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Carmen Palacios

MA, ASW

I work with children, teens, and adults, supporting clients navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, chronic illness, and higher acuity mental health needs.

Our daily lives are shaped by a wide range of emotions, experiences, and challenges. Each person carries a unique story, and for as long as I can remember, I have been deeply interested in understanding emotions, mental health, and what makes us who we are.

My own experiences with health challenges led me to recognize the transformative power of therapy and the importance of having a safe, supportive space to process emotions, heal from trauma, and navigate life’s difficulties.

I provide therapy for children, adolescents, and adults, including women, men, and non-binary individuals navigating a variety of mental health concerns and life stressors. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, OCD, psychotic disorders, chronic illness, and medical trauma. My goal is to create a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe exploring their experiences and working toward meaningful growth and healing.

My approach to therapy is person-centered, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I tailor treatment to each client’s individual needs, goals, and preferences by drawing from a range of therapeutic modalities. I believe therapy should foster both self-understanding and practical growth, helping clients develop coping skills, emotional resilience, and stronger connections with themselves and others.

I am especially passionate about supporting individuals living with chronic illness and those processing medical trauma. I understand how deeply medical experiences can impact emotional well-being, identity, relationships, and daily life. My goal is to help clients feel validated, empowered, and supported as they navigate these experiences.

I also have extensive experience working with people of color and am committed to providing culturally sensitive, inclusive, and affirming care. I recognize the important role that culture, identity, systemic experiences, and family dynamics play in mental health and the therapeutic process. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, respected, and comfortable showing up authentically as they work toward healing and personal growth.

Areas of Focus:
• Anxiety
• Depression and mood disorders
• Chronic illness / chronic pain / disabilities
• Trauma-related disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Psychotic disorders
• Children, adolescents, adults

Approach & Style:
• Humanistic and client-centered
• Parts work (IFS informed)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
• Mindfulness
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Credentials:
• Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #131468
• Supervised by Erin Williams-McNish, LMFT #103875
• B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Disability Studies from University of California, Los Angeles
• M.A. in Social Work from University of Southern California

I identify as: a disabled individual and member of the chronic illness community.

Individual, Family and Marriage Therapy Campbell, San Jose Ca - Santa Cruz
Campbell Therapist Therapeutic
Counselor  - Los Gatos - Santa Clara - Mountain View

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