Therapists for Gifted Adults in San Jose, CA: Top 8 Specialists for Advanced Minds

Written By

Ava Cheng

Fact Checked

A bright and cozy therapy office with comfortable seating, bookshelves, and plants, creating a calm and welcoming environment.

Note: This post is supported by our readers and contains affiliate links, which will earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Therapy Helpers does not accept money for reviews.

Many gifted adults in San Jose, CA look for therapists who understand their unique experiences and challenges.

Giftedness in adults can include strong intelligence, heightened sensitivity, and an intense drive to succeed, which sometimes leads to stress or feeling misunderstood.

Finding the right therapist who has experience working with gifted adults can help individuals gain new coping skills, improve relationships, and feel more supported.

People interested in therapy often seek professionals who can relate to and guide them through these specific needs.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
review

4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.

✓ Over 35K licensed professionals

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

1) Gifted Therapy and Counseling in San Jose specializing in gifted children, teens, and adults

A therapist talking with a child, teenager, and adult in a bright, comfortable therapy office.

Therapists in San Jose offer specialized support for gifted children, teens, and adults.

These professionals understand the unique challenges gifted people face, like increased sensitivity and intense emotions.

Some therapists also have experience working with twice exceptional individuals who have both giftedness and special needs.

For more information, explore Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center and SAGE Center for Gifted.

2) Erin Gienger, MFT – expert in ADHD and gifted adolescent therapy

A female therapist sitting at a desk in a cozy office with books and plants, smiling warmly.

Erin Gienger, MFT, is a marriage and family therapy associate based in San Jose, CA.

She works with children, teens, young adults, and families.

Erin has experience supporting clients with ADHD as well as those who are gifted.

She is supervised by a licensed therapist and provides counseling for transitions and relationship challenges.

Erin helps both individuals and groups in a supportive environment.

Learn more about Erin Gienger at TherapyDen and PsychologyToday.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

betterhelp logo
stars

Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.

✓ Over 35K licensed professionals

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

3) Nicole Egan, LMFT – focuses on anxiety and trauma in gifted young adults

A female therapist sitting in a bright, organized office, attentively listening with a gentle smile.

Nicole Egan, LMFT, works with young adults in San Jose who face challenges related to anxiety and trauma.

She is experienced in helping clients build coping skills and manage stress.

Nicole provides therapy both in person and online.

Her approach is supportive and tailored to the unique needs of each person.

Learn more about Nicole Egan at Balanced Mind Therapy and EMDR International Association.

4) Valerie Andrews, PhD – licensed neuropsychologist with gifted adult expertise

A female neuropsychologist sitting in a bright office with bookshelves and a desk, looking confident and approachable.

Valerie Andrews, PhD, is a licensed neuropsychologist in San Jose with years of experience evaluating and supporting gifted adults.

She specializes in psychological assessments for learning differences, neurodevelopmental issues, and related concerns.

Dr. Andrews provides guidance for adults who may feel misunderstood or face unique challenges.

She works with clients in a supportive and nonjudgmental way.

Learn more about her practice on her Psychology Today profile or at the Los Gatos Assessment Center.

5) Kent Campbell, MFT – offers counseling for gifted adults and family dynamics

A therapist and an adult client having a counseling session in a comfortable, well-lit office.

Kent Campbell, MFT, is an experienced therapist based in San Jose.

He works with adults seeking support for personal and family challenges, including those who are gifted.

He is known for his warm approach and skill in helping clients explore complex emotions and relationships.

Kent offers both in-person and online sessions for flexibility.

Learn more about his services at therapistsinsanjose.com and kentmft.com.

6) San Jose gifted-focused counseling at 900 E Hamilton Ave, Campbell, CA

A therapist and an adult client having a counseling session in a bright, comfortable therapy room.

Counseling for gifted adults is available near San Jose, at 900 E Hamilton Ave in Campbell.

Therapists at this location focus on the unique needs of gifted individuals.

Services include therapy for stress, anxiety, and life changes.

The center also helps adults manage challenges like perfectionism and social issues.

Learn more about gifted therapy and counseling in the Campbell and San Jose area or see Embark Behavioral Health.

7) High Ability counselors in San Francisco serving gifted professionals

Counselors and a client having a supportive conversation in a bright office with a view of the San Francisco skyline.

San Francisco has counselors who focus on the needs of gifted and high ability adults.

These professionals help with emotional challenges, personal growth, and work issues that gifted people often face.

Some therapists in the area have special training with gifted professionals, providing counseling that fits their unique needs.

Learn more about qualified counselors at High Ability, Therapy Helpers, and Dr. Hilary Beech.

8) Psychologists specializing in gifted adult creativity and career challenges

A psychologist and a gifted adult client having a thoughtful conversation in a modern office.

Some psychologists in San Jose focus on the unique challenges gifted adults face with creativity and careers.

They understand how high ability can affect personal goals at work and in creative fields.

These therapists help clients manage stress, set goals, and work through obstacles related to their talents.

They offer guidance for people wanting to reach their full potential.

Learn more about gifted therapy and counseling in the San Jose area.

Frequently Asked Questions

YouTube video

Gifted adults often need therapists who understand their complex minds and unique emotional needs.

In San Jose, many professionals offer experience with intelligence, emotional intensity, and specialized therapy approaches for gifted individuals.

What qualifications should I look for in a therapist specializing in adults with giftedness?

The therapist should have formal training as a licensed mental health professional.

Look for those with experience in gifted counseling, psychological assessment, or neuropsychology.

Therapists like Valerie Andrews, PhD, have direct expertise in working with gifted adults.

Specific knowledge about giftedness, including emotional and social challenges, can make a real difference.

How can I find therapists who have experience with gifted adults in the San Jose area?

You can search directories and visit clinics that highlight gifted services, such as those specializing in gifted therapy and counseling in San Jose.

Review therapist profiles for mentions of work with gifted adults and ask about their experience in your first contact.

Names like Erin Gienger, MFT, and Kent Campbell, MFT, are known to have worked with this population in the area.

Are there specific therapy approaches that are most effective for gifted adults?

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and insight-oriented talk therapy are often helpful.

Each approach helps gifted adults deal with anxiety, perfectionism, and existential concerns.

Some therapists use psychoeducation to help clients better understand their giftedness.

It is important to find a therapist who can tailor the method to the client’s strengths and needs.

What unique challenges do gifted adults face that therapy can help address?

Many gifted adults struggle with feeling out of place, heightened sensitivity, or perfectionism.

Therapy can address imposter syndrome, social isolation, and overthinking.

Therapists also provide support for emotional intensity, career concerns, and complex family relationships.

How often should a gifted adult seek therapy for optimal results?

The ideal frequency depends on the individual’s goals and their current challenges.

Most start with weekly sessions and adjust as needed.

Therapists may recommend less frequent appointments over time as skills are built and issues addressed.

Can therapy help with the social and emotional difficulties often associated with adult giftedness?

Yes, therapy can help address feeling misunderstood or isolated, as well as difficulties forming meaningful relationships.

Many therapists help gifted adults manage anxiety, process intense emotions, and build social skills.

Support can also make it easier for gifted individuals to navigate stressful environments and life changes.

Looking for more mental health tips? Make sure to follow our Mental Health Board on Pinterest!

Recommended Insights:

A diverse group of adults sitting in a circle in a bright therapy room, engaged in a supportive conversation.

Therapists for Open Relationships in Philadelphia, PA: Top 8 Experts for Polyamory and Non-Monogamy

Looking for a polyamory-friendly therapist in Philadelphia? These top 8 experts specialize in supporting ethical non-monogamy, helping individuals and couples navigate jealousy, communication, and boundaries with empathy and understanding, fostering growth and connection in open relationships.
A therapist attentively listening to a client in a comfortable therapy office with a view of the St. Louis Gateway Arch through the window.

Therapists for Narcissistic Abuse in St. Louis, MO: 8 Trusted Options for Support

In St. Louis, MO, expert therapists help survivors of narcissistic abuse heal through tailored approaches, addressing trauma, codependency, and PTSD with tools like EMDR, CBT, and DBT, fostering self-esteem, boundary-setting, and emotional recovery in a safe, supportive environment.
Two therapists talking with a client in a bright, comfortable therapy office with large windows showing a city view.

Therapists for Narcissistic Abuse in Fresno, CA: 8 Trusted Options for Support

In Fresno, CA, healing from narcissistic abuse is supported by skilled therapists who offer tailored trauma recovery, emotional healing, and boundary-setting, with expertise in EMDR, CBT, and trauma-informed care to rebuild self-esteem and address anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

About the author

Ava Cheng

Ava Cheng

Hey there, I'm Ava Cheng—an inquisitive soul originally from Hong Kong now based in Singapore. As a physiotherapist, I have a passion for understanding women's health and the crossroads of medicine and psychology. Living in the heart of Singapore, I'm on a constant journey to explore the latest trends in these fascinating fields. The human body and mind never fail to amaze me, and I'm determined to unravel their mysteries one discovery at a time. Let's embark on this intellectual adventure together! Social

Leave a Comment