Hello, I am Jennie Oppenheimer and I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Family Matters Of Marin, being supervised by Anneli Richards, LMFT. I received my BA in Environmental Studies and Art from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a BFA in Illustration from Art Center College of Design, and my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute.

Prior to my graduate degree, I developed programs and led workshops and retreats in the field of therapeutic arts, working with private groups, organizations, and individuals as a coach, educator, and facilitator. My passion is working with individuals and families through a psychodynamic, humanistic, and strengths-based lens. Since graduate school I have worked as a high school counselor in the Wellness Department in Marin County with adolescents and parents to develop greater harmony and communication at school and at home. I have a passion for helping children, adolescents, and families to understand one another, and to work together more harmoniously. I was also the lead for a school-based Maker-Tinker program with youth in grades K-8 to develop skills in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. I am very comfortable and have a gift for being able to make creative connections with children and adolescents of all ages.  My experience with illustration, along with extensive training as a SoulCollage facilitator have been foundational in helping me to integrate the creative arts into transformational therapeutic experiences with clients.

I have clinical experience working with grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, truancy and oppositional issues, behavioral issues, divorce, parenting, learning differences, children/adolescents on the spectrum, gender fluidity, self esteem, emotional regulation, stress management, and developing and cultivating resilience. I have experience working effectively with other providers to develop a network of care for clients who need more intensive support. I have been an integral part of strategic meetings for clients interfacing with wraparound and adjunct services.

My own healing journey began as an adolescent when I discovered wilderness experience and art process as ways to cultivate insight and deep connection to one’s inner and outer landscapes. I trained in ecotherapy and became a leader of wilderness quests and rite of passage journeys for young people. My graduate thesis, Blessed Unrest: Revisioning the Brilliance of Adolescence through the Lens of Depth Psychology, explores the profound importance of adolescents’ discovering meaning and purpose in this vital time of uncertainty and possibility. I hold a passionate belief that in times of transition, at any age, creative interventions supported by a Depth Psychological approach can help to build resilience, autonomy, self-awareness, and connection.  Since joining Family Matters Of Marin I have been trained in EMDR and Trauma Informed Care and integrate it into my clinical practice with clients.

I work with clients to create a meaningful, collaborative therapeutic experience through a kind, non-judgmental orientation that nurtures the unique potential of each individual. The words of poet Hafiz guide my work as a therapist: “I wish I could show you, when you are in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being.”  I am a Marin native who raised two healthy, soulful, now young adult daughters and I live in West Marin. I love exploring trails, traveling, cooking, listening to podcasts, and making things.