Jackie Villa is fully booked.
Hello! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Northern California. I specialize in supporting young professionals and college students as they adjust to new environments, take on growing responsibilities, and navigate the grief and uncertainty that often accompany life changes. I also work with women who are facing relationship challenges and the impact these can have on their self-worth. Additionally, I enjoy helping first-generation immigrants as they navigate complex family dynamics, new environments, and the unique pressures that come with being trailblazers in their families. These experiences drive my passion for helping others overcome obstacles and create meaningful, positive changes in their lives. My goal is to support you in moving closer to a life that feels authentic and fulfilling. I take a collaborative approach, where we work together to explore and strengthen your resilience. Above all, I aim to create a space where you feel seen, safe, and comfortable as we walk this journey of growth and healing together.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I’ll start with a brief introduction to help you feel comfortable and set the tone for our work together. I’ll invite you to share what’s most important to you and what you hope to focus on during our time, so we can collaboratively establish meaningful goals for your treatment. I’m also eager to learn about the systems of support and coping strategies you currently rely on, and I’ll draw on your unique strengths to create a treatment plan that’s personalized to your needs and aspirations.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
What I believe makes me an effective therapist is the trust I build with my clients. They know they have a safe and open space to explore their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment. My clients can count on me to support them wholeheartedly while also holding them accountable in a way that feels compassionate and empowering.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am especially drawn to working with individuals in helping and caring professions—those who give so much of themselves to others but often find their own well-being neglected in the process. Compassion fatigue, burnout, and the constant struggle to maintain a work-life balance can leave them feeling depleted. They have big hearts, yet they’re often running on empty, searching for sustainable ways to care for themselves while continuing to do the meaningful work they love. I support them in discovering personalized, healthy approaches to self-care that restore their energy and sense of fulfillment. I also deeply understand the challenges faced by first-generation individuals who are navigating complex family dynamics while forging their own paths in college or professional settings. Carrying the weight of being “the first” often comes with feelings of uncertainty, isolation, and imposter syndrome. Many feel caught between expectations and their own aspirations, struggling with anxiety and perfectionism. I help them cultivate self-compassion, manage stress, and embrace their achievements with confidence, so they can thrive in both their personal and professional lives
About Jackie Villa
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Existential
I take an existential approach in my practice to guide clients in embracing their full human experience—the good, the bad, and everything in between. By fostering acceptance and self-awareness, I help clients recognize their capacity to take responsibility for their lives and empower them to take meaningful action.
Attachment-based
Our first caregivers play a profound role in shaping our lives. These early attachments are critical in influencing how we connect and relate to others throughout our journey. In my practice, I draw insight from these formative relationships to better understand how clients engage with others in the present moment. By exploring these patterns together, we uncover opportunities to create healthier dynamics and foster meaningful, supportive connections. This process paves the way for positive growth, both in relationships and in how clients navigate their world.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I like to make Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) an enjoyable and interactive process. Think of it as playing a game where we catch those irrational or unhelpful thoughts and challenge them to create healthier, more constructive ones. From the moment we’re born, society starts programming all kinds of ideas and beliefs into our minds. With CBT, we have the chance to hit the “refresh” button, taking a closer look at these thoughts to decide which ones serve us and which ones it’s time to let go of. It’s like giving your mind a little upgrade for better coping and clarity.
Trauma Informed Care
When working with clients who have experienced traumatic events, I find it transformative to reflect on the impact these experiences have had, the ways they’ve coped, and the steps they can take to continue healing. I believe in empowering individuals to take proactive care of themselves, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their ability to move forward. While this journey is not an easy one, with the right support, guidance, and compassion, people can learn to manage and reduce the symptoms that have been holding them back, reclaiming control and creating a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with their strengths.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I take a solution-focused approach to help clients see the possibilities that lie ahead, even when the path feels unclear. Together, we explore strengths, resources, and past achievements to build a foundation for overcoming challenges and achieving goals. This approach is grounded in hope and the belief that positive change is always within reach. By focusing on solutions rather than obstacles, we can uncover the small, meaningful steps that lead to brighter days and a future full of possibility.