Meet the team
ZainA berger Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
Yaren Altan associate marriage and family therapist and associate PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR
Yaren Altan, AMFT | APCC, is a warm and collaborative therapist who supports individuals and couples in reconnecting with themselves, healing from painful patterns, and moving through life with greater clarity and intention. Her work is grounded in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), allowing her to integrate both practical tools and meaningful inner exploration. Raised in a culturally diverse household, Yaren brings cultural humility, curiosity, and deep respect for each client’s unique background and story. She is especially passionate about helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and identity-related concerns. In every session, Yaren creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow in ways that feel authentic and lasting.
Christina mathieson: Founder of My Mental Climb and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Christina, the founder of My Mental Climb, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) dedicated to fostering personal growth and fresh perspectives in therapy. She specializes in helping clients explore alternative viewpoints to uncover new possibilities for action, acceptance, and understanding. With her expertise in human sexuality, Christina provides a safe and supportive environment for open discussions on this often-overlooked topic. Her approach empowers clients through insightful dialogue and compassionate guidance, facilitating meaningful progress in their personal and relational journeys.
Michelle Cortez Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT)
Michelle Cortez is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who brings warmth, authenticity, and a trauma-informed lens to her work with individuals and couples. She is passionate about helping clients feel more grounded, connected, and aligned with what matters most. Whether someone is navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, cultural identity questions, or the lingering effects of trauma, Michelle creates a space where clients feel safe to explore their story and supported in making meaningful change. Her approach is collaborative and active, blending curiosity with practical tools drawn from DBT, the Gottman Method, narrative therapy, and more—always tailored to each person’s unique path.
Zaina is a compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and Art Therapist who views therapy as a creative, collaborative journey toward healing and self-discovery. She specializes in supporting QTBIPOC and Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities, creatives, individuals experiencing chronic pain, and other marginalized groups. With a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, Zaina integrates art therapy, spiritually oriented practices, and evidence-based modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therayp (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients uncover deeper insights and build confidence in their inner wisdom. She offers flexible access to her services both remotely and at the Walnut Creek office, located near downtown. Whether you're seeking to process life’s challenges or explore your creativity as a path to healing, Zaina provides a supportive space to guide you toward growth and clarity.
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