Jessica Criner, LMFT - Therapist in California

About Jessica

Jessica Criner uses evidence-informed therapy to help families and individuals manage stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and trauma. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - LMFT - practicing in California. Her style is practical and grounded; she works alongside clients to name problems, build skills, and try new ways of relating that can reduce painful patterns.

She brings seven years of clinical experience to family and parenting concerns as well as relationship and individual struggles.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on real-life steps parents and partners can take to improve connection and reduce conflict. Jessica centers the client’s own goals and strengths when planning each step forward. Her training includes approaches that help with difficult emotions and hard-to-talk-about experiences.

She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to change unhelpful thinking and behavior, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for managing strong emotions, and Attachment-Based approaches to repair closeness and safety in relationships. These methods are blended to fit what each person or couple needs.

Jessica also addresses complex topics such as trauma, abuse, postpartum depression, blended family issues, multicultural and immigration-related stress, and grief around end of life. She aims to help clients make meaning of painful experiences while developing new coping skills and clearer boundaries. Practical next steps are emphasized in sessions.

Clients are invited to try strategies between meetings and bring results back for discussion. The focus is on steady, manageable change rather than quick fixes.

Evidence-based approaches adapted for online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then commit to actions that match their values. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and living through big life changes. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how relationships shape emotion and safety; it helps partners or family members repair trust and connection by understanding patterns that repeat over time.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Jessica will talk with clients about their goals and try methods that fit individual or family needs. Together they decide whether to emphasize skills training, emotion-focused work, or strategies to shift thinking and behavior based on what proves most helpful.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to offer flexibility for busy households. These formats make it easier to schedule around childcare, work, and caregiving. The goal is to make access to consistent care simpler while keeping focus on practical changes clients can use between sessions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Jessica address?

She works with stress, anxiety, relationships, family problems, trauma and abuse, and self-esteem issues. Additional focuses include postpartum depression, blended family issues, and immigration-related stress.

What is her overall approach in therapy?

She blends practical therapies to meet real needs, using skills practice and conversation to change patterns. Sessions emphasize clear steps clients can try between meetings.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Jessica has seven years of professional experience working with relationship and family concerns as well as individual trauma and anxiety issues.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist - CA LMFT 140356 - practicing in California.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

What session formats are offered?

Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How does payment and starting therapy work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 7 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

Next step

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