Jennifer Roy

Jennifer Roy
Registered Associate Marriage + Family Therapist AMFT# 138012

Supervised by Liz Flick, LMFT #92417 and Dr Nina Eisenberg, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
#CA PSY28692

SERVICES

Adult Therapy
Child Therapy (ages 12+)
Couples Therapy
Group Therapy

LOCATIONS + HOURS

San Francisco Office
Benicia Office
Virtual

SPECIALIZATIONS

  • Grief and Loss

  • Spirituality + Mindfulness

  • Meaning Making + Finding Purpose

  • Self-Esteem + Personal Growth

  • Life Transitions

  • Generalized Anxiety

  • Climate Change “Eco” Anxiety

  • Stress + Burnout

  • Trauma

  • Substance Use

  • Chronic Illness

  • Relationships

  • Family Dynamics

  • Adolescents

  • LGBTQI-Affirming

  • BIPOC-Affirming

EDUCATION

  • Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology with a dual concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counselor, Dominican University of California

  • Master’s of Science in Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University

  • Bachelor's of Arts in History, University of Puget Sound

ADDITIONAL TRAININGS

  • Post-Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation, Boston College

  • Spiritual Director Training Practicum in Spiritual Direction, Center for Religious Development, Weston School of Theology

  • Healing Touch/Seated Massage Practitioner, Care Through Touch Institute

  • Alcohol and Drug Risk Reduction, PRIme For Life, Prevention Research Institute

  • Crisis Counseling Hotline Training, Tahoe Women’s Services

WHO I WORK WITH

Clients who work with me are looking for a deeper connection to themselves, to others, and to the world around them. They are wanting to address barriers to these connections that may come from past trauma, low self-esteem, anxiety, illness, fear of vulnerability, toxic relationships, or difficulty navigating their current reality. My clients appreciate how I provide a safe and healing space where they can be their most authentic self without judgment; while feeling seen, heard, understood, and valued.

I have worked with clients of all ages who have suffered the loss of a loved one, helping them move through the stages of grief and develop meaning and purpose, including one’s own existential questioning about life and their role in it. My approach is informed by my client’s sense of spirituality and/or what they imagine is greater than themselves. 

I am particularly passionate about working with adolescents who are trying to develop their own identity while navigating life transitions, women of color who desire to empower their inner strength and resilience, those who want to cope more effectively with their anxiety around climate change, and couples who are seeking ways to improve their communication, connection, and commitment to each other.

MY APPROACH

I use warmth, empathy, respect, humor, and non-judgmental curiosity to build a strong collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients. Studies report that over 80% of the positive outcomes of therapy may be due to the therapeutic relationship and I deeply believe in the value of this relationship in determining the success of therapeutic work.

I utilize an integrative approach that draws from a variety of therapeutic orientations including humanistic/person-centered, strength-based, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, family systems, and somatic. I incorporate interventions that are trauma-informed, here-and-now, and culturally-responsive. 

I believe that my clients are the experts of their lives and that the opportunities that I can provide for deeper reflection, understanding, self-compassion, and mindfulness can result in healing, growth, and increased motivation for taking action towards living a life that they desire.

MY BACKGROUND

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area then lived in Washington, Colorado, Northern California, and Massachusetts for some time, working mainly in student life in higher and secondary education and parish and campus ministry, before moving back home almost a decade ago. I have accompanied a wide diversity of ages, backgrounds, life experiences, spiritual beliefs, abilities, and interests in my educational and non-profit careers. I have always felt a calling to be a therapist and the pandemic provided the opportunity to finally act on it. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Dominican University of California in San Rafael, CA and worked for a hospice agency providing bereavement counseling for clients who had lost a loved one on hospice services. I am also a trained spiritual director, receiving training from both the former Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, MA and the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry in Boston, MA.

WHY I LOVE THIS WORK

Being able to sit with an individual or a couple who are ready to share, explore their struggles, and discover more in order to heal parts of themselves is a grace and an honor. I am always in awe of how people share so honestly, vulnerably, and openly with me. Providing “unconditional positive regard” and active, deep, reflective, and compassionate listening in the holding of one’s story is my sacred work. To be a companion and a witness on parts of my client’s journey, whether challenging or joyful, while helping my clients to not feel so alone and seen for the strengths and gifts they possess, gives me deep meaning and purpose. 

A BIT MORE ABOUT ME...

Music fills my soul, especially when listening to it live. I grew up listening to all styles of music and was rap/hip-hop music director of my college radio station. I take great pride in discovering and sharing music with my friends and family. I grew up sailing on the San Francisco Bay and the ocean is my happy place. Anytime I can be out on or in the water is a great day. I am a true foodie and usually plan my time around truly local, unique, and interesting places to eat. I try to combine my love of music, ocean, and food with my love of being in community with others whenever I can. Sharing a delicious meal in a gorgeous spot with great ambiance and beloved people brings me great joy.