Jacob Simon, MPA, MA, AMFT
Looking for a therapist can be the hardest part of getting help. There are so many people with so many specializations, and it can feel overwhelming to sort through it all. I speak from experience, because I have been in your position–a dozen tabs open, comparing everyone’s pictures, videos, blurbs, and rates. As a client, I have worked with therapists who helped me greatly, as well as with those who were not right for me.
Let me help simplify the process for you: several studies have shown that the single most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client. If you don’t feel good about your therapist, then it probably doesn’t matter what complex theories or interventions are used in session. Chances are, you won’t notice much change. You deserve a therapist who can see you the way you want to be seen, and help you with what you want to work on. My approach is highly relational, which means that I prioritize getting to know you so that I can support you on your path.
Getting into therapy helped me begin my journey of self-discovery and healing. I’d love to help you with yours, whether you’re just beginning or looking to deepen your experience. And if we aren’t a good fit to work together, then I would be happy to refer you to a colleague who might be.
The fact that you’re reading this means that you’ve already taken the first step. Let’s chat and see if I can help you take the next.
How I work…
As a therapist, I try to be as flexible as I can, because everyone needs something different. I am a lifelong learner and I am happy to work with anyone who wants to work with me. Generally, I find that I work well with people who enjoy a warm and kind presence, as well as those who are curious about themselves. If you are dealing with trauma, which many people are, I want to support you and hold space for your experience. Most importantly, I will actively solicit feedback from you about our sessions, so that I can do everything possible to help you feel comfortable in therapy.
Therapy with me looks mostly like regular talking. Clinically speaking, I draw most heavily from existential, person-centered, Jungian, and humanistic schools of thought. My personal approach is grounded in depth psychology, which is a perspective that values bringing unconscious things to conscious awareness. If you want to, we can explore whether there might be parts of yourself that you are defending yourself from. We can also develop skills and strategies to deal with complicated life situations. You get to decide what we work on; your own intuition is an extremely powerful guide, and I value its role in the therapeutic process.
I am passionate about working with members of all historically oppressed groups, which includes a commitment to providing LGBTQ+ affirming therapy to my clients. I have particular experience working with those who identify as male or masculine and want to get more in touch with their feelings. I can also help individuals or partners explore issues related to sex and sexuality, including ethical non-monogamy and kink.
Education:
Jacob Simon, MPA, MA, AMFT is a registered associate marriage and family therapist at Whole Wellness Therapy.
Master of Arts: Counseling Psychology, emphasis in Depth Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute (2023)
Master of Public Administration: University of Southern California (2017)
Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy, Pennsylvania State University (2013)
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Pennsylvania State University (2013)
Jacob provides therapy to individuals, partners, and families.
More About Jacob:
Jacob comes to Whole Wellness Therapy with experience working for Stanford Sierra Youth and Families as a clinical intern, providing therapy for children and teenagers aged 8-19. He earned his graduate degree from Pacifica Graduate Institute, and wrote his thesis on what it means for men to learn to love amidst a patriarchal society.
Prior to becoming a therapist, Jacob worked for the California Department of Social Services designing and implementing trauma-informed policies and regulations for children’s residential foster care programs. In this role, Jacob had a particular focus on identifying gaps in licensing standards and improving them toward better outcomes for youth in the foster care system.
Jacob works well with children, teenagers, and adults. His approach is welcoming and sensitive, and is particularly suited for those struggling with trauma, depression, or anxiety, as well as those seeking to reconnect in their romantic relationships.
California Board of Behavioral Sciences Registration Number: AMFT #139499
Supervised by Michael Haynes, LMFT #LMFT94657
Serving clients in Fair Oaks, Midtown and online throughout California.
