About

Hello there, my name is Jennifer (pronouns she/her/hers), and I am so glad you're here. As one of my favorite therapists wrote, "The true counselor seeks to understand people from the standpoint of appreciation...it is like inviting the traveler in from a snowy and chilly journey to sit for an hour before the fire." In a nutshell, this is my approach. I aim to provide a warm, non-judgmental presence with the curiosity and tools to help you free yourself of what you think you "should" be to accept and love who you are. There is nothing more comforting than being truly seen by another person.

Trauma almost always makes it difficult to form trusting, healthy relationships. If someone has hurt you in the past, how can you trust again? How can you trust yourself enough to enter a relationship if you have chosen those who have hurt you? Do you notice similar negative patterns occurring in your relationships? It is my goal to help you build insight into those patterns and develop interpersonal skills to make sure your needs are met. Getting in touch with your intuition, trusting your gut with confidence, and cultivating deep and meaningful bonds are essential to a happy human experience. I aim to help you create feelings of safety in vulnerability and connection so that you can choose new and safe relationships and escape familiar suffering.

No matter what brings you to therapy, curiosity and empathy are my priority, going at the pace most comfortable for you. I work in the here and now to stay mindful of the experience of both the mind and the body, bringing integrated healing to both.

I received my Master of Social Work degree from University of Southern California and have been practicing as a social worker and psychotherapist in the Los Angeles area since. I underwent comprehensive clinical training within Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services at USC, specializing in working with survivors of sexual and gender based violence as well as trained as a school Psychiatric Social Worker within the Los Angeles Unified School District, providing psychotherapy and supportive services to students and their families.

My clients have ranged from ages 13 to 80 of all cultures, including those suffering from anxiety and self-esteem difficulties, sexual trauma, homelessness as well as diagnoses such as Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. I provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ identified individuals and enjoy working with the wide spectrum of relationship types.

Regardless of the most pressing reason you’ve reached out, you’re a human with story that includes a million choices, events, accidents, heartbreaks, coincidences, disappointments, successes, surprises, with perhaps a couple disasters or miracles that brought you here. And you need a compassionate ear to be there for you. I hope to have that privilege.

Best,

Jennifer Piponniau, LCSW