Michelle Mazza

My therapy career began in 1997 with a Clinical and Sport Psychology degree from John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, CA. I began therapeutic training with clients through a Bay Area high school and quickly learned I had a passion for guiding teens through this equally challenging and hopeful adolescent stage. In 2002, I became licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and my love of collaborating with clients and witnessing meaningful change led me to seek out additional training in evidence-based therapies. I was fortunate to receive intensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in 2003 and later on, additional training in DBT-Prolonged Exposure Protocol for the treatment of PTSD and trauma, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. I developed the Center for Innovative DBT in Marin County in 2004, and guided a wonderful team of clinicians in our comprehensive DBT program for adolescents and their families. I also became a mother in 2004 and have balanced the unique and busy challenge of parenting, alongside my role as a therapist and parent coach to many families in our community. My group practice transitioned to MindFit DBT Center in 2019, to capture the mission of guiding clients to become more aware and capable of managing their emotions and behaviors. Through my 30 years of training and therapeutic experience, I’ve compassionately guided teens, young adults and parents through personalized treatment plans, teaching them how to feel more comfortable with their emotions and how these experiences guide our actions. I have professionally and personally gathered communities of girls and women to teach skills, share stories, learn, and provide confidence in navigating life’s challenges. I prioritize the support and education of women through individual therapy, groups, educational workshops and retreats. I am particularly interested in working with female athletes and clients dealing with disordered eating, body image issues and assisting them in adhering to nourishing eating habits, healthy weight management and exercise plans. I also provide consultation and training to colleagues in our community.