Holly Strickland
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist - AMFT
Hi, I’m Holly Strickland (she/her), an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with 8 years of experience in the mental health field. I earned my Master of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling, focusing on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from San Francisco State University. Before that, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Biological Sciences from Ohio University.
I spent two years in the Clinical Training Program at Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, where I had the privilege of serving individuals in crisis, those experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, and those who have faced traumatic loss, such as loss due to suicide or community violence. Recently, my focus has shifted to working with adolescents facing mental health and substance use challenges, alongside conducting family therapy.
While I began my career in social sciences research, I transitioned to direct clinical practice in 2016, seeking a deeper personal connection and a greater individual impact. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work in outpatient mental health clinics, schools, residential treatment programs, and crisis stabilization sites, serving a diverse population ranging from children to elders, all facing various mental health symptoms (like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and grief) and life stressors (such as identity development, relationship issues, and life transitions).
My theoretical approach is grounded in psychodynamic psychology, attachment theory, family systems theory, and trauma-informed care. I pride myself on being warm, down-to-earth, and client-driven. My goal as a therapist is to provide you with clinical competence, curiosity, and a safe space to explore, reflect, process, and problem-solve at your own pace.
I particularly enjoy working with those who are new to therapy or feel ambivalent about it. It’s normal to have questions, reservations, and preconceived notions about therapy. I believe that therapy can take many forms, and no issue is too big or too small to discuss. I look forward to collaborating with you to build a relationship and create a supportive space that helps you discover how therapy can best serve you, no matter where you are in your journey.
AMFT #129027
Supervised by: Patricia Morales, PSY #22639