Nina Atanassova

Hello, my name is Nina Atanassova and I am licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of California.

I have a MS degree in Counseling Psychology from California State University East Bay, graduation date May 2003.

I was licensed in 2009 and started my private practice soon after. Currently, I see individuals and couples in Silicon Valley who have issues with anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, communication and relationship issues.

My approach to therapy is individualized and client-centered. I mostly utilize Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

I use CBT to identify and change negative thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. I work collaboratively with the client to identify problematic thoughts and beliefs, challenge them, and replace them with more adaptive ones. The aim is to help the client develop skills to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

With ACT, I emphasize the importance of accepting one's thoughts and emotions without judgment and committing to actions that align with one's values. I helps clients identify their values and set goals that are in line with those values. The aim is to help the client develop psychological flexibility and resilience, enabling them to cope effectively with difficult thoughts and emotions.

This combination can help clients develop a more flexible and adaptive approach to their emotions and behaviors, ultimately leading to better mental health and quality of life.

I also utilize mindfulness and gratitude as techniques for higher level of awareness and better quality of life.

With couples I work on developing effective commutation skills, such as reflective listening, empathy and validation and I promote the sharing of thoughts and emotions in the moment with the purpose of creating intimacy, closeness and mutual understanding.