Hi, I'm Jasmin! I thrive on joy—whether it's laughing, learning, savoring a great meal, dancing, or exploring the outdoors through hiking. I’m a natural cheerleader (no pom-poms needed!) because I genuinely love watching people succeed and grow. My journey into the field of clinical social work began at a methadone clinic, where I worked alongside individuals navigating addiction challenges. Inspired by their resilience, I pursued my Master's in Social Work at the University of Southern California, further deepening my dedication to this meaningful work. Today, I continue my commitment to supporting individuals facing substance misuse, PTSD, grief, and trauma. I manage a treatment program and mentor emerging clinicians, sharing the knowledge and compassion I’ve cultivated over the years. My personal experience with therapy has taught me that emotions can be tough to process, but through self-compassion and embracing vulnerability, healing becomes attainable. With over a decade of experience in community mental health, I’ve learned that connection is the cornerstone of transformation. I also believe laughter is medicine—it’s both therapeutic and empowering. With a blend of compassion, empathy, humor, and unwavering support, I guide my clients in navigating their emotions and challenges in healthier, more fulfilling ways. Together, we create a path toward resilience and growth.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The initial therapy session is designed to lay the foundation for a collaborative and supportive therapeutic relationship. Clients can expect this session to feel structured but conversational, providing ample opportunity to share their story and begin identifying their goals and needs. The session typically begins with an intake process. This is an introductory conversation aimed at gathering essential information about the client’s background, current concerns, and reasons for seeking therapy. It is a chance to explore the client’s expectations for therapy, ensuring their preferences and goals are at the forefront of the therapeutic journey. The intake often includes a biopsychosocial assessment. This holistic approach helps the therapist understand the client’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. It covers areas such as medical history, mental health history, family dynamics, social connections, and lifestyle factors. This comprehensive view helps paint a clearer picture of the client’s unique experiences and circumstances. During the session, the focus will also be on identifying the client’s strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. Strengths can include resilience, coping mechanisms, personal achievements, or supportive relationships that the client may draw upon during their therapeutic journey. Understanding these strengths alongside challenges provides a balanced perspective and helps to empower the client. Together, the therapist and client will discuss and clarify the goals and objectives for therapy. These may involve overcoming specific challenges, building healthier coping strategies, improving interpersonal relationships, or addressing trauma. The therapist will also help the client identify any obstacles or barriers that may impact progress, ensuring these are acknowledged and addressed openly. Above all, the first session is a space where clients can feel heard, valued, and supported. It is a collaborative beginning, setting the stage for meaningful work and growth in the sessions to come.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths as a provider lie in the warmth, authenticity, and transformative care I bring to my practice. I make it a priority to integrate laughter into the therapeutic space, creating an environment that feels approachable and uplifting. I believe that humor can ease tension, foster genuine connection, and remind us all that healing can include moments of lightness and joy. Empathy and compassion are at the core of my work. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where my clients feel truly seen and valued. I strive to deeply understand and validate each person’s unique experiences, which helps them engage in the therapeutic process with confidence and trust. Taking a humanistic approach, I honor the humanity and dignity of every client. Building a strong therapeutic relationship is central to my practice, as I believe that authentic connection is key to effective therapy. I take time to foster that connection, meeting my clients where they are and supporting them as they navigate challenges and pursue growth. One of the areas I’m most passionate about is dismantling oppressive thought patterns and decolonizing therapy techniques. I actively challenge systems of oppression that impact my clients’ lives and work to reframe narratives that perpetuate harmful ideologies. By incorporating culturally responsive and inclusive practices, I create a space where healing is empowering, affirming, and liberating. Ultimately, my work is guided by a deep commitment to nurturing resilience, fostering growth, and promoting liberation. I approach every session with intentionality, warmth, and a dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

As a therapist, I am deeply passionate about working with individuals who demonstrate an openness to self-exploration and a commitment to personal growth. I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship with those who are willing to engage in the often challenging, yet rewarding, process of introspection. My ideal clients are individuals who value honesty, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and self-advocate for their needs and well-being, even when the path forward feels uncertain. I have the privilege of working with clients across a wide spectrum of life stages, including transitional-age youth (18–24), adults, older adults, and mature adults. This diversity allows me to meet individuals where they are, tailoring support to their unique developmental journeys and life experiences. I take pride in my ability to foster connections with clients from all walks of life and to create a space where everyone feels seen and valued. In particular, I am honored to work with BIPOC communities and to provide culturally sensitive care that acknowledges the unique challenges and strengths that come with navigating systemic and racialized trauma. I understand the profound impact that racialized experiences can have on one's sense of self, relationships, and overall mental health, and I aim to create a therapeutic space where these experiences can be explored with compassion and validation. My work is rooted in a commitment to dismantling oppressive systems and amplifying resilience and empowerment within these communities. I am also a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and I am deeply committed to providing affirming and inclusive care. I recognize the importance of understanding and honoring the diverse identities, experiences, and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. My goal is to create a space where clients can freely express themselves and work through issues related to identity, relationships, and personal growth without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Trauma work is a central focus of my practice. I approach this sensitive and complex area with care, patience, and an unwavering belief in the capacity for healing. I support clients who have experienced various forms of trauma, including those rooted in systemic inequities and racial oppression. Together, we work to process and navigate these experiences, building pathways to resilience and reclaiming a sense of safety and agency. Additionally, I extend a warm and nonjudgmen

About Jasmin Canfield