Therapists in Pleasant Hill, CA

The thought of starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Sometimes we are ashamed to ask for help, or embarrassed by what we are seeking help for. The truth is, though, that in order to move forward, we have to face those things that are causing our pain and unhappiness. And sometimes we need help to do that. Asking for help takes courage. Allowing oneself to be vulnerable takes strength.

Jenna uses a person-centered approach to help clients process the events and behavior that have led them to feeling dissatisfied. She works with clients that are trying to manage a difficult life transition or perhaps are looking to break the cycle of an unfulfilling merry-go-round. Jenna focuses on developing insight, mindfulness, and cognitive techniques to support clients in resolving trauma and healing. She believes that in safe and supportive environment, clients are empowered to address difficulties and achieve a better quality of life.

In the best of conditions, orienting ourselves towards personal growth is challenging and requires focus, dedication, and support. During major life events, staying on this mindful path can become overwhelming and we may find ourselves unable to find our bearings. For over 12 years, I have helped clients navigate difficult life transitions, such as recovery from addiction, overcoming trauma, healing from grief, cultivating healthy relationships, and achieving developmental milestones.

I have been in private practice for over 30 years. I have had extensive experience with ethnically diverse women, men, couples, Veterans and immigrants, from young to older adults. I work with issues, such as depression, anxiety, relationships, marriage, work, disability, aging, loss, bereavement, identity and cross cultural/bi-cultural conflict. I am interested in exploring these issues through a dynamic process of understanding your emotional life and thoughts; and, how it manifests in your behavior patterns in the world. I am available for clinical consultation or supervising licensing hours. By appointment.

I bring the best of both worlds-- over 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, expert in the areas of treating depression, addiction and trauma and a Success and Performance Coach skilled in the latest strategies and techniques for motivation and change. I am able to take what appears to be an obstacle and turn it into a means of building emotional muscle. Obstacles will happen but it is the meaning we give to events that makes all the difference. I have a background in performance art and currently utilize mindfulness as a tool to assist clients in their lives.

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in the East Bay for over 30 years, providing psychotherapy for adults, couples, families, adolescents, and groups. I work from a holistic perspective, creating a safe environment to encourage the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with: relationship issues, recovery from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and other childhood traumas; depression; anxiety, low self esteem; codependency issues; parenting concerns; compulsive eating patterns; body image dissatisfaction, chronic illness, and perinatal loss. I integrate in-depth psychotherapy with EMDR, Expressive Arts Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Jungian Sand Tray, and Dream Work.

I can't imagine getting much out of only hearing “uh-huh" or the overly used, “how does that make you feel?”. Therapy is helpful when it's a conversation when you are looking for validation or ways to change behaviors or thoughts. Occasional use of humor and swearing can help you lower stress and defenses when stuck in fear, anger, or judgement. I invite you to swear if it helps you express how difficult, unfair, or delightful a situation is. I find this uncensored atmosphere leads to an honest therapeutic relationship. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or life stressors, you may find these techniques useful and validating.

I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I work with individual adults and adolescents as well as with couples. In my practice I see people who are struggling with relationship issues, loss and trauma, anxiety and depression, and addiction among other life challenges. I consider it a privilege to work within the therapeutic process with people wanting to feel healthier and more whole.

Most of us would agree that sometimes life is just hard. It is even harder when we try to face it alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed by life right now, please know that you don't have to get through it on your own. As a therapist, I see my role as coming along side you on your journey toward healing and self discovery. I will not try to "fix" you and I do not have all of the answers. With empathy, intuition and knowledge from my own lived experience, I offer a space for you to explore where you will feel safe and heard.

Our life experience as individuals impacts how we receive the world around us. There exists a unique relationship between who each of us is as a person and the moments that mount between birth and death. My intention is to gain an understanding of who you are, and the challenges that you and/or your relationship(s) face in order to build a trusting, healing relationship with you. I aim to provide a challenging space of empathetic support and non-judgmental understanding, encouraging personal growth through increased insight, and thus promoting a broader perspective as you approach solutions to the answers you are searching for.

Helping clients live a more full life by understanding themselves is at the core of my practice. Trauma is one of the causes of a significant amount of mental issues. Sometimes it can be a shock trauma like a car accident. Sometimes it can be a developmental trauma from difficult relationships from childhood. I have spent my professional career helping people with trauma understand how trauma affects their lives and develop tools and skills to manage that trauma. My passion is bringing healing to people who have been through a traumatic/stressful experience.

Are you feeling overwhelmed with trying to keep your family together, your relationships, job demands and daily responsibilities? Are your children struggling to navigate returning to in person school academically and socially? Reaching out to get support takes courage. This is an unimaginable time. If you find yourself struggling with anxiety and depression or feeling isolated, you deserve to take care of your mental health and emotional well being. Your adolescent or teen can benefit from getting support with a trusted ally who will listen and help improve functioning.

Are you feeling stuck or overwhelmed? Feeling like talking with someone to get some relief and support? You have taken an important first step in finding a therapist that's right for you. I work with children, adolescents, parents, and adults who are experiencing issues related to anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief and relationship struggles. I am here to help you face these challenges in a comfortable and nurturing way.

Looking for clients who are interested in understanding themselves, developing further insight, and willing to challenge themselves. They enjoy my directive style and enjoy the therapeutic process.

Do you feel overwhelmed and frustrated with your highly sensitive, smart, very intense child? Feeling worn out with your child's ongoing worries, difficulty managing emotions? Does your child suffer from perfectionism, self-doubt, and social issues? Do you also suffer from challenges? You don't have to manage this alone. I specialize in helping children, teens, and adults to understand themselves, to discover their path, and how to thrive. My goal is to help them improve their relationships, manage and channel their feelings, and realize their true potential.

Are you feeling distracted or overwhelmed? Perhaps you are lacking motivation and seeking clarity to connect with your passions and purpose in life, or desire more fulfilling, harmonious relationships. Maybe you’re tired of people saying you’re “too much” or “not enough” leaving you feeling not good enough or unworthy. You are not alone. Releasing old fears, anxiety, shame, guilt, and negative thoughts doesn’t have to be a painful, difficult process (deep breath!). It can be incredibly freeing, creating space and connection to a part of yourself you never knew was there.

One of my specialties is working with individuals and families that have been affected by addiction(s) in the family. Without judgement and with an atmosphere of safety we begin to explore the process of addiction and family dysfunction that can tear a person, family and community apart. Learning to use recovery tools to help the person and family cope with the stresses of daily life allows the healing process more room to breathe as clients refocus their energies on stability, balance and reconnecting relationships.

Are you at a place in your life where you know things are not as satisfying as they could be? Do you enjoy life less than you did before? I can help. I help people get through difficult times in their lives. I believe everyone has the potential to successfully meet life's challenges and will collaborate with you to achieve the life you want. I can help you untangle those emotional knots by exploring with you those issues that may be interfering with the life you deserve to have.

My approach is simple, and different. You can learn to be more empowered in your relationships, with your partner, your family, yourself, your anxieties, your depression. What do you want to experience in your relationships? What do you want to create I focus on helping your "best self" be more in control of your behavior. Learn to let your vision of how you want to live and behave control what you do rather than letting your past learned defenses and feelings be in charge of your behavior.