Jessica Ziehl is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and trained Art Therapist serving clients throughout California. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jessica discovered early on a sense of adventure and wanderlust that has taken her around the world—each journey opening her eyes and heart to the beauty of the unknown and deepening her appreciation for the diverse ways people experience and make meaning of their lives.
It often took quite some time, Jessica jokes, to figure out what she wanted to do professionally when she grew up. Her path was winding, both professionally and personally, and each turn ultimately shaped her calling to become a therapist. What drew Jessica specifically to art therapy was her own healing journey. While her therapist wasn’t formally trained in art therapy, he encouraged her to create art in response to what emerged in their sessions. If she wanted to bring those pieces back, he created space for her to show up in her art in a way that felt safe—allowing her to explore and convey thoughts, feelings, and experiences she didn’t yet have words for. This transformative experience revealed to her that human creativity is a powerful healing tool we all have access to, whether through visual art, music, dance, the written word, or other forms of expression.
Jessica earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art History and later completed her Master of Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. As a therapist, Jessica has worked in a variety of settings including elementary to high schools, community mental health at a nonprofit, intensive outpatient centers, and is now building her private practice. She has also facilitated art therapy groups for formerly incarcerated individuals, bringing creative healing opportunities to underserved populations.
With over six years of clinical experience, Jessica specializes in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, chronic illness, women’s issues, and self-esteem challenges. Her practice is deeply trauma-informed and rooted in the belief that we all face challenges throughout our lives and possess the inherent ability to grow and develop lives filled with joy and meaning. She works collaboratively with clients to create the change they wish to see, whether they’re seeking support through a difficult situation or are ready to move in a new direction. Currently, Jessica is developing several therapeutic groups she’s passionate about, including a chronic illness group, an art therapy group, and a women’s group.
Jessica’s therapeutic approach draws from multiple evidence-based modalities, including Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, Family Systems, Humanistic Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has completed specialized trainings in somatic therapy, IFS, trauma, and chronic illness, and is excited about upcoming training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
Outside of the therapy room, Jessica’s life centers around adventures with her dog, Arthur. Living near both Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks makes getting out into nature irresistible, and she can often be found hiking trails with Arthur by her side. She has also recently rediscovered her love of photography—in college, she worked mostly in medium format with toy cameras, and with her partner’s encouragement, she’s begun exploring again, capturing the beauty she encounters in her adventures. Whether she’s on a trail with Arthur, behind a camera lens, or discovering a new corner of the world, Jessica brings the same spirit of curiosity, openness, and appreciation for the journey to both her personal life and her work with clients.
Visit Jessica’s online profile to learn more
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