Chanelle Haywood
Hi, I'm Chanelle, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I'm so glad you're here. Reaching out for therapy can feel vulnerable, and my hope is that from our very first session, you'll feel like you have a space where you can simply be yourself—without judgment, pressure, or needing to have everything figured out. I work with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, trauma, self-esteem, and the many moments in life that can leave us feeling overwhelmed or disconnected from ourselves. Together, we'll slow things down, make sense of what's been weighing on you, and explore the patterns that may no longer be serving you. My style is warm, genuine, and collaborative. I believe healing happens when you feel seen, understood, and safe enough to explore the parts of yourself that often go unseen. I draw from psychodynamic, attachment-based, ACT, and person-centered approaches, always tailoring therapy to your unique story rather than expecting you to fit into a specific model. Whether you're looking to better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, or simply have a place where you don't have to carry everything alone, I'd be honored to walk alongside you. My goal is to help you leave each session feeling a little more connected to yourself, a little more hopeful, and a little more confident in your ability to move forward.
First session
Your first session is all about getting to know you. This is a chance for us to begin building a relationship, talk about what brought you to therapy, and explore what you're hoping to get out of our work together. There's no pressure to share everything at once or have all the right words—you're welcome to start wherever feels most comfortable. We'll spend time discussing what's been going on in your life, any current challenges you're facing, and any important experiences that help me better understand your story. I'll also ask a few questions about your background, relationships, and emotional well-being so I can get a clearer picture of what you're navigating. Most importantly, I want this to feel like a conversation, not an interview. You're encouraged to ask questions, share any concerns about therapy, or let me know what helps you feel supported. Therapy works best when it feels like a collaborative process, and I want you to feel like we're working together every step of the way. By the end of our first session, we'll begin identifying your goals and discuss what moving forward together may look like. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, understood, and with a sense of hope that meaningful change is possible.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a space where people feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I know how powerful it can be to have someone slow down with you, become curious about your experiences, and help you make sense of emotions that may have felt confusing or overwhelming for a long time. My style is both supportive and gently challenging. I'll hold space for your emotions while also helping you notice patterns, explore different perspectives, and move toward the changes you're hoping to make. I believe healing isn't just about talking through difficult experiences—it's about understanding yourself more deeply and learning new ways of relating to yourself and others. As a Black woman and therapist, I value creating an inclusive, culturally responsive environment where clients feel safe bringing all parts of themselves into the room. I understand that our identities, relationships, families, and lived experiences all shape how we move through the world, and I strive to honor those experiences with compassion and curiosity. Clients often tell me they appreciate that I remember the small details, ask thoughtful questions, and help them connect pieces of their story they hadn't considered before. I don't believe there's a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I tailor our work to your unique needs, strengths, and goals. Above all, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be fully yourself—where you don't have to carry everything alone and where growth happens through honesty, self-compassion, and a strong therapeutic relationship.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who's ready to better understand themselves, even if they're not sure where to begin. They may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. They often find themselves putting others first, struggling with boundaries, navigating relationship challenges, processing grief or past experiences, or going through a significant life transition. Many of the people I work with are curious about why they think, feel, and respond the way they do. They want more than quick fixes—they're looking for lasting change through greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and a deeper connection with themselves. You don't need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. Whether you're new to therapy or returning after some time away, I welcome clients who are open to exploring their experiences at a pace that feels right for them. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, curiosity, and support as we work toward the goals that matter most to you. If you're looking for a therapist who will listen deeply, help you connect the dots, and gently challenge you toward growth while creating a space where you feel safe to be yourself, we'd likely be a great fit.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps us learn how to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions in a healthier way, rather than feeling controlled by them. Instead of trying to "get rid of" anxiety, sadness, or self-doubt, we'll work on making space for those experiences while helping you move toward the life you want to live. In our sessions, we'll explore the thoughts or patterns that may be keeping you stuck, practice ways to respond to them with greater flexibility, and reconnect with the values that matter most to you. Together, we'll focus on taking meaningful, realistic steps toward your goals—even when life feels challenging. I often incorporate ACT alongside other therapeutic approaches, tailoring our work to your unique experiences and helping you build self-compassion, resilience, and confidence along the way.
Attachment-based
Our earliest relationships can shape the way we see ourselves, connect with others, and respond to closeness, conflict, or vulnerability. An attachment-based approach helps us understand how those experiences may still be influencing your life today—not to place blame, but to create greater awareness and opportunities for change. In our work together, we'll explore patterns that may show up in your relationships, such as difficulty trusting others, fear of abandonment, people-pleasing, emotional disconnection, or feeling like you have to handle everything on your own. As we better understand where these patterns come from, we can begin building healthier ways of relating to yourself and the people who matter most to you. I believe that healing happens through safe, supportive relationships, and therapy can be one of those spaces. My goal is to help you feel understood while building the confidence, security, and self-compassion needed to create more fulfilling relationships both with yourself and with others.
Compassion-Focused
Many people are much harder on themselves than they would ever be with someone they care about. A compassion-focused approach helps us recognize those patterns of self-criticism and replace them with greater understanding, patience, and kindness. In our work together, we'll explore the beliefs you hold about yourself and where they may have come from. Whether you're struggling with perfectionism, people-pleasing, shame, anxiety, or feeling like you're never "good enough," we'll work toward developing a more balanced and compassionate relationship with yourself. Self-compassion doesn't mean ignoring challenges or lowering your standards. It means learning to respond to yourself with the same care, grace, and encouragement you would offer someone you love. I believe that meaningful growth happens not through harsh self-judgment, but through self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the courage to keep moving forward.
Eclectic
Every person comes to therapy with a different story, which is why I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. An eclectic approach means I tailor therapy to your unique needs, goals, and experiences instead of relying on just one method. Some days you may need a space to process emotions and better understand yourself. Other times, you may want practical tools to manage anxiety, improve communication, or navigate a difficult situation. As we work together, I'll draw from different therapeutic approaches to support you in the ways that are most helpful for where you are in your journey. My goal is to create a therapy experience that feels personal, collaborative, and flexible. As your needs evolve, our work can evolve too—ensuring that therapy continues to support your growth in a way that feels meaningful and relevant to your life.
Psychodynamic
Sometimes our present struggles are connected to experiences, relationships, or messages we've carried with us for years—often without realizing it. A psychodynamic approach helps us slow down and explore those deeper patterns so you can better understand why you think, feel, and respond the way you do. In our sessions, we'll gently connect the dots between your past and present, looking at how earlier experiences may be influencing your relationships, emotions, self-esteem, or the ways you cope with life's challenges. The goal isn't to dwell on the past, but to gain insight that helps you create meaningful change in the present. As you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, you'll begin to recognize patterns that no longer serve you and make more intentional choices moving forward. I believe that lasting growth comes not only from learning new coping skills, but also from understanding the story that shaped you and discovering that your story doesn't have to define your future.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 156305