Joanna de Leon, AMFT

I help​ individuals and couples who feel lonely, stuck, and disconnected.

You can experience more fulfillment in your life and relationships! I’m here to support you.

I’m the type of therapist who understands life is dark sometimes and you might be looking for a therapist to hold the light along the way so you can heal and get where you want to go.

​

The last few years have been tough. While the world is seemingly back to “normal,” you feel far from it.

You feel more lonely now than ever before. You long to make meaningful connections, but struggle to allow yourself to be vulnerable with others.

Making the decision to start therapy can be nerve-racking, especially if this is your first time.

I’m glad you’re here.

It takes courage to seek help. It’s an act of tremendous self-love to know when you need extra support and ask for it. And it takes strength and bravery to show up and be vulnerable.

I will listen deeply and attune to you with warmth and empathy.

My style is warm and supportive. I understand that the journey is dark at times, and in those times it helps to have someone who will listen deeply, understand and support you. My role as your therapist is to hold the light for you along the way so that you can begin to heal and build a life that feels authentic and true to you.

I believe therapy is a collaborative process — it’s a partnership between you and me to help you understand and connect with yourself, others, and the world around you in new ways. I believe you’re the expert of your life, and that you have the innate ability to grow and make the changes you’re seeking.

My approach to therapy is psychodynamic and attachment-based, while also integrating existential therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness. There’s no “one size fits all” approach to therapy because we are so uniquely different, so I’ll tailor my approach to meet you where you’re at.

My why: I believe in the transformative nature of emotionally safe, secure, and boundaried relationships.

I was drawn to the work of being a therapist because I’ve also experienced relational wounds and have felt what it’s like to be in the thick of that pain. And I’ve had the experience of having the safety and attunement of another and know the transformative nature of that relationship. I believe that while hurt happens in relationships, healing does too.

I feel honored to get to journey alongside my clients as they do the courageous inner self work of becoming more fully alive to their human experiences.

My favorite couples to support are the ones who avoid talking about the hard stuff.

You rarely fight, but then why is it feeling so disconnected and not good?

Maybe your parents had a lot of conflict, or you have trauma from yelling–you avoid fights or shut down because those strong emotions can seem too intense.

You know you need to address the things that are causing both of you to hurt – but you’re afraid that talking about it will hurt you, them, or your kids even more.  Why is conflict and talking about the things inside SO HARD?

Helping millennials navigate life transitions

Let’s face it: adulting is hard. As a millennial, you might be the first generation in your family to want to do the work of healing without a roadmap on how to do it (while also juggling all of your other responsibilities). You’re asking questions like: “what’s my purpose?”, “is this career aligned with who I am?”, “is this the right relationship for me?”, and “who am I?”. I help individuals who feel overwhelmed and anxious as they ask themselves these big, existential questions and navigate life transitions. Together, we will work to clarify your values and goals and explore ways of living that feel authentic to you.

Supporting adult children of immigrants

Maybe you grew up hearing that “therapy is for crazy people,” or that “you just need to be strong”. Not only was there a part of you that was hurting, but there was also another part that felt deeply shamed for the pain you were feeling. You’re not alone.

Maybe you learned ways of adapting to the pain by achieving, by being everything for everyone, or by silencing parts of yourself. And yet, there’s another part of you that deeply desires healing.

As a 1.5-generation Filipina American, I understand both the beauty and the struggles of growing up in two different cultures. I help adult children of immigrants gain deeper understanding of their life through their multicultural lens, explore ways they’ve adapted in order to survive, and support them in their healing process.

On a personal note…

• My 12–year-old dog, Kobe, has been with me throughout undergrad, grad school and life as a therapist (I think he deserves an honorary dog-ree 😊)
• I love reading, listening to audiobooks and podcasts about different topics like psychology/attachment-related stuff, fiction (particularly thrillers and romance), and basketball.
• I value continually working on my own healing so I can more fully show up for my clients.

More from Joanna

Formal Credentials

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#135609): Registered to practice psychotherapy under the supervision of Rachel Cloud, LCSW 66437.

Education
M.A., Counseling Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy — Santa Clara University
B.A., Communication with a minor in Education — University of California, Davis

Trainings
Gottman Method Couples Therapy: Level I
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (Hold Me Tight Program)
Gottman Couples Therapy: Level 2
Gottman Couples Therapy: Trauma and Infidelity
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: Addressing Common Sexual Concerns in Individuals and Couples
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: LGBTQIA Affirmative Therapy
Modern Sex Therapy Institute: Alternative Sexualities/Non-Traditional Relationships
Anti-Racism & Culturally Affirmative Care, Diversity & Resiliency Institute of El Paso