(she/her)
I’m so glad you’re here. My name is Jennifer Yates, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field and 17 years as a licensed clinician. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling, and I’ve been trained in five evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I believe therapy works best when clients feel truly seen, respected, and met exactly where they are—without pressure or judgment. I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where you can show up as your authentic self. While my work is grounded in evidence-based practices, I also take a holistic approach, recognizing the connection between mind, body, emotions, relationships, and life experiences. I bring not only clinical expertise, but also genuine compassion, relatability, and an appropriate sense of humor into the therapy space. Healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy, and moments of lightness can be an important part of growth. My passion is to walk alongside you as a guide and support—helping you build insight, resilience, and meaningful change at a pace that feels right for you. Scheduling & Attendance Policy To ensure consistency of care, missed appointments or late cancellations (within 24 hours of the scheduled session) will result in a $75 fee for the first one, and $100 for subsequent no-shows ($75 remains for late cancellations). Clients with Kaiser Northern California are not charged a fee; however, Kaiser policy does not allow continued scheduling after three no-shows.
Our first session is all about getting to know you and making sure you feel comfortable and confident that I’m the right fit to support you on your journey. There’s no pressure to dive into everything all at once—we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Clients often share that they feel at ease by the first session, and many leave feeling hopeful and excited about the work ahead. If it feels appropriate and you’re ready, we may begin to explore goals together—but there’s no agenda you have to meet. This is your space, and we’ll shape it together.
I pride myself on connecting with clients easily and helping them feel comfortable and at ease from the very beginning. My compassion and warmth are among my greatest strengths, because without feeling truly seen and heard, meaningful progress is hard to achieve. The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of our work together, and I believe it is this connection that allows growth to happen naturally and at your pace. With over 25 years of experience, I bring a wide range of tools, perspectives, and evidence-based approaches to our work—but it is the relationship we build that guides how and when those tools are used. Together, we will move forward in a way that feels supportive, respectful, and aligned with where you are in your journey.
I work with individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating difficult life transitions—especially around relationships, anxiety, and past trauma. Many of my clients come in wanting to better understand themselves, improve their relationships, and feel more emotionally balanced in their daily lives. My ideal clients are thoughtful, self-aware (or at least curious about becoming that way), and tired of repeating the same patterns that just aren’t working anymore. You might be the one everyone else leans on, but secretly feel exhausted, or find yourself overthinking texts, conversations, or basically… everything. You want insight, growth, and real change—but also someone who gets it and won’t make things feel heavy all the time. We can do deep, meaningful work and still have moments of lightness and humor along the way.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a great methodology for depression and anxiety and changing negative thoughts, increasing self esteem, and rewiring the way we think about ourselves, others, and situations.
Compassion Focused
Compassion focused is a client-centered method focused on active listening and reflective feedback to help support you feeling heard and understood.
Eclectic
Eclectic is my main methodology - it is tailored to your personality, your needs and your goals using whatever methods are best suited for you. Since I have been a therapist for 25 years, I have a lot of tools in my toolbox and want to make sure you are getting the right fit for whatever you are going through!
Mind-body approach
I am a huge proponent of the mind body connection. Perhaps you experience somatic (body) issues when you are stressed, anxious, or feeling down. Using this method can help with shifting thoughts that in turn will bring wellness to your body as well. Treating clients as a whole person and not just their symptoms is very important to our work together.
3 ratings with written reviews
March 14, 2026
Jennifer was super open minded, warm and kind throughout our first session! I am so relieved I found such a unique therapist and look forward to working with her in my future sessions!
June 30, 2025
Jennifer is very encouraging and provides a safe space to share how you are feeling and what you're dealing with. She is non-judgmental and cares about the people she is helping. I appreciate her very much and look forward to continue working with her.
April 22, 2025
Jenn is kind, empathetic, and warm.