Therapists in San Jose, CA

Childhood trauma can cripple us, it creates overpowering ‘intense’ emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger when left unattended which begins to create physical symptoms to defend our bodies from the internal wounds. Has there ever been a time in your life where you have experienced this reaction? Are you experiencing these feelings based on current or past trauma from childhood, early teens, adolescence, adulthood, or as a senior? I aim to utilize a variety of actionable techniques to help reduce trauma related symptoms and make lasting changes in life.

Life can be difficult when we face unexpected circumstances and challenges. Help is available and change IS possible. I believe in a compassionate, genuine and traditional therapy approach - collaborating with you, meeting you where you are at and being a pro-active and supportive companion on your journey to success. By partnering with you, I treat you wholly - not only focusing just on the symptoms - and help you set and achieve all your goals. Together, each session’s intention is to create meaningful progress and change that is inline with your ultimate goal. We can do this in either Vietnamese and/or English.

Welcome to my practice! Thank you for considering working together with me. I am a licensed Marriage Family and Child Therapist, with over thirty years of experience. I have experience, working with people of all ages, from a variety of cultural backgrounds. I have successfully helped many people overcome anxiety issues, depression, relationship issues, and issues related to trauma. It is both a privilege and an honor to be in this profession. I have great passion for this work and believe that therapy can have a significant impact in people's lives.

Are you up at night worrying about relationships, job, kids, school, or life in general? For over 23 years, I have helped anxious and sad people feel better and change for good. You want to feel happy, but a painful past keeps you in the same patterns despite your best efforts to change. Fear and worry make it hard to feel secure in relationships, parenting, school, career. You want to be more successful in managing when to control and where to just let go, but feel like your mind is out of control with anxiety and stress. You try so hard, but the choices you're making just aren't working out so well. You are not alone, I can help!

I utilize a client centered approach in working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions. In a safe, supportive, and non judgemental space we can explore the negative patterns in your life, work through any barriers, and move towards healing, growth, and change.

Therapy offers a safe support system as you navigate some of life's more difficult challenges. Are you seeking therapy for problems including relationship issues, trauma, depression/anxiety, grief over any type of loss, chronic illness, divorce, retirement or even facing mortality? As your therapist, I will help you process events and relationships, both current and past, that influence your current challenges. Therapy is a collaborative effort and not a quick fix. Along with empathy, I offer a safe and supportive environment to discuss your concerns and take progressive steps toward adaptation and acceptance to enhance your life.

I am committed to helping you fully step into your precious life. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, or perhaps you long for a more vibrant and meaningful life, I am available to guide you into deeper joy and meaning in your life. By supporting you to embody your most authentic and spontaneous self, this naturally results in greater aliveness and vitality; an increased self esteem; a taming of the mind by releasing unhelpful thought patterns; and greater courage, joy and self-knowledge. I specialize in transforming and evolving long-term relationships; and addressing and alleviating anxiety and depression.

Good therapy works. It’s not magic but it feels that way as we work together to address the situations or relationships you’re struggling with. Together, we build a trusting relationship where change and insight are possible. Feeling relief and gaining confidence in yourself occurs. As a compassionate listener and experienced clinician, I will create a safe space and be a capable guide for you.

Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.

My name is Shayma Mortazavi, Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist, working in this field past decade. I specialize in helping adults who have faced severe psychological challenges, depression, mood instability, anxiety, anger management, work stress, relationship and parenting issues, phase of life adjustments, grief and loss, and cultural transitions experiences. I also have extensive knowledge of addiction and recovery.

Do you struggle with feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt or low self-esteem? Do you find yourself avoiding social engagements or so preoccupied with excessive worrying? Finding ways to navigate these difficult feelings can help you get back on track. I use a psychodynamic approach and CBT that focuses on uncovering patterns of behavior and ways of relating to ourselves and others that are often outside of our awareness. I also consider how our past impacts who we are today. Through acceptance and empathy, we will establish a trusting therapeutic relationship and work together toward your personal growth and self-discovery.

Currently accepting new clients (Both In-person or via Telehealth) My ideal client is someone who is seeking a calm and comfortable atmosphere where they can fully express themselves. Part of the process is working together to identify their individual issues and expand upon them as needed. Clients can expect a confidential and safe space where they can be heard, treated with respect, and a receive a professional therapeutic approach to address their individual need

Nobody’s childhood dream was to grow up and feel overwhelmed, alone, stuck or unworthy. I aim to help individuals heal from trauma-related issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship/family issues. If you find yourself living without a navigation system to understand emotional terrain or trauma that impacts your well-being; you are not alone. All of us go through rough patches in our lives. My approach is specific to meet your unique needs in a safe and non-judgemental space.

Clients in my practice express various struggles such as feeling unhappy, lonely, unsatisfied, irritable, lost, stuck, overwhelmed, unmotivated, isolated, inauthentic, and hopeless. They are unsure about where they are in school or work. They may use terms such as depressed, stressed, anxious, numb, traumatized, grieving, and anxious/avoidant attachment. They seek to know themselves more or to feel more whole. They seek to unlearn unconscious and unhelpful habits, as well as grow and tend to their relationships with others and themselves. They want their life to align and feel at peace in a way it might not.

Do you struggle with anxiety and depression due to your childhood trauma? Are you having problems with your partner or family members due to life transition issues? Are you experiencing increased stress, fears, and doubts around the future? I believe that we all have the capacity to heal our emotional wounds and create meaningful changes. My goal as a therapist is to offer you a safe place in which you can process insights, concerns, and emotions associated with trauma.

Has trauma, anxiety, or depression interfered with the potential to become the best version of yourself? We often feel defined by traumatic or emotionally difficult experiences then often leave us feeling stuck in place rather than moving forward towards our goals. I’m here to provide a safe, affirming space for you to develop an understanding of yourself to overcome past experiences or fears that define you. Our work together will be met with unconditional acceptance, creative approaches, and the utmost compassion.

You may be feeling stuck, hopeless, defeated. You may be stuck in a cycle of depression and/or anxiety. You may be questioning your purpose and the path you've been on. You may be struggling with a life transition or a new role. I believe each individual and circumstance is unique, and as such, take great care in my assessments to get to know you. As a trauma therapist, I am sensitive to what you've been through and where you want to go. Along the journey we will discover marked paths and reveal new insights.

Dr. Arce is a licensed clinical psychologist, experienced in working with multicultural individuals, catering treatment to patient's needs. She has worked in multiple settings including: university counseling, hospitals, medical school, and community mental health agencies. Most recently she has worked with couples in pre-marital counseling. Dr. Arce specializes in life transitions, anxiety disorders, depression, heath-related difficulties, relationships, and spiritual development. Communication of needs and progress are reviewed regularly to ensure that each patient finds value in the time spent in treatment.

I have personally suffered with mental health challenges through different stages in my life. I know what it’s like to talk to friends/family but not gain any movement towards a happier life. It wasn’t until I connected with a therapist and admitted to myself that I was sick and tired of feeling symptoms of anxiety, depression, and setting healthy boundaries that I was able to make progress toward a happier life.