About Me

About Tessa Wooden, LMFT

As someone who is personally recovered, I deeply understand how overwhelming this journey can feel, and I also know firsthand that healing is possible.

 I earned my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University and began my career in eating disorder treatment, eventually growing into into the Clinical Director role.

Most of my clinical career has been spent in treatment settings, where I also gained experience training new clinicians and other Clinical Directors. Over the last year, my work has focused on IOP and outpatient care, supporting people as they integrate recovery into real life.

Outside of therapy, I am a fourth-generation Santa Monican and my favorite sport is napping.  I have a 12-year-old Pit Lab mix named Kora, enjoy spending time with friends and family, and despite all the cookbooks in my office, my husband does most of the cooking. 

My Specialties

Availability: Telehealth available across California.

What Therapy With Me Is Like

Therapy with me is a human-to-human relationship. I am warm and compassionate while also being direct. We take the work seriously without making it feel clinical or heavy all the time.

We move at your pace. I am not here to force change or take coping strategies away before there is enough safety and self-trust in place. Together, we focus on understanding what your patterns have been doing for you and how they may now be limiting your life.

When needed, I collaborate with other providers such as nutritionists, psychiatrists, and primary care physicians. If you are stepping down from a higher level of care, I coordinate closely with your previous team so support stays consistent and clear.

Education, Credentials, & Trainings

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), California

  • MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Chapman University

  • Former Clinical Director at Monte Nido

  • Extensive experience in residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care

  • Treating eating disorders, body image concerns, and trauma since 2020

  • Advanced training in CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and trauma-informed care

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