About Gloria Saldana, LMFT

Let’s work on the tough stuff, together.

A kind supportive therapist sitting on a wicker chair with a laptop on her lap in a cozy room.

Hi there! I’m a first gen Latina born and raised in the Bay and currently based in sunny San Diego. I specialize in anxiety issues, relationships, and sex therapy.

My ultimate goal is to work myself out of a job. Really.

You had a life before me, you will have one after me. My goal is to get you to a place where you feel that you don’t need my help anymore. That can look like having the necessary skills to manage your worries, confidence to communicate your needs, or seeing the growth in your day to day life.

I show up as my authentic self, because you deserve a human to human experience.

Therapy can feel awkward and only works if you feel comfortable in the space. For that reason I focus on creating a calm and inviting environment where we can speak candidly and casually.

Warm. Empathetic. Direct.

Those words describe my work style. You don’t need someone to beat around the bush and honestly, you’re here because you’re looking for change. I am here to be your number one cheerleader but also your coach, I want you to grow and I will make sure we get there with the right guidance and tools.

A hand resting on a round wooden stool with a white ceramic vase holding dried, fluffy beige and light brown plants.
A therapist inviting you to join her in session.

MY BACKGROUND & CREDENTIALS

I use she/her pronouns and am part go the LGBTQ+ community. I work through a social justice oriented lens, believe that no human is illegal on stolen land, stand with those in marginalized communities and am rooted in a nonjudgmental lens. I hold no presumptions on how you should live your life, I am here to support in the areas that are not working and aim to bring health and property to you and your relationships.

I hold a Masters degree from the University of San Diego and received my bachelors in Psychology from San Jose State. I have extensive training in evidenced based practices, ERP for OCD and couples work. I’ve previously worked in integrative behavioral health, non-profit community mental health, school systems and group practice. I specializes in the above work as well as working with young adults, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ and intergenerational/first gen issues.

MODALITIES / FRAMEWORKS

  • CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • ERP - Exposure and Response Prevention 

  • Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional

  • Gottman - Couples Therapy

  • EFT/Attachment theory for couples

PERSONAL HIGHLIGHT

Outside of therapy I’m an avid reader and a Crime Junkie podcast listener. I try to travel as often as I can and explore new foods. My terrier Leo will likely make an appearance during our virtual work together so be sure to say hi.

ANXIETY

COUPLES

SEX/INTIMACY

“Gloria found the overarching themes of my goals and created a plan of action”

Male, 22

Man in a dark jacket walking through tall, golden grass in a field, with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

“She was understanding and I felt comfortable talking to her. I was able to share a lot of things and I felt like she understood”

Female, 30

A woman with long hair wearing a black hat, patterned dress, and boots walking away in a grassy field during sunset.

“We worked exactly on what my main issue was, and I was given techniques to deal with it”

Male, 38

A woman sitting on a rock overlooking a calming mountain landscape at sunset or sunrise.