Counselors

"This is an exceptionally skilled and kind group of therapists. I have sent many referrals their way, and those I have sent have been very happy with the support they received."

- Elizabeth Powell, MFT

Here are the therapists on our team:

Founder & Director
Jaclyn Long, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

MFT#47100
jaclyn@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 2
Locations: Los Altos and Half Moon Bay, CA
Fee: $200


Specialties:

Adults: Anxiety (performance anxiety, perfectionism, generalized anxiety, hypervigilance, worry),  trauma, complex trauma, depression, grief, chronic health issues, chronic pain, life direction, relationships & communication. Couples, parenting anxious / sensitive children, motherhood. Optimal Performance in sports, work life and family life - as an athlete / professional / parent.

Child & Teen: Anxiety (performance anxiety / perfectionism, separation anxiety, social anxiety), OCD, self-esteem issues, peer challenges, high sensitivity, emotional regulation & behavioral challenges, tantrums, defiance. Optimal Performance in sports and academics.

Modalities: Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, Somatic IFS, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Hakomi, Psychosynthesis, Trauma Informed

Experience: Jaclyn Long is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, a Somatic IFS Therapist, a Certified Parent Educator and a Certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher. She is also trained in EMDR and Hakomi - which are both trauma-informed, body-based therapeutic approaches. Her style is warm, caring and collaborative. While she has a wide array of tools to share, she believes the most powerful therapeutic intervention is helping clients to access the inherent wisdom within them. She is passionate about helping people unburden the extreme beliefs, thoughts and feelings that limit their live…READ MORE

Abel Martinez, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

AMFT #113157
abel@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x4
Location: Los Altos & San Jose
Fee: $200



Specialties:

Child, Teen & Transitional Age: Depression, anxiety, perfectionism, emotional dysregulation, tantrums, defiance, maladaptive behaviors, substance use, peer challenges, bullying, self-esteem, isolation, ADHD, transition to adulthood fears, acculturation challenges.  Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Mind-Body Issues.

Adult: Individual, Couples, Parenting. Substance abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma / PTSD, ADHD,  Anger Management, Acculturation Challenges, Male Identity Issues, Chronic Pain

Modalities: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed, Play Therapy, Music Therapy Puppet Play, Family of Origin, Art Therapy, and Psychodrama

Experience: Throughout the last 26 years working in Mental Health, I have honed my skills in connecting with the most vulnerable of our society. My time with Uplift Children and Family Services provided me the opportunity to work with traumatized, children, teens & adults with severe behavioral challenges, as well as socioeconomic and generational trauma. My work with Refugee Foster Care and Family Reunification forged a gentle, trauma informed approach to therapy…READ MORE

Ani Gnanalingam, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

AMFT # 127508
Ani@mcaft.com
650-297-3400  x 18
Supervised by: Jalene N. Salas, MFT #45363
Location: Los Altos, San Jose & Telehealth
Fee: $170


Specialties:

Children & Teens: Anxiety, Trauma, Social Anxiety, Perfectionism, Separation Anxiety, ADHD, Tantrums, Emotional Regulation Challenges, Identity, Acculturation Issues, Grief, Peer Relationships and School Adjustment

Adults: Anxiety, Grief, Parenting, Work Pressure, Life Transitions,  Identity, Acculturation Issues

Experience: As a refugee, an immigrant and a parent, Ani has had many life experiences that bring a unique approach to psychotherapy and healing. She began her career working in high tech in the Bay Area but found out quickly that her passion was for supporting individuals with their relationship toward school, work and personal growth...READ MORE

Andrea Throndson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

MFT #103006
Andrea@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 6
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Fee: $200



Specialties:

Adults and teens navigating anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, alcohol dependence, recovery. Couples. Family therapy. Parenting. Parents who have children with anxiety, substance abuse, emotional challenges and/or special needs.

Modalities: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma Informed

Experience: Andrea brings a wealth of experience supporting teens, young adults and adults struggling with anxiety, grief, depression and addiction. Andrea offers Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for teens and adults, and has completed Marsha Linnehan’s 16 week DBT Foundational Course. Andrea also has extensive training and experience supporting people and families dealing with alcohol / drug abuse and recovery. She worked for several years at Kara (Grief Support Services) and has extensive training and…READ MORE

Ellie Alvarez, Psychological Associate

PA #94027925
Ellie@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x20
Supervised by Lisa Macias, PhD, | Psy # 32178
Location: Half Moon Bay
Fee: $200


Specialties:

Adults & Teens: Anxiety, Work / School Stress, Acculturation, Identity, Self-image, Shame, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Relationships, Interpersonal Communication, Health, Self-care

Children: Anxiety, Worry, Stress, Academic Adjustment, Self-Esteem, Emotional Regulation, Anger,Depression, Grief, Trauma

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed, Trauma-Informed, Integrative, Relational,  Person-Centered

Experience: Ellie is a dedicated clinician committed to providing a supportive, inclusive and affirming therapeutic space for her clients. She brings warmth and empathy to her approach, creating a nurturing environment for healing and growth. With a strong background working with queer and genderqueer clients, Ellie values each individual's unique experiences and identities… READ MORE

Jalene N. Salus, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Integrative Health Counselor

MFT #45363
jalene@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 10
Location: Los Altos & Half Moon Bay
Fee: $200


Specialties:

Children, Teens and Adults. Parents, Couples and Families.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems Informed Therapist, Trauma Informed, Mindfulness-Based Somatic Therapy, Mindful Health & Wellness, Resiliency Based

Focus: Stress Resilience. Motherhood / Parenthood, Grief, Loss & Life Transitions. Integrative Nutrition, Work-Life Balance, Women’s Wellness.

Experience: Jalene is a genuinely warm and compassionate therapist committed to providing quality care to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Jalene has a special interest in resiliency, which reflects her unwavering belief in each individual’s profound … READ MORE

Jennifer Merrill, Licensed Social Worker

LCSW #29484
jennifer@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x12
Location: Los Altos, CA
Fee: $200



Specialties:

Children, adolescents, parents, and young adults. Life transitions, identity formation, grief and loss, stress or worry about school or career paths, anxiety, depression, and supporting those coping with a current crisis or wanting to heal from past traumas.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (trained at IFS- Institute) Level 1, Somatic Internal Family Systems, Trauma Informed 

Experience: Jennifer believes that the therapist - client relationship is a central part of the healing process, and that the therapist plays a critical role in creating a safe and trusting...READ MORE

Julie Yoo, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

LMFT #145769
julie@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x15
Location: Los Altos  & San Jose
Fee: $200



Specialties:

Children & Adolescents: Trauma / Complex Trauma / Early Childhood Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Academic Stress, Identity & Self-esteem Development, BIPOC Population, Asian American Teen Mental Health, Acculturation Challenges, Relationships, Grief and loss, Launching.

Adults: Trauma / Complex Trauma / Early Childhood Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, BIPOC Population, Acculturation Challenges, Career & Personal Growth, Women’s Wellness.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems Therapist, Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Experience: Julie is a warm and empathetic therapist committed to providing quality care to children, adolescents, adults and families. Her approach is trauma informed, culturally sensitive and strength based, with an overarching grounding in humanistic ideals of person-centered, unconditional positive regard and respect for your unique life experiences....READ MORE

Justin Gillespie, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

AMFT #141194
justin@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 19
Supervisor: Lisa Macias, Ph.D. PSY #32178
Location: San Jose & Los Altos 
Fee: $170



Specialties:

Languages: English, Spanish, Italian

Children & Teens: Trauma, Emotional Dysregulation, Anxiety (Social Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Academic / Athletic Stress, Perfectionism), Depression, Social-Emotional Issues, Peer Challenges, Developmental Identity & Acculturation Issues. 

Adults & Couples: Trauma, Complex Trauma, Early Childhood Trauma, Anxiety, Stress, Spirituality, Identity & Acculturation Issues, Depression, Grief / Loss, Life Transitions, Career Choices, Work Stress / Job Burnout, Parenting Support, Desires for Authenticity and Integrity.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (trained at IFS-I), Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Psychodynamic, Attachment Based, Existential, Mindfulness-Based Somatic Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples, IFS & Play Therapy for Children.

Experience: Having lived and worked for years both in Italy and in Ireland, being fluent in Spanish and Italian, Justin is accustomed to listening within different cultural and linguistic frames, focusing on the client's unique experience and personality.....READ MORE 

Lakshmi Kalluri, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

MFT #127372
lakshmi@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x17
Location: Teletherapy
Fee: Sliding Scale, $180 - $250



Specialties:

Languages: English, Hindi, Telugu

Adults:  Trauma, Complex Trauma, Early Childhood Trauma, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Anxiety (Hypervigilence, Worry, Panic, Performance Anxiety / Perfectionism, Social Anxiety, Postpartum Anxiety), Depression / Postpartum Depression, Parenting, Motherhood, Life Transitions, Career Path, Identity & Acculturation

Teens: Trauma, Complex Trauma, Emotion Regulation, Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Performance Anxiety / Perfectionism, Academic Stress, Peer Challenges, Self Esteem, Depression, Identity & Acculturation IssuesExperience: I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who is passionate about supporting teens, adults and families. Specializing in blending East-West wisdom, I hold a Medical Degree in the UK, and bring my deep understanding of the brain and neurobiology into my mindfulness-based work with clients as a therapist. Having lived and worked in multiple continents has been instrumental in understanding the diverse Silicon Valley clientele. With my culturally responsive approach...READ MORE

Assistant Director
Linda Meyer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LCSW #96165
Linda@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 11
Location: Los Altos & Half Moon Bay
Fee: $200


Specialties:

Child & Teens: Child and Adolescents, Grief and Loss, Trauma and PTSD, Healing from Sexual Abuse, Building Self-Esteem, Coping Skills, Stress, Worry, Anxiety

Adults: Grief and Loss, Trauma and PTSD, Healing from Sexual Abuse, Parenting Support, Building Self-Esteem, Coping Skills, Stress, Worry, Anxiety

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS Level 2 Trained), Trauma Informed, EMDR, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Linda is passionate about helping clients resolve dissonance between beliefs and experiences, restore interpersonal relationships to wholeness and create empowerment by strengthening internal and external …READ MORE

Clinical Director
Lisa Macias, PhD, Psychologist

Psy #32178
lisa@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x9
Location: Los Altos & San Jose
Fee: $280


Specialties:

Languages: English, Spanish

Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Anxiety (performance anxiety, perfectionism, social anxiety), peer / school adjustment, health behaviors, trauma, depression, and substance use.

Adults and Couples: Couples dynamics, anxiety (performance anxiety, perfectionism, generalized anxiety, hypervigilance, worr), depression, trauma, substance use, parenting, life transitions, and aging.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS Level 1 Trained), Trauma Informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT)

Lisa has more than 20 years of experience working in the education and mental health fields supporting adolescents, adults, and families. …READ MORE

María Benavent, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

AMFT #143603; APCC 15427
maria@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x21
Supervisor: Lisa Macias, Psy #32178
Locations: Los Altos & San Jose
Fee: $170



Specialties: 

Languages: English, Spanish

Children & Teens: Trauma, Grief, Emotional Dysregulation, Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology, Developmental Identity & Acculturation Issues, Anxiety (Social Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Academic/Athletic Stress, Perfectionism), Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Social-Emotional Issues, Peer Challenges.

Adults & Couples: Trauma, Complex Trauma, Early Childhood Trauma, Grief, Loss, Life Transitions, Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology, Mother’s and Women’s Issues, Parenting Support, Couples, Anxiety, Stress, Identity & Acculturation Issues, Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Work Stress/Job Burnout, Perfectionism.

Modalities: Trauma Informed, Compassionate Inquiry informed, Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology, Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Grief Therapy, Play Therapy, Family Systems, Attachment Based, Somatic.

Experience: María started her professional journey as a corporate lawyer in Spain and the UK, and became a therapist after moving to the US, motivated by her desire to support individuals facing difficulty in their lives. Her international professional and personal backgrounds have provided her with a vast experience dealing …READ MORE 

Shannon Gustafson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

LMFT #145839
shannon@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 3
Location: Los Altos, CA
Fee: $200



Specialties:

Complex Trauma, PTSD, Anxiety & Panic Disorder, Depression, Religious & Spiritual Issues, Identity & Self-Esteem Development, Sexual Assault, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Domestic Violence, LGBTQA+

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Trauma Informed, Play Therapy, Object-Relations/Psychodynamic

Experience: Shannon is a compassionate and empathic therapist.  She believes strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship to bring healing and restoration to individuals, couples, and families.... READ MORE

Shruti Nair, APCC, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor

APCC #8499
shruti@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x14
Location: Los Altos, CA
Fee: $170



Specialties:

Languages: English, Hindi, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi, Urdu

Children & Teens: Anxiety, phobias, academic stress, social challenges, low self esteem, depression, identity issues, acculturation, behavioral challenges, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD / ADHD), neurodivergence. Chronic pain, chronic illness, mind-body symptoms.

Adults: Anxiety, work stress, phobias, acculturation, depression. Couples, parenthood and motherhood. Chronic pain, chronic illness, mind-body symptoms.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS) Trained (Level 1), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy

Experience: Shruti is a warm, intuitive, and multilingual therapist with experience in working with clients diverse in age, color, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds. …READ MORE

Travis Shubeck, PhD, Psychologist

Psy # 34824
travis@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 5
Location: Teletherapy Only
Fee: $250


Specialties:

Pre-Teens & Adolescents: Trauma, Emotional Regulation, Stress / Anxiety / Perfectionism, Anger, Academic Adjustment, Friendship / Peer Issues, Acculturation, Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Mind-Body Symptoms, Health / Self-Care 

Adults: Individual, Couples, Parents, Relationships, Trauma, Shame, Parenting Support and Empowerment, Interpersonal Communication, Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Mind-Body Symptoms, Divorce & Separation, Healing Separation, Health / Self-care

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS Level 1 Trained), Trauma-Informed, Object Relations / Psychodynamic, Person-Centered

Travis brings a collaborative and warm approach when working with clients from various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. READ MORE

Vani Hariharan, MFT

LMFT #141028
vani@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 22
Location: : San Jose | Los Altos | Online
Fee: $200


Specialties:

Languages: English, Tamil

Children & Teens: Anxiety (Social Anxiety, Performance Anxiety, Separation Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety), Panic, Phobias, OCD, Depression, Interpersonal Relationships, Trauma, Complex Trauma, Early Childhood Trauma, Racial and Cultural Identity and Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma, Personal Growth, Self-Esteem, Identity Exploration, South Asian and BIPOC experiences, Immigration and Acculturation.

Adults and Families: Anxiety, Depression, Interpersonal Relationships, Trauma, Complex and Early Childhood Trauma, Racial and Cultural Identity and Trauma, Intergenerational Trauma, South Asian and BIPOC Experiences, Immigration and Acculturation, Life Transitions and Stage of Life, Parenting, Professional and Personal Growth, Self-Esteem, Identity Exploration.

Modalities: Internal Family Systems (IFS level 1 trained), Trauma Informed, EMDR, Attachment-based, Family Systems, Genogram work, Expressive Art and Play Therapy, Sand Tray, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

I believe that people are resilient, resourceful, and capable of finding creative solutions to problems. However, sometimes we get entangled in personal and relational patterns that are difficult to break out of. READ MORE