(she/her)
Hi! I’m Jessica, a licensed psychotherapist based in California. I have a master’s degree in clinical psychology and 8 years of professional experience supporting adults and adolescents in community, hospital, and private practice settings. Like you or your child may experience, I have struggled with self-esteem, major anxiety, and people-pleasing, even after becoming a mother. I am an AuDHD individual who couldn't figure it out for the longest time. Through my own therapeutic journey, I was able to reframe and relearn what personal success meant and work towards embracing myself. As a therapist, my number one goal is to give you a safe place to be yourself, even if that means you are still in the process of figuring out who you might be. I've been there.
We will begin with a comprehensive intake session, during which I'll gather important background information through a series of structured questions. Together, we will also collaboratively identify your treatment goals and the areas you hope to grow in. My work is deeply informed by an understanding of how systemic forces shape our mental health. As a Black and Filipina, queer, neurodivergent therapist and daughter of an immigrant, I am intimately familiar with the ways oppression and daily stressors can intensify anxiety and depressive symptoms. Because of this, I am committed to creating a welcoming, affirming, and safe therapeutic environment where you can feel understood, and empowered.
My therapeutic style is often characterized as warm, validating, and deeply trustworthy. I strive to create a sense of safety and comfort while equipping clients with practical tools to support sound decision-making and effectively navigate emotional distress. I am trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for clients experiencing OCD and social anxiety, and I integrate this modality with person-centered and ACT-informed approaches to offer a holistic, client-driven therapeutic experience.
I have a special interest in supporting clients dealing with perinatal mental health issues, including pregnancy and postpartum parents; work stress & career issues; and relationship struggles (including friendships!). Additionally, I am sex-positive and well-versed in non-traditional relationships such as polyamory and ENM. I am also a neurodivergent clinician (diagnosed with ADHD and mild autism), so my lived experience as an outsider can hopefully be relatable and affirming. As a queer, biracial woman of color, I’m especially passionate about providing affirming care for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients, though I welcome anyone seeking a supportive space for growth in a feminist and trauma-informed space.
Supportive
I create a space where teens and adults can feel understood and find their own path through the pressures of life, including school/work issues, social media pressures, relationship stressors, and everything in between. I provide clients with emotional validation, encouragement, and a nonjudgmental space to process these difficulties in a safe and healthy way.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
I use ERP to gradually and carefully expose clients to feared situations, thoughts, or triggers while helping them resist compulsive or avoidant behaviors. This very structured process, which also includes a lot of education rather than "therapy", reduces anxiety and breaks the cycle of OCD-driven responses.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more balanced, realistic thinking. This sometimes involves worksheets and "homework". Together we’d explore how these thoughts influence emotions and behaviors, and practice skill-building to decrease certain depressive & anxious symptoms. A popular one!
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use DBT to teach clients skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. This involves integrating worksheets, skills practice, and real-life application to help clients manage intense emotions and reduce impulsive behaviors. I usually this for clients with depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I would use ACT to support clients in developing psychological flexibility by accepting difficult internal experiences rather than fighting them. We’d clarify personal values and use mindfulness-based strategies to guide committed action. I also use this a lot in conjunction with ERP, or any OCD or anxiety-related symptoms where exposure therapy is not being used.