Reaching out for support when the going is rough, takes vulnerability, courage, patience, and perseverance. When we are struggling, in pain, and feeling lost, it may seem impossible, but with support and patience, nothing is impossible. Let’s talk about it.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Vida Counseling and Consulting. I provide services to a wide range of clients in the San Francisco Peninsula (San Mateo, Sunnyvale, Woodside, Belmont, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Bruno, and San Carlos)
I specialize in working with emerging adulthood, eating disorders, body image issues, and relationships. I believe in a mind, body, and soul approach to one’s healing and using balance to create a healthy lifestyle.
My passion for helping improve self-esteem and resilience is born from my previous experiences working in numerous therapeutic settings including outpatient clinics, community home-based counseling programs, welfare to work, crisis stabilization units, universities, and school districts.
We will work together to find what style best fits you, your children, or your entire family. I am dedicated to serving all individuals from various backgrounds. My approach to counseling is grounded in a multicultural and social justice framework. As a bilingual strength-based and trauma-informed therapist, I approach treatment with roots in theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, and Attachment. I employ active listening, interacting with you and inquiring with you to share as a way to sort through your emotions and behaviors in the present and past context. As a result, you can gain more insight and a better understanding of your emotions and behaviors. In working together in a committed fashion, I am eager to guide you to your desired change and personal growth for the future.
When working with parents and families, I tend to approach treatment with an integrative approach that pulls interventions from psychodynamic, family systems and the Positive Parenting Program (PPP). Through the support of assessments, the utilization of the PPP books and a collaborative approach, I enjoy supporting parents in strengthening their parenting skills and reduce disruptive behavior in their children. My diverse training enhances my ability to meet my client’s needs. My calm and welcoming demeanor assist in quickly building therapeutic rapport.
Clinical Interests:
Adjustment and life transitions, ADHD/learning disability assessment, attentional/studying concerns, first-generation college students, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family-related concerns, peer and romantic relationship issues, sexuality, LGBTQ issues, identity concerns, cultural concerns, group therapy, Latino mental health, feminism and women’s issues. Her approach to counseling is integrative and incorporates cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, interpersonal, assertiveness training, mindfulness and parenting approaches.
Languages Spoken: Fluent in English and Spanish
Call me for a 15-minute complimentary consultation to learn your about your options!