About Edna Wallace, M.A.,MFT, CGP  

Work with Couples and Individuals:

I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), NCGPS (Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society) and ACME (Association for Couples in Marriage Enrichment). In my work, I seek to coach couples in maintaining their separateness and the ability to “hold onto oneself” whilst working out differences. I strive to provide a respectful and empathic stance to assist in the difficult process of opening up and talking through issues. I realize that these are complex, sometimes irresolvable issues. From 20 years in marriage enrichment, I also bring practical skills into the picture, such as training in “speaking for self” and “active listening.”

With individuals, I have worked with clients on many different presenting issues—from alternative lifestyle referrals through to transitions and coping with loss … the loss of a marriage, the loss of a loved one, the loss of function and identity through old age. I aim to help clients navigate through the treacherous channels and emerge with some sense of peace or growth.

Community Wellness:

I believe in community service—getting involved and doing local outreach. As an Adjunct Lecturer at Santa Clara University (1/2011-present), I lead process groups for students in counseling psychology. I have also frequently spoken at universities on alternative sexuality for Human Sexuality/Ethics classes (2007-present). In the wellness realm, I have a particular interest in speaking to common life struggles—giving community talks on topic such as: “Stress-Busting” (Los Gatos 1/2011); “The Complex World of Decluttering” (Cupertino 3/2011); “Challenging Negative Thoughts” (Santa Clara 4/2011, Cupertino 6/2011); “The Art of Time Management” (Cupertino 9/2011); and “The MFT Journey” (Santa Clara University 4/2008-5/201011, Notre Dame University 8/2011).

Background:

I have worked at Pathways Hospice, counseling clients for grief and loss; the SC County Suicide and Crisis Hotline; the Department of Alcohol and Drug Services (DADS)—running substance abuse groups and doing intakes; and the Center for Healthy Development (CHD). At CHD, I counseled adults, teens, and children and ran groups addressing high-conflict divorce and domestic violence.

I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University in 2006. In 2010, I received certification as a group therapist (CGP) and joined the Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society.

Services:

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC #46206) with private practice offices in San Jose and Los Altos, California. I seek to help individuals and couples improve relationships and enhance their sense of self. In this complex work, I strive to remain compassionate and empathic with the issues brought into the room.