the growth of new patterns and skills for overcoming personal obstacles. She focuses on a biopsychosocial approach to help individuals achieve personal healing and growth. Marla feels strongly that a safe, non-judgmental, positive client-therapist relationship is the catalyst for hope and change.
On a personal level, Marla loves spending time with her large blended family and friends. She
enjoys hiking, the redwoods, northwest coastal beaches, baking, long car drives, and binging a
good Netflix series.
Kerry Mangalindan
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
“The future may bring you darkness, but it can’t take away your ability to create light.” Phil Stutz and Barry Michels
Kerry is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee in the final year of her Master’s degree in Psychology (with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy) at the University of Massachusetts Global. She received her Undergraduate degree in Education and her Master’s degree in Sport Psychology from McGill University. She has spent much of her career in the helping field, be it as a teacher or a coach.
Kerry is passionate about walking with people on their journey to self-awareness, understanding, growth, and change. She strives to do so in a trusting, safe, and non-judgmental environment. She believes that we are not broken, flawed, or damaged because of the challenges we experience. We are human, and our lived experience is unique to us. For Kerry, therapy is the process of helping people understand their unique experiences and developing the skills and tools necessary to handle their challenges. Kerry feels privileged to be able to join people on their path to discovery and holds hope for her clients throughout the process.
Kerry uses a person-centered approach that focuses on the needs of the client, identifying their strengths, and empowering them to see that they hold the power within to enact change. This will often include a cognitive, behavioral, and narrative therapy methodology which will allow clients to consider a new perspective and alter their thoughts and emotions, leading to more positive behaviors.
On a personal note, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music, being active, and getting outdoors, especially with her dog, a lovable goofball Irish Setter!
Dixie Ocampo
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Dixie is a Marriage and Family and Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee (MFT/PCC). She received her undergraduate degree at California State University, Sacramento, graduating with her BA in Psychology. She is in her final year of her Master's Program at UMass Global.
Dixie is empathetic, respectful, listens well, and is nonjudgmental. After college, she worked at a local high school, where she acquired experience working with youth and adolescents.
She strongly desires to work with those impacted by anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress management. She creates a safe, warm, and trusting environment where clients express themselves and begin their healing journey.
In her free time, Dixie loves traveling, reading a book at the beach, hiking, and spending time with family, friends, and their dog.
She looks forward to supporting you in your journey.
Sarah Ray
Professional Clinical Counselor Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Sarah is a professional clinical counselor trainee finishing up her degree at Walden University. She hopes to use both her classroom knowledge and lived experiences to support others on their journey.
Sarah has always been an intuitive, sensitive person, drawn to working directly with people. She is passionate about creating a safe place for other to be exactly who they are, a space to ground, connect, explore, feel, and maybe even laugh a little along the way.
Personally, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs. She enjoys traveling anywhere there’s a beach and loves taking walks with her pups.
Alta Briggs
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
“You do not just wake up and become the butterfly, growth is a process” – Rupi Kuar
Alta is a graduate student pursuing her master’s in counseling psychology at National University training to become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She completed her undergraduate studies at Sacramento State University where she earned her bachelor’s in Psychology.
Alta strives to radiate compassion, patience, warmth, and empathy with all her clients. Through unconditional positive regard, she accepts you as you are while also encouraging you to become the best version of yourself. She is passionate about helping people of all ages and walks of life to feel heard, understood, and supported on their personal journeys of healing and growth. Working together to create goals, Alta would be overjoyed to help you cultivate the personal tools you need to achieve your goals while cheering you on every step of the way. She recognizes that therapy is just as unique as each individual client and sensitively considers your personal needs, beliefs, and desires. Therapy can be a roller coaster, and deciding to get on the ride by seeking support is an incredible step toward your personal growth. Alta is proud of you and ready to be there with you through the ups and downs that life has to offer.
In her free time, Alta loves spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, yoga, swimming, kayaking, photography, crafting, writing, and gardening.
Brianna Mead
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
"Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage
aren’t always comfortable, but they're never weakness." Brené Brown
Brianna is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee in her final year of graduate school at Pepperdine University. For her undergraduate studies, she attended San Jose State University, where she graduated with a double major in Communication Studies and Justice Studies.
Along with her education, Brianna was a first responder for fifteen years. Her experience has given her invaluable insight into intimate partner violence, mental health crisis, addiction, divorce/custody matters, and professional burnout. High-stress careers can lead to poor coping mechanisms, disassociation, isolation, suicidal thoughts, depression, financial issues,
hyperawareness, and infidelity. Brianna wants to use her knowledge to help responders and their families break the stigma and receive beneficial resources for overcoming the strains of high-stress careers.
Additionally, Brianna is passionate about helping others find their purpose and follow their dreams while still having gratitude for the life they are living. She believes the therapeutic relationship can serve as a catalyst for learning, growth, and re-framing perspectives. She will meet clients where they are with safety, openness, and nonjudgmental guidance. She genuinely trusts in her clients’ abilities to live the life they envision. Incorporating techniques from post-
modern and solution-focused modalities, Brianna will collaborate with clients’ interests and goals to find long-term, sustainable solutions.
On a personal level, Brianna is the mother of two teenagers and a spirited second grader. She enjoys the outdoors with her family, photography, traveling, relaxing with her kitties, music festivals, and being the “therapist” of her girlfriend group.
Macey Howeson
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” – Carl Rogers
Macey is a Marriage and Family Therapist trainee currently in her final year of her master’s program at the University of San Francisco. She received her bachelor’s degree in Social Science with an emphasis on Psychology and Family Relations and a minor in Family Relations from California State University, Chico. While attending Chico State, she participated in multiple internships on campus geared toward mental health awareness and education.
Macey is passionate about helping others along their journey through growth and self-acceptance. She believes that all people have the capacity for growth and that therapy can be a safe, non-judgmental place to work through life’s challenges. Macey has a passion for working with the LGBTQIA+ community and strongly believes that those in every community deserve to feel seen, heard, and appreciated. Although she generally uses an integrative approach with
clients, she often draws aspects of humanistic therapy and a Gestalt approach in practice.
In her free time, Macey enjoys being with friends, family, and her pets. She also enjoys doing makeup, creating art, and dancing (not well, she would like to add).
Madison Parikka
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Madison is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee in the final year of her Counseling Psychology graduate program at The Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University and proudly identifies as an art school dropout.
Madison takes a collaborative, integrative approach to therapy, prioritizing meeting people where they are in their journey. She celebrates the opportunity to walk with clients toward healing, growth, and well-being. She utilizes a narrative, client-centered framework while also prioritizing the wisdom of how our bodies interact with our mental health. Madison is warm, non-judgmental, and not afraid to get creative and work outside of the box. She has experience working with bereaved folks in a Hospice setting, using the Enneagram as a tool for deeper understanding. She is passionate about working with all types of clients, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, those experiencing life transitions, loss, non-traditional family systems, low self-esteem, and identity challenges.
In her spare time, Madison enjoys gardening, painting, cooking, being outside, and being of service to her cat (we are just living in their world, you know?).
Amanda McBee
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Amanda is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and is finishing her last year at National University. She is an enthusiastic and compassionate individual with a strong passion for supporting others and helping them to strengthen their relationships. Having worked in an elementary school for many years, she has a passion for helping children and parents navigate the demands of these challenging times. Her ultimate goal as a Marriage and Family Trainee is to help individuals foster healthy, loving connections with themselves and those around them. She will create a safe and supportive environment for clients to share their thoughts and emotions openly, establishing a strong therapeutic alliance.
Amanda lives with her husband and Sadie, their rescue dog. Her two daughters are attending college. In her free time, Amanda enjoys being active, exploring the outdoors, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Elyssa Calderon
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Elyssa is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee and graduate student at Palo Alto University. She completed her undergraduate studies at UC Davis, earning her BS in Human Development.
Elyssa has been working with individuals facing severe mental illnesses since 2018. She has a deep passion for working with children. She finds great fulfillment in using play to help children express themselves and foster healthy development. Grounded in an existentialist theory, she believes in the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, which can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and mental well-being.
Elyssa is dedicated to walking alongside her clients on their unique journeys of healing and growth. Her empathetic approach ensures that each individual feels heard, valued, and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Elyssa leads an active life and loves the outdoors. She enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, and paddle boarding, She also loves reading and regularly participates in book clubs
Joy McCrea
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” - Brene Brown
Joy McCrea is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee in the final year of her master’s program at the University of San Francisco. She brings her many life experiences to her role of being there for others and feels grateful she gets to do this work. Joy believes we all have the capacity within us to grow, heal, and change when we have the support and tools we need. She will be there to walk alongside you on your journey by providing a non-judgmental and safe space for you to feel seen and heard and know that someone cares.
Joy tailors her approach to your needs and is especially passionate about working with teens and young adults. She is also excited to work with individuals of all ages, families, and couples. We all need someone to be there for us during life’s challenges. She feels called to bring her experiences, compassion, and empathy to her work. Her life experiences include divorce, single parenthood, family members and partners living with addiction, and navigating mental illness, including complex trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and bipolar.
Her current favorite thing to do is spend time with her kitten, Ziggy. When she’s not doing that and has free time, she’s crafting, socializing with friends and family, taking photos on her iPhone, enjoying live music, dancing, and, when she gets a chance, traveling or spending time in nature.
Rose von Blanck
Marriage and Family Therapist
Trainee Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Rose is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee (MFT Trainee) in her final year of graduate school. She is an empathetic individual who is passionate about exploring each individual’s story and collaborating on ways to create healing. She enjoys working with a diverse range of individuals and couples who are searching for coping strategies to get through life and relationship struggles. She believes that most of us have the tools within us to cause those ripples of change and wants to empower her clients of all ages and stages of life to tap into their inner strength and resilience in order to find hope for the future.
She also has a Master's in Education and, having worked as a teacher and in school leadership positions, holds a special place in her heart for children and teens, their families, and the tools they need to get through these developmental years. She has the education, lifetime experiences, cultural sensitivity, and desire to help everyone reach their state of joy.
On a personal note, Rose lives with her husband, teenage daughter, and cavapoo, Luna. Her eldest daughter is currently a Junior in college. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks, writing, and watching comedies because she believes in the adage that laughter is truly the best medicine.
Meagan Sufi
Marriage and Family Therapist
Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
“Who looks outside dreams; who looks inside awakes.” -Jung
Meagan is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee (MFT Trainee) in her final year of graduate school at the University of San Francisco. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Communication from the University of California, Davis. She is passionate about helping a diverse range of people, whether it be youth, adolescents, families, or couples.
Meagan is here to support you on your journey, offering compassion, kindness, and strength as you navigate life's challenges. Her therapeutic approach is person-centered, tailoring her support to meet your unique needs. Meagan's goal is to empower you to identify and achieve your therapeutic objectives. With her personal experiences encompassing divorce, blended families, coping with disease, nurturing intercultural relationships, and embracing the complexities of motherhood, she understands the diverse aspects of life's journey.
Meagan lives with her husband and their daughter. During her free moments, she finds joy in activities such as running, immersing herself in books, discovering new local gems, staying organized, and cherishing quality time with her loved ones. In the past, before becoming a parent, she had a passion for travel and embracing the diverse cultures of the world.
Danielle Dechavez
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Danielle Dechavez is a Pepperdine University graduate with a B.A. in Psychology. She is now further pursuing her interest in the field by studying at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She will be getting her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is expected to obtain licensure after the completion of the program to become an LMFT fall of 2024.
She has experience working closely with neurodivergent children and teens (ages 3-17 years old) who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delays, sensory processing disorder, and other conditions that impact brain development, while utilizing a progressive model of Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy. Her experience involves working in home, school, and clinical settings.
Danielle is open to working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families impacted by depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, stress, or relationship issues. While she takes an integrative approach to therapy, she draws techniques primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. Her focus will help you understand the powerful connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while gaining the tools to challenge negative thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and make positive changes in your life. Her focus also helps you find solutions, build on your strengths, and discover practical steps to help move forward.
Danielle is dedicated to empowering you on your journey towards personal growth and enhanced well-being. She will create a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where trust will be built, and hope will be encouraged. Throughout the therapeutic process, she ensures that each individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
In her personal life, Danielle values spending time with her friends and family. She loves going to the beach, is a huge animal lover, and enjoys watching reality TV shows.
Joy Asay
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Joy is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee receiving her graduate degree from Western Seminary. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies at Biola University before plunging into the diverse world of business and nonprofits. When Joy decided to become a therapist, she realized she had been inadvertently pursuing the field all along.
Joy believes life is full of twists and turns and that therapy is here to help. Having a supportive person at your side can make all the difference between moving forward and staying stuck. Whether you find yourself at a life crossroads, wading through trauma, or just want to understand yourself better, Joy is here to walk with you. She believes that everyone has a different journey but that we all have the power to move forward. Joy has extensive experience working with multicultural clients, children of all ages, and those wrestling with faith when their dreams have been shattered. She also specializes in working with adults who have experienced Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) and who find their lives missing something that they can’t quite explain.
In her free time, Joy enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, cooking, and everything to do with food. She loves music, the great outdoors, and curling up with a good Agatha Christie.
IN LOVING MEMORY (February 5, 1964 - December 21, 2020)
Kristen Williams
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Kristen Williams is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee who is passionate about helping others through difficult times in their lives. She is compassionate and caring and strives to convey warmth, acceptance, and empathy to those who are hurting. We all have things in our lives that are difficult to deal with but having someone walk beside you to offer support and guidance is a positive step in helping you reach your goals. Kristen believes everyone has value and a purpose and sees each person as a unique individual who is deserving of respect. This will guide her therapeutic treatment. She is drawn to a holistic and integrative approach that addresses the mind, body, spirit, and social aspects of one's life and prefers to focus on strengths, goals, encouragement, and positive qualities while working on the things that need to be changed. Therapy is a team effort and a partnership between the counselor and the client. Therefore, a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship is a top goal for her in helping clients achieve health in their lives.
It is her desire to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment with authenticity, patience, and respect so that her clients may discover the tools and resources that they can take with them to use throughout their lives. She has a heart for those suffering from traumas of all kinds and those struggling with substance abuse and addictions. She has experience in relating successfully with people of all ages and backgrounds, including working with at-risk young adults and teens, women, senior adults, and people with chronic health issues and trauma. She has knowledge and experience with anxiety and depression, trauma, ADHD, has a Christian counseling background, and is pursuing a certificate in Addiction Studies. Having been born with a congenital heart defect, she understands medical trauma, chronic health issues, and how Covid-19 and other risk factors are affecting those who are high risk.