counseling

 What do you think when you hear the word counseling? An hour with a psychologist who periodically asks, “How does that make you feel?” A tell-all session in which you do all the talking and the counselor listens…and listens? Or does it make you think of lying down on a couch?

We do things differently at Jewish Family Service. We’re here to help you sort out the problem areas in your life. And to help you find the energy and strength to solve them. We take a more hands-on, proactive, work-together approach—arising from years of professional clinical experience.

At times, almost everyone feels alone, inadequate, even helpless. Maybe you just feel stuck or angry. If you’re feeling down and don’t know why, or if life keeps getting more stressful and you can’t cope, give us a call. We’ll help you work through it.

Learn More About…
Types of Counseling
Counseling for Individuals and Families in the Military
Support Groups
Counseling Services
Therapist Bios
Intern Bios
Intake Specialist Bio

Types of Counseling
Counseling is available for individuals, youth, couples, families, and groups. You and your therapist will decide the best type of therapy for you.

Short-Term Problem Focused Therapy
Don’t want to spend months, even years, in therapy? We don’t want you to either. We’ll spend 6-12 weeks empowering you with the tools and skills you need to work through tough times.

Long-Term Therapy
Maybe your situation requires more time. Long-term therapy may be better suited for solving more complicated issues.

Mood Disorder Counseling
About 1 in 4 Americans suffers from a mood disorder. Our professional staff is specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mood disorders. We offer individual, couple, family, and group therapy, as mood disorders often affect entire families, not just the person suffering. Join our Jewish Mood Disorder Support Group and meet others who really understand what you are going through. Call us. We can help.

Visit the Mood Disorder Page>>

When you call, our intake coordinator will answer your questions and schedule an appointment with a therapist whose expertise best fits your needs.

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Counseling for Military Families
Our professional counselors are specially trained in issues that frequently affect military families, including post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And we're specially trained to work with children. We can help you and your family. We're here for you. We accept Tricare insurance.

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Support Groups
If you’re going through a major transition, why do it alone? Join one of our support groups and get the motivation and encouragement you need. Groups give you a chance to talk with other people who are going through the same situation. You can make connections, share feedback, and get advice. Groups offer a certain emotional comfort and moral support that individual therapy can’t do.

We offer professionally facilitated support groups across San Diego County to address many different issues.

Groups include:

• Mood Disorder Support Group
• Keeping Up
• Psychotherapy Group
• Hope and Wellness Support Group
• Additional Jewish Family Service Support Groups

And many more…new groups are always starting! View our list of current Support Groups>>

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Counseling Services
We offer professional counseling services for children, adolescents, and adults of every age. We serve all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. Most of our therapists are Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Psychologists, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. JFS is a training site for interns in social work and psychology who are earning advanced degrees or hours towards licensure. These counselors work under the close supervision of a licensed therapist.

Fees

• We offer competitive fees based on a sliding scale
• Most insurance is accepted, including Medicare and Tricare

Availability
Day and evening appointments are available.

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Therapist Bios

• Spiritual direction
• Meditation
• Chronic illness
• Grief and loss

Education

• Master’s in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling
  University of Santa Clara, Santa Clara, CA
• Master’s in Hebrew Letters and Hebrew Education
  Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, OH
• Bachelor’s in Religious Studies and English Literature (with honors)
  University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

• Certified instructor of couples communication
• Prepare for marriage certification
• Hypnotherapy certification training at the Clinical and Transpersonal Hypnosis Institute

Education

• Master’s of Social Work
  University of Illinois, School of Social Work, Urbana, IL
• Bachelor’s in Nursing
  California State University, Sacramento, CA
• R.N. Diploma in Nursing
  Mount Zion Hospital School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA

Gianna Muir-Robinson, LMFT
I have served as a community professional at Jewish Family Service since 2007 when I took on the role of Disaster Relief Coordinator following the wildfires of 2007. I transitioned into the role of Medical Case Manager, where I worked with clients coping with chronic health conditions. I joined the JFS Counseling Department in the Fall of 2012 as a staff therapist. I have conducted and published research in the field of developmental neurobiology and neural plasticity. I am a believer in the healing capacities of the arts and advocate for creative expression for all. My areas of interest include life cycle transitions and adjustments, expressive arts, adolescents, couples and families, stress reduction, and work-life balance.

Areas of Specialized Training

• Family systems
• Chronic illness
• Depression and anxiety

Education

• Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
  University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
• Bachelor’s in Neurobiology
  Smith College, Northampton, MA

Bruce Sachs, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist PSY#14629
I have been working in the mental health field for more than 25 years and have worked with a great diversity of clients in a wide variety of settings. Before becoming a psychologist, I was a teacher and I also worked for the State of New Jersey for ten years. I am a strong believer in tailoring my therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of my clients. My specializations include individual therapy with adults, especially older adults, and couples and group therapy. I also supervise the JFS pre-doctoral interns and have provided this supervision for more than 10 years.

Areas of Specialized Training

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Grief
• Clinical supervision

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
  California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
• Master’s in Counseling Psychology
  Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
• Bachelor's in History
  University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)

• Play therapy for children
• Depression and anxiety
• Life transitions and self-growth
• Grief and loss
• Psychological trauma

• Postdoctoral Certificate in Play Therapy
  University of California – Extension, San Diego, CA
• Postdoctoral Certificate in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
  Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis - South, San Diego, CA
• Master’s Degree and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psychodynamic Emphasis)
  California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
• Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies (Cum Laude) and preparatory courses for M.A. in Psychology
  Haifa University, Haifa, Israel

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Intern Bios

Julie Datnow, B.A.
I am in the process of completing my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of San Diego. Prior to joining the Counseling department at JFS, I provided counseling at San Diego Hospice engaging in therapy with the terminally ill, their caregivers, and the bereaved. I work with groups, individuals, couples, and family systems. My clients range in age from seven to 93 years old. I provide psychotherapy to individuals and families struggling with issues related to depression, anxiety, grief and loss, aging, trauma, communication problems, marital distress, sexual dysfunction, and life's many transitions. Depending on the specific needs of my clients, I utilize art or play-in therapy, mindfulness and legacy work, and talk therapy. I work cooperatively with my clients to identify areas in their life where they desire to change, to set goals, and to help them maximize their levels of satisfaction and contentment in their lives. 

Areas of Specialized Training

• Trauma
• Grief and Loss
• Couples Counseling
• Pre-marital Counseling
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Play in Therapy
• Art in Therapy
• Parent/Child Counseling
• Mindfulness and Breath Work

Education

• Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (anticipated 2013)
  University of San Diego
• Bachelors of Arts, Theatre
  University of Colorado, Boulder

Jana Jones, MA
Psychological Assistant (PSB 35979)
I am a fifth year doctoral candidate at Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology. I have practiced therapy in a variety of clinical settings including county-funded mental health clinics, nonprofit organizations, elementary schools, and private practice. I have worked with depression, anxiety, bereavement, substance abuse, eating disorders, anger, and adjustment problems. I also have extensive training working with children and adolescents, both in the school and private practice settings. I have experience conducting individual therapy for children and adults, couples therapy, psychological evaluations, and social skills and behavioral modification groups for elementary aged children. In addition, I am currently completing my dissertation looking at how couples experience trauma.

Areas of Specialized Training

• Grief and loss
• Stress
• Couples
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Play therapy with children
• Severe mental illness

Education

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (anticipated 2013)
  Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
• Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology
  California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
• Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology
  Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Jasper Kump, B.A.
After leading and developing individuals and teams in the business world, I returned to school and am now in my final year at the University of Southern California earning my Master’s in Social Work. The work I do is about creating a safe space to explore, grow, and heal—regardless of the issue. That’s why JFS is a great place for me to practice.

My interests include individual and group work with adolescents and adults on anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, LGBT issues, aging, death, and dying.

Areas of Specialized Training

• Brain health, dementia, and Alzheimer’s
• Certified Strengths Coach (Gallup University)
• Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman (California)
• Motivational interviewing (University of Southern California)

• Master’s in Social Work (anticipated 2013)
  University of Southern California, San Diego, CA
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in German and Russian
  California State University, Long Beach, CA

Linda Levin, MA, JD
I practiced family law for a number of years. I used to sit in my office and think how much I would like to help families heal from the wounds of divorce instead of handling the actual divorce. After my daughters went to college, I went back to school and received my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have completed the required 3,000 hours of training and am now waiting to take my licensing exam. I have experience leading support groups in the following areas: anxiety and depression, co-parenting in a high conflict divorce, diabetes, and substance abuse. My interests include working with individuals and families on issues relating to divorce and child custody, anxiety, depression, chronic illness especially diabetes, women in transition, and domestic violence.

Areas of Specialized Training

• Anxiety and depression
• Art therapy
• Diabetes
• Divorce and child custody
• Domestic violence

Education

• Master’s Degree in Marital Family Therapy
  California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA
• Juris Doctorate
  University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
• Bachelors of Science, Business Management
  San Diego State University, San Diego, CA  

Linsey McMillan, M.A.
I am a fifth year graduate student working towards my doctorate in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University. I have provided individual, couples, and group psychotherapy to adults, adolescents, and children in a variety of outpatient settings. I enjoy working with diverse populations of people experiencing a broad range of mental illnesses and life struggles.

My interests include insight-oriented or psychodynamic therapy with adults, play therapy with children, couples counseling, teaching parenting skills, providing education about learning disabilities, and working with clients that have difficulty regulating emotions and coping with difficult life circumstances.
 
Areas of Specialized Training

• Parenting Skills
• Mood disorders and anxiety
• Motivational interviewing
• Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Education

• Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (anticipated 2014)
  Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA

• Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology

  Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, CA

• Bachelor’s Degree in Government
  Smith College, Northampton, MA

Andrea Pape Rose BS, MSW, ASW
I have been working in the human growth and potential field for more than 30 years. For the first 25 years of my career, I worked as a Holistic Health Practitioner counseling my clients regarding lifestyle choices and how to create change. As a volunteer at San Diego Hospice, I was inspired to get my Master's in social work. I wanted to work with integrated healthcare systems addressing not only the physical and emotional dimensions of healthcare, but the psychological levels of healing as well. I have worked as a counselor for at-risk youth and their families, as well as working with older adults at Adult Protective Services. I am committed to assisting clients who want to change behaviors that are incongruent with their desires, and providing support and resources for individuals seeking change.

Areas of Interest

• Aging and changes through the lifespan
• Grief and bereavement
• Addictions
• Cancer advocacy
• Family therapy, in particular, blended family issues.

Certifications

• Holistic Health Practitioner 1984-2006
• Grief and Bereavement Certifications SD Hospice 2005-2006
• Long Term Care Ombudsman 2011-2012

Education

• Masters in Social Work
  San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
• Bachelor of Biology
  University of California, San Diego, CA
• Holistic Health Practitioner
  Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing

Alison Vandehei, B.A.
I am a second-year Master’s student at San Diego State University working towards my Master's in Social Work. While I am new to the clinical aspect of direct practice, I have a passion for helping others and have a diverse background in social work that I feel is an asset to my future work. I have worked with assorted populations with varying needs including military family readiness, high school groups and individuals, case management with homeless families, and youth counseling.

My areas of special interest include military families and couples, grief and loss, couples counseling, and high school/teens.

• Masters of Social Work (anticipated 2013)
  San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (Summa Cum Laude)
  San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

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Intake Specialist Bio

Tami Hudson, NCAC I, CAS, Counseling Intake Specialist
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I came to San Diego 21 years ago. In 1998, I began working in the human services field with other veterans as a Service Coordinator. I quickly learned that I love working with people! In 2000, I began working with individuals challenged with chronic health and substance abuse/dependency issues under a San Diego County contract. The contract was awarded to JFS in 2005 and I came with it. During the 10 years I worked under that contract, I obtained my certification as a drug and alcohol counselor and maintained involvement in ongoing, continuing education in both drug and alcohol and mental health services.

I began working in the Counseling Intake department at JFS in 2010. As the Intake Specialist, I am the first point of contact for individuals calling in for counseling services. From the moment you call until you walk through the door for your first appointment, I’ll be coordinating the process. I strongly believe in connecting our clients to the clinician who can best meet their needs and I strive to make that happen. I understand it can be difficult to ask for help – when you call, please know I’ll be there with you every step of the way.

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