Associate clinical social worker #118566
staketa@axismunditherapy.org
510-751-6568
TELEHEALTH, Walk-and-Talk
Supervised by Rayne Banneck, LMFT 124607
“It is a joy to be hidden, and a disaster not to be found.” — D.W. Winnicott
Being human is painful, messy, confusing, and every so often, extraordinary. I like to remind people that this is, in fact, your “first rodeo.” It’s mine too. And what a time it is to be here *gestures wildly at the world.*
My special sauce is in working with young adults and teens who are still finding their feet. The ones who are feeling lost, overwhelmed, or shut down. They’ve been described as highly independent or self-aware, but struggle with anxiety, people-pleasing, dissociation, low self-worth, anger, perfectionism, interpersonal relationships, shame, and depression. At the root of these experiences can be intergenerational trauma, strained families, and/or surviving oppressive systems.
As a therapist (and a soft-spoken Scorpio), I bring an attuned, open-hearted presence to the space. I believe that therapy is a meeting place of connection, vulnerability, compassion, and awareness. And as a social worker, I show up as a creative ally and fierce advocate rooting for you through it all. There is enough space for all that is you, and in the therapy container we can hold life’s hurts and joys together.
I help people slow down and look inward at their own pace. Together, we gently explore the experiences and patterns that have shaped who they are, with curiosity and without judgment. I support people in connecting with all parts of themselves—both the ones that are hurting and the ones that have been holding everything together. Through this and simple body-based practices, we build toolkits for creating a sense of safety and connection within themselves and with others. It’s a privilege to witness each person’s journey, and I approach it with care, gratitude, and humility.
See also my profile on Psychology Today.
Specialties:
transitions
grief
identity
complex trauma/PTSD
intergenerational trauma
dissociation,
perfectionism
people-pleasing
dysfunctional family of origin
disordered eating
anxiety
parentification
boundaries
inner child/parts work
shame
Modalities:
relational-psychodynamic
liberation psychology
trauma-responsive
narrative therapy
parts work (IFS)
somatic
DBT skills
harm reduction
Contact Us
Starting is easy! Use the form on the right to begin our conversation. We'll start with a free, 30 minute consultation to see if we're a good match. If we're not, for any reason, I'll provide you with other referrals that may be a better fit - my commitment is to your well-being first!