Meet Our Team - Brenda Valdez Espitia
Brenda Valdez Espitia, M.A., AMFT
Position at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center:
Therapist
How long have you been working at Hallowell Todaro ADHD?
For couple of weeks
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Modesto, CA
What are your favorite books / TV shows / movies?
I love Disney movies. I like reading romance novels, however daily I’ve been reading therapy-related books.
What’s your favorite sport and/or sports team?
Does traveling Count? I like to travel. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I visited a couple of places including Japan, China, Costa Rica, US Virgin Islands, and Mexico. I had other plans that were cancelled, sadly.
Complete the following sentences:
When I’m not at work, you can find me...
walking on the beach, buying cosmetics, shopping at Target, spending time with my family and friends.
When I want to de-stress, I...
like to swim and go for walks.
My favorite time of year is...
summer because my birthday is in July, then Fall because it is getting cold and we get to prepare for upcoming holidays.
My favorite thing to cook is...
Cajun shrimp!
The best gift I ever received was…
the gift of life!
If I could travel anywhere in the world, I’d go to...
San Santorini!
What led you to pursue a career helping others?
I want to help others because life is not easy and we can all use some help to better function in life. I, as a child, had some difficulties growing up and counseling was very helpful and totally improve my life.
What education, skills, and expertise do you bring to your role?
I began my journal working as a behavioral technician helping children in the Autism spectrum right after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Then, I decided to go back to school and get my Master’s degree. Now, I hold a master’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). I enjoy doing family therapy and individual therapy for children and adolescents.
I have experience working with blended and traditional families. I have successfully helped individuals with ADHD, anxiety, depression, adjustment, social anxiety, mood dysregulation, trauma, attachment, anger management, grief and loss, behavioral issues, and relationships.
I provide strength-based services and I am trained to utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I like to focus on the client’s needs and desires for better outcomes and to better assist each individual.
Who/what inspires you?
My parents, who are committed, dedicated and hard-working individuals who provided me with life skills and motivation to continue my education.
What’s your personal philosophy/approach toward the work you do?
I believe life should be rewarding and satisfying, therefore I will help you find your balance.
What is one small thing people can do to improve their lives and increase their happiness?
Stay Positive!! It is easy to focus on the negative since it is automatic, but if we can take a minute to see the positive it will often overcome the negative.
We provide a range of support for people with ADHD.