Psychotherapists

STEPHANNE PLESHETTE, LCSW

Psychotherapist

I am licensed in both California and New York and have been with LGTC since early 2017. I have been practicing and teaching psychotherapy for many years in both states. I work with individuals, couples and families. Before joining LGTC, I was a senior member of the VA’s Mental Health care team in San Jose and a director of an outpatient Mental Health Center in NY’s Hudson Valley. I specialize in supportive therapy and have been extensively trained in Family Systems work, DBT, CBT, CBT-I, IFS, and several other modalities which I incorporate into my interventions, as appropriate.

TANIA PROTSENKO, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I have almost 20 years of mental health experience providing care to children, teens, adults, couples, families and groups. I am licensed to independently provide psychotherapy in California and New York. Obtained my Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and an Educational Doctor Degree in Counseling Psychology with emphasis in Forensic Psychology. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing as well as other brief and holistic approaches.  I am also EMDR certified. I have experience working with a wide range of patients including those referred by EAP, severe trauma, personality disorders, and for the last 7 years have been working in adult crisis and suicide prevention teams. I am bilingual and is comfortable conducting therapy in Russian and English.

JEREMY KERNION, LCSW

Psychotherapist

I have been working in mental health since 1999 in both a residential and outpatient setting. I graduated from San Jose State with a Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2006. I have over sixteen years experience providing individual and group treatment for patients while working at a major health care provider. I have a speciality in anxiety disorders.

As a clinician I try to meet my clients where they are. I tend to be highly interactive and eager to provide feedback and insights.

I am empathic and utilize an eclectic approach to therapy utilizing CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Psychodynamic and Attachment Theory. As a generalist I treat all issues and have extensive experience working with clients with diverse backgrounds. I believe all people have the potential to grow and become the best version of themselves. I take great satisfaction in helping people improve their lives.

When I am not at work, I enjoy outdoor activities with my family.

LUCIA OLSON, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I graduated from Santa Clara University with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. I completed my undergraduate degree in English at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts and have a PhD in English Literature. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, but spent time after high school in New England, Virginia, and Illinois while attending college and grad. school.

I moved back to the Bay Area in 1995 and taught and counseled Bay Area community college students of all ages while getting my Masters in Counseling Psychology. I have worked for Santa Clara County behavioral health, Home First, Calaveras County behavioral health and served as a clinical director at Cielo House, an eating disorders treatment clinic in San Jose. I have training in DBT, RO-DBT, ACT, and attachment-focused therapy modalities, and has trained with the Affirmative Couch in working with LGBTQ adolescents and adults. I work with clients of all ages, including clients with psychotic disorders, depression and anxiety, eating disorders, postpartum depression, self-harming behaviors, clients on the autism spectrum, and clients going through a divorce and engaging in co-parenting.

LEAH AVNI, LCSW

Psychotherapist

I specialize in cognitive-behavioral therapy, as I believe that changing the way one thinks about the world and about oneself can have a profound impact on one’s life. I have also been trained in and uses Psychodynamic Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy.

My newest area of training and focus is working with Autistic adults who also have mental health issues. I have found that an understanding in the uniqueness of Autistic and other Neurodiverse adults can help me as therapist understand the needs and skills needed to help individuals work on their mental health needs. Without having them try to mask their personality. I also have training in helping Neurodiverse couples.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family, I love to read and bake.

JULIUS KIM, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I have been working in mental health since 2001. I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz, and Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. I have 19 years of experience working with the diverse population of the Bay Area. I am seeing children, adults, couples and families; and have experience as a Clinical Supervisor.

D KATHERINE MCKEE, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I am a United States Air Force Veteran and former business woman who has devoted the last 15 years to working in the Mental Health field. I have a MA in Counseling Psychology from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, and a BS in Business/Accounting from San Jose State University. I have worked as a therapist in non-profit organizations, hospice, an adult residential facility, and as the Clinic Director for post-secondary support program. I have experience treating children, adolescents, and adults with diverse backgrounds and variety of concerns. I am a holistic, person-centered therapist and uses an eclectic approach to therapy, which utilizes CBT/DBT, Narrative, Somatic, Strength-Based Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, Animal-assisted Therapy, and more.

CHANDRA HOELSKEN, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I specialize in working with highly intelligent clients who are challenged by impulsive behaviors, addiction, and relationships. I have worked with families, couples, and individuals for over nineteen years as an addiction’s treatment specialist, program director, therapist, and clinical director. I focus on creating a safe place so that you can discover your own power to heal, identify your goals, develop your life purpose, and how you can navigate your life in a positive way.

I am a holistic therapist who focuses on mind, body, and one’s inner world. I use several different theories to inform my practice. I am experienced in Psychodynamic, CBT, Mindfulness, Somatic, Jungian, Narrative, Expressive, Energy Psychology and Reality Therapy. I am trained in EMDR and certified in Mindfulness as well as Nutrition. I also specialize in performance coaching for clients who are seeking to enhance their personal development.

I have a Masters Science in Criminology from MSU and a Masters of Arts in Psychology from USF. I specialize in helping people control their behaviors, make rational decisions, and experience internal growth.

ANOUSHKA TAHAEI, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Iowa State University and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. I am also a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. After spending time as a trainee at Santa Clara County Mental Health, I worked for over five years at Uplift Family Services (f.k.a. EMQ FamiliesFirst) as a Clinician and later as a Parent, Relative and Foster Family Support Services (PRFFSS) Facilitator. I have also spent time as a Residential Caseworker at Bay Area Turning Point, working with survivor women of family violence and as a Rehab Clinician at Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Texas, working with individuals with severe mental health disorders. I have a wide range of expertise treating families with mixed ethnicities and families of immigrant descent from various countries. As a result of working with such a diverse population groups, I developed a working style that promotes collaboration and provides support, patience, and compassion necessary to enable change and growth. I believe that the diversity of the cases I worked on allowing me to always bring a different perspective as well as understand and empathize with individuals of various perspectives.

BRANDY SPINDEL, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at San Jose State University and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Holistic practices at John F Kennedy University. I started my traineeship working with children and youth ages 6 to 17 as well as with families and parents. I have continued to work with this population for 8 years in outpatient programs such as community-based therapy services and Wraparound services as well as in Group Homes and STRTP programs. I am passionate about Mindfulness Practices and Trauma Informed Care and view all behaviors as forms of communication. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). My therapeutic approach is holistic in nature and can pull from various modalities based on the individual client’s needs. My specialty is working with youth with multiple complex traumas as well as with their families to build a strong support system as a protective factor for the youths continued growth.

KRISTINA BAKER HART, LCSW

Psychotherapist

I bring the experience of working 20 years in the behavioral health field, with 7 years working in the field of therapy with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) in the San Jose State University School of Social Work. I have experience working with trauma survivors, people with addictions (substance and process), and people experiencing crises. I am specialized in providing therapy and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community for many years, and supports inclusivity in health care for all people, with sensitivity to their needs in the context of their respective environments.

ANGELA HICKENBOTTOM, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received my Masters in Science in Clinical Psychology at San Jose State University in 2011. I have training, and experience in providing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
I specialize in using a combined CBT and DBT approach to assist Clients in learning coping skills for depression, anxiety, and trauma, which can be used in a variety of environments. I support Clients in identifying which specific coping skills to use to match their specific level of distress.
I have experience using a combined CBT and social learning approach to support Clients who abuse substances to cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Through this process, I help Clients learn how their social environment affects their substance use, and ways to access coping skills and social supports to build healthier coping skills.
I have experience working with children, teens, and adults who are experiencing social and emotional challenges, processing grief and trauma, and coping with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

PATRICK FOREMAN, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I was born and raised in the bay area, living and working almost everywhere from Morgan Hill to Sunnyvale. I have been a witness to the growing and complex challenges our youth and families face over the years. Not satisfied with being a bystander, I began my career in psychology 15 years ago, and have not looked back. I obtained my psychology degree as an undergraduate at Santa Clara University, and returned to SCU for my counseling psychology degree after dipping my toes in the medical field. As a frontline therapist I worked with a multitude of families, cultures, and mental health challenges, in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and across San Jose, from ages 5 to 85.

ELINOR SLAYER

Psychotherapist

I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with masters in Psychology and have been working for over 20 years in schools, private practice and hospice. Advanced training in Bereavement, Crisis response, Collaborative Problem Solving and Trauma.

ARLENE MARQUEZ, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received a Bachelors of Arts in 2009 from California State University, Fresno in Psychology with a minor in Criminology. After which I went on to become an ABA therapist working with Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I received my Masters of Science in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy in 2013. I have received extensive training in CBT+, an intensive training incorporating CBT with major Diagnoses and behaviors, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive behavioral Therapy or TF-CBT, which is a passion of mine that I love to specialize in. I have served underprivileged youth by providing services in the community. I helped launch the beginning of the School Linked Services program by being the first Therapist to provide therapy to children in the San Jose Unified School District for Community Solutions. I believe that my experience growing up among underprivileged youth has given her a unique understanding on labels given to children and has worked hard to work with families and support systems such as schools to decrease this. My goal is to move towards a collaborative approach to helping children break free of these labels and thrive in their lives no matter their circumstance.

MIRELA YOUNG, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received my Bachelors of Arts in 2005 from University of California, Davis in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and my Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy in 2009. I am trained in CBT, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I have experience working with young children, teens and adults who are experiencing social/emotional challenges, relationship conflict, symptoms of depression and anxiety, suicidality, and self-esteem. I am endorsed as a Transdisciplinary Infant-Family and Early Childhood Mental Health Practitioner. I have training in working with children with autism and ADHD diagnosis.

NUPUR JAIN, LPCC

Psychotherapist

I earned my M.A. in Clinical Psychology in 2007 from Eastern Illinois University. I am bilingual (English/ Hindi) and bicultural, having moved to the United States from India in 2004 and went through my journey of acculturation. My current areas of interest are Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Meditation, Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR) for for effectively healing from trauma and Suicide Prevention. I also enjoy outreach related to decreasing stigma around mental health, increasing help seeking and assisting individuals in increasing resilience and life skills.

DEATRIA DAVIS, LMFT

Psychotherapist

For the past 18 years, I have provided therapeutic counseling and mental health services to adolescents, teens, adults, families, couples, and groups that present with a range of mental illness, behavioral, trauma, crisis, relationship, and personal life challenges.  I use integrated modalities such as CBT, DBT, Solution focused, Mindfulness approaches such as Cooking Therapy and Yoga and other modalities depending on the need of the client.  I graduated with my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. My goal in working with clients is to create self-awareness, cultivate resilience, develop the interpersonal skills and healing needed to form and sustain relationships with self and others.

SCOTT DAVIS, LCSW

Psychotherapist

My clinical approach focuses upon the creation of an engaging, comfortable, and safe space for clients to identify goals and develop, practice, and evaluate strategies that manifest positive changes in their lives. I (officially) began working in the mental health field in 1999, and I have many years of experience working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep difficulties, personal loss/grief, ODD, gender identity, and OCD (plus ample experience working with children on the autism spectrum). I believe in the value of a strengths-based, collaborative, multi-disciplinary, integrative, client-centered approach, through which I utilize creative applications of evidence-based practices that include elements of play therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, DBT, ACT, various CBT frameworks, and solution-focused therapy. It is my belief that the ideal therapeutic relationship is one in which the client is able to be themselves and further develop themselves to experience greater satisfaction, happiness, fulfillment, peace, and connectivity.

TIFFANY MANILLA, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I am passionate about helping others who are seeking healing and wholeness in their lives.  I received my M.S. in Counseling, with Distinction, from California State University, Fresno in 2013, and have worked with a variety of populations and mental health issues. I have experience providing individual and group therapy in an inpatient substance abuse program for women, as well as working with children, adolescents, and young adults in a school-based setting.

I have worked with patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, grief and loss, relationship issues, codependency, and low self-esteem.  I utilize an eclectic approach which includes (but not limited to) Psychodynamic, Client-Centered, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I tailor the treatment to meet the needs and goals of each patient. My hope is to help my patients get to know themselves better, to free themselves from self-destructive, unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior, and to learn how to love themselves by choosing a healthy and productive path in life. I look forward to coming alongside you as you walk out your journey to healing and wholeness.

RENEE STANLEY, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received my Bachelor’s in psychology from California State University, Long Beach and my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and Behavioral Medicine from Boston University School of Medicine. I entered the field to learn more about human behaviors and having been impacted by mental illness and substance abuse in my family. I love helping guide my clients towards becoming their best selves they wish to be and enjoy the process of working through challenges and honing in on resiliency I believe we all possess. The therapist-client relationship can provide so many learning opportunities for both parties and is a beautiful dance.

I have worked in a variety of treatment settings, including state inpatient hospitalization, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment. In graduate school, I focused my internship around individuals with eating disorders and since moving back to my native California, I have branched out to working with co-occurring disorders. Prior to joining Los Gatos Therapy Center, I spent 4 years working at a residential treatment center for men and women with co-occurring disorders, where I facilitated group, family and individual therapy. I have worked with substance abuse, serious mental illness, traumatic brain injuries, and trauma-informed care. I have familiarity with CBT, DBT, mindfulness, client-centered, Gestalt, and family systems therapy and love to try new approaches.

I love to bring creativity and energy into my groups and sessions, whether it be a transitional CBT group or an art therapy. Having grown up in horse country, I hope one day to become certified in equine facilitated psychotherapy and incorporate this truly healing experience into my practice.

MELISSA DAOUD, LMFT

Psychotherapist

As a member of a minority group, I observed firsthand how the lack of culturally informed psychotherapy was a barrier to care. I became a therapist to help fill this gap and create greater access to care for people from all cultural backgrounds.

My approach to psychotherapy is relational. I use CBT, DBT, and systems theory filtered through a multicultural lens for interventions. When working with children and teens, working with families is critical to helping them get well and thrive.

I started my clinical training at Adolescent Counseling Services, providing school-based therapy to children and teens. In my work at the Miri Center, I provided educationally related mental health services (ERMHS) to diverse children and adolescents with individual education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.

I have extensive experience working with youth and their families, providing individual and family therapy to address various clinical issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, parent-child relationship issues, anger, school refusal, learning disabilities, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. In addition to my school counseling experience, I have been providing outpatient psychotherapy since 2018 and also have experience teaching DBT skills groups to teens in IOP and outpatient settings.

AZHAR SULTANOVA, LMFT

Psychotherapist

Over the years being a therapist I continue to marvel at the resilience that people have. I am constantly inspired by how people have a capacity to go on despite many internal and external roadblocks. For me, the most important lesson has been to trust people’s process, their inner wisdom and empower them to take reigns into their own hands.

When I sit in the room with my clients, I hold that safe space, I am there as they explore their past, experience present and plan future. I am in awe when they find their voice and use it to communicate effectively with loved ones and the rest of the world. The growth that happens in therapy inspires me! I truly enjoy using my skills and knowledge to help people transform their lives.

DANIELLE AGUIRRE, LMFT

Psychotherapist

After graduating from UC Santa Cruz with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, I felt aimless, confused, and far away from myself. I knew I wanted to help people, but I didn’t know where to start. I felt clouded in self-doubt, convinced that I did not have anything to offer. It was through the trials of this experience that I was guided to a Master’s degree and Marriage and Family Therapy, and it was wading through this moment of challenge that ignited my passion for working with transitional aged youth and young adults struggling with identity, transition, and individuation.

Since starting along this path, I have worked in a number of therapeutic settings. I spent a year working in a low-cost clinic serving a diverse population of individuals, families, couples, and children. Over the past several years, I worked as lead clinician at a residential mental health facility, where I implemented a DBT oriented, brief-model approach to treating folks with a range of mental health struggles, including suicidality and psychosis.

I am a firm believer that all humans possess growth potential, and that we all, at any given moment, are doing the best we can with what we have. I utilize an emotion-focused, person-centered approach to help create a safe space for my clients to become curious, be vulnerable, and access the strengths that exist within them.

SHELLYATTA JOHNSON, LCSW

Psychotherapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker, who received a Master’s Degree  from California State University, Sacramento. I have over 5 years experience working in the mental health field. I specialize in working with adolescents,  teens,  adults, families and couples. The therapeutic modalities that I utilize in my intervention practices are; CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused, Psychodynamic, Client Centered Therapy, Play Therapy and Trauma-Informed Therapy. I am skilled in working with people that have struggled with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD duel diagnosis, relationship dysfunction, and family conflict. I am passionate about uplifting, empowering and motivating others to become the best versions of themselves and  assisting them with learning effective ways to manage as well as cope with their mental health symptoms.

ERIN MAGNUSON, LCSW

Psychotherapist

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, (LCSW) I provide therapy with a holistic approach—focusing on the interplay of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health. While working in residential programs, schools, and forensic settings, I’ve gained experience with diverse populations and everything from depression to addiction, trauma, and anxiety. Using CBT, DBT, narrative, and somatic techniques, I assist clients in understanding their unique stories and create a space for growth and healing.

MAURA SCHAUERMAN, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in the treatment of adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, eating disorders, and struggles with identity.

I am clinically trained in DBT, CBT, and ACT, and works from an integrative approach. Though practicing as a present-focused therapist, I also bring in clients’ upbringing because of the belief that current patterns cannot be understood without examining the past. My style is empathic and direct (with a sense of humor!) and believing strongly in the therapeutic alliance.

My approach includes direct, solution-focused interventions built on the foundation of a strong therapeutic relationship and individualized approach to each client. I strive to meet each client with validation, connection, and empowerment while providing tools and strategies to effectively reach their individual therapeutic goals.

AMANDA HERRERA, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in applied developmental psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Upon graduation, I continued my studies and earned my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Chapman University (Orange, CA).

I am currently a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California. I have a breadth of experience working with children, teens, families, couples, and adults who are facing unique challenges resulting from trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, bullying, and life stressors. I have worked within the community, school-based, and clinical settings. I believe that when you meet with someone who is warm, caring, and accepting, your goals and dreams feel more attainable because someone sees your heart, spends time getting to know it, and provides a safe space to explore barriers to reaching those goals despite life’s setbacks and traumas. I am passionate about providing client-centered care that also considers the impact of cultural, societal, familial, and systemic aspects that contribute to mental health considerations.

I have completed training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) which I enjoy incorporating into my sessions with clients who are committed to healing from trauma. I am also currently completing training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

MELISSA CALDERON, LMFT

Psychotherapist

I received my Masters in Counseling with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University in 2016. I have experience working with diverse populations/backgrounds in a multitude of therapeutic settings: outpatient, residential and school based sites. I have strong experience working with families and couples. I have a passion for helping individuals heal from traumatic experiences and help families heal while understanding the impact of multigenerational trauma. I treat marriage and family relationship problems as well as individuals suffering from depression, anxiety, grief, trauma and women dealing with postpartum issues. I use an integrative approach to therapy that draws from cognitive-behavioral, gestalt, solution- focused, and client centered therapies. I am bilingual and offer unique skills working with Spanish speaking clients.

KAREN WACHTEL, LMFT

Psychotherapist

“Therapists provide hope, which is the antidote to despair.” – Alfred Adler. This quote is meaningful to me having witnessed the effects of trauma and mental illness on our society, and how people suffer when they have no one to talk to who can understand. This quote guides my practice. My work is trauma-informed. I offer evidence-based practices incorporating DBT, CBT, Brainspotting, Narrative and Attachment Theories. I also find meaning in supporting people in the LGBTQIA+ and other marginalized communities to find their place and to live their authentic selves. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Florida and my Master’s in Counseling from the University of Phoenix. I have worked in public mental health and substance use treatment for the past 25 years. I can teach you strategies to help you heal and live your best life.

FIDES ISIDRO, LCSW

Psychotherapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California, New York and New Jersey, with extensive experience as an Inpatient Crisis Clinician, Outpatient Psychotherapist, and Biofeedback Specialist. I was affiliated with The Beth Israel Medical Center’s Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Inpatient and Outpatient Services, and Jersey City Medical Center’s Mental Health Outpatient Services, as well as a Clinical Supervisor for a Youth Partial Care Program and Adult Outpatient Clinic in New Jersey. With over a decade of private practice experience in various clinical settings and different target populations from children, adolescents, adults and couples, my professional expertise includes: Brief Crisis Intervention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Trauma-Informed Intervention, Behavior Modification, Exposure Therapy, Strength-Based Psychotherapy, Solution-focused Psychotherapy, Positive Psychotherapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Forgiveness Therapy, Eclectic Psychotherapy, Grief & Bereavement Counseling, and Motivational Interviewing. I also specialize in Cybernetic Biofeedback, and an advocate for Gut-Brain Health and Food as medicine. My Professional Credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology & Counseling, a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from New York University, and a Certified CyberScan® Healthcare Professional by AussiMed Biocybernetic Medicine in Buchen, Germany. I hope my training and experience would provide you a good fit to meet your mental health and wellness needs.