Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Denise strives to create a safe and validating atmosphere for her clients through her inviting presence, curious and humorous nature, and genuine disposition. She believes that personal growth and healing is possible by building a trusting therapeutic relationship between client and therapist and through a commitment to the process. Bringing her previous experiences as a bilingual therapist working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various mental health settings, Denise promises to meet clients where they are in their therapeutic path. Denise uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment-Based, Client-Centered, and Strength-based approaches as a way to help clients set goals and achieve meaningful change. Her goal is to empower clients to improve interpersonal communication which is vital to cultivating healthy and loving relationships. Denise is invested in guiding clients to a place of authenticity, self-acceptance, and emotional wellbeing.
Qualifications & Education
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #134101
- Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco
- Bachelor of Arts in Radio & Television Production, San Francisco State University
Clinical Experience
- Therapist at TherapyWorks
- School-Based Therapist at Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, San Mateo County Mental Health
- Bilingual Trauma Therapist at Rape Trauma Services, Burlingame
- Marriage and Family Therapist Intern at Adolescent Counseling Services, Palo Alto
- Group Facilitator and Educator for Teen Success Program within Planned Parenthood Mar Monte.
Specialization & Advanced Training
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Child-Centered Play Therapy
- High Risk and Challenging Teens
- Children and Adults who have experienced Sexual Abuse Trauma
- PACT Institute Couples Therapy
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Associations and Memberships
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)
Other
- Public Speaker & Educator
- Fluent Spanish Speaker
- Supporter of Social Justice movements
On a Personal Note
Denise enjoys spending time and sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. She loves traveling to new and exciting countries, hiking in the forest to stay mindful and grounded, cooking with her husband, summer camping trips, and watching movies and live theater – she’s not ashamed to admit how much she loves singing along to the Hamilton soundtrack.