
About Therapy
Experience real talk and gentle guidance.
If you’re here, chances are life feels heavy right now. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or unsafe in your body. Perhaps you’re carrying past pain into your relationships or stuck in patterns that feel hard to break.
I want you to know that I see you. I’ve sat across from many people who’ve felt this same way.
I take time to get to know you in our first few sessions. I listen closely to your story, your history, your pain, and what you hope for.
We build trust together, slowly and gently. I show up with presence, without judgment, and offer a space where you can be messy, quiet, uncertain, whatever you need that day.
What surprises clients?
Clients often tell me they’re surprised by the moments of insight they experience when something suddenly clicks and a deeper understanding of themselves emerges. Sometimes, it’s a new perspective that shifts things. Other times, it’s the relief of finally saying something out loud and feeling the weight lift, even just a little.
They also tell me how helpful the tools we use are – helping them feel calmer, sleep better, and reconnect with themselves.
And more than anything, they appreciate having a space that’s entirely theirs, where they don’t have to be “on” or perform.

Healing occurs your way.
No two people are the same, so no two sessions are either. I don’t believe there’s one “right” way to heal.
Sometimes, we work with thoughts and emotions; often, I hold space with you, without needing to fix or change anything. I incorporate body-based tools that help your nervous system feel safe.
If you’re spiritual or religious, I welcome that part of you into our work. And if you bring your cultural background into the room, I honor it fully.
I speak English, Spanish, and Spanglish Jaja! and believe our roots are powerful parts of who we are. I try to understand your lived experience, especially when it intersects with culture, language, and identity.
Your voice leads the way.
I center your voice and needs. I’ll check in often to ensure we’re moving in a supportive direction. I’m open to feedback and encourage it because it helps me serve you better.
This space is yours, and I want you to feel empowered. Healing for many of my clients is knowing they don’t have to be “fixed.”
Sometimes, we need someone to witness our story with care and presence. I’ve learned that from clients of all ages, and I carry that lesson into every session.
What will growth look like over time?
After a few months, many clients notice patterns in how past experiences show up in their relationships, reactions, and sense of self. From there, we begin the work of change. You may pause before reacting, choose new responses, or reconnect with your inner child.
Clients often find tools they love and return to them when they need grounding. They feel more emotionally regulated, less overwhelmed, and more able to name what’s happening inside. Some begin EMDR with me to reprocess trauma in a safe, supported way. Others deepened their self-compassion and found peace they didn’t think was possible.
Whatever your path, I’ll walk it with you, offering presence, patience, and encouragement.
About Jeanette Ayala-Rios

My mission is to help others find healing.
I became a licensed professional clinical counselor because I know how hard it can be to find your way on a healing path. I remember what it felt like to navigate mine without knowing what to expect or where it would lead.
Eventually, I realized it would be beautiful to walk alongside others on their journey, to help shine some light on the path when things feel dark or unclear.
I’ve always cared deeply about social justice; since 2011, it’s been at the heart of my work. I earned my bachelor’s from UCLA and my master’s in counseling from San Francisco State University. I have worked in college counseling centers and non-profits, supporting people from all walks of life, including students, veterans, LGBTQ+ folks, people with disabilities, children, families, and elders.
Healing is personal with me.
My healing started with somatic work and mindfulness. I used to struggle to name what I was feeling or notice what was happening in my body. But over time, I learned how to tune in.
Living with chiropractor students (yes, really!) taught me about the nervous system in new ways. I began slowing down intentionally, eliminating distractions, and working on emotional regulation from the inside out.
I’ve experienced the power of EMDR personally, and now offer it to clients when they’re ready. I know what it’s like to reprocess difficult memories and come away with clarity and compassion for your younger self. That experience deepened my relationship with my inner child, making my work richer and more grounded.
Outside of therapy…
I find joy in the simple things: tropical beaches, water, trees, flowers, and babies. (They love me. I swear they can feel my energy!) I cry during the sad parts of movies – my brother always looks over to catch me in the act.
I feel deeply and connect easily to heartbreak, pain, and joy. That empathy is my strength.
More than anything, I believe in change – one person at a time. Each of us holds a whole world within us, and if I can help someone bring peace to that world, then I’ve done the work I’m here to do. That’s my mission. That’s my gift.
