Couples therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Hello...thank you for visiting. I am a graduate of Pepperdine University's Masters in Clinical Psychology program with an MFT emphasis, and did my undergraduate studies at the University of California - Santa Barbara. I am also a member of the Psi Chi International Honors Society in Psychology, am trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and have experience working with a range of therapeutic approaches, including Attachment Theory, Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Positive Psychology, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness models.

I provide a warm, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and begin to understand what may be holding you back. My approach focuses on helping you recognize patterns, build insight, and create meaningful change. I work with individuals and couples and strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and not alone in what you are going through

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Dance from San Francisco State University and my Master’s degree from Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I am a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families as they navigate life’s complexities.

My practice focuses on trauma, ADHD, and mood disorders, while also providing support for parenting challenges and relationship stress.

I am passionate of all things mental health! I enjoy working in crisis situations, and supporting individuals going through the ups and lows of life. My goal is to sprinkle confidence and joy into life

I’m here to make this journey feel gentle, welcoming, and human. I keep things clear and simple so you can focus on what matters, not the overwhelm. My style is warm, encouraging, and a little poetic—because softness helps us breathe. Let’s take this step together, one calm moment at a time.

Hi, I'm J! I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience working with individuals and relationships across a range of settings, from community mental health to private practice. My approach is interactive, dynamic, and deeply engaged, because I believe real progress happens when therapy feels like a genuine partnership. Whether you're navigating long-standing challenges or facing something new, I'm here to help you move forward. I currently see clients via Telehealth and can't wait to connect with you!

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by my own personal experiences and my interests in human behavior, attachment theory, and social justice. My nearly six years of experience working in community mental health have strongly influenced my therapeutic lens. I am LGBTQIA+-affirming, committed to working from an antiracist lens, and deeply value inclusivity of all kinds. I have been fortunate enough to serve a socioculturally diverse population, including adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, undocumented individuals, survivors of trauma, LGBTQ+ folks, and differently-abled children and adolescents.