Itzuri Hurtado

With over a decade of experience as a bilingual mental health therapist, Itzuri Hurtado, LMFT, brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion to her practice in Sunnyvale, CA. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Itzuri has dedicated her career to supporting diverse populations in their journey towards mental wellness.

Itzuri's approach to therapy is rooted in her belief that all life experiences shape who we are and contribute to our unique identity. She is passionate about guiding clients to discover their full potential and overcome both current and long-term struggles. Her therapeutic style is characterized by compassion, knowledge, and a deep respect for each client's individual experiences.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's degree in counseling psychology, Itzuri is well-equipped to provide therapeutic services to adults, children, teenagers, couples, and families. Her clinical experience spans both youth and adult populations, with a special gift for connecting emotionally with young clients. Itzuri's expertise covers a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, complex trauma, depression, family issues, autism, challenging behaviors, divorce, and relational problems.

Itzuri's professional journey began with working among the most severely mentally ill populations, a deliberate choice that honed her skills and resilience as a therapist. This experience, coupled with her work in both inpatient and outpatient settings, has given her a comprehensive understanding of mental health treatment across various contexts.

In addition to her foundational training, Itzuri is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT). These evidence-based approaches enhance her ability to treat trauma, anxiety, depression, and a host of other mental health challenges effectively.

As a bicultural and bilingual psychotherapist, Itzuri brings a deep understanding of the acculturation process and its associated challenges. Drawing from her own experiences as an immigrant, she is particularly adept at helping clients navigate the complexities of balancing two cultures, managing family expectations, and finding their authentic selves in a new environment.

Itzuri's personal interests, including scuba diving, travel, and a love for nature, inform her holistic approach to mental health. She believes in the healing power of connecting with the natural world and embracing diverse cultural experiences. Her practice is grounded in the philosophy that therapy is a collaborative journey towards what she calls "living paradise" – a state that encompasses love, happiness, fun, life purpose, meaningful friendships, and financial stability.

In her sessions, Itzuri focuses on resolving past and present challenges, identifying and eliminating ineffective patterns, and exploring new possibilities for growth and healing. She offers a range of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and specialized interventions like play therapy for children and teens. Itzuri also provides innovative options such as animal-assisted therapy and community-based therapy, adapting her approach to best suit each client's needs and preferences.

Choosing Itzuri Hurtado as your therapist means partnering with a professional who is deeply committed to your personal growth and well-being. Her blend of clinical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and genuine compassion creates a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered to create positive change in their lives.