Couples therapists in Bakersfield, CA

Congratulations for taking the hardest step in therapy, reaching out for help. Past traumas, grief, chronic pain and illness, failed relationships, poor self-esteem, or mental illnesses impacts each of us at difference times in our lives. These moments can make us questions ourselves, traps us into feeling hopeless, with no motivation or energy to believe in a better tomorrow. I will not promise that therapy will be easy or that I have a magic cure so you will no longer have Tragedy, illness or loss. I can promise to provide a safe space, using best practices to move forward. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience.

Mental health has long been treated as the forgotten side of healthcare — and for me, that's exactly why it matters so much. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across California through telehealth and in-person care, I specialize in helping people navigate depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD. I believe that when mental health struggles go unaddressed, everything else in life suffers — and that healing is not only possible, it's necessary. When I'm not supporting my clients, you'll find me out in nature, getting lost in a good movie, or discovering new music — small reminders of the joy and balance I encourage my clients to find for themselves.

I have worked with a variety of clients of all ages and cultural backgrounds. My primary focus has been on individual therapy but enjoy working with couples and families as well. I bring empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness to all of my therapy sessions.

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

My journey into mental health began with a deep interest in the intersection of human behavior and emotional resilience.

I enjoy working with adolescents and adults going through life transitions and experiencing trauma. My current practice includes individual treatment helping adults with anxiety and depression, self-esteem/confidence, grief, trauma and life transitions! Finding a therapist with whom you connect with is important.

Over the past 14 years, I have worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, community clinics and public school settings. These experiences have shaped my belief that therapy is not a "one-size-fits-all" process, but rather a collaborative partnership built on trust and evidence-based strategies!

I hold a Master of Social Work from California State Long Beach as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from Azusa Pacific University..

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working in community mental health, co-occurring substance use treatment, and residential care settings. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use challenges, mood disorders, relationship stress, and major life transitions.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel heard, respected and supported without judgement. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I draw from CBT, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches to help clients build insight, emotional stability, and healthier coping strategies.

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!