Jamie Lavender, LMFT

Jamie Lavender is a psychotherapist based in the Bay Area in California who works in a warm, client-centered manner designed to help people feel more grounded and able to speak honestly about what matters to them. He creates an atmosphere where clients can allow themselves to be seen, explore what is weighing on them, and begin practical steps toward change.

Many people come to him carrying burdens that friends and family cannot resolve - strains in close relationships, difficulties with parenting, grief, or the effects of trauma and life transitions. He also supports clients who are struggling with problematic relationships to substances or impulses, including psychiatric medication, street or club drugs, opiates and pain medications, cannabis, cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, or compulsive spending.

Jamie brings extensive experience working with substance and impulse concerns using a harm reduction stance. He works with people where they are, exploring realistic and sustainable options that may include moderation, periods of reduced use, longer term abstinence, or continued use while examining the underlying issues in therapy. The central aim is to help clients create change at a pace that fits their lives and that can be maintained over time.

His practice also addresses a broad range of other struggles - relationship and intimacy issues, family and blended family challenges, identity and cultural concerns, communication problems, attachment difficulties, eating and body image issues, caregiver stress, career and life transitions, and compassion fatigue. Therapeutic attention can include processing losses, exploring spirituality and values, and building skills for healthier connection and self-expression.

Jamie emphasizes finding personal agency, recovering voice, and making space for new possibilities. He welcomes people from diverse backgrounds and identities and uses approaches tailored to each person’s situation and goals.