Lizette Aguirre, PsyD

Lizette Aguirre, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

I am a California licensed psychologist (PSY30493) specializing in treating anxiety (including OCD and phobias), depression, trauma (including PTSD and complex trauma), and life transitions such as relationship difficulties, career stress, grief and loss. I am trained in evidence-based practices EMDR, CBT (including Prolonged Exposure, Trauma-Focused CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention), and CBT for psychosis. I also enjoy identity exploration work, helping clients navigate gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural values, and life goals.

I received my doctorate degree from the PGSP-Stanford PsyD Consortium, and completed my pre-doctoral internship at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital. I completed my post-doctoral fellowship with an emphasis on psychosocial rehabilitation at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide therapy in both languages.

My professional journey, spanning 10+ years, has given me extensive experience working with adults (age 18+), including high-achieving professionals, students, neurodivergent individuals, and caretakers. I enjoy integrating third-wave psychotherapies into my work and frequently use principles from ACT, mindfulness-based approaches, and am learning to incorporate IFS into my practice. With a blend of behavioral, humanistic, and third-wave approaches, I strive to support clients in achieving holistic healing and living in alignment with their authentic selves.

Additionally, providing quality training, supervision, and continuing education to psychologists and other mental health clinicians has been a passion of mine. I am proud to support budding clinicians through my role as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at the Stanford University School of Medicine and by providing clinical supervision to new career psychologists, Postdoctoral Fellows. I have also served as Clinical Training Director of the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program and was a member of the Continuing Medical Education Committee at The Clinic, a mental health group practice based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California.

In Her Own Words

“I feel deeply called to this work and feel honored, privileged and incredibly fortunate to get to build meaningful connections every day with people who bring diverse life stories. Supporting my clients, creating a space where they can connect with another human and feel seen, understood, and empowered as they navigate healing, self-discovery, and growth has brought immense fulfillment and meaning to me. Having faced my own challenges as a woman of color and a first-generation daughter of immigrants, I am profoundly inspired by the courage and resilience my clients show as they overcome obstacles and move forward. I feel incredibly lucky to call this my professional calling and am excited to continue this work. To all my clients, past and new, thank you for allowing me the honor and privilege of bearing witness with you in this space of vulnerability.

I view therapy as a collaborative process where clients and therapists work together to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a supportive, safe, and non-judgmental environment. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a personalized experience that evolves to meet the unique needs of each person. It’s a space for exploration, meaningful vulnerability, healing, and growth—whether that means processing past trauma, finding relief or healing, developing healthier coping strategies, or gaining clarity about life’s direction.

The therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of effective therapy. Trust, safety, and respect are essential for creating an environment where clients feel comfortable being vulnerable. I believe in honoring each person’s individuality and cultural background while supporting them in aligning with their values and goals. My role is to guide and collaborate rather than dictate, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment.

Working with me is a compassionate, collaborative, and personalized experience. I blend evidence-based practices with a deep respect for each individual’s journey. As such, I take a holistic and contextual approach to therapy, considering the whole person, including cultural, societal, and personal factors that shape their experiences. My therapeutic style is warm, supportive, and directive when needed. I employ active listening, curiosity and empathy, and don’t shy away from providing an appropriate “nudge” towards approaching difficult topics. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide therapy in both languages. As a first-generation daughter of immigrants, it is important to me to use a culturally sensitive approach to my work, prioritizing my clients’ intersectional identities and backgrounds.”