Jeannette O’Connor
Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
San Francisco Office
From a young age, I was interested in people, philosophy, spirituality, sexuality… our emotions, behaviors, experiences….and enjoyed learning these subjects through various ways. I attended San Francisco State University to complete my Bachelors degree in Psychology, and completed all coursework (minus the thesis) in the Master of Arts in Social Psychology graduate program there also. I have passionately worked professionally and personally for over 25 years advocating for and assisting those with mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, criminal justice challenges, and supporting people with various concerns, including mental health, trauma recovery, grief and loss, life transitions, disordered eating, and gender/identity exploration. A few years ago I lost my partner and my dog suddenly and unexpectedly, which left me feeling devastated and lost. I didn’t know how to go on with my life and what I was supposed to do now that all the future plans we had changed with the blink of an eye. After grieving, soul searching, retreats, training, and the addition of two beautiful new dog companions I found my path and calling as a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee on her way to obtaining licensure. In my free time I enjoy playing fetch and walking with my dogs, attending live music shows, painting, exploring cities and beaches, cooking and tasting delicious foods!
When you develop a relationship with a caring, attuned therapist you will find new ways to solve problems, heal old wounds, and change the way you live your life. During couples work my job is to be the calming center while you and your partner grow together. I’ve worked with couples and families struggling with negative patterns, high conflict, and grief. My passion is helping couples and families get to the rewarding parts of being together. Therapy offers a safe space to help navigate those challenging circumstances and experiences and I strive to create an environment where people can show up authentically and have space to explore the unique stories of their lives. I honor the innate resiliency and strength of each person and believe in supporting people to grow in ways that feel meaningful to them.
My approach to therapy is rooted in transparency, authenticity, and finding moments for humor and lightheartedness. My work is informed by numerous therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness practices, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, stress management, increasing self-worth, inner child work, mind/body connection, assertiveness training, mood management, anxiety reduction, empowerment and work/life balance. I have a passion for working with people in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as other marginalized communities, those who have experienced trauma, and those living with chronic health concerns. I see children through adults and especially enjoy working with children and young adults. I believe that each one of us can be fulfilled in our lives. If you are ready to explore what is getting in your way and figure out what to do next, then please reach out! I truly look forward to meeting you for in-person or telehealth therapy .
Request an Appointment
To Request an Appointment at Shine a Light or NPCC, please fill out this form. We respond to inquiries Monday through Friday. All inquiries we receive on the weekends or holidays will be processed the next business day. Thank you for your patience. If you need immediate services, please call 911.
Therapist/Agency Referrals
Agency Inquiries
New Office in San Francisco!
Shine a Light Counseling Center is please to merge with New Perspectives Center for Counseling. NPCC has been serving the San Francisco community for thirty years. Now NPCC is transitioning to become the San Francisco site for Shine a Light. NPCC will retain its name, character and history. For information about NPCC or counseling in San Francisco:
New Perspectives Center for Counseling (link)
Emergency Contact
Shine a Light does not provide crisis services. If you have a mental health emergency, call 988 or 911. Or click here for more Crisis Resources
Telephone Contact
You can call Shine a Light at 831-996-1222, but we encourage you to use the email forms to the left. If you call, please leave the following:
- Phone number
- Preferred location
- Best times to meet
- Issue you want help with
- What insurance you have (if any)
FAX us at: 831-417-0443
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your therapy sessions will cost. Your fee will be set according to a sliding scale, in collaboration with your therapist, prior to your first counseling session. Total costs depend upon the number of sessions you choose to utilize.
If you have private health insurance and we are not in-network with your plan, please be aware that your costs for therapy may be less by using an in-network provider. This will depend upon your plan's deductible amounts and co-payments. In some cases, counseling at Shine a Light is less costly than using private insurance.
If you hope to use "out of network" benefits through your private insurance, please be aware that many plans will not reimburse for services provided by trainees. Please request an Associate level therapists for out-of-network billing.
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