Jodie Lunine Kaplan, LMFT

For the past 25 years, I have been working with adults, young adults, teens and children in both a private practice and a community and school setting. My experience both as a clinician and as a supervisor of MFT graduate students and associates has taught me that we are all doing the best we can with the tools we have. At any point in our lives, we may need some extra support and guidance in adapting to life’s stressors. My 16-year background as a college instructor and a member of the Senior Adjunct Faculty at Cal Lutheran University’s Graduate School of Psychology has allowed me to integrate many theoretical perspectives and treatment approaches in working with clients. Teaching courses in Child Therapy and Lifespan Development has provided me with a background in child development, parenting dynamics, understanding developmental transitions, and how experiences and relationships from the past influence our lives. Sometimes unexpected events, changes in relationships, work stress and family issues can make it harder to cope and manage everything you’re carrying. Together we can explore your feelings, choices, struggles, and behaviors and work towards your seeing through a different lens. Therapy may help you recognize self-defeating cycles, improve your ability to communicate your needs and increase your ability to cope. My approach is collaborative, respectful and integrative where I draw from your unique strengths, personal goals and an attunement to who you are. Through a supportive and affirming style, I hope to help you understand what may be getting in the way of experiencing greater emotional balance, fulfilling relationships, and increased self-awareness. We will work together to develop coping and problem-solving skills that are personal and meaningful to you. You know yourself better than anyone. My role is to help you explore areas of your life with compassion and a gentleness toward yourself for greater self-understanding and acceptance. I will meet you with support and without judgement, even when you are struggling with parts of yourself that you may not fully understand or like. Clients often tell me they appreciate having a therapist who is calm, genuine, easy to talk to and able to balance insightful and sensitive conversations with practical guidance. If you are considering therapy, I invite you to reach out. We can begin with a conversation about what has brought you here, what you hope to change and whether working together feels like the right fit. I look forward to meeting you