Let’s work on what you're carrying, and create something new.
Psychotherapy for Californians navigating life, work, and change.
You might be here because…
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I’ve been laid off from my job
Illness or burnout has shifted my sense of priorities in life
A major life change is happening to me
A relationship is changing, and I'm trying to steady myself
I'm going through divorce or separation
I'm dealing with bereavement or a significant loss
I'm struggling with my identity
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I'm making a major life change and need support
I'm considering a career change but don't know how to navigate it
I understand what I want but I don’t know how to make it happen
I'm questioning whether my work still reflects who I am
I want to feel more present in my own life
I'm entering a new stage of life and don't yet recognize myself in it
I need help processing something unresolved from my past
No one comes empty-handed. We’re all carrying something.
How we'll work together
We move step by step, from understanding to clarity to forward motion.
Arriving & Settling
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Therapy begins by creating a space to pause, reflect, and talk about what feels most important right now.
Exploring & Understanding
Together, we explore the patterns, moments, and pressures shaping how you think, feel, and respond.
We support thoughtful, sustainable steps forward—grounded in what matters to you.
Clarity & Insight
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As understanding deepens, we notice where you have agency and what feels possible to shift.
Integration & Movement
These phases often overlap and circle back. Therapy isn't linear—and that's part of how it works.
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Hello, I'm Sian Townsend
Life can be painful. I help Californians find relief.
Together, we’ll make sense of your complex feelings and experiences, understand their roots, and equip you with new tools to navigate life transitions—whether related to relationships, work, health, identity, grief, or the effects of trauma.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent over 20 years as a Researcher, helping global organizations understand how people think, feel, and make sense of complexity. As a therapist, I bring those same skills to the room–curiosity, an ability to understand your perspective, recognise patterns, and identify opportunities. I love helping people make sense of things, and find great meaning in helping others thrive.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #158830)
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC #20882)
Supervised by Caroline McDowell, LMFT #47351
Ready to begin?
Reaching out for help can feel like a big first step. I’m here to support you. We’ll begin with a free 20-minute chat to talk through what’s on your mind and see if working together feels right. If it does, we’ll schedule an initial session. Early sessions are a time to understand what you’re carrying, clarify your goals, and begin shaping the work at a pace that feels right for you.
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Send a message
Share a little about yourself:
Frequently Asked Questions
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People usually come when something feels stuck, unsettled, or no longer workable. That might be a life change, a pattern that keeps repeating, or a sense that something needs attention even if it's hard to name. You don't need to arrive with clarity. That's part of the work.
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My approach is collaborative and paced. We start by understanding what's happening now and how it connects to your experience over time. From there, we work toward insight, steadier ground, and practical skills to support change. The process is thoughtful rather than rushed.
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I have completed my graduate training and provide therapy while working toward full licensure in California. I practice under the supervision of a licensed clinician, as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Supervision supports the quality, ethics, and care of the work.
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I work with adults and teens who are navigating change, uncertainty, or emotional strain and want a structured space to reflect and work things through. My practice may be a good fit for people who value conversation, curiosity, and growth.
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The first session is a chance to understand what you’re carrying. We'll talk about your concerns, your goals, and how therapy might be useful for you. It's also a space to see whether working together feels like the right fit.
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That varies. Some people come for a specific period around a particular issue, others stay longer as the work evolves. We'll talk openly about pace and expectations as we go.
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I offer sessions via telehealth for clients located in California. I also offer in-person appointments in Berkeley.
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I do not accept insurance at this time. I do provide superbills upon request if you wish to seek reimbursement through your insurance provider.
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This practice does not provide crisis or emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, please call 911 or contact your local emergency services.