Mental Health Content Writing
by an MSW ex-therapist with 10+ years of experience in the field
As a kid, I was a reader. I didn't play sports, and I didn't love playing outside - what I loved were stories. I suppose it makes sense, considering my father is an antiquarian book dealer. My childhood home in West Los Angeles was always filled with stories; my allowance was given to me only in books.
For some reason, though, it never occurred to me to try to write for a living. I thought the only way to do that was to write the next great American novel, and I wasn't ready for that.
Instead, I decided to follow in my grandmother (and best friend)'s footsteps as a clinical social worker. Getting my MSW was one of the best things I've ever done with my life. I've gotten the honor to join so many people on their mental health journeys, and I'll never stop being grateful for that.
I found a way to combine
my years of mental health experience
with my passion for writing.
My areas of expertise include:
💙 Mood disorders
⛈️ Anxiety + OCD
🏥 Holistic health
🧘 Meditation and Mindfulness
💅 Self-care
💹 Growth Mindset
🌅 Addiction & Recovery
📱 Digital Wellness
👪 Parenting + Child/Family Therapy
...and much more!
I'm clinically trained in and have used: CBT, Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, play therapy, Tripe P Parenting, and narrative therapy.
In my experience as a therapist and social worker, I mostly worked with children, teens, and families. I've worked as a therapist in community mental health clinics, public schools, youth homeless shelters, and more (I was even in private practice for a bit but - ironically - the stress of marketing drove me out!).
The last non-writing job I had was working as the training manager for a digital wellness start-up, which gave me the hustle I needed to start my writing business. This is also when I became an expert in Motivational Interviewing - my knowledge about behavior change makes my content just persuasive enough.
Now, I work as a full-time freelance mental health content writer, and help other mental health professionals connect to potential clients. I've found a way to combine my experience and expertise in mental health with my talent and passion for writing. I've never been happier!
Education:
University of Southern California (USC), 2010
Master of Social Work (MSW),
Mental Health Concentration
University of California in Irvine (UCI), 2008
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (BA),
Minor in Sociology
Memberships:
Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers
I'm Saya: writer, social worker, clinician, traveler, dog mom...
and much more!
Enough of about what I do, and onto who I am.
I'm a classic Enneagram 4 and INFJ. I play classical piano and ukulele, and if you come in quietly, you can usually catch me singing badly while waiting for you in our Zoom call.
I was born in Tokyo, and am biracial/bicultural/trilingual. I lived most of my life in California, and now I travel around Mexico with my husband and our adopted pup, Jane. My two home bases are Portland, OR and Guanajuato, Mexico - although you'll find me with my mom in Tokyo almost just as often.
I scoff at the NYT Best Sellers List and adore Harry Potter in equal measures. I miss clinical work and love writing, also in equal measures.
My favorite smells are lavender, churros, and dog breath.
And I may still write the next great American novel someday.