Therapists in California

For the past 15 years, and after completing her graduate degree from Santa Clara University, Esmeralda (Esme) Valencia has been providing therapy for those facing a variety of personal and mental health difficulties. Esme specializes in working with individuals on their journey toward personal growth or as they face struggles with relationships in their life. A primary focus of Esme's work has been in working with with parents, youth, and families as they face a multitude of barriers among them concerns over communication struggles, depression, anxiety, intimacy problems, parenting, working with teens, trauma, grief and loss.

I focus on harnessing positive energy to help clients create personal success in their lives and relationships. I provide a safe space for clients to explore difficult emotions and identify negative patterns that may be hindering their happiness and success. Together, I work with my clients to help them let go of negative patterns and create positive changes in their lives.

I specialize in treating adults with: Relationship & Couples Issues, Trauma and PTSD, and Mood & Generalized Anxiety Disorders, Our emotions and feelings take a toll when they go unaddressed, affecting our relationships, self-worth and general life satisfaction. So often, these emotional problems stem from our family-of-origin and intergenerational traumas & wounds. While we can feel that something is wrong, the path to healing, recovery and health can feel messy and out-of-reach. Our feelings are not a reflection of reality because we can experience freedom from the dysfunctional patterns in our lives.

I offer Individual, Couples and Family Psychotherapy, in English and Spanish. I honor the principles of compassion, openness, acceptance, non judgment, equality for all. I use inquiry and mindfulness of emotions, thoughts and body to welcome and receive what wants to be seen; consider the multigenerational, biological, psychosocial and internal aspects of the human being as a way to better understand ourselves. I use Mindfulness, Attachment Focused therapy, (EFT) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Somatics, EMDR, transpersonal modalities. I offer EFT intensives for couples and families, and workshops for couples

As your therapist, I'm a working partner with you in the pursuit of truth in healing and eliminating debilitating anxiousness and depressive feelings. I will meet you where you are and follow your lead on your goals. The fact that you're seeking support lets me know that you value your life and you have a wealth of strength within. I hope to be a lantern on your path, shining light on places that might be passed over, painful, or forgotten. We will pace ourselves safely on this journey towards self-knowledge and self-acceptance.

I believe that relationships are truly the foundation of our well-being, which means that improving the quality of our relationships is of the utmost importance. Whether you are a couple who want to improve your communication, or a parent and teenager who just can't seem to connect, I am here to help you achieve the type of relationship you have been desperate to build. We will work together to improve even the rockiest of relationships by deepening connections and building necessary skills.

Each individual or couple's suffering is unique. Despite significant success the sources of this suffering can elude and confuse you. Together, we can talk and think about your suffering and gradually you can develop the capacity for a sense of sturdiness and purpose. Thoughtfully examining your unique experiences in the presence of a warm, nonjudgmental therapist can allow you to discover new ways of relating to yourself and others and the flexibility to live your life differently. The power of talk therapy lies in getting to the heart of the matter, and the therapy relationship is a powerful venue for insight and transformation.

I am a bilingual bicultural psychotherapist working with adults and couples who are having problems in their relationships and/or who feel badly about themselves or their life situation. The in-depth work I do focuses on one's feelings and significant relationships - past and present. With compassion and deep personal respect, I help my clients to deal with the painful issues, losses and complex struggles of living. I work well with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, parenting issues, inter-racial couples, life transitions, loss, and trauma; toward repairing the relationships that are inevitably affected by these problems.

Is it difficult to trust others or your partner? Do you find yourself avoiding people or lacking energy to do the things you enjoy? Would you like a better relationship with yourself and others? I am cisgender LGBTQ affirmative therapist, my goal is to provide a sex positive environment for you to be authentically who you are, without judgment. During short term treatment I will provide you with tools to find practical solutions to your challenges.

Are the daily tasks becoming overwhelming? Are you struggling with handling conflicts that arise in relationships? Would adding new tools to manage your stress, anxiety, depression and relationship conflicts make a change in your life? I am a compassionate and dedicated associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT) with specialization in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and couples therapy. My approach is grounded in a holistic perspective, understanding that each individual's experiences are multifaceted and interconnected. I believe in addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying causes of distress.

I understand the importance of building a trusting relationship with my clients. My approach is genuine and nonjudgmental. Psychotherapy is a process, a journey as we work together to explore your thoughts and feelings, and to gain new insights towards a better understanding of yourself and your relationships with others. We will work together to find hope and solutions to your problems. I understand that each client is unique, so I tailor my approach based on individual needs.

So happy YOU are taking the first step to improving your life! Have you been feeling overwhelmed? Having relationship issues? Are you unhappy and unsure why? Ready to break unhealthy cycles? Or do you just need a safe place to process your thoughts and emotions? I work with individuals and couples experiencing stress, anxiety, postpartum, trauma, depression, family or relationship conflict, anger, communication, self-esteem issues, and cultural systemic oppression. I also provide Parenting Therapy to moms, dads, couples, and expecting parents.

My work is active, compassionate, & collaborative. I enjoy working with clients who want to have a deeper understanding to be able to make positive changes. I work with couples & individuals to create a relationship that feels safe. I help my clients gain a deeper understanding, that reveals alternative choices & a path to building more connected & meaningful relationships. I also help my clients build on their strengths as I work with them supportively to attain their relationship & personal growth goals. I primarily work from an attachment theoretical orientation and integrate complimentary interventions to offer a tailored approach to my clients needs.

Our aspiration for a wholesome and fulfilling life often leads us towards the path of healing and growth. Psychotherapy is a powerful medium for this transformation. In my practice, I strive to create a safe and confidential environment for deep reflection on the self and on relationships. This serves as a catalyst for changes including alleviation of stress, anxiety and depression as well as bettered connections with others. Collaborating with you, I customize and teach a tool box of techniques for you to use at home, work and play.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed and just don't know what else to do? In therapy, I provide an environment in which you can feel safe and encouraged when working through relationship issues or to make changes when life has become too stressful. I will work with you to help bring back hope, peace, and balance into your life. Change may not be easy but it is possible. I speak Spanish fluently and have worked with individuals, couples and families for years honoring their journey, culture, and uniqueness.

Are you experiencing Hopelessness, Sadness, Worthlessness, Panic Attacks, Racing Thoughts, or Fear? Do you lay awake at night WORRYING about EVERYTHING? Are your worries or fears a constant cycle? Do you avoid interaction with loved ones, or maybe you don't want to be a burden to family or friends, so you begin isolating from everyone? Do you ever say, “I can’t take this anymore?” Do you feel alone in your problems? You are not alone, whether you're dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Health Crisis, Midlife Crisis, or just unsure how to move forward in life, assisting adults redefine life is my passion & purpose.

Welcome! My name is Jody Pratt and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 14 years of experience. I typically work with individuals who report anxiety, depression or trauma. I also work with couples who are having difficulty resolving conflict, experienced trauma, or are struggling to connect. My approach to therapy is holistic and systemic . That means I see you as a human being with many dimensions who comes from a unique historical context and currently lives in a complex situation.

One of my greatest passions is helping couples in intercultural relationships. I speak English, Mandarin and Taiwanese. I've been in practice for 19 years. I use primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dr. John Gottman's research methods to help clients who struggle with communication, intimacy, various mood disorders, grief/bereavement Issues, acculturation problems (difficulties adjusting to American mainstream culture), recovery Issues (codependency, alcoholism, food addiction, substance abuse, issues relating to family of origin, etc.), and difficulty with life transitions/changes.

Relationships with our loved ones and with ourselves can be complicated. Do you struggle with effective communication and setting boundaries with your family? Do you feel lonely and not seen in your intimate relationships? Do you ever feel conflicted within yourself about going after what you really want? I understand how hard it can be to change relational dynamics and how powerless you might feel at times. Yet, I see your grit - you’re right here, digging for answers, and that means a lot to me. So, props to you for making moves and shaking things up in your life!