Helping People Build Better Relationships

Brenda Vaccaro, M.A.

Co-Founder & Therapist
Psychological Assistant (PSB34264) to Constance Holmes, Ed.D. (PSY18209)

My Approach. I believe that we have the opportunity to heal, learn, and grow throughout our lives — even well into adulthood. When we’re stuck, we need a great deal of courage to let go of what isn’t working anymore and reach toward something new to be healthy, happy and successful. My passion is working with people at this promising (and often painful) point in their lives to help them understand and change the life patterns that limit them so they can feel better…a lot better.

The ups and downs of personal growth will feel daunting at times, and making meaningful changes in your life will require hard work and determination. With every step forward, I’ll be here to provide the encouragement, humor and candor you need to stay committed. Together, we’ll figure out how to help you feel comfortable, yet challenged, so you can create the life and relationships you want.

My Services. I look forward to helping you…
  • Cope with anxiety, depression, and stress
  • Solve relationship problems (relatives, partners, friends)
  • Build better communication and assertiveness skills
  • Recover from dysfunctional family experiences
  • Explore who you are and what you want from life
My Specialties. I also have special expertise and a unique interest in working with…
  • Adults in the adoption triad (adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents)
  • Men and women who struggle to build close, meaningful relationships
  • Men and women who are socially anxious or self-conscious
  • Children, teens, and adults who need psychological testing
  • Therapists who need assessment consultation or services for their clients
About Me. I’m a doctoral candidate and earned my master’s degree in clinical psychology at The Wright Institute in Berkeley. I’ve worked in public and private mental health centers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento providing individual, couple, group, and family therapy, as well as psychological assessment. My experience also includes research on adoption, attachment, as well as social cognitive and affective neuroscience. In my leisure time, I love hanging out with my family and friends, listening to music, playing outdoors, birding, writing and traveling.

You can contact me at 916.616.8561 or at dr.vaccaro@lifeworkpsychology.com