MEET JENNIFER VILLENA
(Pronounced "Vill- Yena")
she/her
Jennifer’s Mission
My mission is to support the mental and emotional well-being of all women, particularly those in midlife, through compassionate, inclusive, and trauma-informed therapy. I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space. A safe space where women can let go of the fear of being ridiculed or “othered”. I aim to encourage and make it safe to explore your own stories, heal from past wounds, and navigate life’s transitions with resilience and clarity. Using evidence-based approaches like EMDR and a holistic perspective on wellness, I empower women to reconnect with their strength, purpose, and sense of self
About Me
I am creative and constantly exploring who I am. I am still learning to embrace the beauty and challenges of being a girl, woman, partner, and mother and accepting my childhood and adolescent experiences as an American Filipina.
I was born in the Midwest, Chicago, Illinois (to be exact), to Filipino immigrant parents and have lived most of my life in the Bay Area. As I mature, I still find myself lost in different cultures; I am still building healthy boundaries and letting go of people-pleasing tendencies. I have a large scar on my face and struggle with my appearance and self-esteem issues. I am an introvert and love slow-cooking soups/stews, hiking, being in nature, and watching horror movies. In my free time (if you can find me), I can be found spending time with my husband, daughter, and dog, RB.
MY APPROACH
A Comprehensive Approach to Women's Counseling: Integrative Therapy
My counseling approach is integrative (a mix of modalities), which involves a holistic focus on various aspects of your experience, including cognitive, creative, energetic, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. My ultimate objective is to help women of all ages achieve a healthy mind-body connection through enriched dialog, connection, and awareness.
Seeking emotional support from a therapist can significantly improve one's feeling of being seen, heard, and understood. I employ various techniques, including EMDR, mindfulness, and talk therapy, to help clients navigate their emotions with ease.
As a member of a minority group, I understand the unique social and generational challenges faced by minorities in the United States. I am passionate about assisting individuals who struggle with finding their place and voice, expressing their emotions, and promoting education toward understanding.
