Jill DePass
Registered Psychological Associate #PSB9402592, RN
jill@mcaft.com
650-297-3400 x 29
Supervised by Lisa Macias, PhD Psy #32178
Location: Los Altos | Mountain View
Fee: $200
Specialties:
Adolescent and Young Adults transitioning to adulthood: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, substance abuse, eating disorders, and self-harming behaviors. Mood disorder, including bipolar and manic presentation. Neurodiversity, including autism spectrum and learning differences.
Adults: Individual therapy, transition to parenting, trauma/PTSD, reactivity/anger management, addictions, OCD, and neurodiversity. Major life transitions, including becoming parents, menopause, work/career transitions and transitioning into retirement. Have worked extensively on techniques to manage chronic pain.
Modalities:
Internal Family Systems, Trauma Informed, Psychodynamic Therapy
Education and Training:
- 1985 Bachelors of Science, Registered Nurse, University of North Carolina
- 1985 Bachelors of Science, Psychology, University of North Carolina
- 1997 Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
- IFS level 1 training
- IFS level 2 training: IFS approach to working with Children and Adolescents
- IFS and the Addictive Process
- IFS Approach to Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Therapeutic Philosophy/My Journey
All of us have parts within us that are yearning to be heard, and many of those parts have long carried burdens that they would like to release. It takes courage to seek therapy and I hold deep admiration for you as you embark on working toward your therapeutic goals. It is my job to create a safe and non-judgmental space in which, together, we can explore these parts. In my role as your therapist, I commit to bringing curiosity and compassion as I support you on your journey of healing and self-discovery. As parts are unburdened, we will explore what these parts would like to bring back inside to restore them to their natural state. I commit that all parts of you are welcome in this safe space, even those that may carry burdens of shame. I will serve as a guide and compassionate companion as you access your innate wisdom and ability to heal.
Even as a young child, I was drawn to help those who were suffering. I worked with institutionalized youth starting in the fourth grade, and visited those in nursing homes that did not have families to visit them. I enjoyed this work immensely, I found that I longed for longer term therapeutic relationships where we could work together toward healing these wounds rather than just scratching the surface. In order to accomplish this, I decided to get a degree in clinical psychology.
I took a break from professional pursuits, as I had a child with special emotional and educational needs. It was clear that I was needed at home. My experience with this child and their disabilities has taught me how to advocate for your child within the school system, and how to ensure that your child gets the accommodations that they are legally entitled to. I also have experience making sure that these accommodations follow the child into college.
When I heard a podcast of Dick Schwartz describing IFS therapy, I was drawn to do my own IFS work and to train to provide IFS therapy. This coincided with my re-entry into the workforce. Although I was psychodynamically trained in graduate school, I was amazed at the transformative power of IFS therapy, both for myself and for my clients. I have been married to my partner for 30 years and we have 2 grown children. One is pursuing a graduate degree in Barcelona, and the other is struggling to become an independent adult. I love to watch documentaries and read memoirs. I find there is much to learn from exploring how others have struggled to overcome their difficulties. I have a lifelong love of nature and of dogs. I combine these passions with hours-long hikes in a beautiful nature preserve close to my home. I use this time to commune with my own parts and connect with Self-energy. I have a favorite quote: "The quieter you become, the more you are able to hear." - Rumi. I find this especially true out in nature – you hear the birdsong, the rustling of leaves, and the voices of your parts as they communicate their feelings and their needs.
My areas of specialty include trauma, complex trauma, mood disorders (including manic presentation), chronic pain management, obsessive compulsive disorder, and meeting the challenges of parenting, especially with a special needs child. I also work with those who are struggling with an addictive process. Therapy is a relational endeavor. If you feel that we would be a good fit, I welcome you to reach out for a free 20 minute consultation.