Dr. Virginia Arlene Suarez

Psychological Associate at Pivot Counseling

Psychological Associate at Pivot Counseling

In-Person (Walnut Creek) & Telehealth

Dr. Virginia Arlene Suarez

Your better life starts here.

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, we must work together to see what is possible and what is workable so that we are making meaningful progress in pursuing our 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

Issues

Academic stressors

Work-related stressors

Trauma-related stressors

Coping and emotional regulation challenges

Adjusting to life changes

Grief

Family Challenges

Relationship stressors

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 the 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.

Certifications and Other Training

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