Jennifer Kainen is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with OCD and Anxiety disorders. Jennifer brings a unique blend of professional experience, clinical training, and personal understanding to her work, offering clients both expertise and empathy as they navigate their healing journeys.

Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in International Affairs from the AmericanUniversity of Paris and her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University’s Caruso School ofLaw. After more than twenty years working in the legal field, she chose to follow her long-standing passion for mental health. She went on to complete her Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at California Lutheran University.

Jennifer has developed her clinical skills across a range of settings. She previously worked at a Community Clinic, where she provided therapy to individuals and couples, and at the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), where she counseled high school students experiencing a wide variety of mental health challenges.

In her work with OCD and Anxiety disorders, Jennifer utilizes a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). She tailors these approaches to the unique needs of each individual, helping clients build resilience, increase their tolerance for uncertainty, and move toward lasting change.

Jennifer’s personal experience deeply informs her therapeutic approach. Having lived with anxiety for as long as she can remember, and growing up in a family where mental health struggles weren’t openly discussed, she understands how isolating these experiences can be. As a young person, she often felt ashamed and afraid to share how much she was struggling. It wasn’t until becoming a mother that she realized her anxiety was affecting not only her life but also her children’s. Reaching out for help and learning about anxiety disorders helped her see that change is possible and that no one has to endure these challenges alone. This realization continues to inspire her commitment to supporting others with compassion and understanding.

Outside the therapy room, Jennifer has been married for over twenty-five years and is the mother of four children. She also adores her two dogs, and in her free time, she enjoys a variety of creative hobbies including crochet, sewing, and making jewelry.

Jennifer believes there is always hope for recovery. With the right support and evidence-based treatment, individuals can overcome OCD and anxiety and move toward a life of greater fulfillment and well-being.