Darla Lynn Gale, MA, LMFT
Founder, Executive Director, Author
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#92413)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Therapist
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
Imago Trained Couples Therapist
Certified First Responder Counselor
Darla is a professional therapist who operates her own private practice corporation, offering healing and positive change to those in need. With a deep desire to provide resources and insight, she aims to create a brighter tomorrow for her clients. Darla holds a Master's Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brandman University. In addition, she has completed the "First Responder Counselor Training" and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Training with a specialized focus on trauma.
With her expertise, she assists individuals dealing with various challenges such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and more. Further, Darla provides counseling for couples facing difficulties in conflict resolution, communication, and healthy relational patterns. Adopting a creative and engaging approach, she combines spiritual, mindful, cognitive, and behavioral principles in her therapeutic process.
Darla values the client-therapist relationship and strives to guide individuals on a personal journey of awareness, offering hope, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. She holds to the belief that you cannot change the past, but you can be strengthened by it. One of her favorite quotes is 'It's okay to look back into the past, just don't stare." Outside of work, Darla enjoys reading, writing books, swimming, and embarking on road trips with her husband and their two dogs.
Dixie Ocampo, MA, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144715
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Dixie is a compassionate and dedicated Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, holding a BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master's degree in Psychology from University Massachusetts Global.
Dixie possesses exceptional qualities such as empathy, respect, active listening, and nonjudgmental demeanor. With prior experience working with youth and adolescents at a local high school, she is particularly passionate about helping those struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, and stress management. In her therapeutic sessions, Dixie creates a safe and trusting environment for clients to express themselves and embark on their healing journey.
When she's not supporting clients, Dixie enjoys traveling, reading books by the beach, hiking, and cherishing quality time with family, friends, and her adorable dog, Mushu.
If you're seeking guidance on your personal journey, Dixie looks forward to providing you with the support you need. She believes that therapy is a collaborative process and strives to empower her clients by helping them cultivate self-awareness, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build stronger relationships with themselves and others. With Dixie's assistance, you can work towards achieving your goals and living a fulfilling life.
Danielle Dechavez
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Danielle Dechavez is a Pepperdine University graduate with a B.A. in Psychology. She is now further pursuing her interest in the field by studying at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She will be getting her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and is expected to obtain licensure after the completion of the program to become an LMFT fall of 2024.
She has experience working closely with neurodivergent children and teens (ages 3-17 years old) who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, speech and language delays, sensory processing disorder, and other conditions that impact brain development, while utilizing a progressive model of Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapy. Her experience involves working in home, school, and clinical settings.
Danielle is open to working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families impacted by depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief, trauma, stress, or relationship issues. While she takes an integrative approach to therapy, she draws techniques primarily from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused brief therapy. Her focus will help you understand the powerful connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while gaining the tools to challenge negative thinking patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and make positive changes in your life. Her focus also helps you find solutions, build on your strengths, and discover practical steps to help move forward.
Danielle is dedicated to empowering you on your journey towards personal growth and enhanced well-being. She will create a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where trust will be built, and hope will be encouraged. Throughout the therapeutic process, she ensures that each individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
In her personal life, Danielle values spending time with her friends and family. She loves going to the beach, is a huge animal lover, and enjoys watching reality TV shows.
Kwei Akuete
Professional Clinical and Counselor Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Kwei (pronounced Quay) is a Professional Counselor Trainee currently in his final year in Pepperdine University’s Masters in Clinical Psychology program. Prior to changing careers, Kwei was a management consultant for several years after graduating from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Masters in Public Policy) and Northwestern University (BS in Social Policy). He also graduated from the US International University in Nairobi, Kenya, with an Executive MBA degree.
Through his life journey so far in diverse business and cultural settings, he believes that many of our issues stem from our varying abilities to communicate effectively. This is compounded by the stories we tell ourselves before, during, and after any interaction and the meanings we may inaccurately attribute to them. As a result, we may see the world from altered perspectives that cause us to experience anxiety, depression, and isolation. In the process, our relationships become strained or completely break down due to apathy, neglect, or conflict.
As a proponent of narrative therapy, Kwei seeks to help you delve deeper into the beliefs, meanings, and actions that create your perspective and contribute to your communication style. Kwei strongly believes that challenging these constructs and behaviors can yield valuable insights that yield new meanings, more balanced perspectives, congruency, and peace of mind. The benefits continue with the creation of more helpful communication patterns, and, ultimately, an improvement in the quality of your personal and professional relationships.
When not in school or in session, Kwei enjoys reading biographies, listening to audiobooks, enjoying a good cheeseburger, and playing tennis...but not after having a cheeseburger.
Brittany Richards
Professional Clinical and Counselor Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Brittany is training to become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She is currently a graduate student at Touro University Worldwide.
Brittany’s therapeutic approach is collaborative and strength-based. She will guide and empower you to be the author of your life. Brittany will encompass developmental, spiritual, and behavioral principles to help you reach your goals. She believes that therapy is a process of recognition, healing, and change and that everyone has a unique perspective and journey. Brittany will listen with empathy and compassion and create a safe space of non-judgment.
Brittany is excited to work with individuals, couples, families, and adolescents as they navigate challenges. She wants to help you strengthen and build connecting, healthy, and trusting relationships. She has a passion for helping others resolve conflicts and repair what may be broken.
On a personal note, Brittany is a mom to four amazing children and one super hyper and lovable dog named Blu. She loves to travel with her husband, exercise, explore the outdoors, and cheer her children on as they participate in different activities.
Professional Clinical and Counselor Trainee Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Ryan is a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Trainee and a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) Trainee in his final year of graduate school at the University of Massachusetts Global. Ryan holds an Associate’s degree in Administration of Justice from Folsom Lake College and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in child psychology from Brandman University.
Ryan was in the United States Air Force for six years as a Security Forces Officer and Combat Arms Instructor. He deployed overseas while serving our country. Ryan has a passion for first responders and their families. His experience as a law enforcement officer and weapons instructor has given him insight into understanding trauma, mental health crisis, adaptability, cultural competence, resilience, communication skills, and understanding transition. Ryan understands the stigma for military members, first responders, and their families receiving help in therapy, but he would love to break the stigma.
With a warm and empathetic approach, Ryan creates a safe and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. He believes in the power of collaboration and works closely with each individual to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their unique needs and goals. Whether you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship issues, Ryan is here to support you on your journey toward healing and transformation.
Ryan is married and a father of two girls. He enjoys family time, working out, golfing, and being outdoors.
Damaris Manquera
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Damaris is a Marriage & Family Therapy Trainee. She is in the final stages of earning her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of San Francisco. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at Vanguard University of Southern California, where she minored in Social Work and Religion. After graduating college, Damaris worked at an acute psychiatric facility where I encountered a variety of severe mental health crises. I also have experience working with unhoused young adults and single-parent families. Growing up in California and traveling to different countries, she has become accustomed to working with a diverse and multicultural population. Additionally, I am bilingual in Spanish and English.
Damaris is passionate about working through trauma, life transitions, and grief and loss with clients. She is also passionate about guiding individuals, families, and couples through conflict and relationship issues. She will help clients cultivate resilience by empowering individuals through hardships and developing coping skills that will strengthen them. Damaris is a learner and is committed to staying open and curious. Most importantly, she is devoted to anchoring herself in the belief that there is hope for every individual.
In her spare time, Damaris likes to go on runs with her dogs, travel to new places with her family, and host gatherings with her friends.
Melanie Ayala
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Melanie strives for the therapeutic space to be one that is collaborative and flexible. Melanie is excited to work with a wide and diverse range of individuals, especially those within the LGBTQIA+ community and those seeking support with their interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. Melanie works from a Relational framework and loves to bring in interventions that focus on mindfulness and creativity as ways of connecting back to ourselves.
In her free time, you can find Melanie getting lost in the perils of reality tv, spending time with her dog Pearl, and singing her heart out every chance she gets.
Elizabeth Tice
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Elizabeth is training to become a Marriage and Family Therapist and is a graduate student at Golden Gate University. She holds a Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology with high honors from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento.
Elizabeth has a passion for learning and understanding the complex dynamics of family households and how they shape a person’s identity and daily life. She is also deeply interested in helping clients navigate grief, loss, life transitions, and trauma. Elizabeth strives to create a safe and empathetic space where individuals can heal and grow. She is committed to a collaborative process that empowers her clients to find resilience and strength within themselves while honoring their unique experiences and stories.
In her free time, Elizabeth loves exploring old antique shops with her family, always on the hunt for treasures. Her hobbies include knitting, crocheting, reading novels, watercolor painting, and learning to play her harp, which she has named Aura. She is a huge foodie but never turns down the opportunity to enjoy a big bowl of pho. Additionally, Elizabeth has two beautiful children and a loving, devoted husband, with whom she has been happily married for 13 years and counting.
Scott Tice
Professional Clinical Counselor and Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Scott is a Professional Clinical Counselor (PCC) trainee and a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) trainee currently enrolled at Golden Gate University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Golden Gate University. Scott is married to a fellow therapist trainee and is a father of two children.
A veteran of the United States Army, Scott served in the Signal Corps and deployed overseas during his time in the Armed Forces. His experiences have given him a deep understanding of the challenges involved in finding a therapist, particularly for those dealing with trauma-based mental health issues. Scott is passionate about helping people navigate these challenges and heal from trauma.
In his practice, Scott uses a collaborative therapeutic approach, working closely with clients to tailor the process to their unique needs and goals. This partnership fosters empowerment and supports clients on their journey toward healing and growth. Scott is keenly interested in trauma-focused therapy with a particular focus on veterans and individuals coping with trauma. He values mental health awareness and is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for his clients.
In his free time, Scott enjoys traveling with his family, experiencing new foods, and exploring the diverse cultures the world has to offer. He also enjoys watching movies, particularly those that offer unique perspectives on human experiences.
Michelle Salem
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Michelle is an enthusiastic final-year student at National University, pursuing a Master’s degreein Marriage and Family Therapy. With five years of experience in mental health, Michelle excels in guiding parents and caregivers
to foster effective coping skills in children, aiming to minimize the need for more intensive interventions.
In her therapeutic practice, Michelle centers her work on attachment theory and existential therapy. She applies
her understanding of child development and the dynamics of attachment to support individuals, couples, families,
and children in building healthier relationships.
Additionally, Michelle integrates existential therapy into her approach, focusing on exploring fundamental questions about meaning, freedom, and responsibility. This therapy helps clients confront existential concerns such as mortality, isolation, and the quest for purpose, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with greater insight and resilience.
Michelle believes that recognizing and interpreting our emotions as vital data points is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding feelings of confusion and uncertainty. She views the therapeutic relationship as a unique opportunity for clients to experience a safe, authentic connection, serving as a model for the standards of connection they can apply in their relationships with others. Michelle approaches each client relationship with heartfelt
understanding and an open mind, deeply committed to helping people understand their stories and achieve lasting change in their relationships with themselves and their loved ones.
Nick Peternell
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Nick is a passionate marriage and family therapist trainee who is committed to helping individuals achieve clarity
and growth. As a 14-year Air Force veteran, Nick brings a wealth of life experience and a unique perspective to his therapeutic work. He understands the importance of resilience, communication, and connection, and applies these principles to his craft.
Nick is particularly drawn to the exploration of deep human connections, believing that understanding the intricate strings that pull at our behaviors is key to fostering meaningful change. He approaches each session with empathy
and curiosity, creating a space where clients feel safe, heard, and valued. Nick is dedicated to cultivating a warm and non-judgmental environment, allowing clients to openly discuss their concerns and work towards solutions.
In his practice, Nick utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities tailored to the specific needs of his clients. He often integrates attachment-based therapy, which focuses on understanding and improving the emotional bonds between partners. He also employs solution-focused therapy, a practical approach that helps individuals identify and build on their strengths to achieve their goals. Nick is adept at weaving together different therapeutic techniques to provide
a comprehensive and individualized approach to each unique situation.
In his free time, Nick enjoys the gym, games, and time with his family. You can often find him at concerts, traveling the coast, and broadening his horizons, wherever those might be.
Chantell Trumbull
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Chantell is in her final year of pursuing a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Grand Canyon University. Deeply committed to helping people, she is en route to be a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Chico, laying the foundation for her deep understanding of human behavior and mental health.
She takes a strength-based, person-centered holistic approach from a caring and compassionate perspective, always striving to empower her clients to reach their goals. Her dedication to fostering a safe and supportive environment allows people to explore their emotions and experiences without judgment.
Chantell's professional experiences include group foster homes, preschool aid, respite care for seniors, and hospice volunteering. This provided her with insights into the complexities of trauma, resilience, emotions, and developmental needs. This unlocked a broad understanding of the different phases of life and the unique challenges people face at each stage.
She is married and a proud mother of two adult (ish) sons. The family enjoys an active lifestyle, making the most of their love for lakes and mountains. She enjoys listening to live music, traveling, finding the best slice of 
, and spending time with family and friends, including their two adorable dogs.
Liz Kukuryak
Marriage Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Liz Kukuryak is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee currently pursuing her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis in Professional Clinical Counseling at UMass Global. She previously earned her Associate’s Degree in Psychology at Sierra College and her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of California, Davis.
With a deep interest in the human mind and behavior, Liz developed a passion for therapy and a strong desire to help others. Her empathetic nature drives her to guide individuals through life’s challenges and assist them in reaching their fullest potential. She strives to ensure that all clients feel heard, supported, safe, and understood.
Liz is passionate about working with a diverse range of populations, including couples,
individuals, children, and families, using her skills and knowledge to make meaningful impacts
in their lives.
In her free time, Liz enjoys spending quality time with her friends, family, and puppy. She loves
going on walks, binge-watching TV shows, and trying new recipes.
Kraig Roscoe
Associate Marriage Family Therapist #129250
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Kraig is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and is currently a practicing School Psychologist. He attended school at Saint Mary’s College of California, graduating with a dual master's in Marriage and Family Therapy, and School Psychology. He is currently working towards hours to become an LMFT.
Kraig has worked extensively with children and families in the school setting. He has provided both counseling support and tools to students to promote growth and success both on campus and at home. He also has worked to provide families with resources and coaching, including leading a monthly fathers group at a school he worked at previously.
Kraig is excited to work with both couples and adults, and is passionate about creating a setting in which clients are comfortable to explore any topic they need while feeling safe and supported. Kraig enjoys supporting clients in trauma processing, creating healthy relationships and establishing boundaries, building the capacity to be resilient, and guiding them through life’s many transitions. Kraig has an eclectic view of what therapy looks like and adjusts to the needs of his clients.
In his free time, Kraig enjoys time with his wife and close friends, camping, traveling, sports, cooking, and overall staying busy.
IN LOVING MEMORY (February 5, 1964 - December 21, 2020)
Kristen Williams
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Supervised by Darla Gale, LMFT #92413
Kristen Williams is a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee who is passionate about helping others through difficult times in their lives. She is compassionate and caring and strives to convey warmth, acceptance, and empathy to those who are hurting. We all have things in our lives that are difficult to deal with but having someone walk beside you to offer support and guidance is a positive step in helping you reach your goals. Kristen believes everyone has value and a purpose and sees each person as a unique individual who is deserving of respect. This will guide her therapeutic treatment. She is drawn to a holistic and integrative approach that addresses the mind, body, spirit, and social aspects of one's life and prefers to focus on strengths, goals, encouragement, and positive qualities while working on the things that need to be changed. Therapy is a team effort and a partnership between the counselor and the client. Therefore, a strong, collaborative therapeutic relationship is a top goal for her in helping clients achieve health in their lives.
It is her desire to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental environment with authenticity, patience, and respect so that her clients may discover the tools and resources that they can take with them to use throughout their lives. She has a heart for those suffering from traumas of all kinds and those struggling with substance abuse and addictions. She has experience in relating successfully with people of all ages and backgrounds, including working with at-risk young adults and teens, women, senior adults, and people with chronic health issues and trauma. She has knowledge and experience with anxiety and depression, trauma, ADHD, has a Christian counseling background, and is pursuing a certificate in Addiction Studies. Having been born with a congenital heart defect, she understands medical trauma, chronic health issues, and how Covid-19 and other risk factors are affecting those who are high risk.