"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."
- Brené Brown
ABOUT ME
Savannah Varela, M.S.W, L.C.S.W. #112604
As a queer, bi-ethnic EMDR-trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) clinician, I broadly apply a social justice, sex-positive, feminist, and psychodynamic approach to help my clients get “unstuck” by moving through trauma and finding clarity and empowerment within the context of the world we live in today.
I received my undergraduate degree in psychology, with a focus on community psychology and the psychology of discrimination, from Loyola Marymount University. I received my Master’s degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley.
I have extensive experience working in mental health crisis response, community-based mental health, substance use treatment, and with individuals involved in the criminal justice system throughout the state of California. My current work is informed by my years of experience as a public servant in the public mental health sphere.
SPECIALTIES
​
I am comfortable working with adults seeking support in the following areas:
​
-
Depression and anxiety
-
Complex-PTSD and intergenerational trauma
-
Gender and women's issues
-
LGBTQIA+ and queer identity
-
Non-medical sex issues and STI diagnosis acceptance
-
Body acceptance and neutrality
-
Adult attachment in relationships
-
General identity development
-
Polyamory and alternative relationship structures
-
Harm-reduction-focused recovery
LET'S TALK
Please note that I am not accepting new clients as of April 2024. I invite you to reach out should you want to be added to my waitlist if it remains open.
Before we begin working together, it's important that we determine my skills and style to be a fit for you. Please reach out so we can connect.
ADDRESS
5743 Corsa Avenue
Suite 221
Westlake Village, CA 91362