Still Waters Therapy is a growing group practice founded by Makela Mims, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 8 years of experience of helping women find what peace means to them. Throughout the years, we’ve evolved to provide customized care to a wide range of specialties, including services for children, teens, individual adults, couples, and blended families.

We understand the difficulties that come with facing big changes—and more importantly, we understand the emotional pain they can cause. Meet the team that will listen and walk with you on this journey to help quiet that inner storm and restore peace within your life.

Your Local Group Practice That Puts Empathy First

These therapists are actively seeking to expand their knowledge base and are often more open to educational opportunities, learning new approaches, and are more up to date on the newest research then those that have been in the field longer and who may have already shaped themselves around specific techniques or treatment styles. At Still Waters Therapy, we are very selective in our hiring process and work extremely close with each clinician to ensure their development and the quality of the treatment that they are delivering. Pre-licensed therapists are not able to contract with insurance companies, due to that, their rates are significantly lower than that of a licensed therapist.

Why See A Pre-Licensed Therapist?

Which essentially means that when you are seeing a pre-Licensed therapist you are getting all the benefits of two therapists in one. 

First, let's define what a pre-licensed therapist is. In California, to become a “Fully Licensed Therapist” each clinician must obtain a qualifying Master's level degree, complete a minimum of 2 years and 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience. While doing this they typically spend either 1 hour of individual supervision, and or 2 hours each week in supervision in a group setting under the direction of a seasoned clinician who is helping to guide them and grow their skills and experience.

Lower Costs Greater Schedule Flexibility
Freshest Training High Energy
Commitment Better Connection with Younger Clients


BENEFITS OF PRE-LICENSED THERAPISTS

We love helping women with families

find their way out

of isolation, guilt, 

and stress.

Our Team

I believe the therapy space is one that evokes vulnerability, compassion, and understanding. It is not an easy feat to open up to someone about our inner struggles and hope that the therapy space I create values that vulnerability. My passion lies in evoking a more compassionate understanding of ourselves and honing that ability to live a more fulfilling life. I have experience finding that compassion in the treatment of all eating disorders, co-occurring symptoms that arise from battling an eating disorder, depression, anxiety, relational attachment wounds, the inner battle of negative self-worth, and trauma related struggles. I am equally passionate about health at every size treatment and care. I am also trained in brainspotting and EMDR to aid in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression symptoms, attachment wounding, and co-occurring symptoms. It would be an honor to meet you and provide a space to see you and all your parts compassionately. Telehealth only



LMFT CA. Lic. 145035 

Crystal Langford

My therapeutic approach is clearly much different than the typical traditional therapy style. My approach is eclectic, and I use a variety of modalities and orientations such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Shadow Work Therapy and Reality Therapy. I approach therapy under the impression that my clients are the experts on their lives and experiences. I am merely a tool or guide to help you to discover the best parts of yourself while understanding that it is through the pain of life that often brings us to therapy because we are no longer comfortable with aspects of our lives. I wholeheartedly believe that it is out of opposition that opportunities of growth can happen. No one escapes pain in this life, but it does not have to keep us in a state of depression and or anxiety. I believe that with time and determination towards self-love, self-acceptance, and self-awareness that we can all have a better quality in life internally and externally.

LMFT CA lic. # 134483 

Raven Royal

Hi I’m Penny, growing up I was always the friend who everyone turned to for advice, help to make a big decision, or the rational mind, but also or tough responses. So, I guess this is something I’ve always enjoyed; helping others.  I have modeled my current therapy after the kindhearted, confident, problem solving friend I was years ago.

I like to say I have a selfless, yet selfish profession in doing therapy because I get to help you along your journey and it brings me joy to watch you learn and grow into the healthier version of yourselves.When I am not here with you, I’m with my family and fur-babies, usually somewhere in the water or in the woods.
 
I have experience working in a psychiatric hospital outpatient setting. I have training in DBT, TF-CBT, Behavioral therapy. Some of my favorites are CBT, DBT, mindfulness models, solution focused, and person-centered theories. I build rapport and learn my audience, so to speak, so I can provide the best care possible. I believe affirmations, thought stopping, and challenging distortions are an important part of healing.  I also believe that acceptance and meeting yourself where you are is just as important. You are the expert in your own life, I am just here to help you regain your strength, relearn your tools, and remember you are in charge.

lMFT ca lic. # 122971

Penny Marsh

Hi there, I'm Desirae. I am a dedicated associate therapist committed to fostering holistic well-being through a blend of holistic approaches and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modalities. Specializing in perinatal and racial trauma, my passion lies in providing comprehensive and integrative support to individuals navigating these unique challenges.With a holistic approach, I view individuals as interconnected beings—mind, body, and spirit. By integrating mindfulness, holistic counseling, and CBT techniques, I strive to create a therapeutic environment that addresses the complete well-being of my clients. This approach allows for a more profound understanding and healing of perinatal and racial trauma.

In the realm of perinatal care, I am dedicated to supporting individuals through the intricate journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences. I understand the nuanced emotional landscape of this period and aim to provide tailored support to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of expectant and new parents.

My specialization in racial trauma recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals navigating racial and ethnic disparities. Through a culturally sensitive lens, I work collaboratively with clients to address and heal the impact of racial trauma on mental health. My goal is to create a safe and affirming space where individuals can explore, process, and overcome the effects of racial trauma while fostering resilience and empowerment. By combining holistic principles and evidence-based CBT modalities, I am committed to guiding individuals on a transformative journey toward healing, self-discovery, and lasting positive change.
Telehealth Only


apcc #15837

Desirae Trammell, 

My name is Makela Mims, and I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I was born and raised in San Francisco, California and I specialize in anxiety and depression in African American women, couples therapy, and blended families.

The decision to begin therapy isn’t always easy, but that’s exactly why I’m here.

There is no greater agony than bearing the untold story inside of you

FACING MAJOR LIFE TRANSITIONS

I’m a woman in transition, scared and unsure of my next move. I’m afraid I will fail. I’m afraid that I’m not good enough.


You may be a good fit for my services or resources if you can relate to these statements:


LACKING SELF-IDENTITY/SELF-LOVE

I’m a woman who is unfulfilled and uncertain. No one knows the heavy weight of inadequacy and fear of abandonment I carry daily. My smile is the mask I wear to to hide the pain of my insecurities. No one sees the real me.

Don't wait to get the
help you need.