About Jess

trauma Therapist in Oakland, CA

for Perinatal Mental Health, Gender Affirming Therapy, and Somatic Therapy

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

You might be feeling a mix of emotions—excitement, anxiety, even a sense of disconnection—as you navigate the transition into parenthood. You may find yourself questioning, “Am I doing this right?” or feeling overwhelmed by the constant care that a new little one needs. Perhaps it’s hard to balance your own needs, and you find yourself exhausted, struggling to find time for yourself, and wondering how to reconnect with who you were before all of these changes.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

You’re navigating one of the most profound life changes, and it’s okay to seek support. Together, we’ll create a space where you can be heard and understood—whether you’re processing birth trauma, adjusting to a new role, or simply finding your footing amid the upheaval.

This is your journey, and it’s possible to find balance, healing, and connection in the process.

Your journey into the unknown can be overwhelming. Let me help.

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

Whether it’s the fear of not being enough or the weight of unresolved trauma, these feelings can cloud your experience. Together, we’ll navigate these transitions and empower you to find your footing in this transformative time.

Hi, My name is Jess Garman.

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-trained therapist and focus on helping clients process trauma through a relational, attachment-based lens.

I specialize in supporting postpartum women, new parents, young adults, and the queer community in navigating the complexities of birth and life’s big transitions. 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.

 

My clients come to me for support in navigating the overwhelming emotions of new parenthood, often related to birth trauma and life transitions.

You are experiencing postpartum anxiety and seeking support in your transition to parenthood.

You have experienced birth trauma and need a safe space to process your feelings.

You feel overwhelmed by the demands of parenting and want to reconnect with yourself.

You identify as queer and seek affirming support in navigating family dynamics.

You struggle with intimacy issues in your relationship and want to improve your connection.

You are coping with the emotional fallout of a divorce or breakup and need guidance to move forward.

You are facing stress and anxiety related to college life and need help managing the pressures of academic performance.

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 understand that becoming a parent can bring a whirlwind of emotions and challenges. Together, we will explore the stories behind these feelings, allowing you to process your experiences with compassion and understanding. My approach is about creating a safe space where your journey is honored, helping you reclaim your sense of self amidst the changes.

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.