Dear Clients and their trusted family members,
Check here for the latest updates for continued care and support. Or better yet, feel free to call, text, or email to check in and let me know how you are doing. We are all in this together!🌷
**TELETHERAPY VIA PHONE OR ZOOM CONTINUES TO BE AVAILABLE FOR STATE-WIDE SUPPORT**
**IN-PERSON SESSIONS & SUPPORT GROUPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE WEEKLY, CONTACT ME FOR DETAILS**
Last updated:
March 4, 2023
Hello, my beautiful creative clients and friends!
In-Person therapy and support groups are back in full swing! I’ve got a new Art Therapy & Counseling office just up the street on Larchmont Blvd in Hollywood, and I am so honored and happy to be able to visually & creatively problem-solve with you all again. While online work is still very much an option if you are in the state of CA, it is really amazing to see the artmaking and personal growth happening again in real life as they say (like we weren’t living real life through all this?). If you would like to reconnect or book a free 20-minute consultation to see if my unique approach to therapy is right for you, your loved ones, or your colleagues, feel free to reach out.
While there are reports that the national emergency is officially coming to an end, there are still so many concerns, anxiety, grief, overwhelm, motivation, and social skills issues happening right now for people of all ages. This is on top of our everyday school, work, and family dynamics. We’ve all been through so much and now is the perfect time to fully reset and get help navigating & adjusting to your next steps moving through this amazing story we call life.
Gentle on,
—Jessica 🌷
Just click here to start or re-start your therapy journey.
January 1, 2022
Uncertainty. Overwhelm. Anxiety. Sadness. Exhaustion. Lack of motivation or inspiration. In our schools, colleges, work places and homes. None of us truly know what 2022 will bring. Yet, I do know that having a trusted safe space with a person who “gets you” to work it through can be so very helpful. If you are in the state of California and you are in need, please do not hesitate to contact me for a consultation. I offer individual, family and corporate team dynamic solutions to navigate life-stage challenges, especially as we adjust and cope with this unique time in history.
Just click here to start or re-start your therapy journey.
October 31, 2021
Current to-mask or not-to-mask debates aside, Halloween is a time when children and adults put on masks and walk through the streets looking for joy, respect, or approval ( along with a sweet treat ) while being someone or something they are not in daily life. For many, invisible masks are worn the rest of the year to help creative or neurodivergent people of all ages just get through the day. I know, because I see this in my practice all the time and it is so very hard and takes up so much personal energy to keep up the illusion of being something you are not —or that inner & outer critics are always getting on you about. This leads to anxiety, panic, depression, perfectionism, and just regular old overwhelm and loss of motivation for daily tasks.
For those of you that have asked, I am currently working hard to find just the right space to re-open my physical Art Therapy office/studio again in a manner that will serve you and the community in the way that I’ve always been proud to serve. Online and phone TeleHealth sessions continue to be very much active throughout this Covid time of concern and I will definitely be continuing a hybrid practice moving forward.
If I can be of any assistance with your own re-entry into in-person life, whether it is managing school stress or motivation, back to the office or production set issues, caregiving or grief support, or the changing shape of your family as we emerge into “the next normal,” please do not hesitate to contact me.
Just click here to start or re-start your therapy journey.
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Spring is upon us and signs of new growth can be seen everywhere. People and plants are beginning to branch out with caution and careful enthusiasm. Some creative kiddos and adults are cautiously heading back to school and workspaces while others are still weighing the value and safety of staying at home just a little bit longer.
Whatever your current situation, no doubt there is overwhelm, anxiety, and conflicting views on how to go about daily life. Unfortunately for many, “with calm” is usually not at the top of the list. But it should be! If you need help developing your “next normal,” contact me and we will set some goals and tool development strategies to get you where you want to be next with a gentle and creative plan.
Sunday, February 9, 2021
The bright glow of a new year has started to settle down and many of us are looking around and seeing that not much has changed. We are still doing distance learning for the most part here in Los Angeles. Many of our favorite businesses are closed or shut down for good. Loved ones touched by the Covid 19 or the anxiety that surrounds it are deep in our hearts and on our minds. Currently, I am still only holding sessions online, yet the changes and growth I have witnessed and the comforting transformations I have heard through my headphones have been very encouraging to all. Art is still being made as a form of communication and for personal expression of big feelings. If you or a family member is having a tough time, give a call, or fill out the form for a short consultation to see what we can do together to make this time a little easier for you, your kids or other significant people in your life.
Sunday, August 16, 2020
As Summer winds down, your brain and body are used to settling into a routine of work, school and planning the events of Autumn. This year, Fall 2020, like Summer 2020, will be different than you have ever experienced. The big unknowns of your life as they relate to distance education and employment have you sitting uncomfortably in the unknown. Even wondering “What will my schedule really be like?” is a question many creative people in Los Angeles are asking. Along with: “When is it safe to go to my Therapist, Doctor, Dentist or Orthodontist?” “Can I visit the Museum or the Library?” “When will Productions or Concerts resume?” or “When is it safe to see friends?” Even “How do I vote in California?” has become a new challenge in our world that changes daily.
If the Mental Health of you or your child has been affected by all this, you are not alone.
When you can’t make sense of your world, your Limbic System kicks into high gear. Especially if there is a history of ADHD, academic concerns, or trauma. This part of our brain tries to creatively protect us in the form of activated emotions, over-alertness, hyper-focus, anxiety and even excitement for the possibilities. Or, if it is just too much, we shut down and experience depression, lack of motivation, or a feeling of being stuck as perfectionism keeps us from moving forward.
If you need some extra help with work or school anxiety, overwhelm, caregiver support, adjustment issues, relationships that have changed during Covid-19 quarantine, or just a place to vent and process the challenges you are facing, I am here for you. Let’s use this time of uncertainty to help you or your loved ones grow, develop and evolve tools for navigating these rough waters —rather than sitting alone in a fog feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and scared.
Counseling sessions by Zoom or Phone have been very helpful to my clients over the past few months, and have made the stress of getting licensed Psychotherapy help by an Art Therapist in Los Angeles so much easier. No need to worry about LA traffic, figuring out parking issues, or making a plan for who will pick up & drop off.
Every day I am amazed at how creative people can be when they understand how their unique brain works. I just love helping people of all ages develop real life skills & tools using a visual language to navigate Parenting, Adulting, Aging & Grieving.
Bring on Autumn! Let’s develop the tools you need for this “Next Normal” together.
If you can use some support getting calm back in your life, click here and let’s get started.
Gentle on,
—Jessica 🌷
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Many of you have been calling or texting to ask “When will the studio be open again?” The best answer I have is “not a moment before or a moment after” I believe it is truly safe to do so. As those who work with me know, your health and well-being are my top priority. My job is to help relieve your stress and not add to it. Holding phone and TeleHealth online sessions have been an amazing way to stay connected helping those of you who need it most right now, and as requested, I will continue to offer these options even after the studio reopens. (Yes, working parents and creative retired folks, I hear you wanting this option all the time!)
If you would like to be contacted upon my re-opening, please just visit the contact me page and put in your info and I’ll be sure to keep you updated!
In the meantime, I am amazed at all the great options for creative outlets available right now. If you would like to give your creative limbic brain some much-needed love try one of these resources:
For Visual Artists: All the world’s best museums in one place!
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner?hl=en&tab=pop
For Musical Artists: Some great advice and resources…
https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/covid-19-resources/
For Word Artists: Helpful links from the Author’s Guild…
https://www.authorsguild.org/covid-19-resources-for-authors/
For Parents of Creative Kids: Lot’s of great local art resources…
https://culturela.org/programs-and-initiatives/arts-resources-during-covid-19-2/
Helpful info & resources for all Creatives…
https://artistsatriskconnection.org/story/covid-19-resources-for-artists
Wishing you well,
Jessica 🌷
Thursday, April 16, 2020
Hello my beautiful creative clients and friends! These weeks have been so very surreal for so many of us. My heart goes out to each and every one of you in The Limbic Lounge community. Right now I am continuing to see & share with many clients on Zoom. I’m also listening to your stories and helping to build coping tools by phone. The big issues I’m seeing are similar to those that life has been throwing at us all along: anxiety, overwhelm, depression, lack of concentration & focus, grief. The whole world is trying to problem solve with its emotional Limbic brain right now. Have you noticed it is the creative problem-solvers that are stepping up and standing out? That is because we are the ones that have learned to cope, and even thrive, in spite of, and in concert with, our emotions. We’ve learned to work with them rather than have them control us. If there is a rupture, we pick ourselves up and practice our resiliency skills and do the next right thing.
I so look forward to the day we can draw, paint, use clay or kinetic sand, and even play chess again together among all the other clever ways we work together in the studio. For now, let’s keep keeping on keeping ourselves and those we love safe. If you need me, I am here.
Gentle on,
Jessica 🌷
Monday, March 24, 2020
If ever self care was needed this is it!! When planes are flying, they ask us to put oxygen on ourselves first and then help anyone else you love with their mask. This is because if you don’t care for yourself, you can’t possibly be at your best for others. So…….Take time each day to do a little something special for yourself. Steal some quiet time, when you can do so safely, to read; take a virtual walk in an on-line museum; draw, cook, dance, play an instrument, or whatever you need to do that makes you feel like you. These are scary times, yet also ones of extra time that we may never see like this again. Cherish what you can, be mindful of the gifts of today, look for colors you can name to ground yourself and then help those around you who could use your help. If you need mine, I am here for you. —Jessica🌷
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has approved the use of personal devices and computers during the current health care crisis.
As such, I am now happy to be able to offer visual telehealth sessions via Zoom with enhanced security features so we can continue to map out the difficulties in your current situation. This also allows us to visually explore your expressions and processing together just like in my art studio office.
Please understand that third-party applications potentially introduce privacy risks, however as always your confidentiality and trust are a top priority for me. If you have any specific concerns or questions, just ask.
Phone sessions will continue to be an option as well.
Wishing you calm and strength. —Jessica 🌷
Monday, March 16, 2020
The Limbic Lounge is a special place, which is why it is such a safe and cozy spot in the world to process navigating what life throws at us.
These are difficult & unsure days. Please know you are not in this alone. 🌷
It is with a heavy heart, yet out of caution and care for my clients and our community, that my physical Larchmont Village office will be closed beginning Monday, March 16th.
As always, I have phone sessions available to keep you connected with support & coping tools.
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of current internet use, I have not found the approved video therapy platforms that ensure your confidentiality at this time to have enough bandwidth to be fully reliable for our needs just yet. I will continue to explore daily and let you know when they become available.
I know a phone call will not be the same as making and processing visuals + thoughts together in person, yet I know we can make this a meaningful experience for your personal growth (or that of your family member.) I will be treating the session with the same respect and confidentiality you have come to expect. Just as if you were in my office.
In times of high Limbic emotional activation, humans are wired to do the best they can by developing new tools and strategies for getting needs met. I’m here to help support your brain to choose healthy and helpful strategies as you navigate uncharted territory.
I also understand there will be a lot of shift in session scheduling, yet I plan to hold as much routine and continuity of care as possible. I will still save your appointment times for you, and will continue to send reminders for scheduled sessions. If you need to reschedule to another time or day, just let me know.
I do ask you to please give me at least 24-hours notice if you will not be using your time. This will allow others access to time slots not in use as there is quite a lot of need for support right now.
As always, please do not hesitate to call or text with any questions or concerns you may have.
Wishing you and yours gentle health and calm,
Jessica 🌷
* Please note the following official California Legal Code of Regulations information regarding Telehealth: (a) All persons engaging in the practice of marriage and family therapy, educational psychology, clinical social work, or professional clinical counseling via telehealth, as defined in Section 2290.5 of the Code, with a client who is physically located in this State must have a valid and current license or registration issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. (b) All psychotherapy services offered by board licensees and registrants via telehealth fall within the jurisdiction of the board just as traditional face-to-face services do. Therefore, all psychotherapy services offered via telehealth are subject to the board's statutes and regulations.
