Pacific Islander Therapists in Menlo Park, CA

My approach is based on principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a mindfulness-based behavioral approach that has been empirically-validated to be effective across a wide range of diagnoses, age groups and cultural backgrounds. I enjoy working with tweens/teens, individual adults, parents and families struggling with challenges related to parent-child issues, ADHD, grief, transgender, adoption, trauma, life transitions, spirituality and diversity/race-related issues. I also have a passion for working with Asian/Pacific Islander and BIPOC women.

Sometimes you can sail through your life issues just fine without any professional therapy help. Other times, therapy can help you navigate difficult times, which are inevitable given that life is sometimes unpredictable, odd, and even painful. Therapy can help smooth the bumps in the relationships that you have: both within your own self and with others.

Welcome, I'm Cheryl Polyudhapoom, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. I've started my own private practice because I’m committed to helping adults learn how to build healthier relationships, be free from trauma, and to overall learn how to manage their mental health. My work focuses on targeting negative behaviors, habits, and thoughts. I believe in utilizing multiple modalities in treatment to help clients reach their goals, but my primary approach in treatment is through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

It's time to take an adventure, be here now. Let's keep it simple in a way that is meaningful through the perspective of your world view. I provide humanistic psychotherapy in a meaningful way.

As human beings, we all experience periods of pain that test our resources and ability to cope. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, loss/grief, self-doubt or going through a time of turbulent change, I am here to support your growth and healing. In therapy, I aim to help you gain insight into your emotional experience, reconnect with your core needs and values, and cultivate new coping skills to tackle life's stressors. My approach is warm, gentle but actionable, and collaborative. I recognize that we all have different healing journeys and strive to tailor treatment to suit your individual goals and needs.

I believe in meeting the client where they are, facing the issues presented with an open mind, and to always establish healthy boundaries. My approach is to help manage life's transitions together in a way that provides a nurturing & empathetic experience.

The search for a therapist can be a daunting task filled with anxiety and skepticism. I believe the therapeutic relationship starts with comfort and trust, and it is important to feel a genuine connection with your therapist. It is important to feel valued and respected by your therapist as you may disclose the most vulnerable aspects of your life. With the right connection, you can feel supported to explore parts of you otherwise locked away.

I believe for therapy to be effective, there must be established trust, a willingness to be vulnerable and a commitment to be authentic. I work with those seeking for a more balanced sense of themselves. My style is direct, transparent, insight-oriented and Psychodynamic. I use cognitive behavioral techniques and evidence based practices to help clients achieve their goals of working through depression, managing anxiety, replenishing caregiver-burnt out and coping with life stress. I am a family educator and also believe a sense of humor (when appropriate), is necessary for this line of work. Certified SoulCollage® facilitator.

Do you find yourself shut down or suppress your feelings? Do you struggle in relationships due to your trauma? Are you unsure of where you belong? I work with people of all identities to process unresolved feelings due to trauma. I strive to provide you a safe and non-judgmental space, in order for you to develop coping mechanisms for trauma symptoms (anxiety, depression, addiction, etc.) and to explore aspects of yourself. I can help you let go of past HURTS and develop tools to find RELIEF.

Are you exhausted and feeling disconnected? Can’t relax and forgotten what it’s like to get a good night’s sleep or enjoy the small things in life? Having trouble balancing priorities or unclear about what those priorities are? Do everyone else’s needs come before your own? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of those questions, then let’s talk. I’m a Filipina, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 16 years of experience in the San Francisco Bay Area. I specialize in working with professional women and BIPOC who have a lot on their plate and feel like they’re going to collapse or explode if one more thing happens.

Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burned out because of your life challenges? Going through life transitions, dealing with cultural issues, work stress, relationship difficulties with partner, children, other families and friends, sleep difficulties, and emotional challenges due to different factors including trauma — You may feel frustrated and helpless when you try to cope with these issues by yourself. I can help. Together, we will find a way to better understand the issues, process all your emotions in a safe place, and find best ways to manage them. I take great joy and pleasure witnessing you achieving your best self.

You are stressed out, and overwhelmed by the fast-paced Bay Area professional hustle. Underneath you wake up with this aching feeling that "you are never good enough." You try to supress, and rationalize this feeling away by checking out, working hard, and distracting yourself from all the stress and anxiety you carry. To deal with all this you disconnect, rationalize, and analyze your feelings. Your partners compain that you are "emotionally unavailable" or "detached." Deep down you can't sit with uncertainty, or your feelings. You realized you NEED to change and need help NOW. You can no longer live like and you would like relief.

Ready to prioritize your mental health and well-being? Let's do this! As a therapist (and a human being), I get that life can be overwhelming. Whether it's battling anxiety, depression, surviving tough times, or just trying to figure out what the heck you're doing in life—I'm here to support you. I work with clients who have a desire to be their authentic self, navigating life transitions, struggle with setting healthy boundaries, or may be feeling like something is “missing” in their life. My clients share that I have been a positive support in helping them work through their challenges, in addition to creating a life they desire.

If you are looking to create positive changes in your life, but do not know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. Megan has experience working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, work and life stress. She works from an approach that offers comfort and understanding, while also challenging you to become the best version of yourself. She believes that the therapeutic space is a place to grow and evolve into the best version of yourself, and she truly cares about helping you get there.