About Chelsea Engberg, AMFT, APCC - a Certified Nature Informed California therapist offering therapeutic services, including nature informed therapy, across the state.

Wondering who you might be working with? That's a great question, and I'm happy to share a little bit about myself to help you get a feel for who I am and what I'm about.

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) in the state of California, and I am proud to be a team member of Alison Hunter Therapy—supervised by Alison Hunter, LMFT #51484. As a Certified Nature Informed Therapist trained in Relational Life Therapy (Level 1), I provide counseling services designed to support your journey.

I strive to create a supportive, collaborative, and non-judgmental space where you can explore challenges, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful goals. Whether you’re joining me for individual, couple, or group therapy services, I tailor each session to fit your unique needs, offering options for both virtual and nature-based settings.

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by two decades in high-stakes environments. I spent nearly 20 years as a flight instructor and aviation safety expert, working within both civilian and military populations, helping people manage anxiety, build confidence, and face fears. Alongside this, I have decades of experience in wildlife rehabilitation, collaborating closely with veterinarians and animal care teams.

These experiences have taught me the value of trust, presence, and adaptability in the face of unique stressors. While my degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Aeronautical Science may seem very different, they are two paths that constantly inform my work and enhance the mental health support I provide. They allow me to bring a grounded, integrative approach to the therapy room, whether you're navigating the pressures of a demanding career or the complexities of being human.

Outside of therapy, I’m a wildlife photographer, consultant, and lifelong learner. At home, I’m kept on my toes by four rescue dogs with health complexities and a rescue cockatoo!

University of California Davis - B.A. in History/Pre-Med, where I gained foundational knowledge relevant to counseling services. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - M.S. in Aeronautical Science with a Human Factors Emphasis, focusing on mental health support in high-stress environments. University of Idaho - Graduate Work in Engineering Psychology, exploring the intersection of human behavior and therapy services. Palo Alto University - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Marriage & Family Emphasis, equipping me to provide comprehensive counseling services. Center for Nature Informed Therapy - Certification as a Nature Informed Therapist, integrating nature into mental health support. Relational Life Institute - RLT Level 1 Training, enhancing my skills in delivering effective therapy services.

Commercial ASEL/ASES/AMEL Certified Flight Instructor - Single & Multi-Engine with SIC CE-500 Type Rating. Over 50 airframes flown and tailwheel endorsed, I also serve as an Aerobatic Instructor and Competitor. My background includes providing aviation safety instruction and offering mental health support through counseling services for pilots. As the Director of Flight Operations for an aircraft manufacturer and COO of a world-renowned aviation safety academy, I understand the importance of therapy services in maintaining a healthy mindset. I am a proud graduate of the US Navy's Aviation Safety Officer School and the US Navy's CRM Instructor Program.

I’m only able to provide therapy services to clients who are physically located in California at the time of our sessions, because my licenses (AMFT and APCC) are issued by the state of California. 

There are some very specific, temporary situations where exceptions may apply; however, these are rare and are handled on a case-by-case basis under state law. If you are seeking counseling services or mental health support outside of California, I encourage you to explore options that comply with your local regulations.