Lisa Jellison, M.A., LMFT

Why am I so passionate about helping people live their dream and transform their lives? In 2016 I had my own transformation. I had a full time private practice in Northern California until I decided that I had a deep desire to travel, explore the world, and learn about culture. My limiting belief was that I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this dream, and that I was destined to stay where I was at (in my business, relationships, and home that I owned). After 2 years and a lot of googling, I decided I was taking the leap no matter what the cost. I decided that taking the risk was worth more than NOT taking the risk. That the worst thing that would happen would be that I didn’t like traveling and I would come back and start my business again. In the year that followed, I closed my business, sold most of my things, and prepared to become a permanent traveler. I now KNOW it was the best decision I could have made.

I have noticed in working with my own clients that they all have dreams that they are holding back, much like myself for those two years. Except, some of them have been holding back for much longer. Some of these are making them miserable! They say things like:

• “I can’t move because I have too much debt.”

• “I won’t uproot my children, but I can’t afford to keep living this way.”

• “I will continue to work 60 hours a week even though I hate my job because I have worked too hard to get here to lose it all.”

Then they tell me about wanting to travel more, or downsize, or live sustainably, or exercise more.

• “I’ll do it if I can get a job with less hours.”

• “When my kids are older, then I can travel more.”

• “When my schedule calms down, then I’ll exercise more.”

And everyday is filled with feelings of longing, regret, disgust, sadness, anger, shame, and guilt over how they have found themselves living somebody else’s life. Maybe it’s anxiety holding them back, maybe it’s simply needing someone to help them see through the clouds and tell them these things are possible. I do KNOW life is not meant to be lived feeling this way.

Once they find that spark, I watch them grow, become inspired, excited, and joyful again. They pay attention to the things that light them up and say “yes” to the things that fulfill them. Before you know it, they are living their dreams and passions. Their life is joyful and they can’t imagine living how they were living before. This is their new life. They feel brave, free, and confident.

Adventure doesn’t have to be skydiving, bungee jumping, or hiking Mount Everest. It could simply be honing in on your passion or dream and taking action! Everybody has a little adventure inside of them.

I grew up in Northern California and received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Human Development in 2004 from the University of California, Davis and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California and have had a private practice, and taught in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology Program at the local University. I received the "Excellence in Teaching" award in 2011 and 2013, and received the "Excellence in Clinical Supervision" award in 2014 from the University.

In my over 15 years of experience, I have successfully helped people overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. I have also worked with children’s issues, teen’s issues, life changes/adjustments, grief and loss, life transitions, family issues, couples, parenting skills, and anger management. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), PCIT, Triple P, and Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1.

I have Clinically Supervised Marriage and Family Therapy Associates so that they can count their hours towards their license. I am a Clinical member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). I was named the local CAMFT Member of the Year in 2010. Now, I enjoy traveling, exercising, being outdoors, going to the movies, going to concerts, being with friends, spending time with my husband and my animals.