Pleasant Hill, CA Local Support & Community Resources

Jennifer Bakowsky is a compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, specializing in supporting families through challenging behaviors and emotional transitions. With a strong educational foundation from John F. Kennedy University, where she graduated in 2007, Jennifer expertly guides families facing difficult situations such as intense emotional responses, trauma, and behavior problems. She understands how overwhelming stage-of-life transitions can be and strives to empower families in addressing the unique needs of each member, especially children. Utilizing her diverse skill set in therapy types like Art Therapy, Family / Marital therapy, Play Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Jennifer is committed to developing tailored behavior plans that foster positive change. She works effectively with children, teens, and adults, addressing issues such as defiance, school refusal, anger outbursts, and attention difficulties. Additionally, her extensive experience with bonding and attachment issues, particularly within the foster care system and for children with developmental disorders, allows her to provide holistic support to families. Jennifer is dedicated to fostering healthier relationships and emotional well-being within the family unit.

Tessa Barrows, a dedicated Marriage and Family Therapist with an MA and LMFT credentials, brings her expertise and compassion to those feeling overwhelmed or unfocused in their lives. She specializes in guiding individuals of all ages—from preteens to elders—through their journeys of self-discovery and healing. Tessa understands the frustration of feeling 'too much' or 'not enough' and recognizes that many share these sentiments of unworthiness. Through her supportive and secure environment, she combines innovative psychotherapy modalities, such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Compassion-Focused Therapy, and Expressive Arts, creating a dynamic healing experience. Tessa's approach involves breaking down barriers to foster self-acceptance, trust, and confidence. Her goal is to help clients cultivate clarity and connect with their inner wisdom. With a variety of therapeutic styles at her disposal, she offers the tools necessary to maintain balance and calm even amidst life's challenges. Tessa invites everyone to take this journey towards greater satisfaction and well-being, knowing they are not alone on this path.

Karen Chow, a compassionate Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), understands the complexities of balancing family togetherness, relationship demands, job pressures, and everyday obligations. She recognizes that many individuals, particularly children and adolescents, may be grappling with peer relationships or academic challenges. Seeking support during such times is a testament to courage, and Karen is here to help. She brings expertise in navigating issues like anxiety and depression, assuring clients that their mental health and emotional well-being are paramount. Through her extensive work with individuals and families, Karen has effectively restored balance and harmony in countless lives. She skillfully uncovers where one may feel stuck, guiding her clients toward new opportunities and paths for growth. Passionately committed to facilitating healing journeys, Karen provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for her clients, fostering a sense of trust as they work together to enhance their quality of life.