Black and African American Therapists in Sunnyvale, CA
Lighthouse of Hope Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (Online Only)
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more that 35 years of experience working with individuals, families and youth. My mission is to assist people in examining their issues, while learning to make choices and decisions that will support them and their families in becoming physically, mentally and spiritually healthy.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more that 35 years of experience working with individuals, families and youth. My mission is to assist people in examining their issues, while learning to make choices and decisions that will support them and their families in becoming physically, mentally and spiritually healthy.
Francesca Harper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Online Only)
If you’re seeking support for trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, or issues with self-worth, please know you don’t have to face them alone. I’m here to walk with you on your path to healing. You’ll have a safe space in counseling to process your experiences openly and to foster healing and growth. Together, we’ll face your challenges by exploring your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to uncover the roots of your concerns. I utilize strength-based treatment approaches like CBT and mindfulness. My role is to support, empower, and guide you each step of the way.
If you’re seeking support for trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem struggles, or issues with self-worth, please know you don’t have to face them alone. I’m here to walk with you on your path to healing. You’ll have a safe space in counseling to process your experiences openly and to foster healing and growth. Together, we’ll face your challenges by exploring your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to uncover the roots of your concerns. I utilize strength-based treatment approaches like CBT and mindfulness. My role is to support, empower, and guide you each step of the way.
Theresa Samuel Boko
Pre-Licensed Professional, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
I grew up witnessing the effects of social injustice, conflict, and violence on individuals and communities that simply strive for peace and connection. I have spent decades of my life walking alongside survivors whose basic rights were stripped and who sought to identify a path towards healing and belonging.
I grew up witnessing the effects of social injustice, conflict, and violence on individuals and communities that simply strive for peace and connection. I have spent decades of my life walking alongside survivors whose basic rights were stripped and who sought to identify a path towards healing and belonging.
Not feeling seen or heard? Broken trust? Always there for others and not experiencing reciprocation. Feeling lost and want to get back to center. Childhood trauma, relationship trauma? Maybe you’re ready to move toward a fresh start and experience freedom from emotional bondage. Learn how to care for yourself, create healthy boundaries, and feel connected.
Not feeling seen or heard? Broken trust? Always there for others and not experiencing reciprocation. Feeling lost and want to get back to center. Childhood trauma, relationship trauma? Maybe you’re ready to move toward a fresh start and experience freedom from emotional bondage. Learn how to care for yourself, create healthy boundaries, and feel connected.
I work with clients who have experienced complex traumas with a specialization in childhood abuse and neglect. Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability cope. Trauma, especially those during childhood, can lead to worrisome symptoms throughout adolescence and adulthood. It has the capacity to adversely affect feelings of self-worth, the ability to maintain healthy relationships and optimal functioning in school or work. This is where therapy can be beneficial.
I work with clients who have experienced complex traumas with a specialization in childhood abuse and neglect. Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability cope. Trauma, especially those during childhood, can lead to worrisome symptoms throughout adolescence and adulthood. It has the capacity to adversely affect feelings of self-worth, the ability to maintain healthy relationships and optimal functioning in school or work. This is where therapy can be beneficial.
Anissa Robinson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (Online Only)
Hey there, I am Anissa Robinson, LMFT. I truly enjoy hearing everyone's stories and how our core beliefs drive our behaviors. Challenging these beliefs in combination with humor and strong rapport is my thing, let's see if we are a good fit. Most commonly I use CBT and DBT they are like sister modalities. When we can build some rapport, we can also get down to the trauma portion which could be where the issues stem from. I like to begin fairly warm and can be quite direct once rapport is built and you can handle someone sharing " Is this getting you closer, or farther from your long-term goals?"
Hey there, I am Anissa Robinson, LMFT. I truly enjoy hearing everyone's stories and how our core beliefs drive our behaviors. Challenging these beliefs in combination with humor and strong rapport is my thing, let's see if we are a good fit. Most commonly I use CBT and DBT they are like sister modalities. When we can build some rapport, we can also get down to the trauma portion which could be where the issues stem from. I like to begin fairly warm and can be quite direct once rapport is built and you can handle someone sharing " Is this getting you closer, or farther from your long-term goals?"
My name is Roberto Garcia II and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA-LMFT 139872) certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. In my approach to therapy, I invite clients to partner with me in a trauma-informed and culturally attentive journey that seeks to place client needs and hopes at the center of our encounters. Therapeutic areas of focus and specialties include Couples Counseling/Intimacy issues, Self-Esteem and Decision-Making, LGBTQIA+2 issues, Faith-Based Issues, Anxiety/Depression & much more.
My name is Roberto Garcia II and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (CA-LMFT 139872) certified to provide mental health services in the state of California. In my approach to therapy, I invite clients to partner with me in a trauma-informed and culturally attentive journey that seeks to place client needs and hopes at the center of our encounters. Therapeutic areas of focus and specialties include Couples Counseling/Intimacy issues, Self-Esteem and Decision-Making, LGBTQIA+2 issues, Faith-Based Issues, Anxiety/Depression & much more.
Hi! My name is Nikisha Brown. I am a licensed clinician. I work from a multidimensional approach to support my clients and provide a safe and judgment-free space for individuals to express themselves, feel seen and heard as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. My Therapeutic approach to providing therapy includes CBT, Solution Focus, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation. I am always reviewing new therapeutic approaches that would support my clients' needs. I work with individuals who have anxiety, stress, depression, and self-esteem issues.
Hi! My name is Nikisha Brown. I am a licensed clinician. I work from a multidimensional approach to support my clients and provide a safe and judgment-free space for individuals to express themselves, feel seen and heard as they navigate life’s transitions and challenges. My Therapeutic approach to providing therapy includes CBT, Solution Focus, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation. I am always reviewing new therapeutic approaches that would support my clients' needs. I work with individuals who have anxiety, stress, depression, and self-esteem issues.
Krista L Hawkins
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, GriefSp
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (Online Only)
Are you feeling feeling stressed out, overwhlemed, and burned out! Are you burning the candle at both ends! Do you find yourself saying, I will do A, when B happens! Something has to give! I help women in all phases of life manage their stress, find life balance, and gain clarity during life transitions to increase their overall well-being. If you are reading this, then you are probably craving more intimate connections, life balance, reduced stress, more meaning, and/or joy. The fact that you are searching for a therapist shows you are ready to act and transform your life! Contact me to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
Are you feeling feeling stressed out, overwhlemed, and burned out! Are you burning the candle at both ends! Do you find yourself saying, I will do A, when B happens! Something has to give! I help women in all phases of life manage their stress, find life balance, and gain clarity during life transitions to increase their overall well-being. If you are reading this, then you are probably craving more intimate connections, life balance, reduced stress, more meaning, and/or joy. The fact that you are searching for a therapist shows you are ready to act and transform your life! Contact me to set up a free 15-minute consultation.
Sage Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (Online Only)
I support clients using bottom-up processing; integrating somatic awareness with cognitive narratives to better support behavior and experience in life. Our bodies keep track of experiences and I help your mind become aware and more aligned so you can walk through the world feeling whole. Regardless of your self-identification, trauma and maladaptive behaviors have shaped how we move through the world and I work to help you live and experience life versus surviving challenges and barriers. From a social justice lens, I support liberating you from social constructs, and helping you settle into what you know best; being you.
I support clients using bottom-up processing; integrating somatic awareness with cognitive narratives to better support behavior and experience in life. Our bodies keep track of experiences and I help your mind become aware and more aligned so you can walk through the world feeling whole. Regardless of your self-identification, trauma and maladaptive behaviors have shaped how we move through the world and I work to help you live and experience life versus surviving challenges and barriers. From a social justice lens, I support liberating you from social constructs, and helping you settle into what you know best; being you.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a concentration on Children, Youth, and Families I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires non-judgmental caring I assist client’s in recognizing their strengths and helping them realize their potential to live happy and fulfilling lives I provide an environment of compassion, empathy, and support to help individuals overcome their obstacles.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a concentration on Children, Youth, and Families I believe that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires non-judgmental caring I assist client’s in recognizing their strengths and helping them realize their potential to live happy and fulfilling lives I provide an environment of compassion, empathy, and support to help individuals overcome their obstacles.
My name is Katrina Blackwell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, and life transitions, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Life Coaching to help my clients make progress and reach their personal goals. My approach to therapy is based on the needs of each client I work with. I select the modality that will help determine the client’s mindset and thought patterns, allowing myself and the client to develop steps toward goal attainment.
My name is Katrina Blackwell and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Los Angeles, California, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in anxiety, stress, and life transitions, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Life Coaching to help my clients make progress and reach their personal goals. My approach to therapy is based on the needs of each client I work with. I select the modality that will help determine the client’s mindset and thought patterns, allowing myself and the client to develop steps toward goal attainment.
Over 25 years experience performing evaluations & interventions for reading, writing, math, dyslexia/dysgraphia, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges and applications for accommodations on standardized tests. Uncover unresolved problems hindering your success. I employ a personalized approach guided by "A problem well defined is half solved." Highly effective interventions for dyslexia, behavior, & motivation. Deep understanding of underlying issues, not just labeling. Engaging & reliable iPad assessments enhance focus & compliance.
Over 25 years experience performing evaluations & interventions for reading, writing, math, dyslexia/dysgraphia, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges and applications for accommodations on standardized tests. Uncover unresolved problems hindering your success. I employ a personalized approach guided by "A problem well defined is half solved." Highly effective interventions for dyslexia, behavior, & motivation. Deep understanding of underlying issues, not just labeling. Engaging & reliable iPad assessments enhance focus & compliance.
It is my goal to help support individuals and families navigate through life’s journey in a supportive and empathetic environment. My specialization is in working with adults, teens, and families dealing with conflict, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, loss, teenage oppositional behavior, dual diagnosis, parent/child relationships, existential crisis, and severe mental illness
It is my goal to help support individuals and families navigate through life’s journey in a supportive and empathetic environment. My specialization is in working with adults, teens, and families dealing with conflict, depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, loss, teenage oppositional behavior, dual diagnosis, parent/child relationships, existential crisis, and severe mental illness
Alex Unwin
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Being autistic means existing in a sometimes perplexing and frustrating world that largely caters much more to the neurotypical brain. Over time this can manifest in a host of issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to social isolation and loneliness. The good news is that your brain possesses hidden strengths and abilities that can more than make up for these supposed deficits. To this end, I use creative approaches to draw these skills out and teach my clients how to apply their strengths in the areas where they are struggling.
Being autistic means existing in a sometimes perplexing and frustrating world that largely caters much more to the neurotypical brain. Over time this can manifest in a host of issues, ranging from depression and anxiety to social isolation and loneliness. The good news is that your brain possesses hidden strengths and abilities that can more than make up for these supposed deficits. To this end, I use creative approaches to draw these skills out and teach my clients how to apply their strengths in the areas where they are struggling.
We are a fee for service agency that works exclusively with Neurodiverse Clients and their families, ages 14 through adult. Our services range from psychotherapy, personal coaching, independent living skills assessment and training, classes, lectures, and social/community groups. We work with adolescents, young adults, and adults and their families. Our clients range from high school students struggling with anxiety and school refusal to high-tech employees wishing to learn skills to overcome challenges of their autism or ADHD to be more productive and happier in their lives.
We are a fee for service agency that works exclusively with Neurodiverse Clients and their families, ages 14 through adult. Our services range from psychotherapy, personal coaching, independent living skills assessment and training, classes, lectures, and social/community groups. We work with adolescents, young adults, and adults and their families. Our clients range from high school students struggling with anxiety and school refusal to high-tech employees wishing to learn skills to overcome challenges of their autism or ADHD to be more productive and happier in their lives.
Sarah Marx Poulain
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (Online Only)
My ideal client is someone who is open and ready to examine current challenges, and wants to make positive shifts in their life. They may be struggling with grief, depression or anxiety, or looking for direction in discovering what they want to bring into their lives and where that are headed. Most importantly they are open to exploring where they are, where they have been and where they are going, and willing to take the steps necessary to get there.
My ideal client is someone who is open and ready to examine current challenges, and wants to make positive shifts in their life. They may be struggling with grief, depression or anxiety, or looking for direction in discovering what they want to bring into their lives and where that are headed. Most importantly they are open to exploring where they are, where they have been and where they are going, and willing to take the steps necessary to get there.
Philip William David
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (Online Only)
Born with an artistic temperament, I spent several decades toiling in the entertainment industry before shifting into the practice of therapy. Life experience has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to be an artist, how hard it is to survive in a creative field, and has given me a unique ability to delve into a client’s creative process. Artists tend to posses unique personal qualities, share similar struggles, and I specialize in both. This niche has also given me insight into highly sensitive people of all kinds.
Born with an artistic temperament, I spent several decades toiling in the entertainment industry before shifting into the practice of therapy. Life experience has given me a deep understanding of what it takes to be an artist, how hard it is to survive in a creative field, and has given me a unique ability to delve into a client’s creative process. Artists tend to posses unique personal qualities, share similar struggles, and I specialize in both. This niche has also given me insight into highly sensitive people of all kinds.
Ruth Ann Auten
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Working with adults and teens, my experience is largely with mood and anxiety disorders, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This includes work with people at all stages of recovery from substance abuse and with survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, I partner with physicians in helping people live well with chronic pain or chronic medical conditions. I also have expertise in family work - helping people to negotiate the challenges of divorce and remarriage, and enhancing the lives of intercultural and interracial families. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and attachment theories.
Working with adults and teens, my experience is largely with mood and anxiety disorders, particularly Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This includes work with people at all stages of recovery from substance abuse and with survivors of sexual abuse. In addition, I partner with physicians in helping people live well with chronic pain or chronic medical conditions. I also have expertise in family work - helping people to negotiate the challenges of divorce and remarriage, and enhancing the lives of intercultural and interracial families. My approach is grounded in mindfulness, cognitive behavioral, and attachment theories.
See more therapy options for Sunnyvale
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Black and African American Therapists
As an African American, why might I wish to see a therapist who is African American?
African American clients may seek out African American therapists for several reasons, foremost being a sense of cultural understanding and the possibility of shared experiences. Cultural sensitivity and context on the part of the therapist may make it easier to form a therapeutic alliance and to focus on the work of therapy without the need to explain or educate a therapist on cultural matters. It may also be empowering to work with a therapist who shares one’s racial or ethnic background. It is important to note that a therapist who demonstrates cultural sensitivity can be highly effective even if they do not share a client’s background or race.
Can clients benefit from working with a therapist who shares their race or ethnicity?
Yes, having a therapist who shares a client’s race or ethnicity is often valuable, especially if it fosters a strong therapeutic alliance between the two. While training, qualifications, and experience are always important, a strong alliance between client and therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic effectiveness. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who has an understanding of a client’s background and perhaps also shared life experiences. It should be noted that many clients form a strong bond with their therapist regardless of their race or ethnicity. This is a personal decision, and it depends on the therapist, the client, and the connection between the two.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with African American clients?
Clients can ask therapists directly about their experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds, including with African American individuals. You may wish to inquire whether a therapist has undertaken training in cultural competence broadly, and how specifically they would ensure that their approach is sensitive to the needs of African American clients. Therapy involves honesty and trust, so it’s best for clients to share concerns about their therapist’s cultural competence at the outset. And a good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals based on the concerns you articulate.
Why is it important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive?
It’s important for a therapist to be culturally sensitive because everyone comes to therapy with a unique background and set of experiences. Being aware of culture and cultural differences between people is important for understanding clients, as is coming to therapy with an open mind, recognizing that the therapist doesn’t necessarily understand everything and that the client can help guide the way.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Black therapists?
The directory of Black therapists includes therapists who have self-identified their ethnicity in their profiles. Psychology Today uses this information to assist clients in finding a therapist who can provide a cultural match. However, not all therapists choose to disclose their ethnicity in their profile, and they may not appear in search results for this reason. In situations where the number of therapists who have identified as Black is limited, the directory will also show therapists who have undergone specific multicultural training or have extensive experience working with clients from relevant cultural backgrounds.