(she/her)
Welcome! I’m Jenni Carlsen, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in the Bay Area in California. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples. I and have a passion for helping adults overcome anxiety and depression. My approach is personalized and rooted in the latest research, designed to help you gain the tools and confidence to face life’s challenges. I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about my services and how I can assist in your journey to mental health. In addition to CBT and DBT, I integrate Gestalt and Humanistic-based approaches to foster self-awareness, self-acceptance, and authentic connections. This holistic perspective allows for deep healing and personal growth, ensuring that therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each client. Whether working with individuals seeking personal growth or couples striving for healthier communication and stronger relationships, I believe that a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and goals is essential. Through the development of collaborative goals, I will work alongside you to develop practical strategies for change while also nurturing inner strength and resilience.
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, and I will answer any questions you have about my credentials and background. We will then explore your hopes for therapy and any specific challenges you're facing. Together we will create a treatment plan that addresses your needs. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) including knowledge of third wave therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Unified Protocol. I am also knowledgeable about Somatic Therapy and take a holistic approach to mental health care.
I’m deeply guided by empathy and compassion in the work I do, and over the years I’ve built a strong, real-world understanding of how to support people through a wide range of mental health challenges.
I have had the opportunity to work with individuals, couples, and families from a wide range of backgrounds, which has shaped the way I approach care. While I find telemedicine to be a convenient and effective option for many adults, I tend to prefer working with teens and children in person to better support connection and engagement. In my work, I enjoy incorporating creative and body-based approaches, such as somatic practices, visual art, and writing, as these can often help people express and process experiences in ways that words alone cannot.
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
ADHD
Couples Counseling
LGBTQ
White
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
California
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is an highly effective and evidenced-based approach for managing mood and anxiety disorders.
Couples Counseling
I use a wide variety of approaches with couples, including Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and the Gottman Institute's approach to couple's work.
Trauma Informed Care
I am trained to use CPT and TF-CBT as evidenced based approaches to symptoms related to past traumatic experiences.
Humanistic
In therapy, a humanistic approach focuses on creating a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly heard and valued. The therapist works collaboratively with clients to explore their experiences, develop self-awareness, and strengthen their ability to make authentic choices. This approach emphasizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and the belief that every individual has the inner capacity for positive change.
Eclectic
I am also trained in the Unified Protocol, which is a modern approach and targets common emotional experiences that bring many clients to therapy.
5 ratings with written reviews
December 5, 2025
Jenni is the best. She's helps me find the boat when I'm drowning, and helps me row the boat when I'm feelin' good.
November 14, 2025
Jenni is an exceptional therapist: insightful, empowering, and deeply knowledgeable in trauma and brain science. She blends (for me, but not limited to) somatic, cognitive, and talk therapy with warmth, humor, and professionalism. I always feel safe, seen, and supported in her care. Her presence creates a space where I can be fully myself without fear of judgment, and her thoughtful guidance helps me grow with confidence and clarity in every session.
July 30, 2025
I read Jennis Bio about her and felt I can relate to her. That feeling proved to be correct. Jenni took away how nervous I felt and listened. I am a chatter box and gave out a lot to Jenni, she listened to it all, remembered it all and I felt heard.