Wesam “Suzie” Zayed, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Supervised by Virginia Gutman, LCSW

I believe therapy begins with feeling truly seen and understood. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, with an emphasis on creating a space where clients can be honest about what they are experiencing without fear of judgment. I meet each person where they are and work alongside them to better understand their experiences, strengthen their sense of self, and create meaningful, lasting change.

I also value the richness that comes from cultural and linguistic diversity. I speak English, Arabic, and Armenian, and I welcome the opportunity to work with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Outside of my clinical work, you will often find me traveling, hiking, or playing guitar. I believe that life outside of therapy matters too—and that the things that bring us connection, meaning, curiosity, and joy are an important part of well-being.

Clinical Experience

As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT136094) supervised by Virginia Gutman LCSW (LCSW91804), I have worked with children, adolescents, teens, adults, and families navigating a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. My experience includes working with anxiety, depression, stress, OCD, ADHD, trauma, domestic violence, substance use, and the unique needs of individuals with autism and learning differences. I have worked with children and adolescents ages 3–17, including those with ADHD and autism, and have experience utilizing principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

My previous work as a Licensed Psychiatric Tech (LPT) has also given me a strong foundation in behavioral health and a deeper understanding of how thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and environment can intersect. My clinical experience has also included working with individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use. These experiences have shaped the way I understand resilience and the many circumstances that can influence a person's mental health.

I believe effective therapy is not about simply asking someone to change; it is about understanding the person behind the struggle and helping them discover the tools, insight, and support they need to move forward. I value an individualized approach to therapy because no two people arrive with the same story. Whether someone is navigating a difficult transition, managing anxiety or depression, working through trauma, supporting a child with developmental differences, or simply feeling stuck, I strive to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, curiosity, compassion, and respect.

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Languages: English, Arabic

Location: Escondido, Scripps Ranch

Licensure

California - AMFT: 136094 Expiration 11/30/2026 , Supervised by Virginia Gutman, LCSW (LCSW91804)

Education

Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA

Bachelor of Arts

Please note: Each individual therapist is responsible for the legal and ethical psychotherapy treatment of their own clients. The therapist on this page operates independently from other providers in this office.