Led by my own life experience with mental health and grief and fueled by my work in private practice, I strive to provide support to all kinds of people experiencing all types of loss. Together, we can navigate the storms and celebrate the rainbows that await on the other side. Whether you are experiencing the loss of a loved one, going through a significant life change, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of daily life, I am here to support you and be a companion as you move through your healing journey. My approach is rooted in empathy, empowerment, and respect. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings openly.
In your first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and then decide the most appropriate ways to help you make progress. I look forward to working with you and walking alongside you on this journey.
As a therapist, I bring professional expertise and a deep well of empathy and understanding from my own lived experiences. I create a safe and nurturing space for clients to explore their journey, find healing amidst the pain, and discover the resilience that lies within. My journey to becoming a therapist was not a straight path; instead, it was a winding road shaped by profound experiences of grief and caregiving that began in my formative years. Grief has been a constant companion throughout my life, starting with the early loss of loved ones. When I was just sixteen, my world shifted dramatically as my father suffered a debilitating stroke. Overnight, I found myself thrust into the role of caregiver alongside my mother, who was already grappling with the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The weight of responsibility was heavy on my young shoulders. Yet, in those challenging moments, I discovered a resilience I didn't know I possessed. As I navigated the complexities of caregiving, I encountered grief in its many forms – from the profound sadness of loss to the relentless uncertainty of what the future held. Tragically, my father died during my senior year of high school, leaving me to shoulder the responsibility of caring for my mother alone. Amid my grief, I became intimately acquainted with the profound impact of loss and the journey of rebuilding a life shattered by sorrow. Despite the storms that raged around me, I learned to find solace in the moments of beauty that emerged like rainbows after the rain. These experiences fundamentally shaped my understanding of the human experience and ignited a passion for supporting others and walking alongside them on their journeys through grief and healing.
I work with clients who are struggling with grief, loss, and life transitions. Grief is not linear, so I help clients learn and develop coping strategies that allow them to move through it. I will walk alongside you and support you through sadness, joy, pain, and hope.
Jacquie Pershing offers therapy covered by Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors, replacing them with healthier, more constructive alternatives. Through compassionate, supportive, and empathetic guidance, I assist clients in developing effective coping strategies and fostering lasting personal growth.
Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help clients embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them, promoting psychological flexibility. Through compassionate, supportive, and empathetic guidance, I assist clients in aligning their actions with their core values and fostering meaningful personal growth.
As a grief therapist, I provide a holistic approach to help clients navigate the complexities of loss and mourning, considering every aspect of their emotional and physical well-being. I create a compassionate and supportive environment where clients feel safe to express their pain and sorrow. Through empathetic guidance, I assist individuals in processing their grief, finding meaning in their experiences, and gradually moving toward healing and renewal.
In my practice as a clinical social worker, I use a holistic approach to therapy, ensuring that all aspects of a client's life and well-being are considered and addressed. Utilizing psychodynamic modality, I help clients explore their unconscious thoughts and past experiences, uncovering patterns that influence their current behavior and emotions. Through compassionate, supportive, and empathetic guidance, I assist clients in gaining deeper self-awareness and fostering lasting personal growth.