Therapists serving clients in Sunnyvale, CA

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." — Ralph Waldo Emerson In my journey, I have learned that the roots of our disharmony must be identified – we must become aware of the underlying causes of our problematic issues before we can recover our authentic self. For many years, before becoming a licensed MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist), I was a criminal investigator, assigned to a Special Victims Unit, where I looked closely into the lives of people harmed, both physically and emotionally, within the context of the family. Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, the maltreatment of children, the elderly – vulnerable people who were harmed instead of protected by the family system. I became keenly aware of the negative impact, generationally, of this childhood exposure to family chaos and trauma. These experiences lead me to the intense questioning of people’s motivations, and to the advanced study of psychology. I discovered that, while justice is an important component of healing, it is not the whole picture. Authentic recovery must include awareness, responsibility, courage, and forgiveness. I help my clients discover for themselves these vital components to authentic healing. On a personal level, God has blessed me with a supportive family, and I have been given the gifts of a long and happy marriage and many grandchildren. Together (along with the dogs) we enjoy nature and outdoor activities – the beach, hiking, bird-watching, and camping. I would like to include here a note to our modern-day warriors – today’s public servants - those individuals who must daily share, up close, the pain of others – our first responders. You may find yourself having significant impairment in your social or occupational areas of functioning, or you may have the need to process a stressful event you have experienced. If you begin experiencing increased emotional arousal (anger, irritability, fear, depression) in daily events, you may be experiencing acute stress response. There are critical components involved in coming to terms with acute or post-traumatic stress, and I would be honored to help you recognize and implement these steps. I have been there. To anyone considering therapy, no matter the source of your emotional pain, authentic healing involves understanding the fundamental processes of life, and using the principles inherent in that understanding. Once the roots of our disharmony are identified – awareness - we can employ the principles of responsibility, courage, and forgiveness to recover genuine emotional health. One thing my clients have taught me is that they prefer practical, goal-driven therapy. Because of this, I like to use Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral theories in my work. Many of my past clients have reported that they prefer these theories. They choose to emphasize during treatment the improvement of negative symptoms via Solution Focused therapy, and the setting clear, concise, and realistic goal-setting concepts found in Cognitive Behavioral treatment. Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I wish for you the emotional health needed to live the life you dream. In considering me as a therapist for yourself, can't overstate my gratitude to you in allowing me to serve you in this way.

Hello I'm Amanda and I am very excited about this opportunity to connect with you through Better Help. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of work experience in the field of mental health and social services. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development with an emphasis in Applied Developmental Psychology and a Minor in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. I later received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from California State University Long Beach and obtained my LCSW in 2005. I have worked primarily in Los Angeles County provided treatment to individuals experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma related disorders, substance use disorders, and severe, persistent mental illnesses. I am very passionate about my work and feel it is essential that clients feel accepted and supported during the therapeutic process. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy , Problem Solving Treatment and Mindfulness Therapy and have a great deal of experiencing doing crisis intervention, risk assessment, and empowering others to develop and enhance their coping strategies. I know how difficult it can be for people to seek mental health treatment but believe this is the beginning of the healing process and the first step toward self improvement. I am truly looking forward to working with you and supporting you through this journey.

We all have those moments in life where we want a kind person to be present, listen and encourage us through what may be a difficult time. I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I have worked in the therapeutic setting for the past 8 years providing a gentle presence to clients in need. I am available to those individuals who may be struggling with self-love, finding purpose and meaning in life and life changes. I use motivational interviewing, solution focused counseling and client-centered care to help you move forward in your life. I am a kind presence, who is ready to listen and help you achieve your goals. Also specializes in counseling for: Single women navigating dating and situationships Talking through breakups Work Stress and Burnout Boundaries Creating the life that you want

Hello, My name is Elizabeth Renteria and I am a licensed clinical social worker in both the states of California and Oregon. I received my master's in Social Work from the University of Washington in Seattle and also have a Master's in Counseling from the University of La Verne. I have several years of experience treating both individuals and families in a variety of issues including depression, anxiety and trauma and other life stressors. I use a client centered approach that focuses on practical solutions to help you cultivate well-being and improve your life. I combine strength based and culturally relevant practices along with other cognitive based therapies to help you in treatment. I believe that creating a warm, collaborative and safe therapeutic relationship is key for achieving best results. I look forward to meeting you and discussing how together we promote healing in your life.

I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have well over a decade of professional work experience, providing psychotherapy and counseling services to people from many different backgrounds and across a wide variety of settings since 2008. I work with people who are struggling with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. My clients are often dealing with big life changes, or managing conflicts with family or friends. My approach is based on the firm belief that you are the expert of your story. Your strengths, insights and life experiences will be the foundation of our work together. You are taking a courageous step toward a more fulfilling and authentic life. I am here to support and empower you on that journey.

I am licensed in California with 4+ years of professional work experience in the therapy setting in several different fields. I have worked with adults, families, couples, foster youth, teens and children. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I want my clients to have an active role and voice in their sessions, as I am here to support you and help you achieve your goals. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process. I look forward to working together in the future.

I am licensed in California with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hi. My name is Bryan Busse and thank you for considering me for your counselor. People look to BetterHelp for many reasons and desire many different outcomes but one of the most important factors in successful counseling is establishing rapport and trust. It is with that in mind I share the following. I diligently work to build and maintain the kind of empathic relationship where you explore, work through, and resolve the issues that are important to you. As everyone is unique, I take an eclectic approach to counseling, using skills acquired from 28 years of licensure and a lifetime of personal experiences. If you’d like more specifics, continue reading, if not you can skip to the next to the last paragraph for important "housekeeping" information. I hold a Master’s degree with honors from my graduate Counseling Psychology program. Interning exposed me to substance abuse and addiction therapy working in a methodone treatment center for opiate users and in a high school setting for adolescents who were experimenting. Those two programs led to interning at a county school for emotionally disturbed, at-risk youth and later practice with the same population for a county-mandated residential care program. Afterward, a professor contacted me to work with him in a neuropsychology practice treating traumatic brain injuries, brain disorders, dementia, and pain management. It was there I trained in neurofeedback and biofeedback which exposed and trained me in a more medical model of counseling in addition to utilizing psychology. Shortly thereafter I sat for the California State Board Exams and was fully licensed as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in 2004. I have worked in private practice and clinical settings but it was as a caregiver for, and survivor of, a family member with Alzheimer’s Disease dementia that inspired me to specialize in geriatric care. I have worked with hospice care, home health, personal assistant services, independent and assisted living communities, and memory care. Personally, I am a father of one and stepfather to another, both adults now. I have been married and divorced as well as coming from a divorced family of origin. I am a survivor of a parent with life-limiting dementia and cancer as well as another with alcoholism, emphysema, and early childhood trauma. I have lived well and had to pick myself up from the floor and move forward at times. I’ve traveled the world, mostly to developing countries, and gained the insight, perspective, and respect that international travel affords. Lastly, I had a previous career in business and finance which grounds me in reality and solutions. As I am new to the BetterHelp platform, I have purposely limited my availability to M - F in 45-minute time blocks during specific hours. Should you want to schedule other times or decrease your sessions to 30 minutes, please discuss that with me. I suggest a minimum of 1 scheduled video session per week but have found it more productive to schedule 2, especially as our relationship begins. Of course, our session frequency and duration will always be open to adjustments as needed. Feel free to reach out to me on the BetterHelp platform when issues arise that you think have some urgency. I do shelter time for my family and friends but will try to answer any communication within 12 to 24 hours unless I am away from internet connectivity. At those rare times, I ask for your patience and understanding. I will respond as soon as I am able. If an emergency arises, please call 988 or 911 for immediate help, and if possible, leave a message for me here on the BetterHelp platform as soon as you are able. From these lenses, experiences, perspectives, and practicalities I can offer assistance. It is said, “The first step in problem resolution is recognition”. The second is reaching for help. You are already on your way. I look forward to our first session and those that follow. Warm Professional Regards, Bryan Busse, LMFT

I am licensed in California with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in California with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients in the Trans, LGBTQIA, Poly/multi/ENM, Kink, and Sex Worker communities with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. As a therapist I offer a safe space and open ears for those looking for non-judgmental psychological support. I believe that psychotherapy can be a very helpful tool when exploring yourself and exploring yourself in relationships with others. Daily stressors and life transitions can be distracting and frustrating to handle, but that with self-care and support together we can work towards decreasing these unwanted thoughts and behaviors to make a change for the better. I maintain a safe space for all race, faith, gender, and sexuality identities, as well as work with people exploring these topics.