Meet Us
We offer free consultation to learn more about our offerings and how we can support you.
We are a collective of therapists and professionals who bring our individual lived experiences to the work we do. While we each offer different approaches to counseling and education, we share the belief that when mental health is rooted in advocacy and social justice, our community will be stronger.
Dr. La Tanya Takla, EdD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY# 32391
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT # 49566
Licensed Professional Clinician Professional, LPC# 247
and Founder of Mending Feelings
I’ve been a licensed mental health provider for over a decade and work with a broad spectrum of clients. I’m also a dedicated professor who teaches Master’s Level counseling students and a Preceptor for Nurse Practitioners. In my private practice, I am the Chief Executive Officer of Mending Feelings Counseling Collaboration. I regularly conduct groups and workshops for the unique needs of clients including: Healing from Race-Based Trauma and Stress, as well as psychoeducation for grief, loss, and coping.
I’m passionate about providing culturally informed responsive services. I aim to promote therapeutic environments that foster awareness and encourage equitable participation; while seeking to address and acknowledge issues of oppression, privilege, and power. I practice this in my own work as a collaborative, interactive, solution-focused therapist. My compassionate support and practical feedback helps clients and community members effectively cope while addressing life challenges.
When I’m not hard at work, I am hard at play with an interest in spending time with my three sons, engaging in cultural dance, poetry writing, and reading.
Destiny Akins
Office Manager
As your first point of contact, my goal is to help you feel comfortable and welcomed at Mending Feelings. We are here for you during this journey, which is why I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions you may have. I will ensure you have the information you need for scheduling appointments and completing any insurance paperwork.
When I’m not doing all things administrative at Mending Feelings, I am a student at Sacramento State University studying Biology. My dream career is to work in the medical field and provide quality care to all my patients. My passions are cooking, reading, dancing, and painting.
Shamir Wilson
I love the work I do because it aligns with my deeper purpose to be the best I can be, professionally and personally. I constantly look for ways to improve my work by challenging myself, receiving constructive criticism, and benefitting from ongoing training. Cultural and spiritual awareness is central to all aspects of what I do in the helping profession and why my ultimate goal is to become a licensed Psychologist. I am motivated, compassionate, and dedicated to those I serve.
Dr. Quimani Green PhD, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW # 86229
Leslie Shadrick MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW # 29032
As a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, I have worked in the mental health field for over 16 years.
My experience includes working with children, adolescents, emerging adults, and adults in variety of populations such as Elementary and High schools, Group Homes, Correctional Facilities, and Non-Profits. I specialize in racial and sexual identity issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, boundary setting, relationship problems, communications, and self esteem issues.
As a therapist I am committed to helping you work towards a place of healing while providing a safe and supportive environment allowing you to process your thoughts and feelings. My treatment approach is Person Centered allowing you to set your course of treatment and Solution focused where we will focus on mutually agreed-upon goals. Together we will work towards wellness, healing, and leading a happier and healthier life.
Here at Mending Feelings, our aim is to help you develop the skills to live your life to
our fullest potential.
Schedule a free consultation today.
Angelique York, MSW
Associate Clinical Social Social Worker # 86325
Supervised by Leslie Shadrick, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW # 29032
I use a collaborative approach, problem-solving and solution-focused skills to provide therapy. My specialties include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-doubt, identity issues, building relationships, boundary setting, and workplace conflict.
Life can be everything but easy. Good thing is, you were never meant to endure alone. I am here to assist you with navigating through some of your life’s toughest battles. Our goal is to not only live but THRIVE in our lives. I look forward to collaborating with you.
Tamekia Johnson, MA
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist # 112085
Supervised by Dr. La Tanya Takla, EdD, Clinical Psychologist, PSY #32391
I am committed to working with diverse populations and recognize how environmental, historical/cultural trauma, and biases can influence life experiences.
Corey Young, MA
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist # 123794
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor # 9135
Supervised by Dr. La Tanya Takla, EdD, Clinical Psychologist, PSY #32391
Travis Nelson
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist # 112262
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor # 6181
Supervised by Dr. La Tanya Takla, EdD, Clinical Psychologist, PSY #32391
Great Risings! I am excited to be a person of interest for your self-development needs. I am a proud father of two wonderful young men. My youngest graduated from high school recently, so I am aware of the challenges faced by most parents, professionals, Service Members, Veterans, coaches, teachers, and leaders. Life can be challenging, and in times of crisis it is always comforting speaking with someone down to earth and empathetic enough to hear your concerns.
I am experienced in life and the daily challenges we face. I have been prepared and equipped to work with all individuals and organizations in the spirit of diversity and equality. My worldview has been crafted as a Christian, US Army Officer and OIFI Veteran; as a Father; as a Service Coordinator in a Psychiatric Health Facility; and as a Basketball Coach.
Along with my professional training and education, I offer sincerity, honesty, empathy, and respect for all persons from all backgrounds. Please allow me the opportunity to hear your concerns and work together to find a place of healing and stabilization.
My experience includes (but is not limited to) working in a locked psychiatric health facility (PHF); and experience with both residential and out patient populations.
SPECIALTIES
• Trauma and PTSD
• Military Families and Veterans
• Child or Adolescent
• Family Conflict
• Relationship Conflict
• Mood Disorders
Medina Allen
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist # 119917
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor # 7985
Supervised by Dr. La Tanya Takla, EdD, Clinical Psychologist, PSY #32391
April Jordan Cox MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW # 97761
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a wife, and a mother of young children, so I understand the stresses of trying to balance life. I obtained my Masters in Social Work in 2005 from Cal State East Bay, Hayward, and specialize in Women issues, Postpartum, anxiety, depressive disorders, relationship stressors, and career transitions. My Therapeutic approach is strength-based and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My professional experience includes many years of working in mental health, medical social work, family services,and with the criminal justice system. In addition, I am a first responder myself and work in the emergency room as a medical social worker.
I understand the dynamics of caring for others, especially during a Pandemic. During these unprecedented times, we’re all feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I am a therapist that likes to look at restoring you back to feeling better and providing you with real-life therapeutic tools needed to get back to a sense of normalcy.
Chioko Grevious, MA
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist # 127290
Supervised by Alondra Thompson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW # 21460
As a person-centered therapist, my goal is to make clients feel seen, heard and understood by providing culturally sensitive care by meeting each client where they are in their journey towards mental health wellness. My therapeutic approach is to be collaborative, possess empathy, kindness and warmth. I am focused on utilizing space with the client to address individual and family patterns to create boundaries, as needed, and self-acceptance to transform their lives in order to live optimally and build healthier relationships.
I have experience collaborating with people who are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem and body positivity. I have worked with adults combating race-based stress and other culturally sensitive concerns. I am a LGBTQIA+
affirming therapist and I have experience working with transracial adoptees.
When I am not providing therapeutic services, I enjoy running, kickboxing, photography, reading, and spending time with my husband, son and our dog. I also love sporting events and cheering for the BEST team in the NBA the Boston Celtics.
I would love to partner with you on this journey! I believe that we all have the capacity to
become the best versions of ourselves.
Tarina Porchia, MSW, LCSW
I believe that each individual holds a unique set of strengths that have helped them in life this far. I also hold the belief that each individual is the expert of their life. Given the opportunity, I would humbly walk beside you on your journey of exploration as you grow and discover ways to live your best life.
I am an avid learner and experience enjoyment in personal growth through a variety of activities such as cooking, increasing my clinical knowledge, and trying new things. I also enjoy spending time with loved ones and being out in nature.
Vendela Williams, MA
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT #139293
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, APCC #13735
Supervised by April Jordan Cox,
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW # 97761
Hi there! My name is Vendela and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Associate Professional Clinical Counselor. I completed undergraduate and graduate studies at William Jessup University where I received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree. I have always had a very driven and dedicated mindset, which comes in part from being a competitive athlete for over 10 years. In this chapter of my life, the drive and dedication I developed can be applied to help individuals reach their therapeutic goals.
My experience includes working with youth at a school based site providing individual psychotherapy and mentorships and with adults seeking support for various mental health issues including depression, generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and more. My mission is to help clients get from where they are, to where they want to be. I help facilitate this change by using a holistic and collaborative approach. In sessions, I strive to create a positive environment that allows people to show up as their authentic self. I also utilize tools and interventions that are relevant and tailored to each person. At this time, I am open to individuals from all backgrounds and in all walks of life. I hope that I can help you on your journey of growth and healing!
Our Offerings
At Mending Feelings, we offer mental health support and education to communities of color and anyone who needs to feel supported in the difficult world we live in. Our therapists can help you cope with the tough stuff in life so you can be more at ease with yourself and with your relationships.
Our work is informed by an anti-oppression approach that acknowledges how these challenges are connected to the trauma and racism we experience because of who we are. As therapists who are also part of your community, we are here to remind you of your worth and of the value you hold. The systems of oppression will never be entitled to who you are and it’s time to reclaim your peace and your power.
We are primarily a telehealth (online) therapy provider. In-office counseling sessions can be arranged by appointment.
Therapy
One-on-One
So often when searching for one-on-one counseling options, you can feel overwhelmed by all the different approaches to therapy. When we work together, we won’t give you a list of everything we do. Instead, we’ll start by asking, “What do you need?”.
Why? Because you are the expert of your life and should be recognized as one. We’ll get to know each other first so we can create a plan that makes sense for what you need. Then, we will use the therapeutic approaches to support you with the transitions or challenges you are going through.
Circle
As human beings, we are wired for connection but we all struggle with our relationships. Circle therapy can help you improve your connections with the people who matter most to you by inviting them to be part of this work. This therapy is inclusive of relationships of all types, such as chosen family and cross-cultural relationships.
First, we’ll work with you one-on-one to explore what you hope to address with this type of therapy. This helps us develop a plan to move you closer to your goals. For example, maybe you hope to resolve a longstanding issue with family members, or want to reunite with someone you were once close to. From there, you will reach out to those you want to be involved in this process. From session to session, you will decide who you want to invite and how often they will attend.
Group
The best support we receive often comes from those who have been through the same things too. We offer group therapy sessions where you can come together with people who are going through similar issues as you. These sessions can be a space for you to build connections and feel supported, without having to explain yourself or what you are going through.
Our group therapy supports people who are experiencing challenges including:
- Single parenting
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as the result of racialized trauma
- Multigenerational family groups
- Healing relationship trauma
- Couples in crisis support groups
Online
If you are interested in therapy but are less than enthusiastic about coming into an office, we got you.
Whether you are anxious about meeting in person or find it difficult to attend therapy because of your busy schedule, our telehealth counseling is meant to be an accessible option for you. We offer virtual counseling through a secure video conferencing platform that is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This act protects the health information you share with us.
Education
These one-on-one and group workshops are designed to give you information to take on your life’s journey. We offer the workshops as single sessions or as a series that cover a variety of mental health topics. These topics include:
- Navigating challenging relationships
- Returning to school while parenting
- Practicing self-care and self-compassion
- Surviving the systems of injustice
Consultation
As mental health professionals, we believe in the value of connecting with other clinicians to share our experiences and insights to better support our clients. Our therapists have a diverse range of experiences that can be of benefit to other clinicians. We offer support and training for clinicians in the areas of cross-cultural dynamics and racialized trauma, as well as a non-judgemental space for addressing issues they encounter with clients.
We offer free consultations to learn more about our offerings and how we can support you.
Let’s help you find that BETTER LIFE you seek!
Contact Mending Feelings for your free initial consultation.