Jennifer Phelps

Infused with a love of learning and curiosity from her scientist parents, Jennifer Phelps brings a unique blend of creativity, mindfulness, and compassion to her therapy practice. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 138186), Jennifer specializes in helping individuals and families navigate through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and identity needs.

Born and raised in San Diego, Jennifer's journey to becoming a therapist is as diverse as her approach to healing. After graduating from UCSD with a major in Visual Art in 1999, she initially pursued her artistic interests while working at the university. However, her passion for helping others led her to pivot towards mental health. She earned a Mental Health Aid / Advocate Certificate before completing a Master's in Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, equipping her with a unique set of tools to support her clients.

Jennifer's therapeutic approach is both eclectic and tailored to each client's needs. She regularly employs Art Therapy, Family-Systems, Dialectical Behavioral, and Person-Centered approaches in her sessions. Her extensive experience working with clients experiencing schizophrenia and addiction, along with supporting their families, has honed her skills in dealing with complex mental health challenges.

What sets Jennifer apart is her ability to connect with a wide range of clients. She particularly enjoys working with individuals who might not know their own potential, are finding their identity, have never been in therapy, or are reluctant about the therapeutic process. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth attitude create a welcoming and comfortable space for healing and growth.

Outside of her professional life, Jennifer finds joy in spending time with her family, cuddling with her three cats, and taking her dog to the park. Her love for art continues to be a part of her life, along with singing to her favorite music and watching dramas. These personal interests not only provide balance to her life but also inform her holistic approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of creativity and self-care in the healing process.