Patrycja (Pati) Szafran, ASW, MSW
Pati (supervised by Danielle Jonas, LCSW, CA #115555) has dedicated over 6 years to working with children, youth, and young adults in diverse settings and addressing various needs. She supports families in creating more functional home environments by improving communication, strengthening connections, and nurturing mutual understanding of each other's needs and boundaries. She employs a blend of approaches, including metallization, mindfulness, somatic-based techniques, attachment theory, and structural therapy, to help families achieve these goals. Pati prioritizes early support for children's emotional development, equipping them with lifelong self-expression skills for navigating identity, relationships, and future challenges.
Her expertise extends to clients with depression, anxiety, and OCD, addressing issues like social anxiety, perfectionism, and specific phobias. She employs evidence-based practices such as exposure-response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). With a deep curiosity about the human experience and its relation to social and structural systems, Pati acknowledges the potential for these systems to inflict pain on individuals, families, and communities. She firmly believes that while pain is inevitable, with the right support and coping strategies, it is possible to heal wounds and experience the joys of life and human connection.
Pati earned her Master's Degree in Social Welfare with a concentration in Health and Mental Health across the Life Span from UCLA, along with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from UCLA.
Stephanie Payne, MA, AMFT
Grounded in authenticity, empathy, and collaboration, Stephanie’s (supervised by Danielle Jonas, LCSW, CA #11555) therapeutic approach fosters a safe and supportive environment where her clients can freely explore their thoughts and emotions.
Her passion involves helping individuals and couples with anxiety, depression, burnout, self-esteem and relationship issues. Stephanie's goal is to empower others to tap into their strengths and resources so they can overcome obstacles, embrace their authenticity, and live a more fulfilling life.
Prior to her work as a therapist, she spent a large part of her career working in a corporate setting managing others. She understands the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being and growth. Stephanie’s strong communication and interpersonal skills are reflected in her therapy work, as she helps others navigate difficult situations, conduct challenging conversations, and advocate for themselves in the workplace and in their relationships.
Stephanie draws from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including CBT, DBT, and strength-based therapy to help her clients gain insight, build resilience, and create positive change in their lives. She sees clients both virtually and in-person in Santa Monica, CA.
Samira Dewidar, LCSW, MSW
Samira specializes in working with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma and loss. She provides a safe and nurturing space for clients to process their trauma and grief, fostering an environment where healing and growth can flourish. She views the therapy relationship as a transformative process that helps individuals rediscover their inner strength, find meaning amidst adversity, and change unhelpful patterns that keep them stuck.
Samira has a holistic and client-centered approach to therapy, recognizing that every person's experience of trauma and grief is distinct. She utilizes a blend of EMDR and psychodynamic relational therapy and tailors each session to address the specific needs and goals of clients.
She has extensive experience in various settings in Los Angeles and New York City such as schools, mental health clinics, and community organizations which has allowed her to work with clients of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. She completed her Masters in Social Work at Hunter College which emphasizes a social justice lens to therapy and allowed her to explore systemic and cultural dynamics which impact clients. Samira is licensed in CA and NY.
Danielle Faye Jonas, LCSW, MSW, PhD Candidate
Danielle is a psychotherapist for children, adolescents and adults. She tailors therapeutic methodologies based on individual needs. Her practice is informed by Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Family Systems Theory, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy approaches. Danielle is a Santa Monica, CA based therapist, offering in-person sessions in Santa Monica and telehealth sessions in CA, NY, CO and CT.
She has over a decade of experience working as a private practice therapist, pediatric medical social worker, palliative care researcher and bereavement coordinator. Danielle specializes in supporting people of all ages to develop emotional regulation skills, reflect on and improve relationships and hone communication skills. She has an expertise in supporting those facing serious illness and their loved ones - from diagnosis and into bereavement. She has a passion for working with children, teens and families and helping them to grow and learn together.
As a therapist, she is committed to understanding individual perspectives and experiences, assisting people in articulating their unique needs and goals in order to optimize emotional well-being and happiness. She aims to create a safe and supportive environment that empowers individuals to explore their genuine selves. She has a transparent communication style and a warm, calming and empathetic presence.
