Makando Mutanda

Hi, I’m Makando. I'm so glad you're here. As a Zambian-born, Black woman, immigrant, and member of the working class, my own journey shapes everything I do as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Therapist, and Registered Yoga Teacher. Sela, my practice, is inspired by the idea of “pause” or "reflection." It is a space where you are invited to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. I know how complicated it can be to find your place in the world, especially when you carry many identities or come from communities where mental health is misunderstood or overlooked. My own experiences with racism, classism, sexism, and the challenges of identity and belonging have taught me how important it is to feel safe, accepted, and valued. These lessons guide my commitment to providing care that is rooted in social justice, compassion, and cultural humility. Our work together will be conducted in a gentle and collaborative manner. My approach is holistic and trauma-informed, blending talk therapy with embodied practices like yoga, mindfulness and breathwork. I use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, trauma-focused care, sex therapy, and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy, centering on your safety and your strengths. I hope to help you rediscover your sense of self, nurture your growth, and move toward recovery and restoration at a pace that feels comfortable for you. When you step into Sela, you can expect a warm and inclusive space where all parts of your story are honored. I am here to listen without judgment, to witness your experiences, and to support you as you heal and transform. I welcome people of all backgrounds, with a special commitment to communities of color, the global majority, and other historically marginalized communities. My work focuses on trauma, identity, relationships, sex therapy, and embodied healing. These areas matter deeply to me, both personally and professionally, because healing includes addressing the realities of power, privilege, and oppression. Together, we can explore these constructs, unlearn limiting beliefs, release emotional blockages and access new possibilities for your overall well-being.