Grief counselors and therapists in Murrieta, CA

Trauma can live quietly in the body—held in the breath, the muscles, and the nervous system. You may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks; avoid people or places that feel unsafe; carry fear, guilt, or shame; or feel constantly on edge, tense, or hypervigilant. Your responses are protective patterns shaped by past experiences not signs of weakness.

My name is Jeffrey W. Danese, MS, MA, LMHC, LPCC, and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington State and California, currently based in Sacramento. I bring over 15 years of clinical experience across private practice, inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, and college counseling, along with a an academic background teaching psychology, religious studies, and the history of science in higher education from UCSB, FSU, and 10 years at SJSU to various community colleges in the Puget Sound region and in North Florida and cross-cultural experiences such as living in Taiwan, Zambia, Germany and traveling around the world; I studied Spanish, German, and Chinese language, world history and religions, psychology, evolutionary psychology and the cognitive science of religion; was raised Catholic but ordained as a Buddhist monk in Thailand; and continue to meditate, explore and read broadly. One of my favorite quotes is by the Roman writer, Terence: "I am human and there is nothing human foreign to me." (or, Homo sum, humani nihil a me alienum puto. -- Publius Terentius Afer, 165 BCE)

My goal is to provide high quality client-centered care, utilizing a humanistic approach. I am focused on validating my client's life experiences and providing a safe and non-judgmental space to share. I also believe in holistic point of view and integrative care of body, mind, and spirit.

My clinical experience includes working with children, teens, and adults with many issues including: grief, work-related stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and neurodivergence (ADHD/Autism).

There's a point where you've already tried to think your way through it. You've read things, talked to people, maybe even tried therapy before. And what you're carrying is still there, just underneath everything.

I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and the stretches where life stops making sense for a while. I also work with couples, specifically the moments where things break down and the longer work of finding your way back to each other. My background is unusual for a therapist: before this field I spent years as an English professor and academic dean, and I came into this work through music and filmmaking. That path still shapes how I practice. I especially enjoy working with artists, musicians, and anyone whose creative life and mental health are tangled up together.

With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to balance, mindfulness and joy. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health challenges. This journey has reinforced my belief that each person's path to well-being is unique and deserves a personalized approach.

Are you feeling dissatisfied in your daily life? Things are okay, but something doesn’t feel quite right. You’re employed, maybe in a relationship, and can socialize with friends, but you wonder if you’re truly happy. I would love to speak with you to see if therapy with me can help you better understand yourself and improve your life.

I am a dedicated therapist specializing in emerging adults (ages 18–25), adults in their 20s and 30s, and career, passion, and purpose. I love what I do and am here to serve.

My passion is helping adolescents and adults realize healthy perceptions of themselves while developing resilient habits and lasting coping strategies.

I am a SF native with over 20 years as a clinician and director of multiple community based organizations and tech startups. Additionally, I am an avid Bay Area sports fan, professional photographer, aspiring globe trotter, and unabashed performer of dad jokes.

Therapy for women in their 20s and 30s, experiencing • anxiety • work stress/burnout • body image/disordered eating.

Do you feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve you? Maybe you’re a people pleaser who defaults into putting other people’s feelings and needs first. Or you’re experiencing burnout from trying to uphold perfectionist standards. Or you’re a high-achiever on the emotional rollercoaster of tying all your worth to your work. Or you want to stop stressing about what you eat and how much you weigh, but the idea of letting go of control is terrifying. I'd love to help!