Jess Faison
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Sometimes you can care deeply about the people in your life and still feel stuck in the same arguments, unsure how to say what you need, or disconnected from someone you love. Parenting may feel overwhelming. A major change may leave you anxious or unsure where to begin. Therapy can give you space to slow down, feel heard, and begin finding a way forward.
I work with adults, couples, families, children, and teens navigating relationship and communication difficulties, family conflict, parenting stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I especially enjoy helping people understand themselves and one another more clearly, change patterns that are no longer working, and build healthier ways to cope, communicate, and connect.
I'm warm, approachable, direct, and engaged. Our sessions will be a conversation rather than a place where you're expected to do all the talking. I listen closely, ask thoughtful questions, and offer feedback that can help you notice patterns or perspectives you may not have considered. Some people need room to process, while others benefit from more structure and practical tools. We will shape the work around what you need, with room for humor and honesty so therapy feels human rather than overly formal.
My experience includes individual and family therapy and community-based, behavioral, and residential care with children, teens, adults, caregivers, and families. I have worked alongside caregivers, schools, social workers, child welfare, and community providers to help families navigate emotional, behavioral, relational, and systemic challenges. As a parent, a Black woman, and someone with a background in sociology, I value culturally responsive care and consider how identity, culture, family, community, and larger systems shape each person's experience.
Jess@valleyoakcounseling.co
(925) 322-0027
“A place to feel heard, understand yourself more deeply, and find a way forward.”
Education
M.A. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Pepperdine University
Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy
B.A. SOCIOLOGY
University of California, Davis
Registration & Supervision
REGISTERED ASSOCIATE MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Jess Faison, AMFT #131300
EMPLOYED BY
Valley Oak Counseling
SUPERVISED BY
Kate Leyva, LMFT #84265
Clinical Experience
INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY
Supporting children, adolescents, adults, caregivers, and families
COMMUNITY BASED CARE
Therapeutic Behavioral Services and community-based family therapy
ADOLESCENT RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT
Clinical services and leadership supporting adolescents in residential care
Advanced Training & Associations
MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE
Collaboration with caregivers, schools, social workers, child welfare, and community providers
DIVERSE BAY AREA COMMUNITIES
Experience serving children and families across a range of identities and backgrounds
Areas of Support
Relationships and Communication
Recurring arguments, disconnection, difficulty expressing needs, or challenges with boundaries can leave adults and couples feeling stuck. We will look at the patterns between you, make room for each person's perspective, and work toward clearer communication, healthier ways of navigating conflict, and stronger connection.
Life Transitions and Stress
Changes in relationships, family roles, work, or other parts of life can leave you overwhelmed, uncertain, or stuck. Therapy can help you process what is happening, recognize what is within your control, build effective ways of coping, and move forward with greater clarity.
Family and Parenting Challenges
Family conflict, parenting stress, or a child's behavior can leave everyone feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood. I help families look beneath behavior, understand what each person may be communicating, strengthen connection, and develop practical strategies that support both young people and caregivers.
Children and Teens
When children and teens have trouble communicating what they feel, their needs may show up through behavior, conflict, stress, or challenges at home or school. I build trust at their pace, help them develop emotional awareness and coping and communication skills, and involve caregivers so change can carry into everyday life.
My Approach
My approach is integrative and grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, family systems, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and person-centered work. Together, we may connect thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships; explore recurring patterns with curiosity rather than judgment; and turn new understanding into realistic, manageable changes.
I also consider the culture, identities, family experiences, community, neurodiversity, and larger systems that shape your life. I do not assume that my experience is the same as yours or that there is one definition of what healthy should look like. We will adjust the pace and focus around your goals, and I welcome honest feedback about what is and is not working.