I specialize in taking couples from conflict to connection, tailored to the needs of the individual couple. My patients tell me that I come across as a warm, rather humorous individual who uses a practical approach in therapy. I believe in first helping couples decide if they want to work on the relationship or not. (Called discernment). If so, I devote all my energy to helping couples move forward by learning new skills to communicate and feel connected. I also teach couples conflict resolution skills so you can disagree without being disagreeable- that is, communicate with respect and empathy. I strongly encourage "homework" between sessions designed to strengthen skills, develop common interests (if needed), and to learn to enjoy each other again.

After nearly two decades of sitting with clients who felt stuck, repeating the same anxious patterns, wrestling with trauma responses they understood but couldn’t shift, I went searching for something more. That’s what led me to brainspotting, a powerful brain-body-based therapy that helps move trauma and emotional pain stored deep in the nervous system. My approach is warm, grounded, and deeply respectful of each person’s pace. I believe healing doesn’t have to take forever, but it does need to feel safe, supported, and attuned. Whether you’re in overdrive (anxiety, hypervigilance) or completely shut down (numb, checked out), I offer therapy that helps you reconnect with your body’s natural capacity to heal. In my practice, I offer both weekly therapy sessions and brainspotting intensives, longer, focused sessions designed to create deeper movement when traditional therapy isn’t quite enough. Intensives can be especially helpful if you're feeling stuck, want to accelerate your healing, or are in a transition where you need more immediate support. Clients often tell me they feel seen, grounded, and perhaps most importantly, like themselves again after doing this work. I offer in-person sessions in Montrose, CA, and see clients virtually anywhere in California. If you're ready to feel more regulated, connected, and unstuck, I'm here.

My approach begins with a real conversation that builds on itself to create rapport and trust with the individual or couple so that we can feel comfortable while talking about difficult and challenging personal matters. I am curious to find out what specifically the person or couple came to therapy for? What are they curious about, wanting to explore or change or confront in themselves or their relationship? We then flesh this out, to get a fuller and more detailed picture of their issues. We formulate 1, 2 or 3 priorities to focus. My therapeutic approach involves a psycho-dynamic and emotion focused approach, that sets out to understand the source of the problem, how it developed and how it's being habitually maintained? From here we begin to develop creative strategies on how to address and interrupt these patterns and replace them with healthier ways of being? I am particularly interested in accessing the individual'scouple's habitual ways of thinking, feeling and behaving that reinforces the very problems and patterns that they want to change. This provides us with an experiential understanding and knowing of how they have come to be where they are. We are then much better equipped to address their emotional triggers and negative feedback loops (blaming communication-patterns). We work together to develop a deeper more vulnerable way for the individualcouple to talk and listen to one another, a more reliable and skillful means of relating from themselves to their loved ones. As the therapy progresses the individual or members of a couple learn to find their courage and trust in the process to confront 'old deep hurts and angers,' within themselves or their relationship, and learn how to more constructively navigate these troubled areas.

If you’re finding yourself in frequent conflict with your partner or other important people in your life, it’s common to conclude that your partnership isn’t meant to be, that your conflict is due to a mismatch. However, conflict is an opportunity to grow into a deeper, more meaningful relationship. I partner with couples in ways to have difficult conversations in a nonreactive way, which helps you work toward solutions rather than enhancing the problem. My practice is designed to collaboratively deconstruct the culture and history that define you, to break down the origins of the values and beliefs that influence you as an adult. Together, we’ll examine the contents of your life, sift through the problems, and determine which values, beliefs, and meanings will be useful on your journey, and which should be discarded. Our sessions are structured to use intentional dialogue in order to provide a non-judgmental, positive, and collaborative understanding of what is important for the relationship and your healing and growth as a couple.

When life gives you lemons ... what do you do? Whether you believe we choose our own circumstances, that there is a master plan, or that sometimes stuff happens, you still have reactions, feelings, and decisions to make about "what next?" I trust and respect your ability to make good choices and decisions, when you are able to pay attention to your inner voice, your sense of who you are at the core. I will help you discover, re-discover, or create your true self, so that problems in your life become opportunities for growth. I sometimes conduct sessions that are not framed by the clock, working with individuals or couples until a natural stopping point. This flexible scheduling allows for resolution and re-direction in a more time-friendly manner. I help couples learn to value and appreciate the differences that have been driving them apart, and to regain the loving feelings that brought them together. I help those with a medical condition deal with the anger, depression, frustration, and other feelings that are associated with illness, and I also provide a safe place for their family members or significant others to deal with their own feelings and concerns. My therapy dog, Archie, is a hypoallergenic sweet little guy who loves to be in sessions. I am no longer on any insurance panels. If you wish, I provide statements for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement of a percentage of fees.

My approach is strength based, collaborative and empowering. Through our work together you will gain insight into yourself and your relationships, and you will feel supported as you try to grow into the person you want to be. As a psychologist and art therapist I have devoted 30 years to supporting the wellbeing of others. I look forward to getting to know your unique story and walking with you on your path to a more fulfilled life.

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by. Here's a little about me: I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who loves to help people heal from disordered eating, negative self-talk, poor body image, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, and more, using evidence-based modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, motivational interviewing, and exposure and response prevention. As a certified yoga teacher, I often incorporate mindfulness techniques and meditation practices into the psychotherapy process, as these have proven effectiveness in treating a variety of mental health issues. With over a decade of experience as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, I help clients to untangle themselves from diet culture and rebuild healthy and fulfilling relationships with food, exercise, and their bodies. I also enjoy working with clients to repair their relationship with money, teaching and supporting them to create and follow budgets, and creating realistic action plans towards freedom from financial debt. I offer a supportive, collaborative, judgment-free space to explore your past, present, and future and rediscover your authentic and intuitive self. Therapy with me is casual and fun, but we do hard work. My practice is 100% telehealth (no in-person services offered) and I'm able to work with patients located in California, Florida, Idaho, and South Carolina. Because I believe everyone deserves access to quality mental healthcare, I am in-network with multiple insurance companies and can also provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. (Unfortunately, I can only accept insurance for California and Florida patients at this time.) Please let me know if you are interested in using insurance for services. If it sounds like we might be a good fit, please reach out! I'm here for you.

People come to therapy for two basic reasons: they feel bad and want to feel better, or, they simply want to grow and improve their lives. Feeling better should be about resolve- not just relief. Getting there can be achieved with an organized set of principles (or tools, if preferred) that anyone can use. A similar set of principles can be used for improving the qualities of our relationships- whether that relationship is with ourselves or others.

It's completely normal to have concerns about your sexuality, even if they might feel uncommon. In this country, discussions about sexuality can still be seen as sensitive, and this is true even in cities like Los Angeles, where diverse expressions of identity can sometimes face stigma. Remember, it's essential to find confidence and comfort within your own desires and identity. You deserve to live authentically without constantly worrying about others' opinions. Therapy is a helpful way to untangle the stories you tell yourself and rebuild your self-esteem. The confusion and stress surrounding sexuality don't have to linger – there's always hope for a more positive outlook!

Please, call me JJ. Truth is, it's all about connection. You need to feel connected to your Therapist as you both work together. No matter how many theoretical orientations a therapist has at their fingertips, it will never replace human connection. My job is to create a safe therapeutic relationship that will allow you to explore and possibly heal past (or current) experiences. My passion is working with relationships... and communication... communication is the foundation of most relationships! When relationships become challenging, or when LIFE becomes challenging, you can become stuck in old, possibly negative patterns. I believe there is always a way to become unstuck and evolve through the challenges. My style relies heavily on Gottman method (an evidenced based framework used with couples), Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Attachment (how has your experience growing up impacted current relationships?), Psychoanalysis (do your current relationships indicate a past pattern or experience that is "haunting" your ability to be authentic? Did experiences in your past create insecurity, shame, guilt, fear or anxiety?), and finally humor. Yep, humor. Because who says therapy can't have moments of lightness? I might argue that the lightness is a guide through the darkness, and that's what I hope to offer to you.

If you’re looking for life to get easier then you have found the right profile! My personal and professional experience have taught me how to help my clients achieve exactly that. My clients generally find me to be compassionate, knowledgeable, non-judge mental, and easy to connect with. Before I was a psychotherapist I was a client myself and have since recovered from the majority of what I struggled with and it is my intention to help you do the same. I specialize in the areas that I have personal experience with: trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and codependency. Dealing with these issues can be scary, difficult, and confusing, but with the right guide this process can be made significantly easier leading to an increased quality of life. I encourage you to reach out and book an appointment or consultation with me to find out if we are a good match.

I offer clients a safe, non-judgmental and interactive space to work through personal issues, problems and dilemmas of life. I believe that at times, we need to look outside our usual supports to find a consistent and supportive place to find balance in our lives. Therapy is an opportunity for growth; to feel less stuck and less overwhelmed. I will collaborate with you to identify obtainable goals and explore the barriers and challenges to feeling relief and contentment both within yourself and in your relationships with others. Together, we will recognize your strengths, discover your resilience, and develop your authentic self. As a licensed therapist with over 10 years of clinical experience, my skills and training include the ability to help with problems of anxiety and stress, depression, relationship problems, work concerns, parenting issues and life transitions, among other troubles. I work with individuals, couples and families to help them discover the deeper roots of the issue so they can begin to find resolutions, expand awareness, communicate more effectively with those around them, and understand links between the roots of their issues and their daily lives. I look forward to your call. We will discuss together the best way to begin.