Megan Schussman, AMFT

Practical, structured therapy for anxiety, burnout, relationships, and real-life change.

Hi, I’m Megan (she/they). I’m a therapist, former tech professional, and MIT-educated problem solver. I work with thoughtful, capable people who want more than just a place to vent—they want therapy that actually helps them change something in their real, day-to-day life.

Many of my clients come in feeling stuck in patterns they can’t quite break. You might look like you have things together on the outside, but internally you’re dealing with anxiety, overthinking, burnout, relationship stress, ADHD, depression, or a constant sense that something isn’t working. You may already have a lot of insight—but insight alone hasn’t been enough to create change.

That’s where I come in.

My approach is collaborative, structured, and focused on impact. We don’t just talk about what’s going on—we break it down together, understand what’s maintaining the pattern, and design targeted, realistic experiments to help you shift it. Therapy with me is active and engaging. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, share frameworks, and help you try new ways of thinking, communicating, and behaving between sessions.

I often work with:

- Anxiety (including social anxiety, overthinking, and rumination)
- OCD and obsessive thought patterns
- Burnout, stress, and work-related overwhelm
- ADHD (focus, motivation, organization, emotional regulation)
- Depression and low motivation
- Relationship issues (communication, conflict, attachment, dating)
- Life transitions and identity questions

I also have particular experience working with people who:

- Are high-achieving, analytical, or come from tech or academic backgrounds
- Want a therapist who can think with them, not just listen
- Feel frustrated by therapy that hasn’t “worked” before
- Value both emotional depth and practical tools

In addition to individual therapy, I work with couples and relationships of all kinds, including LGBTQ+, polyamorous / ENM, and kink-affirming partnerships. I help partners communicate more effectively, understand each other’s patterns, and interrupt cycles that keep leading to the same arguments or disconnection. I’m compassionate and understanding—and also direct about stopping harmful or disrespectful dynamics.

My style is warm but not passive. I care deeply about understanding you—your history, your patterns, and what matters to you—but I’m also here to help you actually do something different. That might mean practicing new communication skills, running behavioral experiments, challenging rigid beliefs, or finding ways to respond differently in moments where you usually feel stuck.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure-based work for anxiety and OCD, solution-focused therapy, and experiential approaches. I tailor therapy to you rather than following a rigid formula. If something isn’t working, we adjust.

I believe therapy should create real impact in your daily life. My job is to help you make meaningful changes that actually stick.

If you’re looking for a therapist who is thoughtful, engaged, and focused on helping you move forward—not just reflect—you may be a good fit here.

I currently offer virtual therapy throughout California as well as in-person sessions in Berkeley. I have availability for new clients and offer a free consultation to help us determine fit. You can learn more or book a consultation through my website, https://firstprinciplestherapy.com , or reach out directly by email to get started.