Rachel Magnusson

Expertise:

• Anxiety, Depression
• ADHD, Austim, Executive Functioning Challenges
• LGBTQ+ Affirming care, Identity Development
• Family Conflict
• Parent-Child Relationship Repair
• Grief & Loss, Life Transitions
• Self-harm, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma Recovery
• Relationship Issues, Couples Therapy

Rachel is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Gwen Chiaramonte, LCSW #10937. Rachel creates a warm, culturally attuned space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported—not just for their challenges, but for their full humanity. Her approach is collaborative, non-judgmental, and often infused with creativity and humor, helping clients feel safe enough to explore and reflect—while also gaining practical tools, clarity, and strategies they can carry into everyday life.

Rachel’s clinical experience spans community mental health, school-based therapy, and private practice. At the Bill Wilson Center and the Center for Living with Dying, she supported teens and families through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and emotional crises—including self-harm and suicidal thoughts. At Santa Teresa High School, she helped students navigate academic pressure, social anxiety, self-esteem, identity exploration, perfectionism, and emotional regulation challenges. In private practice, Rachel gained additional training in supporting couples, LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD, Autism, and executive functioning differences, all the while taking a strengths-based, affirming approach.

Rachel draws from a range of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness-based practices, and trauma-informed approaches. Her integrative style allows her to meet clients where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and culturally—while offering practical tools and insight for lasting growth. Prior to becoming a therapist, Rachel worked in higher education—as both an Instructional Media Librarian at a graduate school of psychology and in Information Technology at Arizona State University. These roles gave her a unique understanding of the pressures and complexities within academic and tech-driven environments, including achievement, perfectionism, peer conflict, burnout, and identity challenges. This background enables her to connect deeply with students, professionals, and families navigating these spaces—bringing insight and empathy to her clinical work.

Education:

M.A., Santa Clara University, Counseling Psychology, Health emphasis

M.L.I.S., San Jose State University, Library & Information Science

B.A., University of California at Berkeley, English

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