Juliana Sao Tiago

I work with people navigating anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, major life transitions, cultural adjustment, and questions around identity and belonging, and I

offer therapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. I especially enjoy supporting immigrants and multicultural clients who may be balancing different cultures, family expectations, relationships, and the challenges of building a life in a new country. I also work with couples who want to improve communication, better understand one another, work through conflict, and build stronger, healthier relationships.

I understand how important it is to find a therapist who makes you feel heard, understood, and comfortable being yourself. As an immigrant from Brazil, I bring both personal and professional understanding of the complexities that can come with adapting to a new country, navigating multiple cultures, and finding a sense of belonging.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 12 years of experience working with individuals and couples from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I completed my master’s degree in Oakland, California, and provide therapy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailoring therapy to your individual needs and goals. In our work together, I can help you better understand patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships; develop practical coping and communication skills; manage difficult emotions; and make changes that align with what matters most to you.

My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can bring your whole self, including your culture, values, relationships, and life experiences.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices. I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while also incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) based on each client’s individual needs.

ACT focuses on helping you develop a different relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than feeling controlled by them or constantly struggling to make them disappear. Through mindfulness, acceptance, and practical behavioral strategies, we will work together to identify what truly matters to you and help you take meaningful steps toward the life and relationships you want.

I believe therapy is not just about reducing symptoms, it is also about increasing self-awareness, developing greater emotional flexibility, and learning how to navigate life’s challenges while staying connected to your values. My role is to provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space while also offering practical tools and strategies you can use outside of therapy.

Because each person’s experience is unique, I tailor treatment to your needs, goals, cultural background, and life experiences. Together, we will build on your strengths and work toward changes that feel meaningful, realistic, and sustainable.

As my client, you can expect a warm, supportive, and interactive therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, respected, and understood. I bring empathy, compassion, authenticity, and a sense of humor into my work, while creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself.

Therapy with me is collaborative. Together, we will explore the thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and patterns that may be keeping you from making the changes you want. We will identify your strengths, develop practical tools for navigating challenges, and work toward goals that are meaningful to you.

I believe therapy can be both reflective and practical. My goal is not to tell you what to do, but to help you better understand yourself, gain new perspectives, and develop the skills and confidence to make positive, lasting changes in your life and relationships.