Therapy for trauma, eating disorders, and substance use — caring, collaborative support

I offer psychotherapy for individuals, families, and teens, with an emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and care that meets you where you are.

How Therapy Works

1

Initial consult

A brief call to see if we're a good fit and answer your questions

2

Early sessions

Getting to know you, setting goals, and building a foundation of safety

3

Ongoing work

Collaborative, paced, and responsive to your needs as they evolve

Areas of Focus

Trauma

Common experiences:

  • Feeling stuck in the past
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Overwhelming emotions or numbness
  • Intrusive thoughts or memories

We work together to process difficult experiences at your pace, building safety and resilience along the way.

Eating Disorders

Common experiences:

  • Preoccupation with food, weight, or body image
  • Cycles of restriction or binging
  • Using food to cope with emotions
  • Feeling disconnected from your body

Therapy can help you understand your relationship with food and develop healthier coping strategies.

Substance Use

Common experiences:

  • Using substances to manage stress or emotions
  • Wanting to change but feeling stuck
  • Concerns about your relationship with alcohol or drugs
  • Impact on relationships or daily life

We explore your relationship with substances without judgment, working toward the changes you want to make.

Brenda Hidalgo

I'm Brenda Hidalgo, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in Pacifica, California. As a Latina therapist and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I bring both professional training and lived experience to our work together. I value the time we spend together and take time to understand you.

Learn more about me

Resources

Helpful tools and information for your journey

Grounding exercises

Techniques to help you feel present and centered

Psychoeducation

Understanding trauma, eating disorders, and recovery

Crisis support

Important numbers and resources when you need immediate help