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Welcome! My name is Jennifer Myers and I'm a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in both California and Nevada with 13 years of experience helping people overcome the effects of trauma, overcome anxiety, and chronic stress, and how to assimilate the challenges brought on by grief and various life transitions.
My approach
I work from an integrative theoretical perspective, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, attachment-based therapy, family systems, solution-focused therapy, strength-based therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness techniques. I use imagery, metaphor, and humor to help clients understand and internalize concepts in ways that are uniquely meaningful to them that help them regain control over their lives.
My focus
The majority of my clinical experience has been working with trauma survivors, including survivors of violent crime, domestic violence, and child abuse. I also have experience working with individuals who are experiencing a variety of life transitions, and occupation-related chronic stress, with a focus on healthcare professionals and first responders.
My communication style
Clients often say they truly feel heard and seen, often for the first time. They also say they appreciate my ability to be "real" and honest with them while also being sensitive, empathic, and professional. I feel it is important to create a safe space for my clients to openly and honestly share their experiences -- no matter the topic -- and I encourage any and all questions, at any point along the way.
My journey to mental healthcare
My decision to pursue a career as a therapist began while working as a military contractor on a graveyard shift! Servicemembers would stop by my post, tell their life stories and problems, and leave feeling better than when they arrived! I took note of this and returned to graduate school for my degree in psychology. Since that time, I have worked as a therapist in private practice, county government agencies, and community non-profit clinics. I have also worked in the social service field as an Employment Services Social Worker, a Child Protective Services Social Worker, and a Foster Family Agency Social Worker. From the very beginning, all of these experiences have shaped my approach to working with individuals of diverse life circumstances. Those experiences have also given me a profound respect for the variety of challenges that humans face and the resilience that exists beneath it all.
My goals for you
It's important for clients to have a general sense of what they hope to get out of participating in therapy, and are ultimately the "captain of the ship" when it comes to goal-setting. In that sense, the client brings the ultimate "why" to the therapeutic relationship, and I help them refine the "how" to help them bring their goals to life in a tangible, meaningful, and actionable way.
My first session with you
During our first session, we'll review the nuts and bolts of any therapeutic relationship, and I'll ask some general questions to get an overview of various aspects of your life. We'll also get to know each other a bit (which is an ongoing process, of course), and you're free to ask any questions you might have. This first-session process helps me get a sense of the context in which your concerns exist, which allows me to tailor my therapeutic approach to your unique needs and concerns.
