Sanayah Marriott
Hello, I’m Sanayah Marriott, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving adults in California, Arizona, and Hawaii. I provide therapy in English and Haitian Creole. With 20 years of military experience and nine years in addiction treatment, I understand the courage it takes to seek support while managing demanding responsibilities. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance-use concerns, relationship difficulties, career stress, and major life transitions. You may appear strong and capable while privately feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, uncertain, or emotionally exhausted. Together, we will identify what keeps you stuck, strengthen your coping skills, and help you create a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and aligned with who you are.
I am also a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor-II with 9 years of extensive experience in addiction treatment settings and 19 years of military experience.
First session
Our first session will be a welcoming, judgment-free conversation focused on understanding you, not simply your symptoms. We will discuss what brought you to therapy, the challenges you are currently facing, your personal history, your strengths, and what you hope will be different as a result of treatment. The intake process may take up to two sessions to develop a thoughtful, individualized plan. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. I will guide the conversation at a pace that feels manageable and give you space to ask questions. Together, we will identify your priorities and begin developing practical strategies to address anxiety, depression, trauma, substance-use concerns, communication difficulties, unhealthy relationship patterns, or challenges with setting boundaries. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and clearer about the next steps. If additional services or resources would better support your needs, I will also help connect you with appropriate referrals.
Strengths
I bring warmth, honesty, compassion, and practical guidance to each session. My style is collaborative and tailored to your individual needs, culture, experiences, strengths, and current circumstances. You remain in control of your therapy. My role is to support you, help you recognize patterns, teach useful skills, and respectfully challenge perspectives that may be keeping you stuck. I integrate CBT, DBT, ACT, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all method, I draw on these approaches to help you manage difficult emotions, challenge unhelpful thoughts, improve communication, establish healthier boundaries, strengthen recovery efforts, and make meaningful changes. My professional experience in addiction treatment and the military has given me a deep appreciation for resilience, identity, accountability, and the pressures carried by people who are accustomed to being strong for others. In our work together, you can expect genuine support and purposeful conversations that help you move toward greater self-awareness, confidence, emotional wellness, and fulfillment.
Ideal clients
My ideal client may feel overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, substance-use concerns, anger, relationship difficulties, or a major life transition. They may be accustomed to appearing strong for others while privately feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. I welcome clients from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds who are ready or simply beginning to consider making meaningful changes. Together, we will identify unhelpful patterns, strengthen coping and communication skills, increase self-awareness, and develop healthier ways of managing difficult emotions. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can heal, grow, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Treatment methods
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. I help clients develop emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills while recognizing and modifying harmful behavior patterns and increasing self-awareness to handle challenging situations. I emphasize validation, acceptance, and the balance between acceptance and change to help clients achieve greater emotional stability and well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize CBT to identify persistent thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and negative emotions that contribute to anxiety and depression symptoms. Through CBT, individuals can develop skills and strategies to change their thinking patterns and reduce distress, ultimately empowering them to live a more balanced and calmer life.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I specialize in solution-focused, goal-oriented therapy that emphasizes present and future strengths rather than dwelling on past experiences. My main objective is to assist you in setting specific, achievable goals to help you move forward, foster self-efficacy and empowerment, and find solutions. I use various techniques to measure and ensure progress, including miracle and scaling questions.
Compassion Focused
A compassionate approach can help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is crucial in building a relationship to provide a feeling of being heard, safety, and deep understanding, as these are essential for growth. My priority is to offer empathy and understanding to help you overcome your challenges by delving into your innermost thoughts and emotions, leading to positive change.
Humanistic
A therapist-client bond is crucial for healing and personal development. It creates a safe environment for mutual support, helping individuals manage emotions and develop resilience. This bond also allows for the formation of meaningful connections, the building of trust, and the exploration of deep-rooted issues.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Military/Veterans
Other specialties
Anger Management
Crisis Intervention
Depression
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Life Transitions
Self-Harming
Substance Misuse
Suicidal Ideation
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
ArizonaLicense LCSW-23143
CaliforniaLicense 123810
HawaiiLicense LCSW-5163