About Jess

trauma Therapist in Oakland, CA

Compassion-Based Trauma Therapist for new parents and The queer community

Becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions in life. Whether you're expecting your first child or navigating the postpartum journey, it can bring up a mix of emotions—joy, fear, exhaustion, and sometimes even a sense of being lost in all the changes.

You may find yourself wondering, “Am I doing this right?” or struggling to balance your own needs with the constant care of a little one.

If any of this resonates, you're not alone.

 

Hi, My name is Jess Garman.

Jessica E. Garman, Associate Clinical Social Worker #123636 in California, Supervised by Ah Hyun Lee, LCSW#105879

I am a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW), located in Oakland, CA. I am currently under the supervision of Ah Hyun Lee, Licensed Clinical Social Worker #105879. 

 I am an EMDR therapist in training and focus on helping clients process trauma through a relational, attachment-based lens.

I work with prenatal and postpartum women, new parents, and young adults navigating significant life transitions—such as grief, breakups, career changes, or the complexities of adulthood. My approach integrates EMDR, somatic techniques, and compassion-based strategies to foster healing and resilience.

In our weekly sessions, you can expect a safe and supportive environment where we work together to navigate your experiences. My goal is to facilitate a collaborative journey that, in the best of circumstances, can be a transformative and often magical experience, allowing us to explore what it means to move forward in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to you.

Jess's treatment approaches for

New Parents and The Queer Community

  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy is a highly effective evidence-based treatment approach, targeting distressing memories of the past that continue to drive the current ongoing issues in the present moment

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

    Often referred to as inner child healing, I assist in identifying and understanding all aspects of yourself that require healing, including those protective parts that inadvertently hinder your ability to enact desired changes. I will help guide you to have compassionate dialogue with these parts and work towards integration and alignment, leading to the transformative and lasting change.

  • Somatic Resourcing

    I utilize somatic resourcing to help you reconnect with your body and its wisdom. This approach recognizes the importance of physical sensations in processing emotions and experiences. Through breath work and grounding techniques we can cultivate a deeper awareness of your body’s responses, facilitating healing from within.

  • Mindfulness

    I incorporate mindfulness practices to help you cultivate present-moment awareness and deepen your connection to your thoughts and emotions, using techniques such as mindful observation and body scans. This approach fosters greater self-awareness and emotional regulation, creating a supportive environment for healing as you navigate life's challenges with clarity and resilience.

  • Art Therapy

    I sometimes incorporate art therapy into our work to facilitate self-expression and explore your emotions in a creative way. Through various artistic modalities—such as drawing, painting, or collage—you'll have the opportunity to express feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. This process can promote healing, enhance self-discovery, and foster a deeper understanding of your experiences.

Individual Psychotherapist for new parents and queer community

I work with new parents, including those in the queer community, who are navigating these transitions and seeking support in finding their way. The early stages of parenthood can feel overwhelming, and it’s completely normal to feel a sense of disconnection or even anxiety as you adjust to your new reality. Together, we can create a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported—whether you’re processing birth trauma, adjusting to your new identity as a parent, or just needing a compassionate place to land during this transformative time. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself and find balance in the midst of change.

EMDR Trained Therapist for Trauma Therapy

“What is EMDR Therapy? How Do I Know If It’s Right for Me?”

EMDR Therapy is structured and trauma-focused in an expedited process with lasting results. It encourages you to attune and pay attention to all aspects of your memories and your reactions in the present moment. All aspects refer to images, physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. You get to listen to and care for your inner child. Its process of healing also asks you to be creative in your unique way.

As an EMDR Trained Therapist, I can help you process single traumatic incidents, such as PTSD or adjustment issues. This means if you have experienced an accident or an experience that you continue to feel stuck about, I can help you feel “unstuck” and move forward in your life.

 

Get started with trauma-focused therapy and trauma counseling, today.

Take the first step toward healing. Schedule a trauma counseling session in San Francisco with our empathetic therapist. Your journey to recovery begins here.