Get to know me.

ABOUT JENNIFER MACHADO | PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Hello, I'm Jen. I am a licensed psychotherapist with a clinical background in Expressive Arts. Whether you're seeking therapy for yourself, relationship, or your family, I can provide a safe and supportive space to explore and understand your feelings and story. With over a decade of experience, I take a person-centered approach, tailoring my therapeutic methods to best suit your needs. Sessions can be conducted in-person or online, whichever is most convenient and comfortable for you.

In my practice, I'm not just a silent observer in the room; I take an active role in providing feedback and building connection with my clients. Many first-timers in therapy find that my approach resonates with them.

I am a San Francisco resident and live with my family in the sunset district. I love biking and running in the park for my commute and enjoy my morning coffee in the company of our chickens in the backyard: Chicken Little, Chicken Nugget, Big Foot, and Blanche.

AREAS OF FOCUS

Communication difficulties
Managing Anxiety and Depression
Relationship Issues
Family of Origin Issues
Career Change
Trauma
Parenting and Co-parenting
Perfectionism
Young adulting
Dating

Some Background

I moved to San Francisco from New Orleans in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. With a bachelors in English Literature, I wasn't sure what direction my career would, or dare I say, should take, so I spent the majority of my twenties exploring different professional roles in law and management, and relationships. After attending an Expressive Arts Therapy workshop the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), I was inspired by the transformative potential of the arts in psychology practice. The rest is kind of history. I got my masters from CIIS in 2013 and pursued licensure from there. This work has allowed for me to embrace my passion for helping others, my commitment to lifelong learning, and the invaluable qualities of authentic human connection.

More on personal background: As a kid, I grew up in the Air Force and moved a ton, mostly around the Gulf Coast but to the Persian Gulf at one point. I'm an eldest daughter, and when I moved to SF from NOLA, I only had a backpack and a one-way ticket. I was what one would today call a "highly spirited child" and for sure the "identified patient" of the family for many years.

APPROACHES & TECHNIQUES

Client-centered
Strengths-based
Solution-focused
Harm Reduction
Trauma-informed
Emotional Focused Therapy for Couples (EFT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Somatic Awareness

ACCREDITATIONS

California Behavioral Board of Sciences, Licensed MFT #104421
CA BBS Registered Clinical Supervisor
M.A. Counseling Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies, 2013
California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Clinical Member

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Well Clinic San Francisco, Integrated Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Clinical Psychotherapist and Supervisor
Institute of Health and Healing, California Pacific Medical Center; Psychotherapy for inpatient patients and families
Safe and Sound, Child Advocacy Organization; Associate Psychotherapist for Adult Individuals, Couples, Group Therapy
CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, psychotherapy for foster youth
EBAC, East Bay Agency for Children; Associate Psychotherapist
TALK line, 24/7 Crisis Support Line for Parents (415-441-KIDS); volunteer

What my clients are saying:

"Jen is extremely easy to talk to and asks all the right questions to help identify emotions and the reasoning for feeling them. She makes me feel very comfortable, open, and validates emotions I used to feel ashamed to have."

"Since starting therapy with Jen, I now treat myself the way that Jen treats me: with kindness, empathy, and accountability. I feel my feelings instead of intellectualizing them, I'm more self-aware of how I move through the world. I give myself the grace she would and treat falling short of my goals as an opportunity to reflect and put better habits into practice, instead of a reason to beat myself up."

"Jen is like the maternal best friend hype woman you wish you had in your life, except she also gently guides you to ask the critical questions to get out of whatever negative cycle you find yourself in."

Therapy with me is well-suited for individuals who...

- Seek a sincere and genuine connection for delving into self-exploration and self-discovery.

- Desire to feel listened to, understood, and supported in alignment with their values and identity.

- Aim to cultivate practical strategies and skills to navigate daily challenges and flourish in life.

BOOK A CONSULTATION