Finding Your Way Home

Life can feel noisy, heavy, or simply off-track sometimes. Whether you’re carrying grief, stress, big life changes, or just a quiet sense that something needs to shift - you’re welcome here exactly as you are.

I offer a calm, compassionate, nonjudgmental space. No pressure to perform. Just honest conversation, curiosity, and an opportunity to explore what’s on your heart and mind.

If you’re looking for support that feels human and grounded, I’d be glad to walk alongside you for a while.

About Me

My name is Donny Lavezzo. I am an LMFT in CA (151803). I grew up in San Mateo, CA, and still feel most at home in the Bay Area’s hills, trails, and open sky. After studying at UC Berkeley as an undergraduate, I went on to earn my master’s degree in Counseling Psychology at Palo Alto University. Along the way, I’ve always been deeply curious about the human experience - how we think, feel, and navigate our way through life.

That curiosity has stayed with me. I’m drawn to the mysteries of the mind, consciousness, and the body’s wisdom. For many years I’ve practiced meditation and explored movement - dance, somatic practices, and mindfulness - as gentle, powerful ways to regulate emotions and come back to myself. Being outdoors, whether walking in nature or simply feeling the air, continues to be one of my favorite ways to stay grounded and present.

Outside of sessions, you’ll often find me on an adventure in the mountains, at a movement or mindfulness workshop, or deep into a book on archetypes and the soul. I walk through the world with a blend of openness, wonder, and deep rootedness to the Earth - and I bring that into the work we do together.

I’d be honored to walk alongside you for a while on your way home to yourself.

My Approach

I bring a warm, integrated, and deeply human perspective to our work together. My style is collaborative and flexible - always guided by curiosity, compassion, and what feels most helpful for you.

Background & Experience

After earning my masters degree in 2021, I worked for 2 years as a high school mental health counselor, for 3 years as an IOP (Intensive Outpatient) addiction counselor, and now as a therapist in private practice. In these roles, I supported individuals through some of life’s most challenging transitions and facilitated both process groups and psychoeducational groups. These experiences taught me the power of creating safe spaces where people can be honest, explore patterns, and reconnect with their own strength and wisdom.

How I Work

I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to listen carefully, ask gentle questions, and offer a steady, non-judgmental space where you can slow down and explore freely.

Rather than sticking to one single method, I draw from a variety of approaches and weave them together in a way that fits your unique needs:

  • Person-centered listening and deep respect for your own pace and inner knowing

  • Somatic and mindfulness-based practices — helping you tune into the wisdom of your body and breath

  • Internal Family Systems (parts work) — gently exploring the different “parts” of you with curiosity instead of judgment

  • Ideas from DBT and CBT when practical tools for emotions, thoughts, or behaviors feel useful

  • Movement, dance, and nature as resources for regulation and reconnection

I’ve practiced meditation for many years and continue to be fascinated by consciousness, the mind-body connection, and how we heal through relationship - with ourselves and with others. Being outdoors, moving the body, and staying curious are central to how I stay grounded, and I often bring elements of that awareness into sessions when it feels right.

What This Means for You

Sessions with me tend to feel conversational and present. We might talk, sit with emotions, notice what’s happening in your body, explore patterns, or experiment with small practices that help you feel more at home in yourself. There’s no pressure to “perform” or get it right. You can show up exactly as you are - even if you’re unsure or overwhelmed.

My goal is simple: to help you feel more understood, more connected to yourself, and better equipped to navigate whatever chapter of life you’re in.

My Services

I offer individual therapy sessions for teens and adults in CA - both in-person or online depending on your preference. Each session is 50 minutes and tailored to your needs, pace, and goals.

Session Rate & Financial Information

  • Standard rate: $120 per 50-minute session

I believe financial barriers should not prevent people from accessing support. I offer a sliding scale for a limited number of clients, so reduced rates may be available depending on your circumstances.

If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out and let me know. I’m happy to discuss options so that we can find a workable arrangement.

Insurance

I am an out-of-network provider and do not bill insurance directly. However, I can provide you with a superbill after each session. You may then submit this to your insurance company for possible partial reimbursement, depending on your specific plan and out-of-network benefits.

I’m glad to answer any questions you have about this process.

Contact:

If you’re interested in learning more about my services or beginning therapy, please fill out the form below or email me directly at donlavezzolmft@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you and connecting!