Melinda Carlisle Brackett
About Melinda
As a DBT Therapist in San Jose, CA Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or frustrated that things aren’t changing—despite how much effort they’re putting in.
You may be someone who thinks deeply, cares about your relationships, and is trying to do the right thing—but still finds yourself caught in patterns that are hard to shift. This might show up as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationship conflict, or feeling misunderstood. For some, it also includes more complex experiences like depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, or even feeling hopeless or suicidal.
My work focuses on helping you understand what’s happening—and giving you the tools to respond differently.
My Approach
I use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I have been extensively trained and have over 20 years of experience in these treatmnts along with a strong background in psychodynamic and attachment basedf therapies.
Our work is both:
- thoughtful and exploratory (making sense of patterns)
- practical and skill-based (learning how to change them)
Some sessions focus more on processing and understanding. Others focus on building concrete skills to help you manage emotions, improve communication, and feel more in control.
Over time, the goal is for you to feel more stable, more confident in how you respond, and more connected in your relationships.
Areas of Focus in DBT Therapy:
I work with individuals and couples navigating:
- Anxiety and emotional overwhelm
- Depression and hopelessness
- Complex, High Conflict Couples affected by Relationship or childhood trauma
- Bipolar disorder
- Trauma and PTSD
- Suicidal thoughts
- Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism)
- Relationship and communication challenges
- Parenting of neurodiverse children
I am also a Certified Neurodiverse Couples Therapist, helping couples build more understanding, trust, and effective communication—especially when differences in emotional processing or neurotype are involved.
Background & Training
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Founder and Clinical Director of San Jose DBT.
I have completed advanced intensive training in DBT through Behavioral Tech and CBT through the Feeling Good Institute and have been a DBT Therapist for over 20 years. My work includes experience with complex conditions which involve severe emotion regulation difficulties including OCD, bipolar disorder and aschizophrenia, autism, treatment-resistant depression, personality disorders, borderline personality disorders, and psychotic disorders.
I also have specialized training in psychotherapy for individuals with autism and neurodiversity through the UC Davis MIND Institute and UNC’s TEACCH program, and I incorporate evidence-based trauma treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD a 15 session treatment to help couples build connection when one or both people have been affected by taruma. Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
Before becoming a DBT therapist, I worked as a technology project manager in Silicon Valley. This experience helps me understand the pressures of high-demand work environments, workplace stress and the challenge of balancing professional success with emotional well-being.
What It’s Like to Work Together
My style is warm, collaborative, and clear.
I aim to create a space where you feel understood and supported, while also helping you move toward meaningful change. You won’t be left to figure things out alone—but you also won’t be pushed in a way that doesn’t feel right.
We work at a pace that fits you, while still making progress toward the life you want.
Next Steps
If you’re considering therapy, you don’t have to have everything figured out.
You’re welcome to reach out to ask questions or see if working together feels like a good fit.