About Me

Hello, I’m Dr. Jennifer Ayala, a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California. As the first in my family to earn a doctorate degree, I know firsthand the adversities of being a first-generation Latina navigating higher education—from cultural expectations, to systemic barriers, to figuring out how to write a dissertation while surviving on coffee and sheer determination. (Spoiler: the coffee won.)

I provide therapy in both English and Spanish, and I’m passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where individuals and families can heal from adverse experiences, build resilience, and discover more fulfilling ways of living.

 

My therapeutic style is holistic and collaborative. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), and client-centered approaches to meet each person where they are. These evidence-based methods allow me to tailor therapy to your unique needs—whether that’s processing trauma, managing anxiety or depression, or navigating life transitions.

A central part of my work is instilling hope—reminding clients that even when life feels overwhelming, healing and change are possible. (And yes, sometimes we’ll even laugh in therapy—because humor can be a powerful form of healing too.)

In addition to my clinical work, I also offer financial coaching as a separate, adjunctive service. I’ve seen how financial stress can deeply impact mental health, and this offering allows me to support clients who want practical tools for building stability and confidence in this area of their lives.

I chose this path because I genuinely care about guiding people through their healing journey and walking alongside them as they learn, grow, and thrive.