LGBT therapists in Walnut Creek, CA

My name is Tanasia Betts and I am a licensed professional counselor.

I’m a licensed clinical psychologist with a PsyD in Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School and a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. I provide individual therapy to adults from a culturally informed and collaborative perspective. My clinical experience includes providing individual therapy and psychological assessments to children, adolescents, and adults across community mental health and group practice settings. I work with individuals with a variety of presenting problems including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relational difficulties, identity challenges, stress management concerns, and cultural and ethnic issues.

Before entering the mental health field, I worked in community-based roles within the nonprofit and education sectors, including three years working with children and families in Kuwait. These experiences have strengthened my ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and foster an accepting, adaptable therapeutic approach tailored to each client’s unique needs.

I have a warm demeanor and am also able to challenge your beliefs or behaviors that are not serving you based on your needs and wants in life. I have been working in the mental health field for over 9 years and have worked in different levels of care such as inpatient psychiatric, outpatient clinics and individual therapy.

Some things you've been carrying for so long they've started to feel like part of who you are. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults who are navigating trauma, grief, loss, and the weight of experiences that don't just go away on their own. People of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic situations, gender expressions, and sexual orientations find a real home in my practice, including folks within the LGBTQIA+ community. Clients often tell me they feel genuinely heard in a way they haven't before.

I'm here to support you every step of the way! This is a non-judgmental space to collaborate, learn to trust, and heal in relationships. Together, we can navigate through the jumble in your mind, explore past traumas, and understand their current impact on your life. I integrate CBT, DBT, and somatic therapy to help you find peace.

Hello, I have been practicing therapy for about 12 years now. During those years, I have come to love exploring and uncovering what drives both our troublesome symptoms and our moments of contentedness. I am trained in EMDR, the EMDR Flash Technique, and Brainspotting and truly enjoy utilizing these modalities to help people heal on a deep level.

Carolyn is driven by a vision to create a kinder humanity—one nervous system at a time. She believes therapy provides a space to explore safety in an uncertain world by fostering awareness of the connection between the heart, intuition, and the nervous system. Carolyn understands that while the nervous system doesn’t lie- judgments, perceptions, and assumptions can leave individuals feeling stuck, misunderstood, or exhausted.

I earned a double Masters in Clinical Psychology and Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. I have a B.S in Kinesiology and spent over 5 years working in Exercise Science/Fitness for the YMCA of SF. I am part of the Polyvagal Equine Institute (PVEI) community-spent the last 5yrs training in equine therapy. I have over 20yrs experience teaching dance, yoga & mindfulness.

Outside of work, Carolyn nourishes her own nervous system by walking in nature, swimming, practicing yoga, horseback riding, reading, and spending quality time with her family and her partner. She is also the co-host of a podcast with her longtime best friend, where they explore current events through a clinical and social services comedic lens.