Andrea A. Jones
Congratulations on taking this major step towards seeking a higher quality of life, whether for yourself or a loved one! Though your situation is unique and will require targeted goals, these past several years have left many people feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, hopeless, helpless and/or “mentally foggy.” Sometimes, entire families are scrambling to figure out how to manage the ripple effect of one member’s mental illness, and how to help maintain a quality of life for everyone involved. As an EMDR trained CCTP-II therapist, I use a trauma-informed approach as the umbrella for helping clients with topics such as recovery from trauma, adjustment to major life changes, managing mood dysregulation, stabilizing activities of daily living, and implementing healthy coping skills. My primary areas of focus are grief and loss, family conflict, immigration/first gen/transgenerational trauma, divorce/blended families/change in status. and LGBTQ+ wellbeing/clients who are transitioning/the experience of parenting LGBTQ children. I believe strongly in the healing effects of connection, creativity, visualization and somatic work.
First session
In our first session, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into specific challenges you are facing. This will help us create a tailored plan to guide future sessions. Completing the intake form prior to meeting is the best way for me to do some homework and for you to get the most out of the first time we speak; if I do not receive a completed intake form prior to the first session, we will spend time going over those points before we move into any other concerns. I also have a personal consent that I will ask you to read, sign and return, and of course I would encourage you to feel free asking any questions you might have before signing it.
Strengths
Over the past 19 years, I have worked in private practice, as a Crisis Team member, for psychiatric hospitals, and as a therapist in Corrections. I served for years as a consultant at Developmental Centers and writing behavioral and placement/aftercare recommendations for developmentally disabled Regional Center and mentality ill (DDMI) clients.
Ideal clients
I am currently only offering individual therapy with adults ages 18 and older.
Treatment methods
Trauma-Informed Care
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Level II (CCTP-II), I work 1:1 with adults ages 18 to 65+, starting out through a largely psychodynamic lens. Most clients have some “aha” moments when we uncover issues regarding childhood attachment and family dynamics. I utilize the TIST model of parts work to help clients identify, understand and appreciate parts of themselves that have felt alienated, incapable, ashamed, or otherwise unhelpful. This understanding is often gained through a combination of talk therapy, somatic therapy and guided imagery, and it supports preparatory work for EMDR. I am particularly interested the power of positive psychology in managing trauma and performance, and in the impact of trauma upon performance under moments of pressure.
EMDR
I am formally trained in EMDR and in EMDR 2.0 advanced techniques.
Somatic
While much of talk therapy relies upon developing insight into thoughts, and I highly value that angle of treatment, I have also found that bodily involvement is often necessary for truly integrated change. This has led to my expanded use of breath-work, mindfulness, polyvagal grounding, physical movement, walk and talk therapy, energy concepts, and nutrition, within the therapeutic space as a holistic approach to healing. I also have a Master’s Degree in Music, and while I do not provide music therapy per se, the ability to speak to a client’s creative expression often promotes engagement and comfort in what can be an intense process.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions5152 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, CA 90720