Jennifer Fernandez,PhD

My Approach to Helping

More Info About My Practice

At our practice, we provide a comprehensive harm reduction approach to addiction treatment that goes beyond individual therapy. Our team of compassionate therapists specializes in working with individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. We understand that addiction often impacts not just the individual, but also their loved ones, and we’re here to offer support to everyone involved in the healing process. All of our services are available online for California residents.

In addition to one-on-one therapy, we offer a variety of services designed to address the different aspects of recovery. These include group therapy sessions where clients can connect with others facing similar challenges, creating a supportive community.
Our workshops focus on essential recovery skills, such as managing triggers, building healthy relationships, and maintaining lon-term change. We also offer chemical dependency evaluations for professionals, which meet the requirements of licensing boards and assess the severity of substance use while providing tailored recommendations for treatment and ongoing care.

We work collaboratively as a group practice, which allows us to offer a broad range of perspectives and techniques tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re looking for individual support, a chemical dependency evaluation, or a more immersive experience through groups and workshops, we’re here to help guide you on your path to lasting recovery.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

Substance use disorders (alcohol, drugs, prescription medications)
Co-occurring mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, trauma)
Addiction recovery and relapse prevention
Emotional trauma and its link to addiction
Family and relationship issues related to addiction
High-functioning addiction and substance use in professionals
Navigating addiction treatment for professionals with licensing concerns
Addressing addiction in neurodiverse individuals (ADHD, autism, etc.) and supporting their unique needs in recovery
Harm reduction approaches to substance use
Building healthy coping mechanisms and emotional regulation
Managing triggers and cravings during recovery
Grief and loss related to addiction
Stress management for professionals in recovery
Rebuilding trust in relationships affected by addiction
Supporting loved ones of individuals with substance use disorders
Developing self-compassion and resilience during the recovery process

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy can be a powerful tool in addressing addiction by not only focusing on the behavior itself but also on the emotional and psychological issues that fuel it. Through a safe and non-judgmental environment, therapy helps individuals explore unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties that may contribute to addiction. By working through these deeper issues, clients can build healthier coping mechanisms and develop a more stable sense of self. Additionally, involving family and loved ones in the process helps foster understanding, creating a supportive network for long-term recovery.

My View on the Purpose of Psychotherapy

In my view, the purpose of psychotherapy is to help individuals understand the root causes of their undesirable behaviors and emotional struggles. Through this process, we come to know ourselves more deeply, gaining insights into how our past and unconscious patterns shape our present. Therapy also helps identify strategies for creating lasting change, fostering growth and resilience. By developing a mind that can think more clearly and deeply, we become better equipped to navigate life?s challenges with greater awareness and purpose.

What I Love about Being a Psychotherapist

What I love most about being a therapist is the opportunity to deeply connect with people, supporting them as they navigate their struggles. I cherish the moments when I can reflect back their inner strength, resilience, and capability, and witness the incredible changes they make. Watching clients grow, surprise themselves, and see their relationships deepen is profoundly rewarding. It?s an honor to be part of their journey toward living a life more aligned with their values and purpose. Building these supportive, professional relationships is a privilege I truly treasure.

My Role as a Therapist

As a therapist, I see myself as a guide, not a leader. My role is to help you understand what might be going on beneath the surface and present options for addressing it. I remind you of your innate power and wisdom, while offering unconditional support, consistency, predictability, and reliability. I aim to be a safe sounding board and a compassionate presence in your life, helping you navigate your journey with greater clarity, confidence, and trust in yourself.

My Therapy Focus

My therapy focus is centered on approaching addiction with radical compassion. I help clients and their loved ones understand the root causes of addiction and its impact, while guiding them through the change process with realistic expectations. The therapeutic alliance is a key part of fostering personal growth and healing, as it offers a model for how relationships function outside of therapy, highlighting patterns and dynamics that may need attention. I also encourage family and loved ones to participate in the process, providing a supportive network essential for fostering lasting change and recovery.

What I Usually Need to Know to Help

To provide the best support, I usually need to understand a few key things: the substances or behaviors that led you to seek treatment, how much and how often you?re engaging in them, and what benefits you gain from these behaviors. Knowing your values and where you find support is also important. Understanding how you learned to relate to your family helps reveal patterns in how you build relationships. How and when you share this information is always in your control and at your own pace.

My Guiding Ethical Principles

My guiding ethical principles emphasize respect, dignity, and autonomy for every person. Creating a safe, supportive environment is my top priority, and the therapeutic relationship should never cause harm. Confidentiality and privacy are fundamental to maintaining trust in therapy, ensuring that everything shared remains protected. I am committed to lifelong learning and regularly seek consultation and ongoing education about addiction and the change process, always striving to provide the most effective and compassionate care.

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

If you're on the fence about starting therapy, it?s normal to feel unsure. Therapy is a space where you can explore your concerns without judgment and at your own pace. It?s an opportunity to gain insight, work through challenges, and create meaningful change. The process is about building a supportive relationship with someone who can help you understand your patterns and find new ways forward. Even if you're not sure what to expect, taking that first step could be the beginning of something transformative.

Had a Negative Therapy Experience?

If you've had a negative experience with addiction treatment, know that you're not alone?it happens more often than you think. My approach is different. I prioritize you as the expert of your own life, allowing you to set your own goals, decide the pace at which we work, and choose what we focus on in each session. Together, we create a safe, collaborative environment where your needs guide the process, helping you move forward in a way that feels right for you. Healing is possible, even after past disappointments.

Important Factors for Choosing a Therapist

When choosing addiction treatment, it?s important to consider a few key factors. First, personal motivation is crucial?if you?re only doing it because someone else is pressuring you, it?s unlikely to be effective. Second, finding a therapist who feels like a good fit matters. You should feel comfortable discussing even difficult topics, like the extent of your substance use. Additionally, the treatment approach should align with your values and needs. Lastly, think about whether you want family or loved ones involved as part of your support system during recovery.

How My Own Struggles Made Me a Better Therapist

My personal experiences with addiction in my family have profoundly shaped me as a therapist. I understand firsthand the pain of watching someone you love struggle with addiction. Over time, I had to let go of the fantasy of "fixing" others and learned to guide rather than control. This journey taught me self-compassion and how to stop blaming myself when others didn?t change. I also had to manage my own trauma symptoms, which deepened my empathy and made me more attuned to the complexities of addiction and recovery.

What I Say to People Concerned about the Therapy Process

When people express concerns about the therapy process in addiction treatment, I reassure them that therapy is a collaborative, non-judgmental space. The pace and goals are always set by the client, and it?s a safe environment where difficult conversations can happen without pressure. I emphasize that treatment is a process of discovery and growth, not a quick fix, and that feeling unsure or nervous is completely normal. My role is to support, guide, and help them find what works best for them, without control or coercion.

Why Going to Therapy Does Not Mean You are Weak or Flawed

Seeking addiction treatment is not a sign of weakness or flaws?it's a courageous step toward healing and growth. It takes strength to acknowledge that you're struggling and to reach out for help. Addiction is a complex issue that affects both the mind and body, and treatment is about understanding those deeper causes, not assigning blame. Choosing to face addiction head-on shows resilience and a desire to build a healthier, more fulfilling life. Taking that step demonstrates true inner strength.

Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance

The client-therapist alliance is a vital component of successful addiction treatment. A strong therapeutic relationship creates a safe, trusting environment where clients feel comfortable discussing difficult issues like substance use and personal struggles. This connection allows for open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration, making it easier to explore underlying causes of addiction and navigate the healing process. When clients feel understood and supported by their therapist, they are more likely to engage fully in treatment, leading to deeper insights and lasting change.

My View on the Nature of 'Disorders'

A biopsychosocial view of addiction sees it as a complex phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Biologically, genetic predispositions and brain chemistry play a role in susceptibility to addiction. Psychologically, underlying issues such as trauma, mental health disorders, or stress can drive addictive behaviors. Social factors like relationships, cultural influences, and socioeconomic conditions also contribute to how addiction develops and persists. This comprehensive perspective helps tailor treatment to address the various aspects of a person?s life, leading to more effective and lasting recovery.

The Duration and Frequency of Therapy

The duration and frequency of therapy for addiction treatment can vary based on individual needs and goals. Some clients benefit from weekly sessions, while others may need more frequent support, especially in the early stages of treatment. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on immediate concerns, or long-term, addressing deeper issues and patterns. The process is highly flexible and tailored to each client, ensuring that the pace and structure align with their progress, readiness for change, and the complexity of their addiction and underlying issues.

What Makes up a Problem?

A problem is typically made up of various interconnected elements. It often starts with a situation or behavior that causes discomfort, conflict, or disruption in someone?s life. Problems can arise from unmet needs, conflicting values, or external stressors. They are also influenced by emotional responses, past experiences, and environmental factors. Identifying a problem involves understanding its root causes, its impact on different areas of life, and the personal or relational dynamics that sustain it. Recognizing all these components helps in effectively addressing and resolving the issue.