Meet Us

The Thrive Team

Dr. Hannah Joy Roberts, she/her

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27352)

Feminist/Multicultural Therapist, Empath, Traveler, Nature Lover

I work with a wide range of individuals, from adolescents to those in later adulthood. I also work with university students, faculty, and staff to manage the difficult cycles of stress that come with academia. With over a decade of experience working in university counseling centers across the country, I offer college students and recent graduates the support they need to manage difficult transitions.

I work with individuals who value an in-depth, personalized therapy experience. I focus on supporting individuals facing stress, work-life balance, substance misuse, codependency, and trauma recovery, as well as those wishing to deepen relationships. I am culturally sensitive, honoring your unique experience and story.

I’m passionate about the personal transformation that comes through therapy. I love working with curious individuals who are looking to better understand themselves, their emotions, and their relationships. I provide a safe space, while offering a creative therapeutic style. At times, this means engaging newer forms of therapy, such as nature therapy, offered in a serene, grounding beach environment, or video therapy, where we meet virtually, from the comfort of your own home.

I offer expertise, guidance and support to help you create a life that is balanced, authentic, and whole. You have been working so hard to grow and create a full, authentic life. You don’t have to do it all alone. Feel more grounded in your body and self-awareness. Get unstuck in the areas of creativity, mind-body, and relationships. Know how to recognize and advocate for your needs. Understand and give value to your emotions. View yourself with compassion and empathy. Develop a self-care practice that works for you.

As the Co-Founder of Thrive SLO, I am available to support motivated individuals, deepening their life satisfaction and balance. I believe each of us has an inner guide that, when nurtured, knows exactly what we need. Together, we will tailor a unique self-care plan for you to thrive.


Dr. Sarah Joy Park, she/her

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY27418)

Dr. Sarah Joy Park

Connector, Gestalt Therapist, Adventurer, Trauma Healer, Food Lover

I am a dynamic, warm, funny, creative, down-to-earth psychotherapist. I have been working in the mental health field for over 15 years. My approach to therapy is awareness focused, authentic, and holistic. Clients often tell me that they both feel held in a warm and supportive space with me while also feeling challenged to grow.

I believe in the transformative power of connection, presence, and telling our stories. I work with you to discover your tools for self-transformation, healing and wellness. I want more for you than simply feeling better. I will support you to live your life as a fully connected, present and thriving human.

The clients that I find benefit most from working with me are those who are motivated and curious. Folks who are interested in investing in creating a therapeutic relationship with me that is based on trust, authenticity and honesty. As your therapist I will also dedicate myself to creating a space where a deep trusting relationship can emerge.

I identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and I very much enjoy working with folks in the community. I have years of experience working with folks who are gender expansive as well as people who identify anywhere on the sexuality spectrum.

verified by Psychology Today

Dr. Megan Payer, she/her

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY33128)

Dr. Megan Payer

Soul Tender, Yogi, Neuro Nerd

I am dedicated to helping people heal themselves through the alchemy of empathic, non-judgmental, and effective therapeutic support.

I describe my vocation (from “vocare” – French for “calling” or “invoking”) as sitting with clients in their darkness and shining a light, so we may find the way through together. Like most people, I have had my share of challenges, losses, heartbreaks and traumas. I have received support from amazing therapists, bodyworkers, depth psychologists, teachers and spiritual guides through many “dark nights of the soul”. I would love to share what I’ve learned and experienced with you, to help you on your journey of healing.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and registered yoga teacher. I recently started a three year training program in Somatic Experiencing, a body-mind approach to healing trauma. I am interested in the unique human experience, neuropsychology, meditation and yoga, and somatic psychology. While I consider myself an existential therapist, I also draw from many theoretical frameworks to inform my approach, based on what each individual needs.

I have over a decade of experience assessing and treating various mental health concerns; anxiety, depression, spiritual issues, trauma, and the stress that comes with significant life transitions. I enjoy working with people who are interested in learning about themselves and how they can live more authentically. Some of my clients seek help with: managing nervous system dysregulation (at the core of many mental health “diagnoses”); healing symptoms of traumatic stress, particularly as the result of childhood abuse; developing and using coping strategies; improving interpersonal relationships; deeply exploring questions around sexuality, gender identity and gender expression; setting boundaries with themselves and others; managing executive function issues; and learning to see their highly sensitive nature or neurodiversity as a strength to be harnessed for a happier and more fulfilling life.

Whether you are seeking an assessment for better understanding of your brain and psychological functioning, a solution for a short-term problem, or a longer therapeutic relationship to allow deeper self-exploration, I am happy to join you in the work. As a HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) and queer woman, I am particularly motivated to support individuals who also identify as members of the LGBTQ+ and HSP communities.


Ellen M. Jones, she/her

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 127015)

Ellen Jones

Artist, Explorer, Advocate, Intuitive, Queer

I am a passionate nature enthusiast and registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families who are interested in furthering their development and reaching a deeper understanding of their own being. I believe that we are more than our emotions and behaviors–we are complex people that require introspection and the honor of a unique and individualized path to healing.

As a depth-oriented psychotherapist, I support my clients in developing tollerance for accepting and integrating the shadow aspects of life. Through the exploration of stories and patterns (both current and past), I assist clients in coming into a deeper understanding and ease with the self. Utilizing a range of different modalities, I am passionate about supporting people to live with less fear and more authenticity.

I have years of experience working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, gender identity and difficult life adjustments. I look forward to the opportunity and honor of working with you.


Dr. Zillah Hodgkins, she/her

Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY33907)

Dr. Zillah Hodgkins

Therapy is meant to be a warm, inviting, safe, and healing place to learn your true self and find your peace, beauty, and power. I find it an honor to be a guide on your journey of discovery. I am a compassion focused queer therapist who believes in social justice and knows strength and courage grows from our struggles. Life gives us many obstacles but it is important to know we are not alone and there are many therapeutic skills we can learn such as art, music, self-compassion, narrative, nature, and laughter that can be used to overcome.

I began my career as a counselor of sexual assault survivors and over the last 14 years have been gifted to work with various and diverse populations from children to older adults, people experiencing severe mental health challenges, chronic illness, trauma survivors, those in crisis, and people struggling through systemic injustice.

 


Laura C. Westmoreland, she/her (Virtual Appointments Only)

Psychological Associate (PSB 94027216) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 105690)

Laura Westmoreland

Relational Therapist, Dancer, Dog Mom, Francophile

Recently, someone asked me about my specialty. I paused…I considered rambling off a list of my education, certifications, theoretical orientations, and multiple licenses…all the things that qualified me to be a therapist. But really, my specialty comes down to one thing…the ability to build relationships. I am a firm believer that it is the relationship that you and I build that brings about change, growth, and healing. Just like in life, no two relationships are the same. YOU have the owner’s manual of you…I merely help you figure it out…and I do that by building a relationship with authentic you.
 
Therapy with me is about connection…which requires vulnerability. Brené Brown said, “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.” I don’t expect you to trust me right away; it takes time to build a relationship.
 
The relationship we build will be a bit skewed because I will know a lot more about you than you will know about me…but, you can ask me anything…I may or may not answer, but you can ask! Also, I am a firm believer that everything and anything has therapeutic “value”…let’s talk about it and see what it means to you…to your life.
 
I work with individuals, couples, and families, via telehealth, to provide support for your lived experience. Some of the issues I work with are related to relationships, sexuality, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, procrastination, and body image.

Heather Lilleston, she/her (Virtual Appointments Only)

Psychological Associate (PSB  94027314)

Traveler, Seeker, Teacher, Therapist, Human

Combining training in psychology with over twenty years as a dedicated student and teacher in the Hatha Yoga and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, my approach to therapy is welcoming and interactive, tailoring each session to a clients specific needs and pace.

In a session we may explore your current relationships, present day anxieties, family of origin, childhood memories, dreams, fantasies, somatic forms of communication, symbolism, goals, visions and beyond. In total transparency, I did not always have faith in a talk therapy approach to healing, yet I was always very interested in the psychological blueprint underneath the various forms of human suffering. After my own committed experiences as a patient, I now believe that long term therapy is one of the most potent ways one can ensure psychological support in an overwhelming, fast paced world, and that its benefits come through consistency over time.

I am currently a Doctoral Candidate in Clinical Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, and am in the process of completing my dissertation. Previous and current education in a psychodynamic psychoanalytic approach includes training at Valley Community Counseling Clinic and the Wright Institute of Los Angeles, working with a variety of people from all ages and backgrounds, addressing anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, relationship challenges, trauma, somatic symptoms, loneliness and beyond.