10/06/2025
We are so happy and proud to welcome this amazing AMFT on board!
Mapala Desire
"I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I provide counseling services in accordance with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. My experience includes working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families with a variety of mental and emotional issues including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder-PTSD, grief, and loss. For over 20 years, I have been working with women, victims of r**e and sexual violence as well as children born from r**e.
I earned my Master’s of Science in Clinical Psychology from Santa Clara University. My education also includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from San Francisco State University, which nurtured my curiosity in human unlawful behaviors. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in Forensic Psychology.
To meet the individual needs of my clients, I use compassionate and evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, Trauma-Focused CBT. My counseling approach is holistic, meaning promoting the whole person’s wellness within the emotional, physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions. My ther**eutic services address issues that include depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction, shame, self-esteem, wellness, grief and loss, trauma, gender, and sexuality.
Mapala is fluent in more than five languages that include but not limited to French, Lingala, English…
In my off-hours, I like to read, write, watch documentaries, make videos. “Me time” and “family time” matter a lot to me.
Being there for my clients is my passion. Walking them through their healing journey and taking them to their healing destination is my goal. I believe in the power of a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients feel understood and supported."