SUPPORTING ADULTS, couples, teens, and FAMILIES

in-person therapy in Berkeley and ONLINE Sessions

Therapist at Life by Design Therapy

Hello! My name is Jhane Vargas (pronouns she/her/hers) and I am an associate marriage and family therapist.

I approach therapy sessions from a trauma informed, psychodynamic, and client-centered perspective.

I believe that self-analysis gives us the power to live in our most authentic identity. By understanding ourselves, we are able to better understand our surroundings. 

schedule your free phone consultation with Jhane

Build Awareness and Rely On Your Expertise

Are you feeling disconnected from the present moment? Are you struggling to communicate how you feel? Does it feel like your relationships are lacking substance?

In psychotherapy, you will be able to reflect on your experiences, tune into your instincts, and determine what no longer feels helpful to you.

You are the expert of your own life, and I will collaborate with you to develop the most effective ways for you to reach your goals and integrate what you learn into your daily life.

Schedule Your Free Phone Consultation with Jhane

Helping Couples Build A Strong Foundation 

I am passionate about working with couples because I believe romantic relationships have the power to harm or heal an individual’s deep wounds. By processing the feelings and challenges that arise within your relationship, we can harness the healing power of being connected to and supported by another person.

If you are feeling disconnected from your partner or experience repeated patterns of ineffective communication, we can explore these cycles and create a safe space for communication. You and your partner will be able to support each other as teammates and increase moments of connection within the relationship in order to foster a stable foundation and friendship.

Restoring Safety After Trauma

As a trauma-informed therapist, I have developed a thorough understanding of how trauma integrates into our mental and physical functioning. Trauma can hinder you from experiencing the present moment, often re-living that traumatic experience over and over again. If you have experienced trauma, we will work on regulating your nervous system by incorporating the practice of daily grounding tools.

This often includes support in developing routines, engaging in self-care practices, and mindfulness techniques. If you are experiencing symptoms due to trauma, our work together will allow you to generate a feeling of safety and reinforce your self-compassion.

schedule your free phone consultation with jhane

Specialties and Interests

  • Cultivating insight and introspection 

  • Adults experiencing major life transitions

  • Developmental trauma

  • Building safety and resilience

  • Nurturing a strong sense of self and building self-compassion

  • Building routines and daily structure 

  • LGBTQ+

  • BIPOC

  • Couples

  • Healing attachment wounds 

  • Exploring family systems 

  • Codependency and boundary setting 

  • Substance use recovery

Certifications & Trainings 

  • Individual and Family Development (August 2023)

  • Clinical Issues in Human Diversity (August 2023)

  • Family Therapy Theories and Techniques: A Postmodern Emphasis (June 2023)

  • Gender, Intimacy, and Sexuality (May 2024)

  • Gottman Method Level 1 (February 2025)

  • Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Externship (October 2025)

Interested in working with Jhane?

Contact us today!

Credentials & Education

  • Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Massachusetts Global

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of San Francisco 

  • Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #153719. Supervised by Krystal Williams, LMFT #110301, LPCC#7399.  Employed by Life by Design Therapy Collective.

schedule your free phone consultation with Jhane