Jennie Nystrom, LMFT #133043
The main predictor of successful therapy is a client’s connection with their therapist. That is why it is crucial that you find a therapist who is empathetic to your journey and approaches you without judgment.
My name is Jennie Nystrom, and I’m an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist under the supervision of Hong Jeong, LCSW #87224. I received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles. In addition to my clinical work, I am a Program Coordinator at a nonprofit that serves adults with learning and developmental disabilities.
My approach to therapy is relational, emotion-focused, and person-centered. I will work alongside you in a warm and understanding environment where you can explore your emotions and find better ways to deal with the stressors in your life. Together, we will address issues that come up during our sessions and uncover realistic coping strategies that will work for you. Along the way, we will collaborate to increase your self-esteem, develop healthy boundaries and enhance your relationships.
I specialize in issues related to anxiety, depression, and trauma when working with individuals, couples, and families. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is an evidence-based psychotherapy method developed to help people recover from systemic trauma and painful life experiences. I can use EMDR to help you alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories and tap into your natural capacity to heal.
LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Therapy
Living in a society that highlights cisgender heterosexual identities leaves many voices unheard. As a therapist, I aim to support fellow LGBT and Queer identities. Let us explore life beyond the binary and monogamy by challenging traditional gender norms with a sex-positive perspective.
Anxiety
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life and anxiety feels different for everyone. Anxiety becomes debilitating when daily tasks feel impossible due to excessive, persistent worry and fear. Anxiety can be felt on a cognitive, emotional, and physical level. Cognitively, anxiety can manifest in racing thoughts and negative thinking patterns. Emotionally, we might feel scared and out of control. On a somatic level, our bodies can respond to anxiety with sweating, a racing heart, and shortness of breath. If anxiety is consuming you, there are ways to cope and feel relief.
Depression
Severe depression can feel like a dark cloud that enters into life, creating helplessness, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts. Depression can manifest in a loss of interest or energy for daily activities. Feeling drained of energy, hope and drive make dealing with depression even harder. If depression has come into your life and has lasted at least two weeks, it might be time to reach out and talk to a therapist.
Trauma
When we think of trauma, situations like war zones, natural disasters, and accidents come to mind. However, there are various types of trauma that range from bullying, community violence, early childhood trauma, intimate partner violence, medical trauma, sexual abuse, emotional and physical abuse, grief and loss, and much more. Any adverse event that is deeply distressing and is causing ongoing suffering in your life can be considered a trauma.
Trauma has a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms. Some signs include: upsetting memories, nightmares, flashbacks, decreased interest in activities, feeling isolated, irritability, hyper-vigilance, heightened startle reaction, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.
With treatment, you can address the cause of trauma and find constructive ways to cope and manage symptoms. I have experience working with survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, childhood trauma, systemic oppression, and religious/ spiritual trauma. If you can relate to this description of trauma and have felt this way for months, it may be time to talk to a professional.
COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unexpected upheavals for us all. Our world has changed dramatically in a short amount of time. Many have lost jobs, homes, and family members. Plans were canceled, habits have been upended. This evolving pandemic has added layers of social distancing and isolation that exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma.
I aim to provide structure and coping strategies that will fit your lifestyle during this trying time. Together, we will strengthen your support system and develop healthy coping strategies that will help you face the unique challenges of today.
Evidenced-Based Practices
Therapy that is evidence-based has been tested through scientific research studies and proven effective. To support my clients, I actively use:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT addresses how our thoughts, feeling,s and behaviors all interact together. This treatment helps us learn how to identify negative thought patterns and core beliefs. Once these thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced, we can set realistic expectations and increase positive thinking and behaviors.
Mindfulness practice: Learning to be mindful has been shown to lower stress and anxiety. If we create space for ourselves to sit in the present moment without judgment and focus on our breathing, we can reduce tension and relax our bodies. Mindfulness can take many forms, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. When we experience an adverse life event, it is possible that memories get stuck and are inadequately processed. If memories are left unprocessed, we can experience triggers, flashbacks and hyper-vigilance in daily life. EMDR uses the brain’s natural healing power to re-process traumatic memories so they no longer hold an emotional charge.
Start Your Journey
We all go through life having difficult experiences that change our perception of ourselves and the world around us. You are not alone. Seeking therapy takes courage. I look forward to joining you on your journey to healing.
Individual therapy sessions are 50 minutes/$200 per session and couples sessions are 50 minutes/$230 per session.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for a free 20-minute consultation.
Email: therapy@jennienystrom.com
Phone: (323) 366-0081