I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE.

Hi, it’s me Vae!

Your favorite queer, Samoan therapist.

PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS

Talofa lava! Hello and welcome — let’s take a moment to get comfortable and be truly human together. I’m Vaelupe Ma’aele-Gonzalez, but most people call me Vae (pronounced like “pie” but with a V). I’m a licensed mental health therapist (LMFT #114776) practicing in California and the proud owner of Pasifika Rooted Therapy.

“Pasifika” or “Pasefika” is a beautiful term that connects us to the Pacific diaspora in Aotearoa, representing Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. My practice was created with one purpose in mind: to bridge the gap between cultural roots and emotional well-being.

A little about me — I’m the eldest of five siblings, I cut my hair for the very first time at 18, and my go-to coffee is always iced and a little extra sweet!

If you’re reading this, know that this space is here for you. Whether you’re simply curious, seeking relief, or looking to support someone you love, I’m truly grateful you stopped by.

Many of the amazing people I work with come from a place of exhaustion — tired of people-pleasing, tired of always being the “go-to,” and tired of feeling like their own needs come last. Growing up within tight-knit communities, it’s easy to slip into emotional survival mode. For me, therapy is a journey we take together, shaping each session to what you need right now.

My goal is to help you build a strong sense of self grounded in unconditional love and trust. Rooted in relational healing, my practice values deep human connection — honoring your lived experiences while supporting meaningful change.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, weighed down by others’ expectations, or just not quite yourself lately, consider this your sign. You deserve to feel whole and prioritized. Here, you are the center of your healing journey.

Let’s explore what might be holding you back or what you need to align with your fullest self. Whenever you’re ready, I’d love to connect.

This is your space. You belong here.

Alofa Atu (Sending Love)

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

  • All services are rendered through Simple Practice, a secure and HIPPA complaint system.

  • Payments can be made via Ivy Pay's HIPAA-secure design that is guaranteed with a signed Business Associate Agreement so you're fully compliant.

  • Please list of insurances that I accept. under "FAQs" tab.

WHAT CLIENT’S HAVE TO SAY:

“ Vae is such an amazing woman and therapist. She has helped me through so many life changes, challenges and issues. She listens to me, validates my feelings, helps me understand why I am feeling certain emotions and provide tools and strategies for me to make improvements. She has made me love the concept of therapy and sharing my passion for mental health with so many other people. I am forever grateful for all the support I’ve received from Vae throughout our time together!”

-Past Client

“Vae has been an essential part of my wellness journey. When the pandemic brought challenges I never imagined facing, I found myself in her office, searching for guidance. Through our sessions, she equipped me with the tools and strength to not only confront my own mental health struggles but also challenge the stigma surrounding mental health within my family and community.“


-Past Client

“Vae has been such an integral part of my development throughout the past three years of my life, which were the hardest three years of my life. I would not be the woman I am today without her contributions in teaching me how to manage and deal with my emotions while also giving me tools for success. I have learned so much about myself and different ways of thinking about my life circumstances because of her counsel…I am grateful for the struggles that have made me who I am today and for Vae who’s helped me to navigate them throughout the way.”

-Past Client

“She [Vae] walked with me through some of my darkest days, teaching me how to navigate them with compassion and resilience. Over time, what once felt impossible to carry alone became manageable, and I learned to trust in my own strength. Vae taught me to be more gentle with myself, to advocate for my well-being, and to unlearn the belief that certain struggles were just ‘normal’ burdens I had to bear as a Samoan woman.