Theresa Brinkman
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
AMFT #157305
Supervised by Jalene N. Salus, #45363
theresa@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x31
Locations: Mountain View-Los Altos | San Jose
Fee: $170
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Areas of Focus
Children, Teens & Families:
Anxiety · Perfectionism · Optimal Performance · Academic Stress · Self Esteem / Self Confidence Identity & Self-Image · Acculturation · Social Skills · Shame · Depression · Grief · Trauma · Emotional Wellness · Social Emotional Learning · Relationships · Interpersonal Communication · BIPOC Families · Parenting Support · Positive Discipline
Adults:
Anxiety · Depression · Mood Disorders · Attachment & Relationship Patterns · Self-Compassion · Emotional Regulation · Body Image · Perfectionism · Academic & Career Stress · Career Transitions & Coaching · Immigration & Acculturation · BIPOC Mental Health · Family Conflict · Families of Multiples · Parenting · Fertility · Perinatal Support
About Me
As a Vietnamese-Filipino American woman from a low-income immigrant household, I understand the cultural stigma and systemic barriers surrounding mental health. These lived experiences inform my commitment to creating a respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive space where all clients feel seen, heard, and supported.
I’m a proud first-generation college graduate and an aspiring Marriage and Family Therapist, passionate about working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. My person-centered, relational approach is grounded in evidence-based practices. I also bring a unique perspective from my previous career in Human Resources, which enhances my understanding of interpersonal dynamics, identity development, and communication.
I'm especially dedicated to helping youth build emotional awareness, confidence, and connection. My goal is to support young people and families in cultivating resilience and thriving in their mental health journeys. I’m also a mother to adolescent twins, a boy and a girl, with a strong background in partnering with parents and their children to communicate with impact, empathy, and compassion.
I tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs, drawing from a range of evidence-based, client-centered approaches. My work is rooted in compassion, cultural humility, and a deep belief in each person’s capacity for growth and healing.
Therapeutic Approaches
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed: Years of experience applying core IFS principles in both therapeutic and classroom settings to help clients explore inner parts and restore balance.
- Person-Centered & Strengths-Based Therapy: Creating space for growth through empathy, authenticity, and a focus on inner strengths.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT): Helping restructure thoughts and behaviors to support healing and resilience.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building emotional regulation, mindfulness, and effective interpersonal skills.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encouraging alignment with personal values and increasing psychological flexibility.
- Behavioral Activation: Rediscovering joy and motivation through engaging in meaningful activities
- Attachment-Based & Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring early experiences and relational patterns to foster deeper understanding and healing.
- Child-Centered Play Therapy: Supporting emotional expression and healing through developmentally appropriate play.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Prioritizing safety, empowerment, and sensitivity to each client's trauma history.
Professional Background
I bring a diverse background in mental health, education, and corporate leadership to my work as a therapist:
- MFT Trainee at West Valley College: Provided individual and group therapy to college students, conducted assessments, created treatment plans, and participated in campus-wide wellness outreach.
- SEL Facilitator & Girls on the Run Coach (Indigo Program): Led K–8 social-emotional learning and life skills programs, promoting youth empowerment, confidence, and mental health.
- HR Professional (Cisco Systems & Planet Orange): Specialized in employee relations, talent development, and leadership coaching—emphasizing empathy, communication, and organizational well-being.
- Community Involvement: Served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth and held leadership roles in parent and community-based groups.
My clinical and professional journey is rooted in a lifelong passion for supporting individuals and families to heal, grow, and thrive—mentally, emotionally, and relationally.
Education:
- M.A. Counseling Psychology, Santa Clara University
- B.A. Psychology, Minor in Communications, Saint Mary’s College of California
Certifications:
MBTI (Myers Briggs) Certified Facilitator