Psychologist in San Jose
If you’re looking for a psychologist in San Jose, then you’re in the right place. My name is Dr. Martha Williams, and I have been practicing as a Licensed Psychologist for over 30 years. Throughout my career, I have worked with adults managing anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and significant life transitions, and I am excited to now serve clients virtually in San Jose and Silicon Valley.
It can be challenging to manage your emotions or find balance while juggling a high-pressure career, social obligations, and just everyday life. Therapy is a great resource to learn more about yourself and the tools you need to create a more satisfying life.
Meet Dr. Martha Williams — Your San Jose Psychologist
Graduating from Temple University with my Ph.D in Psychology, I began my career working in hospitals and private medical practices while in my own private practice. In every setting, I have spent countless hours helping clients achieve their goals. As a therapist, my top priority is making sure you feel heard and understood, which is why I view our time together as a collaborative partnership.
I have had extensive training and experience in various techniques, but my approach to therapy is mainly rooted in Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT, DBT, and ACT are goal-oriented therapies that help you identify unhelpful thought, emotion and behavioral patterns, to develop better desired outcomes. This approach is highly collaborative and requires active participation, homework we agree upon, and a willingness to change to work towards the outcomes you desire. These evidence based therapeutic approaches all help improve anxiety and stress, depression, relationship issues, and chronic pain or illness.
In addition to CBT, I also leverage Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). DBT teaches skills to manage intense emotions and cope with distress by being present and strengthening emotional regulation. ACT encourages the acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, creating more psychological flexibility. Regardless of the approach we take, I promise to create a safe space where you feel comfortable sharing your challenges and looking inward.
Dr. Martha Williams Services
There are many reasons someone may come to me for therapy, but here are a few common services I provide as a psychologist in San Jose:
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If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or exhausted by the smallest stressors. Your mind and body are in a constant state of “fight or flight,” making it almost impossible to fully relax. In our sessions, you can speak openly about your fears and learn new ways to calm your mind and better cope with stress. With Mindfulness and CBT, we will develop practical tools to help you feel more grounded.
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It’s natural to feel “down,” but if you feel a persistent weight or fog that extends beyond a few days, you may want to consider therapy for depression. Together, we will develop practical tools to improve your day-to-day, so you don’t feel alone or stuck. I take a gentle approach, working with you to set goals that feel manageable and help you move forward on a positive path.
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Oftentimes, the emotional challenges of chronic illness are overlooked by the physical ones. This is why I make it my goal to create a supportive space for clients to navigate the feelings that come with a chronic condition. As a team, we’ll discuss your experience and learn new coping methods to improve your overall quality of life. I have extensive experience working with individuals managing a chronic illness, so I understand every experience is unique, as are the emotions that come with your condition.
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Change can feel heavy, especially if it impacts multiple areas of your life. Whether it’s a new promotion, a baby, or the loss of a loved one, we can work together to keep you grounded during these transitions. Having a place to openly share your struggles and address the emotions that come with change can help calm your mind and body. I am here to take some of the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on what you’re going through.
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No matter the relationship type, they all have their ups and downs. It can be helpful to have a space where you can slow down and explore what’s creating friction. Working with me means having a safe, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly about your challenges without fear of backlash. We will work on developing healthy boundaries, improving communication skills, and coping skills to help you understand different perspectives.
How Virtual Therapy Works
Step 1: Book a Free 15-Minute Consult
Therapy is a great way to challenge yourself while learning coping skills to help you create a more satisfying life. If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more, schedule a 15-minute consultation with me. We’ll discuss your goals to see if we’re a good fit for each other, with no commitment needed.
Step 2: Your First Session
If we decide to move forward, you can expect your first session to be more “get to know you” questions. We’ll discuss your goals and the unhelpful behavior you’re looking to change. I will also share more about my approach and expectations for our collaborative partnership.
Step 3: Ongoing Support
From there, we’re off and running! We’ll set up a recurring cadence to meet, for as long as you need. The length of your therapy will depend on your needs, and I will meet you wherever you are. If you have a specific focus, you may only need a set number of sessions. Otherwise, we can meet on an ongoing basis.
Virtual Therapy vs In-Person Therapy
Compared to in-person therapy, virtual sessions are much more flexible and can be easily added to an already busy schedule. There is no need to travel to an office; instead, you can join our sessions from the comfort of your own couch. My virtual telehealth platform is completely confidential, and we will find a time to meet that works for you. Whether you want to meet at the same time every week or need to book on a week-by-week basis, I am here for you.
Ready to Work with a Sacramento Psychologist?
If you’re struggling to manage your emotions or you can’t seem to find balance, therapy is a great solution. My approach, based on Mindfulness and CBT, will help you address issues both in the mind and body, improving your overall well-being. Together, we will develop tools and strategies to help you get “unstuck” when you need them most.
The hardest step is the first step. To learn more about my approach or how we can work together, schedule a call.