Contributor
Saya graduated with her Master in Social Work (MSW) with a concentration in mental health from the University of Southern California in 2010. She formerly worked as a therapist and motivational interviewing trainer in community clinics, public schools, mental health startups, and more.
Her writing has been featured in FORTUNE, GoodRX, PsychCentral, and dozens of mental health apps and therapy websites. Through both her clinical work and her personal OCD diagnosis, she’s learned the importance of making empathetic and accurate mental health content available online.
She lives in Portland, Oregon but you can find her almost just as often in Mexico or in her birthplace, Tokyo.
Latest posts by Saya Des Marais


Saya Des Marais April 10, 2025
Dating with a mental health condition

Saya Des Marais April 10, 2025
Six ways to increase your inner motivation

Saya Des Marais April 09, 2025
How ADHD fuels disorganization

Saya Des Marais April 08, 2025
How healthy is your self-esteem? Take the quiz

Saya Des Marais April 07, 2025
The art of setting expectations in relationships

Saya Des Marais April 03, 2025
Growing up with passive-aggressive parents

Saya Des Marais April 02, 2025
What’s at the root of emotional detachment?

Saya Des Marais April 01, 2025
Signs of poor communication — and how it can impact your relationship
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