Jeannette York,California Behavioral Health License 47797 South Carolina License LMF.4612.MFT

My Approach to Helping

More Info About My Practice

Your insurance carrier will often pay for
out-of-network providers. Please check with your plan to see if they reimburse for an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist). I can provide you with a monthly receipt of services (Superbill) to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Your company may or may not pay for out of network services.
Parking is easy at my office. Just tell the parking attendant that you are there to see me, and he will find a parking space for you at a nominal fee.

My Role as a Therapist

My Role as a Therapist: Fostering Connection, Growth, and Understanding
As a therapist, my role is rooted in fostering emotional well-being, connection, and growth among individuals and relationships. Working with couples and adult siblings, I serve as a guide through the complexities of human emotions, interpersonal dynamics, and life?s inevitable challenges. With over 15 years of experience, my approach is to create a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel empowered to explore their issues, improve communication, and rebuild trust.

Understanding the Unique Dynamics

Couples
Couples bring a unique set of challenges and opportunities to therapy. Relationships evolve over time, and external stressors such as work, children, and life transitions often strain the bond between partners. Whether addressing communication issues, conflict resolution, intimacy concerns, or life-stage adjustments, I help couples:

Recognize Patterns: Identifying unproductive cycles, such as the "pursuer-distancer" dynamic, is often the first step toward change.
Foster Empathy: I encourage partners to see and understand each other?s perspectives, building a foundation of mutual respect and compassion.
Develop Tools: By teaching active listening, problem-solving skills, and conflict de-escalation techniques, I help couples navigate future challenges more effectively.
Adult Siblings
The bond between adult siblings is equally profound but often overlooked. Sibling relationships can be marked by competition, unresolved childhood conflicts, or evolving family roles. Therapy for adult siblings often involves:

Unpacking the Past: Childhood roles and parental influences often shape sibling dynamics. Revisiting these experiences with a fresh lens can illuminate the root causes of present issues.
Setting Boundaries: As siblings grow older, setting healthy boundaries can help redefine the relationship.
Reinforcing Bonds: I guide siblings to rediscover their shared history and forge a deeper connection based on mutual respect and understanding.
Building a Safe Space

Therapy is most effective when clients feel safe, seen, and heard. My office in Toluca Lake, conveniently located near Glendale, Studio City, and Sherman Oaks, provides a welcoming environment conducive to open dialogue. My practice is guided by principles of confidentiality, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.

Neutral Ground: I serve as an impartial mediator, helping clients express themselves without fear of judgment.
Emotional Safety: I encourage clients to share their vulnerabilities, validating their experiences while fostering self-awareness.
Structured Conversations: Sessions are tailored to address specific goals, keeping discussions focused and productive.
Techniques and Modalities

I integrate evidence-based techniques with a humanistic approach, tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each client.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Helps couples and siblings navigate emotional triggers and build secure attachments.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Useful for challenging unhelpful thought patterns and fostering constructive behaviors.
Narrative Therapy: Encourages clients to reframe their personal stories and shift their perspectives.
Family Systems Therapy: Focuses on understanding family dynamics and how they influence individual behaviors.
Addressing Common Challenges

Couples
Communication Breakdown: Helping partners articulate their needs and feelings without blame or defensiveness.
Infidelity and Trust Issues: Rebuilding trust requires patience, honesty, and a commitment to healing.
Life Transitions: Navigating changes like parenthood, career shifts, or aging parents can test a relationship's resilience.
Adult Siblings
Conflict Over Caregiving: Decisions about aging parents often lead to tension among siblings.
Unequal Contributions: Resentments can arise when one sibling feels burdened by family responsibilities.
Inherited Trauma: Unresolved family trauma may resurface in sibling interactions, requiring careful exploration and healing.
Success Stories and Growth

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my work is witnessing transformation. Couples who initially felt disconnected often leave therapy with renewed intimacy and understanding. Siblings who entered sessions in conflict may rediscover a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

For example:

A couple on the brink of separation learned to communicate effectively, rekindling their love and commitment.
Two sisters, estranged for years, reconciled after exploring their childhood dynamics and setting healthy boundaries.
Long-Term Impact

Therapy is not just about resolving immediate issues; it?s about equipping clients with tools for lifelong emotional health. The skills learned in therapy often extend beyond the primary relationship, enriching clients? interactions with others and their overall well-being.

My Commitment as a Therapist

I am deeply committed to supporting my clients? journeys toward healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Whether working with couples or adult siblings, my goal is to help them navigate challenges with courage, compassion, and clarity. Together, we uncover the strengths within their relationships, fostering deeper connections that stand the test of time.

This article encapsulates my philosophy, methods, and dedication to supporting couples and adult siblings in their personal growth and relational healing.

What Makes up a Problem?

The word communication is one that is used often as the culprit of problems between couples and families. However, few people know how to successfully communicate with the person they love. So often communication is taken to mean that we are "brutally honest". However, healthy communication calls for "respectful and gentle honesty" with those we love. In couple's therapy you and your partner will learn to be lovingly honest. People frequently cannot
distinguish between being listened to and being loved. In couples therapy we will learn how to listen, join and "not fix". We will practice what works between the two of you and build on your strengths. We will also process and change the behaviors that cause pain and ultimately led to distance.
The truth is that even no communication is communicating. However, it often means that it feels unsafe to speak with your partner so nothing at all is said. Learn to keep each other safe and you and your partner will grow closer and have a more meaningful relationship.