Couples Counseling Therapists in San Jose, CA

Welcome. We cannot solve life's problems except by solving them. My practice philosophy focuses on assisting every client find balance, peace, and happiness as defined by you. When we live in balance, we are better equipped to handle the storms of life, which can include relationship issues, being stuck in the past, worrying about the future, or struggling with traumatic life experiences. I begin by working with the client(s) to establish an honest and open relationship characterized by mutual trust and support. I believe in an integrative approach, which cultivates courage, emotional resilience, and mindful (somatic) awareness.

Traumatic experiences, relationship attachment woundings and the general pressure to conform to social norms during our younger years can cause us to create some truly magnificent coping strategies. Unfortunately, these strategies can be integrated into our identity long after they've stopped serving their purpose. I am passionate about supporting people reconnect with their true nature, by exploring parts work and somatic experiencing. Our past does not define us, and this work makes it possible to access the inspired, motivated, wisdom that exists in abundance underneath our conditioning.

I feel very humbled when people allow me into their most personal and sacred relationships. Whether it is your partner, spouse, child, or parent, my goal is to enhance the emotional connection in these crucial relationships. After all, despite today's technological advances, we have actually become more socially isolated. Any social scientist will attest to the threat that this poses to us, given that our relationships are the single greatest predictors of our happiness and wellbeing. Therefore, I strive to help people minimize their relationship fears, effectively communicate their needs, and help loved ones respond more compassionately.

Good therapy works. It’s not magic but it feels that way as we work together to address the situations or relationships you’re struggling with. Together, we build a trusting relationship where change and insight are possible. Feeling relief and gaining confidence in yourself occurs. As a compassionate listener and experienced clinician, I will create a safe space and be a capable guide for you.

Hi there, I'm Cheryl Heinla and I am a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) residing in the Bay Area. I work with adult individuals, adolescents, and couples. My key areas of interest and experience are anxiety, grief, couples dynamics, family of origin impact, life transitions, relational challenges, and trauma history. My approaches are based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-focused, short-term solution-focused; and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) with couples.

Have your attempts to create a better relationship left you feeling more disconnected than before? Those trusted ideas from Instagram and TikTok reels, the blogs found through Googling "ways to improve my relationship," and attempts to try talking to your partner about relationship frustrations just aren't helping. The difference between a conversation and conflict feels blurred, and it's almost expected that talking about hard topics will lead to misunderstandings. Having conversations that lead to connection versus loneliness takes skills - ones that no one has probably ever taught you before. What could those skills even be?

Life is difficult, laden with pain and suffering. And sometimes it seems to come to a climax, bringing us to a point of questioning so much about what we used to hold so dear and precious. These moments can seem overwhelming, confusing, and, strangely, may also be an opportunity to explore what comes next, with openness and mindfulness. I come with 30+ years of experience providing compassionate skill in helping individuals and couples deal with issues of being alive on this planet, helping in the process of creating ones life in ways that are consistent with ones dreams and ideals

As you consider working with a therapist, you are taking a step towards improving your life, examining what needs to be changed and building upon what is already working. Life can get better and you have the power to change it. During difficult times, it is important to either develop healthy support systems or utilize the ones that we already have. Seeking therapy is one piece of a healthy support system. You are acknowledging that some aspects of your life may not be going well and need to be changed. Therapy can help you to put life in perspective.

My experience in mental health began in 1981 as a residential therapist with youth in group homes and since then I have worked extensively with youth, families, couples, individual men and women - I have worked extensively around issues of emotional dis-regulation, family dysfunction, addictions of various sorts, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, codependency, and some dissociative disorders as well - I consider treatment very paradoxical, I believe it is important how to gain Freedom from has had Harmful Affect & Control over one's life and Learn how to Live Realistically and yet with Meaning & Purpose !!

Are you a parent, couple, or individual struggling with your relationships? Are you having difficulty communicating your feelings, needs, and wants? Or, when you do, it comes out as frustration, anger, and resentment? Struggling with these issues can feel overwhelming and disheartening. I work in-depth with my clients to help bridge the communication gap, increase effective communication skills, reduce combative and reactionary conversations in order to build trust, respect and collaboration in relationships.

Relationships are hard! It can feel like an endless struggle just to get along. Sometimes it seems as though we’ve hit a wall and just can’t make it work. Is it my partner? Is it me? What’s going on here? I love working with couples and families to begin to gently untangle the conflict. Couple or family therapy can be a caring space for each individual to be heard and respected, a place for you to identify your feelings and desires. Together we will learn how you can reduce conflict, communicate better and find your way back to the loving place you once shared.

"You are not broken. You are breaking through." Do you feel like no one understands you or can truly help you the way you need? There are times that our perceptions of life situations differs from those around us, causing us to feel unheard or unsupported. These are the times we need support the most. My passion for helping others led me to become a therapist. I believe that every individual has magnificent inner resources that need support in coming to light. My goal as your therapist is to make you feel empowered to create the best life for yourself.

You normally feel strong and confident in your life, but lately you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and stressed. Being a mom is beautiful, but its HARD. You’re facing challenges you’ve never experienced & your relationships are struggling. You ‘re looking to regain your sense of self, connect with your loved ones, and cherish this new chapter you’re in. You want to overcome the guilt and shame so you can find relief, healing, and learn practical skills to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

You came into this world feeling whole. Then life happened and you lost that feeling. It's so close, that feeling, you can almost sense it. You long to feel it again. If this is you, then you have come to the right place. Whether you are a person or a relationship, I believe you have the capacity to recover that potential you sense within you. I am here to create a safe space for you to play and uncover your wholeness. Sometimes safety comes from taking that risk you have been avoiding, but doing so with support. I will walk with you as you go into that dark cave and retrieve the jewel of your brilliance that lies glittering within.

Stag of life issues for client. Job ,relationship issues, Additions. Depression. aging and mental health/depression.

Congratulations on taking your first step toward happiness and healing. You're not alone, and I'm here to help. Whether you're dealing with substance use, addiction, depression, relationship conflicts, or a range of other issues, we can get through it together

“Everybody has a story—ask them about it." This philosophy has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life and has inspired me to want to listen to, help, and serve others. Using my former background in marketing and communications—coupled with my intersectionality and drive for social justice—I am passionate about advocating for diverse, underserved, and underrepresented populations who may be experiencing anything and everything from life transitions to crisis management. As your therapist, I strive to meet you just where you are and treat you holistically as an individual who is uniquely and wonderfully created.

I want to commend you that in seeking help, you are taking the first step towards a healthier, happier life. If you are feeling isolated in your thoughts, and conflicted about sharing what you are going through with a stranger, I totally understand what you are feeling and want you to know that you are not alone. I am here to support and guide you in discovering how to move forward in your life and overcome the challenges you are currently facing. I provide a safe, supportive, and caring environment that will help facilitate the healing and restoration process. I accept Lyra and Cigna insurance.

Welcome to my practice! Thank you for considering working together with me. I am a licensed Marriage Family and Child Therapist, with over thirty years of experience. I have experience, working with people of all ages, from a variety of cultural backgrounds. I have successfully helped many people overcome anxiety issues, depression, relationship issues, and issues related to trauma. It is both a privilege and an honor to be in this profession. I have great passion for this work and believe that therapy can have a significant impact in people's lives.