Find a therapist in San Jose, CA — covered by insurance

Being a therapist and helping people overcome feelings of isolation and conflict is one of my life's greatest joys. I specialize in helping individuals, families, and couples work through depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship issues. I also provide critical assistance through domestic violence and rape counselling. It is important to me to help patients along on their journey through professional, evidence based counselling.

I am an experienced, board-certified marriage family therapist. My multi-cultural life experience equipped me to guide you through your unique life challenges. During the first visit, I will identify how therapy can best help your own unique life situation.

I'm Deidre, and for over two decades I've helped people move through some of life's most painful and disorienting transitions — loss, illness, divorce, relationship struggles, aging, and the quiet fears that come with facing mortality. My clients often tell me that what they needed most wasn't advice — it was someone who truly listened, who could help them make sense of what they were feeling and find a path forward. That's what I'm here to do!

I have been working as a therapist for the past 40 years in a variety of settings and contexts. Much of my experience has focused on supporting children, adolescents, and their families through emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. I spent 18 years working in a high school setting and have also worked with a range of nonprofit agencies throughout my career, giving me extensive experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

I approach therapy as a partnership and strive to support clients in working through whatever challenges they may be facing with compassion, honesty, and understanding. I believe that healing happens through connection, trust, and feeling genuinely supported. I also believe humor is an essential part of the healing process, and when appropriate, I like to bring warmth and lightness into the work we do together.

I'm an open minded individual and welcome any topics in treatment

I am a licensed clinical psychologist. Throughout my career, I have gained invaluable leadership, clinical, and research experience across various VA healthcare systems, Stanford University School of Medicine, the National Center for PTSD, and both community-based and private practice settings. My professional background includes expertise in psychological evaluation and treatment for stress, burnout, anxiety, depression, career development, relationships, trauma, and recovery from injury.

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My Training

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and a graduate of the PGSP–Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, a program known for its rigorous academic training and emphasis on evidence-based care. There, I received instruction and mentorship from some of the leading clinicians and researchers in the country. My practice draws on specialized training and extensive experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, and comprehensive psychological assessment.

My Approach to Therapy

My clinical approach is focused, compassionate, and results-oriented. I work actively with clients to identify what’s holding them back, and to build the tools and insight needed to move forward with clarity and confidence. For individuals, I use CBT to help shift unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. For couples, I use EFT to deepen emotional connection, improve communication, and restore trust. Whether I’m working with a client facing anxiety, burnout, or relationship conflict, my aim is always the same: to help you reconnect with your strength, values, and capacity for meaningful change.

My Professional Background

Before becoming a psychologist, I served as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading diverse teams in high-stress environments taught me how to connect across differences—with people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and personalities. That experience continues to shape my work today. I bring a grounded, nonjudgmental presence to therapy, and I take seriously the responsibility of earning each client’s trust. My passion—both then and now—is helping individuals become the strongest, most authentic version of themselves.

Hi! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and have been working with clients for 6 years now. I have an MS in Counseling and a BA in Psychology. I work with couples on communication skills, resolving conflict, healing from infidelity, and reconnection. I also work moms and motherhood difficulties and adult individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, phase of life issues, and identity exploration, to name a few. I have experience working with the Mormon and Christian communities.