Hi! I’m Jackie Machado, a bilingual (Spanish/English) Therapist based in California. I received my Master’s degree from UCLA and have been practicing for 6 years. I’m passionate about supporting adults through a range of life challenges, providing guidance and understanding as you navigate difficult emotions and experiences. My focus is on helping you gain insight into yourself, manage stress, and process trauma with both empathy and practical tools.
During our first session, we will go through the necessary paperwork and discuss important legal aspects to establish a structured therapeutic relationship. Together, we will explore your presenting concerns with compassion, aiming to understand your past experiences and initial triggers. I will guide you in connecting with your body to manage emotions effectively. By the end of the session, we will collaboratively set goals to address your struggles and provide you with practical tools for managing your mental health.
I specialize in working with adults dealing with trauma and toxic stress, grief and loss (including traumatic grief), attachment wounds, childhood abuse or neglect, anger and aggression, depression, emotional dysregulation, and anxiety or panic. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore and address these issues, leading to meaningful personal growth and healing.
I’m best positioned to serve adults who are feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the root causes of their distress or symptoms. If you’re motivated and open to learning, both about yourself and effective strategies for managing your challenges, we can work together to uncover and address your concerns. My approach is well-suited for individuals who are ready to explore their inner experiences and seek meaningful insights to navigate their personal and emotional landscapes.
I use a combination of approaches to help you gain insight into yourself. Psychodynamic therapy explores how your past experiences unconsciously influence your thoughts and behaviors today. Neuroscience insights provide a scientific understanding of how your brain processes and adapts to new information and experiences. Nervous system-informed approaches and polyvagal theory help us understand your body's reactions to stress and trauma, guiding us in how we can work together to regulate these responses.
Attachment theory helps us understand your patterns of relating to others and yourself.
Mindfulness/Somatic techniques enhance your awareness of your thoughts and emotions in the present moment, promoting emotional regulation and resilience.