Meet Our Team at Clarity Family Therapy

Asha Wilburn

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, #14135

Asha is an LPCC with four years of clinical experience. She is certified in clinical evidence based practices Seeking Safety and Managing and Adapting Practices (MAP). Asha has a history of working with youth and families, specializing in areas of mood disorders, anxiety/stress related disorders, behavioral disorders, relationship issues, and crisis intervention. She enjoys building rapport with her clients and utilizes a client-centered approach to formulate and guide treatment.

Melissa Behrends-Gelfman

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, #146473

Melissa is a mental health professional with over 30 years of experience, working with clients of all ages. She uses a trauma-informed, holistic approach, believing that most issues stem from trauma rather than pathology. Melissa empowers clients to reframe negative beliefs and recognizes them as experts in their own lives. She is an ally to the LGBTQ+IA, kink-positive, body-positive, and non-monogamous communities. Melissa is also trained in working with the first responder’s population—including Veterans, Active military and their families, EMS, Police, and Firefighters. In her private practice, Melissa specializes in EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT, Interpersonal Therapy, and Brief Narrative Therapy, tailoring her methods to each client’s unique needs. She values every client as an individual and is committed to helping them realize their worth. You will never be a “number” to Melissa, but you will be treated with respect and value—and be empowered into owning your own sovereignty by taking charge of your own life.

Izzy Reitz

Associate Marriage and Family Therapy, #148064

Isabelle “Izzy” Reitz is a dedicated AMFT with a background in child development and experience in treating depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Her clinical work spans both group and individual settings, allowing her to adapt her approach to diverse client needs. Isabelle is passionate about empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve their personal goals. Her client-centered approach focuses on resilience and practical strategies, aiming to enhance overall well-being and personal growth. Supervised by Tina Besimanto, LMFT, #86962.

Sydney Watts

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, #18675

Sydney is an APCC with experience providing clinical and forensic mental health services, crisis intervention, and risk assessments in settings such as schools, community health clinics, and nonprofit agencies. She has a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology, and is also a certified Forensic Interview Specialist (FIS), where she specializes in evidence-based, trauma-informed, child-friendly, legally sound interventions to speak with children who are victims of abuse or other crimes. As a therapist, Sydney specializes in the treatment of children and adults of all ages who have been impacted by trauma, sexual/physical/domestic violence, incarceration, legal issues, medical issues, sexual health, suicidal ideation/self harm, and substance use. She is a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapist who offers each client a safe space to open up and heal, free of judgement. Sydney utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches to individualize treatment for each client, including psychodynamic therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and solution focused therapy (SFT). Supervised by Elly Baidoo, LCSW, #21628.

Kendra Lowe

Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, #18247

I’m an APCC providing a supportive environment for clients seeking personal growth. My Master’s in Forensic Psychology informs my work with teens and adults facing various challenges. My background includes experience in schools, psychiatric outpatient settings, and domestic violence support services. I specialize in working with clients dealing with depression and other mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and transitions/life changes. I approach therapy as a partnership, combining trauma-informed care, humanistic approaches, CBT, DBT, person-centered therapy, and motivational interviewing to develop strategies tailored to your specific needs and goals. I am also committed to serving LGBTQIA+ teens and adults in an affirming space. It would be an honor and a privilege to help you navigate your path to healing and discover new strengths along the way. Supervised by Asha Wilburn, LPCC, #14135.

Laura Matheny

National Board Certified Counselor, #1733802, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, #21576

I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with dual master’s degrees in Child Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With a robust foundation in psychology and over 25 years of teaching experience, I have developed a deep understanding of individuals and their unique lived experiences. I am committed to supporting those who are ready to embark on their journey toward personal growth and well-being.

My counseling approach is person-centered, recognizing that you are the expert on your own life. My role is to listen attentively and assist you in achieving your goals. I strive to create a non-judgmental and affirming environment where your strengths are acknowledged, rather than solely focusing on the challenges that brought you to counseling.

I employ various therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic approaches, and person-centered techniques, tailoring my methods to best suit your individual needs. I specialize in supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, trauma, new sobriety, and significant life transitions, including those often referred to as midlife crises.

I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive space for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent individuals. I look forward to embarking on this collaborative journey with you as we work together toward your goals. Clinically supervised by Asha Wilburn, LPCC, #14135.

Natalie Gonzalez

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #162604; Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #22390

I’m a bilingual AMFT and APCC, and I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Touro University Worldwide. I work with children, adolescents, parents, individuals, couples, and families, tailoring therapy to each person’s unique needs. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, navigating life transitions, or wanting to improve their relationships. I aim to create a space where you can slow down, gain clarity, and reconnect with yourself while working toward meaningful, lasting change. My approach is warm, grounded, and goal-oriented. I integrate Solution-Focused Therapy, CBT, and family systems work to help you better understand patterns, build practical coping skills, and develop tools you can use in your everyday life. With a background in community mental health, including work in shelters and treatment centers, I bring both clinical experience and compassion to my work. As a first-generation Mexican-American raised in Los Angeles, I value the role of culture, family, and lived experience in the healing process. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel seen and understood. I welcome you to reach out when you feel ready to begin your therapy journey. Supervised by Elly Baidoo, LCSW, #21628.

Cora Gonzalez

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #162318; Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #22294

I am a strengths-based therapist who has worked with a wide range of clients. I specialize in working with those who have OCD, Schizophrenia, ADHD, Autism, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, PTSD/CPTSD, and Depression. My goal is to provide a safe space for psychoeducation, healing, and positive self-expression. I have worked with clients as young as four, but I have experience with adults, teens, and children of all ages. I practice many modalities, but the ones I utilize the most are Solution-Focused, Narrative, and CBT. My practice is located in Los Angeles, California, but my company offers Telehealth and in-person sessions. I have been in practice for over a year, and would be honored to help you or your loved ones in any way possible. Supervised by Melissa Behrends-Gelfman, LMFT, #146473.

Caroline Graves

Associate Clinical Social Worker #130908

Caroline is an ASW providing therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, life transitions, stress, grief, trauma, and substance use concerns. Caroline’s therapeutic approach is collaborative, compassionate, and person-centered. She believes that meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and supported. She works alongside clients to identify their strengths, explore patterns that may no longer be serving them, and develop realistic strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Caroline offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and works with clients to process trauma and distressing life experiences in a safe, supportive environment. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based interventions, Caroline tailors treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. She strives to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring difficult emotions, strengthening coping skills, and working toward lasting growth. Whether someone is seeking support during a difficult period, working through a relationship challenge, or hoping to make lasting changes, Caroline is committed to helping clients develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful progress. Supervised by Elly Baidoo, LCSW, #21628.

Chi Mbelu

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #165938

My name is Chiazam (Chi) Mbelu, and I am a graduate of National University, where I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Gender Studies from the University of California, Riverside, where I developed a deep curiosity about people, culture, identity, and the many ways our experiences shape how we move through the world. As a first-generation Nigerian American, I understand the complexities that can arise when navigating multiple cultural identities, generational expectations, and the desire to honor where we come from while creating a life that feels authentic to who we are. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that clients deserve a space where they can feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. I have clinical experience working with individual adults and couples using EMDR, Person-Centered, and integrative therapy approaches. I recognize that every client and relationship brings a unique combination of experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals to therapy, and I believe treatment should be responsive to those individual needs. I aim to support clients in exploring their identities, processing difficult experiences and emotions, strengthening relationships, developing greater self-awareness, and feeling empowered in their own stories. I am committed to meeting each client with empathy, curiosity, and respect while collaboratively creating a therapeutic experience that honors their individual journey. Supervised by Melissa Behrends-Gelfman, LMFT, #146473

Chloe Leffler

Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #165759; Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #24051

I’m Chloe, and I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for support takes courage, whether you’re doing it for yourself, your teen, or your whole family. Wherever you are in that process, you’re welcome here. I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (AMFT/APCC), and I’m passionate about working with children, young adults, and families. I love this work because the people I meet are often at a turning point: growing up, growing apart, healing from something painful, or simply feeling stuck and ready for something to change. My approach blends practical, real-world tools with a deeper understanding of who you are and why you move through the world the way you do. You won’t just talk about what’s hard. You’ll leave sessions with strategies you can use in your daily life, along with insight that helps those changes last. I’m trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process painful memories and experiences so they lose their grip on the present. It can be especially powerful for trauma, anxiety, and the heavy things that are hard to put into words. My goal is to create a warm, supportive space where you can show up as you are, with no pressure to have it all figured out. I bring curiosity instead of judgment, and I’ll encourage you to do the same with yourself. Healing looks different for everyone, and I’ll move at a pace that feels right for you or your child. I believe growth changes more than just how you feel. It changes your relationships, deepening the connections you have with the people around you and, perhaps most importantly, with yourself. Supervised by Melissa Behrends-Gelfman, LMFT, #146473.