(she/her)
Hello and Welcome! I’m Dr. J, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a PhD in Social Work and specialized training in mental health education and complex trauma. I bring both clinical expertise and a deep personal understanding of how chronic stress, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm impact daily life and relationships. I am married (previously divorced), mother of two young adults (three prior miscarriages), and grandmother (three grandchildren) so I understand how you feel. I specialize in working with women who often appear capable, organized, and “on top of things” on the outside, while internally feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and emotionally exhausted. Many of the women I work with are balancing the demands of parenting, work, and relationships while quietly struggling with burnout, identity loss, and the mental load of motherhood. In our work together, I help you slow down and make sense of what is happening beneath the surface. Many women come to therapy feeling like they are constantly “on” mental overloaded or unable to rest. Together, we will explore how chronic stress is showing up in your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and nervous system. A central focus of my work is helping you reconnect with yourself. Many women describe feeling disconnected from their identity outside of caregiving roles. Therapy becomes a space to explore who you are now, what you need, and how to create a life that feels more balanced. I also support women in navigating relationship changes that often occur during motherhood, including communication challenges, emotional disconnect, and shifting roles within partnerships. As you begin to understand your emotional patterns, you may notice meaningful changes in how you show up in your daily life. Therapy with me is a supportive space where you do not have to hold everything together on your own. I'm here for you.
In our first session, we focus on getting to know you and understanding what has been bringing you to therapy at this point in your life. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Many women come in feeling unsure of where to start, and we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you. We will talk about what’s been feeling most overwhelming lately, whether that’s anxiety, burnout, emotional exhaustion, identity shifts in motherhood, or challenges in your relationships. I’ll also ask some questions about your history, current stressors, and what support has or hasn’t felt helpful in the past. This first session is also a space for you to ask questions and get a sense of how I work. Therapy is a collaborative process, and it’s important that you feel comfortable and understood. There is no pressure to share everything at once. Your story can unfold over time. By the end of our session, we will begin identifying initial themes and possible goals for therapy, such as reducing overwhelm, improving emotional regulation, or reconnecting with yourself. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer sense of how we can move forward together.
My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to help women feel deeply understood while also providing structure and clarity in the midst of overwhelm. I specialize in working with clients who are often used to being “the strong one” and who quietly struggle with anxiety, burnout, and identity loss during motherhood. I bring a balance of clinical expertise and practical, real-life strategies. My approach is grounded in evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, ACT, Narrative, Biblical principals, and trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on emotional regulation and nervous system awareness. I help women move beyond insight alone and into meaningful, sustainable change. Clients often tell me they feel both supported and relieved in our work together. Relieved to finally have a space where they do not have to hold everything together, and supported in learning how to manage the mental load of parenting, reduce emotional exhaustion, and reconnect with themselves. What stands out most is my focus on helping women translate therapy into daily life. Together, we work on building tools that actually fit the reality of motherhood, relationships, and work demands, so change feels possible, not overwhelming.
I am best positioned to support mothers and parents at all stages, as well as young and older adults navigating anxiety, stress, and life transitions. My clients often feel overwhelmed by work, family demands, or grief, including pregnancy loss. Using a solution-focused approach, I help clients build practical coping skills, gain clarity, and move toward healing, balance, and emotional well-being.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past nine years. It’s helped dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Christian Counseling
I’ve been using Christian Counseling as needed in my practice for the past nine years. Christian counseling is a form of psychotherapy that is integrated into the methodology of traditional talk therapy along with beliefs and practices and the application of theological concepts. Christian counseling aims at navigating spiritual concerns.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I have formal training in IFS through and I integrate the model in my work with individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, inner conflict, and relational wounds. My clients often find IFS deeply validating and empowering, especially those who have struggled with shame, harsh self-criticism, or feeling fragmented. Over time, I have seen IFS help clients: Build healthier relationships with their inner world, understand and unburden protective parts rooted in past trauma, reduce internal conflict and emotional reactivity, and reconnect with a sense of wholeness and self-leadership.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach I regularly use in my clinical practice, especially with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, perfectionism, and life transitions. ACT is a behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals live more fully and meaningfully, even in the presence of painful thoughts, feelings, or experiences. Rather than trying to "fix" or eliminate suffering, ACT teaches people how to change their relationship to distress, build psychological flexibility, and take action aligned with their values. ACT aligns well with my belief that healing comes not from eliminating pain, but from learning how to make room for it, and choosing to live with intention anyway.
13 ratings with written reviews
October 3, 2025
I can’t recommend Yvonne enough. From the very first session, she created a safe and welcoming space where I truly felt heard and understood. She don’t just listen—she validate my feelings while also gently guiding me toward healthier perspectives. One of the things I value most is how she equip me with practical coping skills that I can apply in my daily life. Every session leaves me with tools that actually work, helping me manage stress, anxiety, and challenges in a healthier way.
July 28, 2025
She is relatable and she asks questions for a deep understanding allows me to vent
July 1, 2025
On my first session i can tell she was pure and genuine and she asked a lot of questions and even gave me a assignment and task to preform until our next session. i can tell from the first hour that she chose a great profession and that she has a passion for the words and solutions she offers. im very excited to see where my journey with her leads.