Domestic Abuse Therapists in Sunnyvale, CA

Photo of Andrew Schnell, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Schnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
This includes areas of community mental health, private practice, residential facilities, foster care, county mental health, juvenile hall, schools, substance abuse and chemical dependency, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, and crisis intervention.
As human beings we learn, develop meaning, and create a sense of purpose through each other and the relationships we form. In the same spirit I believe the therapeutic process is driven by the relationship formed between the client and the therapist. This is why my approach in therapy is guided by the question - "How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their personal growth?" I strive to create an empathic, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you feel safe and empowered to work toward personal growth and creating lasting change; forming trust and leaning toward vulnerability.
This includes areas of community mental health, private practice, residential facilities, foster care, county mental health, juvenile hall, schools, substance abuse and chemical dependency, adults with severe and persistent mental illness, and crisis intervention.
As human beings we learn, develop meaning, and create a sense of purpose through each other and the relationships we form. In the same spirit I believe the therapeutic process is driven by the relationship formed between the client and the therapist. This is why my approach in therapy is guided by the question - "How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their personal growth?" I strive to create an empathic, nonjudgmental atmosphere where you feel safe and empowered to work toward personal growth and creating lasting change; forming trust and leaning toward vulnerability.
(650) 405-0646 View (650) 405-0646
Photo of Francesca Harper, MS, AMFT, APCC, PPSC, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Francesca Harper
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, APCC, PPSC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086  (Online Only)
I also have experience working with survivors of violent crime such as sexual assault and domestic violence.
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.
I also have experience working with survivors of violent crime such as sexual assault and domestic violence.
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.
(408) 549-8595 View (408) 549-8595
Photo of Ashley Ah Hyun Lee, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ashley Ah Hyun Lee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086  (Online Only)
We specialize in Trauma and PTSD. We work with individual adults who have a long history of childhood trauma, sexual violence and abuse, difficult family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural differences with their parents, family members with substance use issues, social anxiety, phobia, and depression. We help you process what happened, attend to and be with your emotions without dissociating, and rather find relief from sharing the stories. We also work with people whose doctors have recommended seeking trauma therapy like EMDR therapy.
We specialize in Trauma and PTSD. We work with individual adults who have a long history of childhood trauma, sexual violence and abuse, difficult family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, cultural differences with their parents, family members with substance use issues, social anxiety, phobia, and depression. We help you process what happened, attend to and be with your emotions without dissociating, and rather find relief from sharing the stories. We also work with people whose doctors have recommended seeking trauma therapy like EMDR therapy.
(650) 955-4312 View (650) 955-4312
Photo of Janet Barkin Jacobi, MA, JD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Janet Barkin Jacobi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, JD
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I see clients age 1 6 and up. I take a collaborative approach and provide the support, patience and compassion necessary to promote change and growth. I feel fortunate to work in private practice and at a local hospital. I see a diverse population of clients and have exposure to a wide variety of issues and diagnoses: anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, domestic violence/trauma, work/school stress, parenting, relationship problems, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, assertiveness/self-esteem, gender incongruence, caregiver stress and life transitions (going to college, having a baby, getting married/divorced, moving, changing jobs).
I see clients age 1 6 and up. I take a collaborative approach and provide the support, patience and compassion necessary to promote change and growth. I feel fortunate to work in private practice and at a local hospital. I see a diverse population of clients and have exposure to a wide variety of issues and diagnoses: anxiety, depression, ADHD, Autism, domestic violence/trauma, work/school stress, parenting, relationship problems, grief/loss, chronic illness/pain, assertiveness/self-esteem, gender incongruence, caregiver stress and life transitions (going to college, having a baby, getting married/divorced, moving, changing jobs).
(408) 337-6829 View (408) 337-6829
Photo of Marilee Ruebsamen, PhD, Psychologist
Marilee Ruebsamen
Psychologist, PhD
Not Verified Not Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Part of Abbey (Blue Canoe)(Open Path Collective) is reserved for marginalized "uprooted" "traveling children" (UN) who cannot pay, rendered vulnerable by acute distress, abandonment, homelessness, complicated medical conditions (pediatric cancers; HIV/AIDS), gender-based harrassment/ violence, commercial/sex trafficking, war trauma; forced displacement by oppressive cults/regimes.
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
Part of Abbey (Blue Canoe)(Open Path Collective) is reserved for marginalized "uprooted" "traveling children" (UN) who cannot pay, rendered vulnerable by acute distress, abandonment, homelessness, complicated medical conditions (pediatric cancers; HIV/AIDS), gender-based harrassment/ violence, commercial/sex trafficking, war trauma; forced displacement by oppressive cults/regimes.
Are you concerned for your children in an ongoing high conflict divorce or another highly distressing situation? I consult, support, offer parent/child coping strategies to prevent longterm effects of severe stress & trauma for children/affected others. Even the youngest can demonstrate remarkable resilience. We attend to their confusion, impaired awareness, degree of distorted cognition. Parents cultivate enhanced attunement, insight, learn to see beyond children's distorted appraisal. We co-create more accurate thinking, safer, more healthy relationships, make space for more realistic understanding, provide predictability, constancy, enhanced trust, explore feelings, support emotional regulation, form new, hope-filled stories to replace frightening, traumatic ones.
(831) 275-8260 View (831) 275-8260
Photo of Elizabeth C Basile, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elizabeth C Basile
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Domestic violence, sexual assault, and eating disorders all share the feature of trying to convince people of their unworthiness and failure.
I enjoy working with people who would like to change their relationship with problems in their lives, and gain power over these problems and their effects. I have extensive training and experience working with people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and eating disorders. In addition, I meet with people who are affected by chronic medical conditions and parent/teen conflict. I view people as having ideas about how they would like to be in life and in relationships; yet, problems can disconnect people from their ideas and identities, influencing them to act in unsatisfactory ways.
Domestic violence, sexual assault, and eating disorders all share the feature of trying to convince people of their unworthiness and failure.
I enjoy working with people who would like to change their relationship with problems in their lives, and gain power over these problems and their effects. I have extensive training and experience working with people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and eating disorders. In addition, I meet with people who are affected by chronic medical conditions and parent/teen conflict. I view people as having ideas about how they would like to be in life and in relationships; yet, problems can disconnect people from their ideas and identities, influencing them to act in unsatisfactory ways.
(408) 214-8554 View (408) 214-8554
Photo of Christina Yip, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christina Yip
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
As a therapist, my biggest reward is to see my clients transformed after being healed from issues with mood swings, relationships, parenting, cultural conflicts, family origin, past traumatic experiences, and abuse. I care deeply for each of my clients and I do my best to ensure that each and every one of them gets the help he or she seeks.
As a therapist, my biggest reward is to see my clients transformed after being healed from issues with mood swings, relationships, parenting, cultural conflicts, family origin, past traumatic experiences, and abuse. I care deeply for each of my clients and I do my best to ensure that each and every one of them gets the help he or she seeks.
(408) 217-0834 View (408) 217-0834
Photo of Andrew Brown, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Andrew Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I continue to be thrilled by the capacity of humans to thrive in the face of even impossible challenges, and by feeling the spirit they draw upon to do so. Just as humbling is recognizing how much that ability can wither or grow from subtle but profound shifts of thought and emotion.
I continue to be thrilled by the capacity of humans to thrive in the face of even impossible challenges, and by feeling the spirit they draw upon to do so. Just as humbling is recognizing how much that ability can wither or grow from subtle but profound shifts of thought and emotion.
(650) 900-9899 View (650) 900-9899
Photo of Gloria J Baxter - Lighthouse of Hope Counseling Center, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
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.
(408) 676-9946 View (408) 676-9946
Photo of Laihin Josephine Cheung - Laihin J Cheung, Psychotherapy & Consultation, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laihin J Cheung, Psychotherapy & Consultation
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
I am a solution focused therapist. You will feel the relief of stresses in life after a few sessions. You would get better understanding of yourself, better coping problem solving skills to rebuild balance in life. My years of clinical experiences have propelled me to believe that most of the emotional and behavioral issues are trauma based that led me to inventing my trauma cleansing technique which is so powerful that it removes your trauma energy and the trauma images in minutes, you feel the difference in your mind body instantly. You are free from the trap of mental suffeinings. Please read the Google comments.
I am a solution focused therapist. You will feel the relief of stresses in life after a few sessions. You would get better understanding of yourself, better coping problem solving skills to rebuild balance in life. My years of clinical experiences have propelled me to believe that most of the emotional and behavioral issues are trauma based that led me to inventing my trauma cleansing technique which is so powerful that it removes your trauma energy and the trauma images in minutes, you feel the difference in your mind body instantly. You are free from the trap of mental suffeinings. Please read the Google comments.
(408) 560-3564 View (408) 560-3564
Photo of Kathleen O'Shea Kesten, RN, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kathleen O'Shea Kesten
Marriage & Family Therapist, RN, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Often a person will seek out counseling when personal attempts to solve a problem have not worked. Therapy is a safe and supportive environment in which to explore very personal concerns - concerns that may be difficult to share even with those closest to you. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I can provide a different kind of support than family and friends; I will listen objectively, not be judgmental, and help you to find your own solutions. My role is to help you feel better and to assist you to acheive your own personal goals.
Often a person will seek out counseling when personal attempts to solve a problem have not worked. Therapy is a safe and supportive environment in which to explore very personal concerns - concerns that may be difficult to share even with those closest to you. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I can provide a different kind of support than family and friends; I will listen objectively, not be judgmental, and help you to find your own solutions. My role is to help you feel better and to assist you to acheive your own personal goals.
(408) 548-7024 View (408) 548-7024
Photo of Tamara Leite, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Tamara Leite
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
​My name is Tamara Leite, and I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with older children, teens and adults. I offer a warm environment and approach, while utilizing evidence based practices in my sessions, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am truly passionate about working with individuals that are seeking balance, growth, and harmony in their lives and I have a genuine desire to guide them to be their better selves and to thrive.
​My name is Tamara Leite, and I’m a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience working with older children, teens and adults. I offer a warm environment and approach, while utilizing evidence based practices in my sessions, such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am truly passionate about working with individuals that are seeking balance, growth, and harmony in their lives and I have a genuine desire to guide them to be their better selves and to thrive.
(408) 409-8614 View (408) 409-8614
Photo of Briana Barrera, Pre-Licensed Professional
Briana Barrera
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
Briana is extremely compassionate, attuned, non-judgmental, and deeply cares about her clients. She is an advanced practitioner in CBT, DBT, and EMDR Phase I-III. She most recently worked as a psychotherapist at Mental Health America Los Angeles Wellness Center (MHALA) and was widely loved by her clients. Briana has worked with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, family crisis, and relationship conflicts.
(310) 807-2734 View (310) 807-2734
Photo of Jill V (Tompkins) Garcia, MA, MFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jill V (Tompkins) Garcia
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, LPCC
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Humans are social beings. In the caveman days, those who were separated from the pack were not able to survive. A primitive part of our brain longs to stay connected to others. Unsuccessful relationships can feel like death. Sometimes we repeat relationship mistakes. Other times, we withdrawal but isolation can feel like a vast dessert with no end in sight. Luckily there is another way. Being in a healthy relationship with another human being is often a vital component to happiness. As your therapist, I would like to walk with you on your journey towards becoming more connected.
Humans are social beings. In the caveman days, those who were separated from the pack were not able to survive. A primitive part of our brain longs to stay connected to others. Unsuccessful relationships can feel like death. Sometimes we repeat relationship mistakes. Other times, we withdrawal but isolation can feel like a vast dessert with no end in sight. Luckily there is another way. Being in a healthy relationship with another human being is often a vital component to happiness. As your therapist, I would like to walk with you on your journey towards becoming more connected.
(408) 831-7789 View (408) 831-7789
Photo of Christie Pfalzgraf, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Christie Pfalzgraf
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94085  (Online Only)
I believe change takes courage and deeply respect the choice to seek therapy, whether it is to assist in working on relationships, life challenges or self exploration. I respect the uniqueness of each individual and strive to assist people in reconnecting to their inherent wholeness. I provide mindful oriented awareness and act as a guide in the journey of exploring the complexities of life while increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love. It is my hope that our work together will strengthen your ability to find your innermost truths and become able to express yourself with greater authenticity.
I believe change takes courage and deeply respect the choice to seek therapy, whether it is to assist in working on relationships, life challenges or self exploration. I respect the uniqueness of each individual and strive to assist people in reconnecting to their inherent wholeness. I provide mindful oriented awareness and act as a guide in the journey of exploring the complexities of life while increasing self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love. It is my hope that our work together will strengthen your ability to find your innermost truths and become able to express yourself with greater authenticity.
(408) 412-5604 View (408) 412-5604
Photo of Eun Ah Kim, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eun Ah Kim
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck? Perhaps in an unsatisfying relationship, blended family, job, depression/anxiety, parenting difficulties or generally feeling unhappy in your current situation? Help is readily available to assist you to get unstuck and better your life. Move your life in your desired direction in a gentle and caring environment. Get unstuck. Call 408-380-3008
Are you feeling stuck? Perhaps in an unsatisfying relationship, blended family, job, depression/anxiety, parenting difficulties or generally feeling unhappy in your current situation? Help is readily available to assist you to get unstuck and better your life. Move your life in your desired direction in a gentle and caring environment. Get unstuck. Call 408-380-3008
(408) 759-4966 View (408) 759-4966
Photo of Lois Sharp, PhD, Psychologist
Lois Sharp
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
I enjoy working with people who have addictions or anxiety or something else weighing them down, working with them for a relatively short period of time, and watching them become energized and passionate about their lives. I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else. I work to help my clients achieve their goals. I believe I can best serve people by using what research has shown to be effective. I do not believe therapy should take a long time; most of my clients graduate within 3-6 months. I work on an time-sensitive basis so some require more sessions.
I enjoy working with people who have addictions or anxiety or something else weighing them down, working with them for a relatively short period of time, and watching them become energized and passionate about their lives. I believe that my clients know themselves better than anyone else. I work to help my clients achieve their goals. I believe I can best serve people by using what research has shown to be effective. I do not believe therapy should take a long time; most of my clients graduate within 3-6 months. I work on an time-sensitive basis so some require more sessions.
(408) 896-5972 View (408) 896-5972
Photo of Monique Jost-Vazire, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monique Jost-Vazire
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Do you sometimes ask yourself: I feel angry, disappointed, or depressed. What can I do? I tried everything, nothing works in the long term. Why are my relationships so unfulfilling? During sessions, you are guided to discover the parts of your Self that are in conflict. They have conflicting goals, perspectives, and beliefs. Those "parts" often pull you in opposite directions - "I want to eat, but I also want to lose weight" for example. Then you criticize yourself for not being more responsible, productive, etc... Get to understand why they pull you in opposite directions and how to negotiate with them.
Do you sometimes ask yourself: I feel angry, disappointed, or depressed. What can I do? I tried everything, nothing works in the long term. Why are my relationships so unfulfilling? During sessions, you are guided to discover the parts of your Self that are in conflict. They have conflicting goals, perspectives, and beliefs. Those "parts" often pull you in opposite directions - "I want to eat, but I also want to lose weight" for example. Then you criticize yourself for not being more responsible, productive, etc... Get to understand why they pull you in opposite directions and how to negotiate with them.
(650) 741-1646 View (650) 741-1646
Photo of Aida Muller, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aida Muller
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
If you or someone you care about are going through a difficult time and need help, guidance, and support, or feeling anxious, stuck, depressed, confused or lost, then give me a call. It is not always easy to ask for help and for what you need, particularly when you don't know the therapist and at times don't know what you need or can't put it into words. It takes courage and strength to make this first step and reach out to ask for help. I am a licensed, seasoned, compassionate psychotherapist, and I would be honored to work with you, so you don't have to do it all alone.
If you or someone you care about are going through a difficult time and need help, guidance, and support, or feeling anxious, stuck, depressed, confused or lost, then give me a call. It is not always easy to ask for help and for what you need, particularly when you don't know the therapist and at times don't know what you need or can't put it into words. It takes courage and strength to make this first step and reach out to ask for help. I am a licensed, seasoned, compassionate psychotherapist, and I would be honored to work with you, so you don't have to do it all alone.
(408) 457-0411 View (408) 457-0411
Photo of Jenna Benson Sholl - Jenna Sholl, Cura Integrative Health, LMFT, CCTP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jenna Sholl, Cura Integrative Health
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CCTP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Do you find your current relationship(s) disappointing, have trouble keeping relationships or finding one at all? Our patients have concerns about how trauma impacts their daily life. They often report that food feels overwhelming and confusing. We will track and understand the unsettling and yet important feelings you have about yourself, your past, your food intake and your relationships with others. Common topics addressed in session include anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulty, feeling out of control with food, concerns about sex and more. Taking the first step to examine this with us isn't always easy but can be life-altering.
Do you find your current relationship(s) disappointing, have trouble keeping relationships or finding one at all? Our patients have concerns about how trauma impacts their daily life. They often report that food feels overwhelming and confusing. We will track and understand the unsettling and yet important feelings you have about yourself, your past, your food intake and your relationships with others. Common topics addressed in session include anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulty, feeling out of control with food, concerns about sex and more. Taking the first step to examine this with us isn't always easy but can be life-altering.
(408) 457-0403 View (408) 457-0403
1
Domestic Abuse Therapists

What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?

Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognize that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.

When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?

Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.

What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?

Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.

How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?

It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.