About Jessica
If you allow kinship, then the question of you becomes more permeable.
-Richard Powers
How I Got Here
Throughout my life, I've been drawn to questions of identity, meaning, and how we navigate conflict—both within ourselves and in the world around us. How do we cultivate a sense of who we are and where we belong? And how do we heal when life doesn't go according to plan?
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I spent years working in environmental conflict resolution and international peacebuilding. This work gave me a deep appreciation for how culture, history, and social context shape our experiences—understanding that profoundly influences how I approach therapy today.
What I love most about this work is hearing people's stories, asking curious questions, and holding space for all the complexity that makes us human (even when it's messy or contradictory). I believe we can't understand someone's struggles without understanding the cultural, social, and historical forces that have shaped them. That's why I tailor my approach to meet each person exactly where they are.
I'm endlessly fascinated by how we find purpose and meaning, particularly when we're up against significant challenges. There's something remarkable about the human capacity to create meaning from difficulty—and I consider it a privilege to witness that process unfold.
What You Can Expect Working With Me
Collaboration. I promise you don’t need a PhD to understand what we’re doing. Psychoeducation is a big part of my work, as is permission. You’re included, every step of the way.
Respect for your pace. Healing unfolds in its own time, and you're always in the driver's seat. I understand that change takes time, and that we need to honor where you’ve been as much as where you want to go.
Unique Approaches. We'll use practices that help you find authentic quiet and embodied ease, not just more ways to think about your struggles.
Open-mindedness. Your intensity, your sensitivity, your overthinking, your big feelings—all of it belongs here. All of you is welcome.
A Little Personal Stuff
When I'm not in session, you'll find me curled up in a corner reading, biking around West LA, or playing with someone else’s dog on the hiking trails. I believe in practicing what I preach—which means taking care of myself so I can show up fully for the people I work with.
I work with clients in-person in Los Angeles and via telehealth throughout California.
Education and Professional Affiliations
Pepperdine University- MA Clinical Psychology
George Mason Unversity- MSc Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Hamilton College- BA Psychology and Hispanic Studies
EMDR International Association- Certified EMDR Therapist
Somatic Experiencing International- Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Institute for Creative Mindfulness- EMDR Basic Training
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Teacher + Advanced Training Acknowledgements
I feel strongly that it is important to give credit where it is due. I gratefully offer acknowledgement to all those who have taught and inspired me in this work. Becoming a trauma-focused therapist takes a village, and I am grateful for the guidance and opportunity to learn.
Please note that the following list is not exhaustive; I am continually learning and practicing:
EMDR Therapy
I completed EMDR Basic Training with Dr. Stephen Dansiger through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness in 2018.
I have received consultation from the following EMDRIA-Approved Consultants: Christine Ashe, Anadel Barbour, Roshni Chabra, Sara Dietzel, Adam O’Brien
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing® Level 1: Abi Blakeslee
Somatic Experiencing® Level 2: Glyndie Nickerson, Ariel Giaretto
Somatic Experiencing® Level 3: Raja Selvam
Specialized Somatic Experiencing® training: Raja Selvam (Developmental Trauma/Integral Somatic Psychology ), Ariel Giaretto (Sexual Trauma/Full Embodiment Training)
I have recieved consultation in Somatic Experiencing from: Melinda London, Sarit Rogers, Abi Blakeslee, Glyndie Nickerson, Raja Selvam, Ariel Giaretto
Postmodern Therapy
I was taught foundational principles of postmodern psychology, philosophy and narrative conflict resolution from Sara Cobb and Solon Simmons at The Carter School of Peace and Conflict Resolution.
I received advanced training in postmodern and narrative psychotherapy with David Marsten at Miracle Mile Community Practice.
Non-dual psychology
I was introduced to Zen Buddhism primarily through the writing of Brad Warner, an American Zen Buddhist who was taught by Gudo Wafu Nishijima, student of Kodo Sawaki.
I also draw much inspiration from socially engaged Buddhism of teachers like Lama Rod Owens, Roshi Joan Halifax, Joanna Macy, Bernie Glassman, Jeffrey Zlotnik, Mary Stancavage and Kritee Kanko.
Additionally, I am a trained yoga teacher of the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy of Rishikesh, which was founded by Swami Sivananda in 1948. I was initiated by Swami Sitaramananda of the Sivananda Vedanta Center in Dalat, Vietnam.
I completed my clinical traineeship at Refuge Recovery Treatment Center, a Buddhist-based treatment center for trauma and addiction recovery (now closed), under the supervision of Dr. Stephen Dansiger and Noah Levine.
Counseling
I utilize evidence-supported therapies and techniques shown to promote post-traumatic growth and change
EMDR Consultation
I provide EMDR consultations for therapists who have completed basic training.
