Licensed to practice in California and accepts 6 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 3 more.
New to Grow
Hi there! I’m Jocelyn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in supporting individuals who were expected to take on adult responsibilities at a young age. Together, we'll explore the lasting impacts of family trauma, including the unique experiences that can come with growing up in immigrant families, navigating cultural expectations, mental health stigma, and breaking generational cycles of trauma. My goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment. Together, we'll approach your experiences with curiosity rather than criticism, asking, "What happened to me?" instead of, "What's wrong with me?" As we explore the impact of family dynamics, cultural expectations, and past experiences, my hope is that you'll gain a deeper understanding of yourself, strengthen your relationship with yourself, and begin breaking patterns that no longer serve you so you can build a life that feels more aligned with your values.
During our first session, I'll ask a few exploratory questions to better understand your story, the experiences that have shaped you, and what brings you to therapy. We’ll explore your background, current lifestyle, and patterns you may be hoping to better understand, while collaborating on goals that feel meaningful and aligned with what you hope to gain from therapy. You’ll also have space to ask questions about my approach and what you can expect from the therapeutic process.
I intentionally create a space that promotes growth through affirmation, accountability, and strength-based interventions. Grounded in a decolonized and trauma-informed lens, my practice honors your experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than pathologizing your story. I draw from various therapeutic approaches and tailor our work together to support your unique needs, values, and goals. Many of my clients are seeking therapy for the first time and find themselves asking questions like, “Why is it so hard to set boundaries without feeling guilty?” Together, we will explore the experiences, relationships, and patterns that have shaped you while creating space for healing, self-understanding, and meaningful growth. If you resonate with my approach, I invite you to reach out with any questions you may have about my practice or the therapeutic process.
Over the years, I've noticed that many of the clients who resonate with my approach have experienced traumatic stress, emotional neglect, intergenerational trauma, or the unique experiences that can come with being first-generation and navigating multiple cultural identities. I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to strengthen their inner voice while honoring every part of who they are. No two therapy journeys are the same, so I tailor my approach to each person's unique needs, goals, and pace. I also believe healing doesn't have to be serious all the time—humor often helps break the awkwardness therapy can bring and reminds us that moments of joy can exist alongside difficult conversations. Above all, I value an authentic therapeutic relationship and recognize that the right fit matters. If I'm not the best person to support your needs, I'm happy to help connect you with someone who may be.
Other specialties
I identify as
Attachment-based
I help clients understand how early relationships, family roles, and cultural experiences continue to shape the way they see themselves and relate to others today. Together, we identify patterns that once served as protection, strengthen self-awareness, and practice new ways of relating that feel more authentic, connected, and secure.
Family Therapy
I draw from family systems theory, trauma-informed care, Narrative Therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, and culturally responsive practices to help families better understand the patterns influencing their relationships. Together, we explore how communication styles, family roles, life experiences, cultural values, and broader social and institutional systems shape each person's experiences. Rather than identifying one person as "the problem," we work collaboratively to strengthen communication, improve conflict resolution, establish healthy boundaries, and foster relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. I tailor each session to the family's unique strengths, goals, and lived experiences, recognizing that meaningful change happens when every member feels heard, valued, and empowered to contribute to the process.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is an important part of my therapeutic approach. I believe that understanding how our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and nervous system respond to life experiences can help us make sense of our experiences with greater self-compassion. Together, we explore these concepts in ways that are practical, collaborative, and relevant to your unique goals.
Strength-Based
I believe every client brings strengths into the therapy room, even if they are difficult to recognize at first. My role is to help uncover those strengths, honor your lived experiences, and build upon your resilience while exploring new ways of coping, healing, and creating the life you want. Therapy is not about fixing who you are—it's about reconnecting with the strengths that have always been there while developing new tools to support where you're headed.
Trauma Informed Care
My approach when implementing trauma-informed care recognizes that many people have experienced adversity that can shape how they think, feel, relate to others, and navigate the world. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with you?" this approach asks, "What happened to you?" while emphasizing safety, collaboration, choice, empowerment, and respect throughout the therapeutic process.