Heidi Hernandez, LMFT

Hi, I’m so glad you’re here. I just want to first acknowledge how courageous you are in taking this next step in your journey to healing. If this is your first, second, or third time trying therapy, well you’ve come to the right place. Sometimes this may take people a few tries until they find the “one”, as frustrating as it is, this is very common. My hope is that you find the “one” that feels like a good fit for you and can address your needs in the best way possible because you deserve nothing less. Sometimes jumping into the unknown may feel unpleasant, not knowing what the outcome may bring. However, one of the best things about therapy is that you don’t have to do it alone. I can reassure you that you already possess the strength and resilience from navigating difficult life experiences, surviving, and having the will to seek help to get you to the next step in your journey. My experience: I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 10 years of counseling experience working in community-based mental health clinics and public K-12 schools in the Bay Area. I provided individual, group, family, and parent/caregiver counseling, and crisis counseling with children as young as 6 years old, adolescents, teens, adults, and families. I also educated school staff on mental health, trauma, self-care, suicide prevention, and strategies to support and engage youth virtually during this pandemic. I celebrate and empower all identities and abilities in all bodies. I have experience supporting Black, Latinx, Asian, and LGBTQ youth and their families. I am passionate about reducing mental health stigma in Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, supporting those hurt by racial trauma, and empowering marginalized youth to believe they can achieve their vision of success. I have supported clients coping with depression, anxiety, family issues, grief/loss, parenting issues, relationship issues, ADHD, learning disabilities, gender, and sexual identity issues, physical abuse, sexual abuse, self-harm, suicide ideation, separation, multigenerational trauma, substance abuse, poverty, domestic violence, and gang violence. I have experience working with clients with Mood Disorders, ADHD, Behavior Disorders, PTSD, and Anxiety Disorders. My approach to therapy: I am a client/person centered-therapist and utilize a combination of therapeutic techniques from mindfulness, motivational interviewing, CBT, TF-CBT, Solution-focused therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy. I also have experience in utilizing Play & Art Therapy with youth. What to expect: Wherever you are in your journey, I will join you as your supporter, ally, and collaborator. With my genuine empathy, compassion, and authenticity I will commit to providing you with a secure, accepting, caring, and non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, emotions, and challenges. We will explore your quality of life as a whole person, addressing any disruptions you may have at home, school, social settings, and/or work. We will work together to help you create a new story for yourself emphasizing your strengths and growth. In our sessions, you will have the power to lead the discussion as you are the driver of our journey together. I will encourage you to take control of the wheel and make decisions for yourself and take accountability in the direction of your life. You can expect to self-determine the goals of therapy and what and how much you want to share during our time together. You will learn skills to increase your self-awareness, manage undesirable emotions and behaviors, repair stuck areas from the past or present, strengthen your relationships and improve your overall health and wellness. Also, something to remember is that healing takes time, and it begins with a single step. I am committed to providing quality care and being intentional in asking for feedback and checking in on your progress, and what's working and what’s not working in therapy so I can best accommodate your unique needs. If after respectful collaboration you and I agree that we are not a good fit, I will refer you to another provider that can better serve you. It would be an honor to join you in taking the next step in your journey. Services: I provide child and adolescent individual therapy, adult individual therapy, and couples and family therapy. Some of my favorite quotes: "You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody." - Maya Angelou "The best thing to do when it's raining is to let it rain." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” - Brene Brown

Heidi Hernandez

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, LMFTs, are mental health professionals trained in family systems who can diagnose and treat mental health issues and substance misuse with psychotherapy and counseling.

Hi there, I'm Heidi!

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