Mae Ana Sefami, LCSW

Welcome!

I believe each of us carries an inner healing intelligence, and that healing and growth are possible no matter what experiences have brought you to this moment. Providing a warm space for clients to develop wellbeing, I offer acceptance, deep listening, curiosity, and compassionate challenge. I work with individuals who deal with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress disorders (PTSD, complex PTSD, Dissociative Disorders), relationship challenges, and difficulties with life changes (divorce, marriage, illness, pregnancy), and spiritual and existential struggles.

Why choose to work with me?

I am committed to providing effective psychotherapy. For the past ten years I've been dedicated to learning the science and art of healing. My goal is to help you feel better as quickly as possible. My passion for healing drives me to continually build my skills through regular training, supervision, and consultation with expert therapists. I also stay up-to-date by reading relevant books and articles and exploring new knowledge wherever I can.

Over the years, I've gained training in a variety of approaches, including ISTDP (which forms the foundation of my work), EMDR, Ketamine therapy, Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and in-depth training in dissociative disorders and trauma treatment. From this experience, I've learned that effective therapy involves creating a safe and trusting relationship, exploring thought patterns and defense mechanisms, working with sensations and experiences in the body, and building new, healing experiences during our sessions together.

Training

  • ISTDP Core Training | Dion Nowoweiski, March 2023 – September 2024

  • ISTDP Group Consultation and Training | Diane Byster, Ongoing

  • Case Study Group Training | Jonathan Entis, Fall 2023

  • Halifax ISTDP Immersion 2023 | Dr. Allan Abbass and Dr. Joel Town, October 2023

  • Fragile Case Rounds | Dr. Allan Abbass | 2023

  • Activating and Aligning with the ‘UTA’ | San Diego ISTDP, April 2023

  • IEDTA International Conference 2022 Venice | IEDTA, October 2022

  • The Developmental Model of Couples therapy | Ellyn Bader/Couples Institute, Summer 2022

  • ISTDP Focused Couples Therapy | Tami Chelew, Summer 2022

  • Spirituality and ISTDP | San Diego ISTDP, July 2022

  • Internal Family Systems Circle Training | IFS Institute, May 2022

  • Brainspotting Level 1 | Cherie Lindberg, October 2021

  • Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Certification (5 weekend modules) | POLARIS Insight Institute,  Summer 2021

  • E.M.D.R BASIC TRAINING | Personal Transformation Institute, July 2020

Education

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker #121884

  • Masters of Social Work, with Distinction, CSUN

  • Bachelor of Arts in Narrative Studies, Summa Cum Laude, University of Southern California.

Experience

  • Associate Psychotherapist | Mona Valeriano Psychotherapy 2021- 2023 

  • Psychedelic Integration Coach | PsychedeLiA Integration 2021 - 2023

  • Associate Ketamine Therapist | Hope Integrative Psychiatry  2021 - 2022

  • Clinical Social Work Trainee | Department of Veterans Affairs 2020-2021

  • Public Health Intern | Pasadena Public Health | Pasadena, CA, 2019

  • Residential Counselor | St. Anne’s | Los Angeles, CA   2018-2019

  • Direct Care Volunteer | Mission Hospice | Pasadena, CA, 2016-2017

  • Wellness Advocate | USC Wellness and Health Promotion, 2015- 2016

Find Support - Book a Consultation

I offer a free 15 minute consultation, so we can decide if we’d like to work together.