Hi, I’m Jenny Ziesenhenne.
I am passionate about helping people enjoy their lives to the fullest while navigating the difficult roadblocks that life, and our brains, throw at us.
I work from a person-centered, humanistic approach, that incorporates a variety of modalities based on your unique needs, including nature therapy, play therapy, mindfulness based CBT, somatic psychotherapy, and emotion focused therapy. My framework is largely based in emotion focused therapy and ecopsychology which recognizes our interconnectedness to each other and our environment as an impact to our wellbeing. I work primarily with emotions as our guide, using the wisdom of the body and the patterns of the mind to find connection and acceptance.
I have found this approach will help you soften and meet all parts of yourself with grace and curiosity, allowing for self-acceptance and resiliency; as well as in turn improve your relationships with others.
My Story
Growing up as an identical twin, I have been interested in human psychology from a young age. Curious about what makes us different and the same, about resilience and suffering, and how humans are able to heal through some of the most difficult hardships. I’ve always wanted to help be a part of the healing. It wasn’t until I needed support of my own, that I truly felt the power of connection, witnessing, and unconditional love; that comes from someone patient, accepting, and curious. I studied Psychology at Chapman University, where I earned my BA in Psychology, and minor in Sociology, graduating cum laude. During my time at Chapman I was a part of leadership for the Health and Healing Club, and contributed to creating a nation wide survey to better understand American Fears with the Earl Babbie Research Center.
I received my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University in my hometown of Santa Barbara, where my roots are deep. I started working with People Helping People in Santa Ynez in 2018, working at the elementary and middle schools, giving me experience navigating the school system, 504 plans, and advocating for students' needs. I transitioned to telehealth at the start of the pandemic and found it to be an effective tool to provide therapy to those who may not have had the ability otherwise. I worked at People Helping People as a Youth and Family Specialist until the closing of their program in 2024, seeing clients aged 5-78.
I moved to private practice in 2024 to follow my passion of specialized care, to work under the supervision of Bren J. Fraser, LMFT. Through this opportunity of creating my own practice, I have been able to create offerings and groups our youth and community needs. Our current system is designed to keep us surviving, and I want us to go beyond surviving, to thriving together.
As I continue to work with clients, I actively pursue continuing education opportunities to strengthen my work. I received my ICF certification as a Somatic Coach for the Female Nervous System through Waking Womb in July of 2025. I am currently studying for my MFT licensure exam, and will be fully licensed this year.
Through my own healing, I found that my relationship with nature, art, and other beings have a profound impact on my wellbeing. Having a safe space to be, to express ourselves honestly and authentically, is what I intend to provide others. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional. We heal in community and relation to others. I work with the nervous system in mind, utilizing the natural co-regulation of the therapeutic relationship to create a safe space to explore and grow from challenges. Within this professional relationship, I hope to guide you on your path to well-being and fulfillment, in a non-judgmental and accepting environment.