Chanel Yako
Hi! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and accepted. I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up exactly as you are—without fear of judgment—and work toward meaningful change at your own pace. I have over 6 years of experience working in the mental health and substance use field across various levels of care. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, relationship difficulties, substance use, and more complex mental health conditions such as mood disorders and personality disorders. I understand how difficult it can be to seek help, especially when struggling with the fear of being seen as weak or facing the stigma that often surrounds mental health and substance use. As someone who grew up in a culture where mental health was not openly discussed, I deeply value creating an environment where clients feel safe enough to be vulnerable and empowered enough to grow. My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and trauma-informed care to help clients build insight, develop healthier coping skills, strengthen self-confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and create lasting changes that improve their overall quality of life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking for support during a difficult season of life, I'm here to walk alongside you. Together, we can work toward helping you feel more balanced, confident, and connected to the life you want to live.
First session
My priority is creating a comfortable, supportive space where you can be yourself and share at your own pace. During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other, discussing what brought you to therapy, and identifying the goals you'd like to work toward. I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, so there's no pressure to have everything figured out right away. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, validated, and hopeful about the journey ahead.
Strengths
My strengths as a therapist include creating a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to be themselves. I value building genuine therapeutic relationships and believe that feeling heard, understood, and accepted is an important part of the healing process. I take a collaborative and individualized approach to therapy, recognizing that each person's experiences, strengths, and goals are unique. I strive to balance empathy with practical guidance, helping clients gain insight, develop effective coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. As someone from a Middle Eastern background, I also understand the stigma that can surround mental health and the challenges of balancing personal needs with cultural and family expectations. I am passionate about creating an inclusive space where clients feel empowered to prioritize their well-being, build resilience, and move toward the life they want for themselves.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with adults who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or struggling to navigate life's challenges on their own. Many of my clients come to therapy experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions. I also have experience supporting individuals coping with trauma, grief, mood and personality disorders, and substance use concerns. I am passionate about helping clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, heal from difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of coping. Whether you're looking to build confidence, improve relationships, manage overwhelming emotions, or simply feel more like yourself again, I strive to create a supportive and collaborative space where meaningful growth and lasting change can happen.
Origin story
What inspired me to become a therapist is my belief that everyone deserves to have a space where they feel truly heard, understood, and accepted for who they are. I’ve always been drawn to understanding people—their stories, their emotions, their relationships, and the experiences that shape who they become. Through my own experiences and my years working in the mental health and substance use field, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to have someone sit with you during the moments when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. Sometimes, people don’t need someone to fix everything for them. They need someone who can listen without judgment, help them make sense of what they’re feeling, and remind them of the strengths they may have lost sight of. Becoming a therapist has given me the opportunity to do that for others. What continues to inspire me is seeing clients grow in ways they may not have believed were possible—learning to trust themselves, set boundaries, heal from difficult experiences, and create a life that feels more authentic to them. I feel incredibly grateful to be invited into my clients’ lives and to walk alongside them through their journey. My goal is to create a therapeutic space where clients can be their authentic selves, feel safe enough to be vulnerable, and know that they don’t have to navigate everything alone.
Ongoing work together
Our work together will be a collaborative process where we take things at your pace and focus on what feels most meaningful to you. We’ll spend time understanding what you’re going through, building tools that actually feel helpful, and working through the patterns that may be keeping you feeling stuck. You’ll know you’re making progress when you start noticing small changes in how you respond to things—feeling more able to manage difficult emotions, being kinder to yourself, setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and feeling more confident in handling challenges. Progress doesn’t mean everything will suddenly feel easy or that you’ll never have difficult days. It means you’ll have a better understanding of yourself and feel more equipped to navigate those moments when they come up. We’ll regularly check in about how things are feeling for you and whether therapy is helping you move toward the life you want. Your feedback will guide our work together, and we’ll celebrate the progress you’re making along the way.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns, challenge negative thinking, and develop healthier coping strategies that promote emotional well-being and lasting change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I use a person-centered approach to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I believe each person is the expert on their own life, and I work collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences, build self-awareness, and move toward growth and healing. My goal is to foster a strong therapeutic relationship built on empathy, trust, and authenticity.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I support clients in learning grounding and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase present-moment awareness. My approach emphasizes self-compassion and helps clients feel more connected to themselves as they navigate life's challenges.
Trauma-Informed Care
I provide trauma-informed care by creating a safe and supportive environment that recognizes the impact of past experiences on present challenges. I help clients build resilience, develop effective coping skills, and move toward healing at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I use a solution-focused approach to help clients identify their strengths, build on past successes, and develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges. Together, we focus on achievable goals and meaningful changes that empower clients to move forward with greater confidence and hope.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
White
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Other specialties
Addiction / Substance Use
Childhood / Intergenerational Trauma
Codependency
Domestic Violence
Family Conflict
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Self Esteem
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Individual Therapy
Man
Woman
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 138539