New to Grow
Hello, my name is Jaqueline Contreras. I earned my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from California Lutheran University in 2022. Since then, I have been working with Ventura County, providing mental health services to low- income families. I have experience supporting children, adolescents, and young adults across a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns. As a bilingual therapist from a Hispanic background, I am deeply committed to providing culturally responsive and compassionate care. My personal and professional experience have given me strong understanding of the unique challenges many families face, and I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. My goal is to use my knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to support individuals and families in building resilience, improving well-being, and creating meaningful change in their lives
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Our first session typically focuses on introductions, reviewing informed consent and confidentiality, discussing your presenting concern, and completing any necessary assessments. We will also review safety planning if needed and take time to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about the therapy process.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my compassion and genuine desire to help others feel supported, understood, and empowered. I take a warm, client-centered approach and strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences and working toward meaningful change. My therapeutic style is collaborative, practical, and culturally responsive, allowing me to meet each client where they are while helping them build effective coping skills and long-term resilience. What makes me unique is the combination of my professional training and my lived experiences. As a mother of three boys, I bring patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of family dynamics and child development into my work with children, adolescents, and parents. My background serving underserved families has strengthened my awareness of the real-life challenges many clients face and has deepened my commitment to providing accessible and culturally sensitive care. Additionally, my love for animals and experience rescuing them reflects my nurturing nature and my ability to provide consistent care, safety, and trust qualities I bring into the therapeutic relationship with every client. Overall, I am dedicated to helping clients feel seen, build on their strengths, and develop the tools they need to improve their well-being and relationship.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to support children, adolescents, and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, family conflict, or challenges with emotional regulation and life transitions. I work especially well with clients who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to cope with their emotions and are open to learning new ways to understand themselves and create change. I have extensive experience working with individuals and families from underserved and Hispanic/ Latino communities, and I provide culturally responsive, bilingual support. My approach is a good fit for clients who value a collaborative, supportive therapeutic relationship and are motivated to build coping skills, improve communication, and strengthen their overall wellbeing. My goal is to create a safe, respectful space where clients feel heard, empowered, and supported in working toward meaningful personal and family goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT in treatment by helping client's identity the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, then teaching them to challenge unhelpful thought and replace them with more balanced ones. In practice, I guide clients to build coping skills, test new behaviors, and practice these strategies between sessions to create lasting change.
Grief Therapy
I utilize grief therapy to support clients in processing and integrating their loss, facilitating meaning making while promoting emotional expression and adjustment to life changes. In practice, I provide evidence-based coping strategies, support adaptive remembrance, and assist clients in developing ongoing, healthy connections to their loved one while progressing in daily functioning and overall well-being.
Structural Family Therapy
I utilize Structural Family Therapy to assess and reorganize family dynamics, boundaries, and hierarchies in order to improve functioning and reduce presenting concerns. In practice, I facilitate in-session interactions, strengthen appropriate roles and boundaries, and guide families in developing healthier communication patterns and relational structures.