Jolie Avena (she/her)

Our staff have extensive experience in ACT and other mindfulness-based treatments. We believe that fostering present-moment awareness and a nonjudgmental stance toward self and others can help people better tolerate unpleasant emotions, grow in self-acceptance, and become more open to the varied nature of the human experience.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on resolving inner conflict, exploring the impact of early life experiences, and increasing understanding of unconscious experiences. We are trained in various dimensions of psychodynamic and psychoanalytic therapy, including relational therapy and interpersonal therapy. These psychodynamic treatments also include a specific emphasis on how the relationship between therapist and client can reflect challenges in the client's life, and serve as a vessel for change.

Our staff routinely incorporate CBT techniques into our work in order to address the role of maladaptive thoughts and behaviors on the quality of our overall experience. We work to challenge irrational thoughts about self and others, understand how these thoughts negatively impact our choices, and work to replace negative self-talk with thoughts of self-acceptance, confidence, and value.

Many of our clients present to therapy with concerns related to various life transitions, including changes in relationships, jobs, and living situations. Our staff are also well-experienced working with clients who are adjusting to the transition of becoming a parent, working through divorce, the process of gender transition, and religious faith conversion. Dr. Avena also has unique experience working with individuals transitioning back to the community after incarceration.

Many of our clients present to therapy with concerns related to various life transitions, including changes in relationships, jobs, and living situations. Our staff are also well-experienced working with clients who are adjusting to the transition of becoming a parent, working through divorce, the process of gender transition, and religious faith conversion. Dr. Avena also has unique experience working with individuals transitioning back to the community after incarceration.

Many clients present with concerns about their relationships. This may include working through a break-up, adjusting to a new intimate relationship, sexual issues, family conflict, reassessment of friendships, challenges with coworkers, and difficulties in parenting. Our staff believe the most important aspect of therapy is the relationship between client and therapist, and this relationship can be transformative as clients work through challenges in their other primary relationships.

Anxiety impacts many people in complicated ways. With all of the unique challenges and demands of current life, including economic stress, relationship challenges, the sociopolitical climate, and the ongoing pandemic, stress and anxiety have become a pervasive part of the human experience. As such, our staff are dedicated to providing current effective treatments for anxiety in order to help clients learn effective ways to cope and regain control over the quality of their experience.