You Matter!

Let’s put YOU first for a change!

Therapy for people who put themselves last, feel guilty for having needs, & believe what they “do" for others defines their worth.

Hi, I’m Jennie

I’m not only a therapist but also a reformed people-pleaser, so I’ve walked the path my clients are on.

Through my compassionate, non-judgmental and warm nature, I help clients embrace their truest self.  Sessions can feel calming, full of emotion, or even full of laughter - I welcome your entire experience. 

I received my Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies.  I’ve been trained in depth psychotherapy with a focus in gestalt therapy and perinatal counseling. 

My office is in San Rafael, CA.

Do your needs matter, too?

Can you be YOU just the way you are?

Are you a good person if you want to take care of yourself?

YES, YES, YES!

I work with people who genuinely want to be of service to others, but who sometimes get lost in the identity of it, lack boundaries, and burn themselves out. Their people-pleaser or push-over parts of self hijack their life, ignoring the sense that this is not how they actually want to live. My clients often feel guilty and selfish for having needs and wants, disconnected from themselves, or unseen and insignificant. These experiences are often accompanied by resentment, sadness, and anxiety.

Sound familiar?

I can help!

What We’re Working Towards

  • Clear Needs & Wants

    Together we will explore what makes you feel alive, grounded, supported, and fulfilled so that you can own the “shoulds” that align with your values and let go of the ones that don’t.

  • Strong Boundaries

    Learn to ask for what you need and want even in the face of possible conflict or opposing needs of others. We will identify tools and strategies for how to support yourself as you learn to insert boundaries into relationships.

  • Building Self Confidence

    You are worthy of the same care, attention, and love that you give others. Together we will cultivate an understanding that your value is not based on what you do for others.

  • Self Love & Compassion

    Let’s become curious about our people pleaser, push-over, and helper parts so that we can understand them and have gratitude for the role they’ve played in our lives. Perhaps we can even embrace them with love and compassion.

  • A Balanced Life

    By filling your cup with self-care, self-love and self-compassion in therapy, you will be able to show up for others AND yourself, providing the much needed balance you’ve been missing.

  • Groundedness

    Feel grounded, like your feet are firmly planted on the ground, even when life brings chaos your way. This may mean identifying your values and learning to stand by them proudly.

  • Feel Supported

    We’ll identify internal and external supports. An outsider’s perspective can help tap into all the resourcing available.

  • Letting Go

    Our work together may bring a deep sense of relief, as you release the burdens you've been carrying. We’ll generate compassion for your experience, embracing every part of your journey with kindness.

Are you a mother AND you always put yourself last?

Motherhood comes with it’s own unique set of challenges. I am passionate in supporting moms through all stages of motherhood.

How I Work

I believe that therapy should be as unique as you are. While my foundation is rooted in the modalities listed below, I tailor each session to meet your needs at the moment, creating a personalized and compassionate approach to healing.

Parts Work

In Parts Work, we gently explore the different aspects or "parts" of yourself, giving each one a voice and a chance to be heard. This compassionate process helps you understand and integrate these parts, leading to greater self-awareness and inner harmony.

Mindfulness

In our mindfulness sessions, we focus on being fully present in the moment, noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. This practice nurtures a deep sense of peace and helps you connect with your true self.

Attachment

Exploring how early relationships shape your current patterns of connection and trust helps build more secure and fulfilling relationships in your lives. Attachment style isn’t as simple as secure, anxious or avoidant - there is a lot of nuance.

Somatic

We’ll pay attention to your nervous system to understand whether you’re in activation (fight, flight, freeze). Tracking your body’s responses gives us clues as to what it needs to find a connected, calm state.

Next Steps

One. Reach out for a free consultation.

Fill out this form and I will reach out to find a time for us to connect over a 20-minute phone call. On this call, I’ll ask you some questions about what you’re looking for help with and let you know if I think we’re a good fit.

Two. Schedule your first session.

Meet me in my office in San Rafael or on Zoom. We’ll meet at the same time each week so you can arrange childcare or work.

Three. Your weekly space is guaranteed.

Rest easy knowing that each week, there is a space for you to unwind. Our weekly sessions will create a rhythm for you-time, reflection and re-filling your cup.

Let’s work together

Interested in working together? Fill out this form and I will be in touch shortly to set up a free 20 minute phone consultation!