Meet Anna, LCSW

Hi, I’m Anna, the owner and founder of Hand and Hand Therapy. I know firsthand how much courage it takes to ask for support and how powerful it can be to have someone walk alongside you during life's challenges. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself, feel genuinely understood, and have the opportunity to grow, heal, and create meaningful change in your life.

My journey into this field is both personal and professional. Growing up in the foster care system during the 1980s and 1990s, I experienced challenges that shaped my understanding of resilience, healing, and the importance of having someone in your corner. Meaningful relationships with social workers during that time helped me see possibilities for my future that I couldn't yet see for myself and inspired me to pursue a career in social work.

Along the way, I didn't just learn about therapy in classrooms and training programs—I experienced many of its principles in my own life. Learning to recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts helped me move beyond beliefs that my circumstances defined my future.. Understanding how difficult experiences can affect the brain and nervous system helped me make sense of my own reactions and build greater self-compassion, which reflects the foundation of Trauma-Informed Care.

I also came to recognize that different parts of myself often had different needs and fears. There were parts that worked hard to stay independent, parts that felt uncertain, and parts that carried old hurts. Learning to approach those experiences with curiosity instead of judgment mirrors the work done in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. At the same time, focusing on small steps forward rather than becoming overwhelmed by how far I still had to go helped me continue moving toward my goals, an approach that aligns closely with Solution-Focused Therapy.

After emancipating from foster care and graduating high school, I pursued higher education with the goal of helping others navigate life's challenges. I earned my Master of Social Work from San Jose State University and began my clinical career with Santa Clara County Behavioral Health, providing services within the Adult System of Care. I later worked with Transitional Aged Youth, supporting individuals navigating substance use, identity development, and major life transitions.

Today, I bring both professional training and lived experience into my work. I provide evidence-based, individualized care for individuals and families facing stress, self-doubt, difficult life experiences, relationship challenges, and periods of transition. My goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where clients can better understand themselves, build on their strengths, and create meaningful change that lasts long after therapy ends.