Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in Chinatown, San Jose, CA

Dr. DiFabio is a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Merit Psychology Group, A Professional Psychology Corporation. Dr. DiFabio conducts psychological, psychoeducational and learning disorder assessments. More specifically she completes assessment of personality, ADHD, ASD, learning disorders, and cognitive issues in children, teens, and adults. Dr. DiFabio also provides second opinions related to previous diagnoses. And, Dr. DiFabio performs forensic assessment with medico-legal questions (ex. Competency, VAWA).

I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).

When our children's hearts have been broken, our hearts break, too. Parents often struggle with knowing how to care for a hurting child. The child's behaviors can be challenging. A parent's own unhealed wounds get triggered. Then, there's the parenting guilt! It can be overwhelming. We understand and we are here to help.

WELCOME to Gaylesta: The Psychotherapist Association for Gender and Sexual Diversity. Our members provide mental health services including therapist referrals, education, and consultation. We offer a wide range of specializations, allowing us to serve as a unique resource both the LGBTQ communities and to other service providers. Explore our site to find a therapist, learn more about us, or become a valued member.

Everyone deserves a safe space to process their trauma and mental health struggles. In my practice, I provide individuals, couples, children, adolescents and parents with a judgment free environment to be able to talk about/ express their emotions around difficult topics. I have experience in working with individuals who are struggling with Complex PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from childhood sexual abuse and other traumatic experiences as well as Depression, Anxiety . I am also trained to work with those who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities, and their families to improve mental health.

I have a down to earth style that is warm and enthusiastic. I am passionate about my work while having a sense of humor. I have been in practice for over 40 years and know how therapy can enhance your life. I am an excellent translator for couples. My experience includes: Juvenile Hall Counselor, Probation Officer, EAP Therapist for ECH Hospital, Ret. Major, Behavioral Health Officer with the California State Guard. VN Vet. I have been married for 45 years and raised three children. My life experience has enabled me to be compassionate but direct.

Seeking out therapy is a very heroic action in and of itself, perhaps your first proactive step into redefining your sense of self, creating a new life story, and taking a leap into the direction of self-care. If you are reading this, you may be in a state of uncertainty, or perhaps connected more deeply than you would like to be to the effects of depression, anxiety, or your daily life situations. Maybe, you are wrestling in a relationship with someone you love; perhaps, finding the words to communicate who you are and how you feel may seem unattainable and challenging at best.

When you begin to recognize that your enjoyment of your child seems to be decreasing while feelings of being stuck, stressed, or overwhelmed are increasing, early childhood mental health services can be an effective tool to get things back on track. Healthy parent/child relationships reflect secure attachment, responsive attunement, and mutual enjoyment. But many things can interrupt that process, even typical things like the birth of a sibling or starting school. These experiences can contribute to challenging behaviors in children that are difficult to handle. Therapy can help to restore connection and understanding.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience and training working with teens, young adults, parents and families. I am passionate in engaging with clients interested in collaboratively working with me. I attended school in the Bay Area and understand the pressures to perform; including stress related to school, achievement focus, overwhelm and the adjustment to high school and/or college. I aim to help cope with and manage challenges associated to major life transitions. I facilitate middle-school group and enjoy providing parent-focused therapy to enhance relationships and improve communication.

Alysia is a warm, compassionate, caring clinician who provides a calm safe environment to work through life's challenges. Alysia has extensive experience working with a variety of populations including depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and trauma. She uses Evidenced-Based Practices including mindfulness, DBT, EMDR, and CBT to help clients work through struggles. She is an expert on addiction and trauma based interventions. Alysia is certified as an Advanced Mindfulness Practitioner. She is genuinely compassionate and engages deeply with her clients.

Life can be challenging and it may be difficult trying to manage it alone. Not everyone has someone safe to talk to without judgement or experiencing shame and/or guilt. Do you have a specific issue you want to tackle? Are you experiencing patterns you just want to break free from? Having someone to explore the origins of your struggles/challenges can be liberating. Do you need life skills, communication skills, strategies to manage your mind, mood management techniques to make life more manageable? Being human isn't easy and having someone to process with you w/unconditional regard and acceptance can be freeing and life changing.