Hi there! It is my privilege to get to support you through your mental health journey. As a first-generation, multiracial provider (Mexican-American with Iranian heritage), my experiences have shaped my practice, understanding, and appreciation for challenges with identity, culture, values, and intergenerational adversity.

Life certainly has a way of throwing some curveballs and it can be challenging as you navigate through those difficult moments. I look forward to cultivating a collaborative environment in sessions where we can talk about how to move you toward your goals and values. I am invested in showing you that you are seen, heard, and respected. Together, we will begin this exploration to discover how your past stressors and experiences—whether these experiences were in childhood, adulthood, or yesterday—are impacting your current perspective, self-view, worldview, and your footing in your day-to-day. In therapy, it is important that we work together to see what is possible and what is workable so that we are making meaningful progress in pursuing your best life.

Upon working with one another, you will find that I am here to support you and encourage you so that you feel empowered, willing, and capable of being a leading character in your life story. Seeking therapy is a significant first step. Congratulations and welcome! I am excited to begin with you!

Specialties:

• Trauma

• Anxiety

• Phobias

• Panic

• Depression

• Working professionals

• Adults and Older Adults

• Diversity in Culture/Religion/Acculturation

• Psychological Assessments

Specialties:

• Academic stressors

• Work-related stressors

• Trauma-related stressors

• Coping and emotional regulation challenges

• Adjusting to life changes

• Relationship stressors

• Family challenges

• Grief

Treatment Approaches:

• Client-centered, individual therapy

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

• Exposure Therapy

• Prolonged Exposure (PE)

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Unified Protocol (UP)

• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)

Professional Background:
Virginia Arlene Suarez, PsyD (PSB94028040) is a registered psychological associate with the California Board of Psychology, operating under the direct supervision of Dr. Tamara J. Strong-Chavez (CA PSY 34171). Arlene holds a Doctorate of Clinical Psychology from PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium. She completed her predoctoral internship at the APA-accredited Kaiser Permanente East Bay Medical Center Program as an Adult Generalist and Assessment Track in Oakland. Arlene has worked in a variety of clinical settings including community mental health clinics, Veteran Affairs facilities, hospitals, and residential settings. There she has worked with a diverse population of children, families, couples, and adults of varying ages across the lifespan. Some of her experience includes providing thorough risk assessments, brief and focused treatment, longer-term treatment, trauma treatment, neuropsychological assessments in adults, utilizing the appropriate evidence-based treatment modalities, providing patient-centered care, and providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.