Alanna Esquejo, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist · CA License #151443 · NPI #1114742665Helping couples get out of survival mode, communicate better, and feel like a team again.
Based in Pleasanton, CA and offering telehealth across California, I work with BIPOC and interracial couples, neurodivergent individuals and families, and anyone ready to stop repeating the same patterns and start building something better.
More Than a Therapist, I Am a Partner in Your Relationship's Resilience.
I proudly identify as BIPOC — raised by a multi-racial mother and a Mexican father. I'm a wife, mama of two fur babies and one human little, and I have firsthand experience with interracial relationships, neurodivergence, blended families, loved ones with addictions, and working with incarcerated individuals. These experiences have shaped my perspective on identity, resilience, and what it really takes to repair a relationship.
I believe therapy is most effective when it fosters emotional safety, honest conversations, and even a little laughter. My clients often tell me they appreciate my direct approach, my humor, and the way I use relatable analogies to make tough topics feel approachable. Sometimes a little unfiltered honesty gets the point across in ways polished words never could.
I offer an inclusive, culturally sensitive environment where you can gain fresh perspectives, strengthen connections, and apply practical tools for growth. Therapy here is tailored to your journey — not a one-size-fits-all formula.
Direct Clarity, Delivered with Heart
I'm not the kind of therapist who just nods and stays silent. I'll challenge you to talk about what you're really feeling — so we can get to the root of what's not working and why.
You're here because you want real support, not vague affirmations. Together, we'll sift through the junk, name what's actually going on, and build tools that work in real life — not just in theory. I won't let you stay stuck.
My approach is client-centered and integrates evidence-based modalities including Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I also hold advanced certification in ADHD care, which shapes how I think about attention, regulation, and relational patterns across all of my work.
Qualifications
Evidence-based training rooted in the real-world challenges my clients bring to the room.
Master of Arts — Marriage & Family Therapy
Graduate-level training in systems theory, couples and family therapy, developmental psychology, and multicultural counseling — with a focus on evidence-based clinical practice.
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider
I hold the ADHD-CCSP credential, reflecting advanced knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD across all ages — including executive functioning, emotional regulation, and neurodivergent care. I provide therapy for neurodivergent couples, families, and teens.
My approach blends trauma-informed therapy with practical tools tailored to each client's needs, supporting those navigating attention challenges, relational stress, and burnout.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy — Level 2
I'm trained in Gottman Method Level 2, a research-based approach that focuses on strengthening connection, improving communication, and repairing conflict. This training equips me to assess relational dynamics with precision and offer practical tools that support lasting change.
I help couples move from reactive patterns to intentional engagement, using structured interventions grounded in decades of relationship science.
Find Me On
Verified profiles on the directories prospective clients trust most.
Psychology Today
View my verified Psychology Today therapist profile, including specialties, session details, and client reviews.
View profile →Gottman Referral Network
Listed on the official Gottman Therapist Network — verified for training in ADHD, affairs, grief, neurodiversity, pre-marital, and PTSD. Serving Livermore and Pleasanton, CA.
View listing →Colleague Endorsements
What fellow clinicians say about working alongside Alanna.
Services Offered
From weekly sessions to focused intensives — find the format that works for your life.
Couples Therapy
Break the patterns keeping you stuck and find your way back to the people you fell in love with. Weekly sessions in Pleasanton or via telehealth.
Learn more →Couples Intensives
2 or 3-day focused sessions equivalent to 6–9 months of traditional weekly therapy. For couples who want deep progress without the "start-stop" of weekly therapy. We skip the small talk, keep the momentum, and get straight to the healing.
Learn more →ADHD Therapy
For individuals and couples making sense of how ADHD shows up in relationships, work, and daily life — with tools that actually work in the real world.
Learn more →Gottman Method
A research-backed map for what's driving the conflict and exactly what needs to be different. Not theory — tools you can actually use.
Learn more →EFT for Couples
The fight about the dishes isn't about the dishes. EFT helps us get underneath the surface conflict to what's actually happening — where things start to shift.
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
If you don't find your answer here, please reach out — I'm happy to talk.
We'll focus on getting to know one another by understanding your unique concerns and goals. I'll ask questions about your background, current challenges, and what you hope to gain from therapy. It's a safe space to share as much as you feel comfortable. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions about my approach or the therapy process.
I use a client-centered approach and incorporate Gottman Method Couples Therapy. This approach is effective for couples at any stage of their relationship — particularly helpful for those experiencing communication breakdowns, recurring conflicts, or emotional disconnection. Gottman Method is evidence-based and has been clinically proven to have long-term positive outcomes.
Yes! I offer telehealth therapy sessions conducted through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms to ensure your privacy and confidentiality. As a licensed therapist in California, I can provide telehealth services to any clients located within the state.
Intensive therapy for couples is particularly effective for those facing high conflict, communication breakdowns, or trust issues who are ready to dive deep and commit to meaningful change. I offer half-day and full-day intensive sessions, which can be equivalent to 3–6 months of traditional therapy. If you're unsure whether an intensive is the right fit, schedule a consultation and we can discuss your specific needs.
The duration depends on your specific goals. Some clients see results in a few weeks, while others benefit from ongoing support over a longer period. We'll discuss how to implement the tools you need in the most effective way. My approach prioritizes creating a space where you can work at your own pace toward meaningful, lasting change.
Yes! I offer a free 15-minute consultation via phone or video call. This helps us both determine if we're the right fit before committing to sessions. You can book directly through my online scheduling system.
My office is currently not wheelchair accessible. However, I am committed to providing inclusive and accessible care. I offer telehealth sessions as an alternative for clients with mobility needs, allowing you to receive therapy from the comfort of your home. If you have specific accessibility concerns, please reach out and I'd be happy to discuss accommodations.
Office Space in Pleasanton
A calm, comfortable space designed for honest conversation — with parking nearby and great ice cream around the corner.
Address
74 Neal St #202
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Telehealth
Available across California
HIPAA-compliant platform
Phone
Start Your Repair Journey Today
You don't have to keep reliving the patterns you swore you'd escape. There's a way through, and it starts here.