Therapists in Palo Alto, CA

People who struggle with eating disorders often feel alone, ashamed and out of control. Even experienced healthcare providers can unintentionally minimize, overlook or invalidate the suffering eating disorders inflict on the health and wellbeing of those seeking help. Sufferers might begin to believe they do not deserve care, or that they are not “sick enough” to be taken seriously. As a result, far too many people stop reaching out. Eating disorders affect people of all shapes, sizes, genders, ages, races and nationalities. Therefore, treatment needs to be flexible and adaptive to meet the needs of a diverse population.

I strive to provide a comfortable environment where you feel heard, safe, accepted, and supported in making your desired changes. With compassion and empathy, I will support you in discovering your inner strengths and empower you to overcome the obstacles you may be facing. I believe that each individual heals in their own way and that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all. Part of my approach is asking questions – a lot of questions – so that I can understand you better and also help you explore what you may not have on your own.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Accredited Parenting Coach, and Founder of The Modern Parent. Through my deep healing work with families, I have learned how vital it is to fully understand yourself in order to show up in alignment with whom you want to be. The clients I work with are ready to better understand how their current and past stressors, relationships, and concerns are getting in the way of living life fully and enjoying it. We peel back the layers and story that we have been told about the "problem" or how we view the "problem" and shift this narrative to one that allows us to function in a way we deserve.

Sometimes, you just need some support. Life is full of challenges, but you don’t have to face them all alone. That’s what I am here to do: help you overcome stress, depression, anxiety, and any other issues that may be inhibiting your mental health, relationships, and success. I have been a therapist for almost 10 years now, and I have worked with a large range of clients: from individuals of all ages, to couples, to families.

I am so glad you are taking the first step in this journey! Now Let me introduce myself. My name is Brenda Barba, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been in the mental health profession for 5 years, but in the field for nearly 10. I enjoy what I do and constantly continue to educate myself to provide the best service to individuals who want to grow, heal, control their emotions, increase self-awareness and confidence, and learn coping skills to reach the best version of themselves. I have worked with a wide range of mental health diagnoses including but not limited to personality disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety.

As a person of color born and raised in the Bay Area, I truly believe in my task and role as a therapist to reach those who feel as though their story is unheard and invalidated by the world we currently live in. My strengths as a therapist consist of gaining over nine years of experience working in the field of mental health as a mental health clinician under the non-profit realm and private practice within Santa Clara County. Over the course of my experience I have built skills in providing therapy to socioeconomically diverse families, children, individuals, couples, and those who identify with the LGBTQIA population.

Being an immigrant, a child of an immigrant, a world traveler or an international student has left you feeling disconnected and like you don't belong. You feel alone even though you are among people, busy with school, work and life. You are not alone. Many of us, who uprooted ourselves by choice of our own or someone else, experience these feelings. These feelings are normal. You're human. The isolation and lack of belonging are exhausting and you long to feel better about your life and future.