Jill Sumiyasu
Something meaningful in your life isn't working — even though on the outside, things look fine. You've tried therapy, you have insight into your patterns, but something still isn't shifting. That's exactly who I work with. I'm a licensed therapist in Pasadena, California. Before becoming a therapist, I spent most of my adult life as a successful executive in investment management — driven, accomplished, and always moving. What I didn't realize until my 50s was that the constant motion was keeping me from slowing down enough to feel. Therapy changed that profoundly enough that I left my career, went back to school, and became a therapist myself.
I'm a licensed therapist in Pasadena, California. Before becoming a therapist, I spent most of my adult life as a successful executive in investment management — driven, accomplished, and always moving.
First session
The goal isn't just insight — it's helping you feel, respond, and live differently.
Strengths
My approach draws on depth-oriented (psychodynamic) therapy, IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Somatic EMDR. I work at the level where patterns actually live — not just in your thinking, but in your body and emotional experience.
Ideal clients
You always say "I'm fine"... even though deep down, you feel overwhelmed and anxious. You're scared to reach out for help, worried that you're broken or "crazy." Though your childhood was great and things seem fine on paper, it feels like a dark cloud is hanging over you. You wonder, "Why can't I just be happy?" Something meaningful in your life is not working. You want to feel happier, calmer, and more in control. I help adults, adolescents, families, and couples in Pasadena who feel this way.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
My clients appreciate that I make them feel heard. I don’t just sit back & nod, and I won’t tell you what to do. It’s okay to bring your full self into the room — you won’t have to worry about overwhelming me. I am here for you.
EMDR
Somatic EMDR can help process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress, while reconnecting with the body and restoring a sense of safety and agency.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions745 S Marengo Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, 207