Jenna J. Torres, PsyD

Psychologist | Clinical

595 East Colorado Blvd. 530 Pasadena CA, 91101 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I am excited to help you achieve your full potential and enhance your quality of life. I work from a strength-based and culturally-sensitive perspective to provide non-judgmental support, compassion, and empathy. Using a collaborative approach and creating an individualized treatment plan, the therapeutic alliance is strengthened and allows you to feel safe, comfortable, and trusting of the treatment process. I am passionate about working together to help you stabilize mental health, improve personal wellness, increase self-esteem, gain insights, learn new coping skills, explore thoughts and feelings, build resiliency, and develop spiritually.

I specialize in treating individuals, children, teens, and families who struggle with depression, anxiety, mood dysregulation, personality disorders, trauma and abuse, chemical dependency, disordered eating and distorted body image, toxic shame, communication difficulties, behavioral issues, adjustment transitions, and stress management. I utilize various modalities and evidence based practices of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Structural Family Therapy, play and art therapy, and hypnosis.

I earned my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Health Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I have been practicing for the past 8 years and have extensive experience working in outpatient community counseling centers with children, adolescents, and adults. I have been the Program Manager at a residential treatment program for teens, the Clinical Director of a substance abuse treatment facility in Los Angeles, and the Clinical Director of an eating disorder treatment program in Orange County.

I hope we have the opportunity to work together and I look forward to meeting you!

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish

Jenna J. Torres, PsyD

Jenna J. Torres, PsyD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

What is considered an alcoholic?
Hi, Thanks for your question. There are different definitions of an alcoholic, but generally alcoholism is considered a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12- month period: 1. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. 2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. 3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects. 4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol. 5. Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. 6. Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol. 7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. 8. Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. 9. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol. 10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a. A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect. b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol. 11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to Criteria A and B of the criteria set for alcohol withdrawal). b. Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health READ MORE
How long does it take for CBT to work for ADHD?
Hi, Thank you for your question. CBT is a relatively short-term therapy that can take several weeks to months to be effective. It can help you learn to identify and change unhelpful behavior patterns and practice more helpful coping techniques. This approach doesnt focus much on past experiences, but it can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health READ MORE
Should I go to a psychiatrist for drug addiction?
Hi, Thank you for your question. I would recommend going to a detox facility, residential inpatient rehab, possibly outpatient groups, and 12 step recovery in addition to having a therapist and psychiatrist to support you through getting sober and maintaining sobriety. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health READ MORE
Can you help my child with anger issues?
Hi, Thanks for your question. Yes, counseling can help with anger issues! The best therapy for anger is done by a Certified Anger Management Specialist. This therapy helps a person learn to manage anger by first identifying the feeling and the factors that contribute to feeling that way (underlying causes of the anger), and then learning healthy coping skills to use. Coping skills can include reading, listening to music, writing/journaling, calling a friend or talking to someone about the situation, playing with a pet, deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness and meditation, drawing or other forms of artistic expression, exercise or going for a walk, etc. Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health READ MORE
Which treatment is best for schizophrenia?
Hi,Thank you for your question. There are many different types of therapies to treat schizophrenia. *Cognitive Behavior Therapy* (CBT) can help change thinking and behavior. A therapist will show you ways to deal with voices and hallucinations. With a combination of CBT sessions and medication, the client can eventually tell what triggers their psychotic episodes (times when hallucinations or delusions flare up) and how to reduce or stop them. CBT can help you feel less distressed about your psychotic experiences, feel less depressed and anxious, reduce alcohol and drug use, deal with suicidal thoughts, and overcome feelings of hopelessness. *Cognitive Enhancement Therapy *(CET) is also called cognitive remediation. It teaches people how to better recognize social cues, or triggers, and improve their attention, memory, and ability to organize their thoughts. It combines computer-based brain training and group sessions. *Psychoeducation* helps people with schizophrenia (and their partner or family) understand the illness. Psychoeducation programs explain about symptoms, treatment options, recovery, and services that can help. You can have psychoeducation individually or in groups. It can include written information, videos, websites, meetings, or discussions with your case manager or psychiatrist. Your family can help you understand your diagnosis and support you in your treatment. Family psychoeducation programs help the person with schizophrenia and their family communicate better and solve problems. Family psychoeducation is also good for family members. It can be very upsetting to see someone you love become unwell with schizophrenia. *Medications* include newer antipsychotic drugs which are also called second-generation or atypical antipsychotics. Theyre newer than the first-generation drugs. They generally cause fewer side effects, such as repetitive or involuntary movements like eye blinking, than older antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics work about equally as well as older drugs. The one exception is clozapine, which is effective against schizophrenia that doesnt respond to other treatments. *Electroconvulsive Therapy* (ECT) which attaches electrodes to the person's scalp. While theyre under general anesthesia, doctors send a small electric shock to the brain. A course of ECT therapy usually involves 2-3 treatments per week for several weeks. Each shock treatment causes a controlled seizure. A series of treatments over time leads to improvement in mood and thinking. Scientists dont fully understand exactly how ECT and the controlled seizures it causes help, although some researchers think that ECT-induced seizures may affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can help when medications no longer work or if severe depression or catatonia makes treating the illness difficult. Living With Schizophrenia Most people with this condition do get better with treatment and support. Exercise, eat healthy foods, manage your stress, and stay connected with your loved ones. Staying mentally and physically strong can help you feel more in charge of your illness and your life. People with schizophrenia do best if they have: - medication and psychological treatment together not just one or the other - medications to manage depression or anxiety, if needed - education about their illness (individual psychoeducation) - a supportive partner, family member or friends involved in their care - access to 24-hour crisis support - a mental health professional who takes care of planning and coordinating their individual care (case management) - support to find and keep a job or continue education - somewhere safe and affordable to live - support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. - I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health READ MORE
What causes alcohol addiction?
Hi,Thank you for your question. There are many different causes of alcohol addiction and contributing factors, including stress, family history of addiction, mental illness, trauma, low self-esteem, drinking from an early age, genetics, having close friends or family members who drink, financial instability, cultural or religious influences, lack of other coping skills, peer pressure, etc. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health READ MORE
When should you go to the doctor for anxiety?
Hi, Thank you for your question. You should consider going to the doctor for anxiety when it starts to interfere with functioning, such as at work, school, in relationships, or with activities of daily living. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health 626-239-9320 READ MORE
What are CBT techniques for anxiety?
Hi, Thank you for your question. CBT techniques for anxiety include cognitive restructuring, which refers to changing negative thought patterns that contribute to feeling anxious, and behavioral interventions, which could be altering daily routines to improve overall health and well-being such as: practicing relaxation techniques, deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, journaling or stream of consciousness writing, drawing or other forms of artistic expression, listening to music, exercise or going for a walk, petting your dog or cat, and reaching out for support from a trusted friend or family member. To change automatic negative thoughts, it is important to identify, evaluate, challenge, and reframe them. CBT is a short-term and highly effective treatment for many common issues, including depression and anxiety. CBT explores and helps to resolve negative automatic thoughts and underlying core beliefs about the self, other people, and the world using structured activities and specific interventions. CBT also involves behavioral activation and development of new coping skills. You can even teach yourself CBT! Here are some of my favorite book recommendations: The CBT Toolbox: A Workbook for Clients and Clinicians. Premier Publishing & Media. Riggenbach, J. (2012). Doing CBT: A Comprehensive Guide to Working with Behaviors, Thoughts, and Emotions. The Guilford Press: New York. Tolin, D.F. (2016). The Cognitive Behavioral Workbook for Anxiety, Second Edition: A Step-By-Step Program. New Harbinger Publications: Oakland, California. Knaus, W.J. (2014).The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution. The Guilford Press: New York. Clark, D.A., Beck, A.T. (2011). Retrain Your Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 7 Weeks: A Workbook for Managing Depression and Anxiety. Althea Press: Dunedin, New Zealand. Gillihan, S.J. (2016). Change Your Thinking: Overcome Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, and Improve Your Life with CBT. Da Capo Press: Boston, Massachusetts. Edelman, S. (2007) I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health 626-239-9320 READ MORE
Should I see a psychologist after divorce?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, therapy can help after divorce! It is a safe place to process any thoughts or feelings you may be experiencing, work through grieving the loss of your marriage, and get support regarding potential legal issues. I hope this has been helpful! Best, READ MORE
Is CBT therapy good for children?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, CBT can help a child with anxiety! I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health 626-239-9320 READ MORE
Is therapy effective for aggression?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Five types of therapy are helpful for aggression: - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help you learn to identify and change unhelpful behavior patterns and practice more helpful coping techniques. This approach doesnt focus much on past experiences, but it can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. - Psychodynamic Therapy can help you address mental health symptoms and emotional distress by tracing their roots to earlier life events. - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) can help you build and practice skills to tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and navigate interpersonal relationships more effectively. - Interpersonal Therapy can help you explore relational challenges that affect your mood and contribute to depression and other mental health symptoms. - Parent management training can help address tense family dynamics or unhelpful parenting tactics contributing to or reinforcing aggressive behavior. In some cases, a therapist might also recommend working with a psychiatrist to explore medication options for aggression. Some psychotropic medications may help ease aggressive thoughts and behaviors that happen with mental health conditions. These include antipsychotics like risperidone (Risperdal) and haloperidol, and mood stabilizers like carbamazepine (Tegretol), lithium, and valproic acid. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health READ MORE
How can I get rid of drug addiction?
Hi, Thank you for your question. I would recommend going to a detox facility, residential inpatient rehab, possibly outpatient groups, and 12 step recovery in addition to having a therapist and psychiatrist to support you through getting sober and maintaining sobriety. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health READ MORE
Which therapy is considered the best for depression?
Hi, Thank you for your question. There are many different therapies that are effective for depression, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Depression reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with panic attacks. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health READ MORE
Does CBT help with PTSD?
Hi, Thank you for your question. PTSD can be resolved through different therapeutic approaches, including Somatic Experiencing (SE), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Within CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) are recommended. Medications have also been found to be helpful in relieving symptoms of PTSD, particularly antidepressants with the strongest evidence supporting Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Some of the most common symptoms of trauma targeted by psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions include: reliving the traumatic experience through flashbacks, avoidance of people and places that trigger the trauma, intrusive memories or nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, numbness, loss of interest, and depression. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health READ MORE
What type of therapy is effective for panic attacks?
Hi, Thank you for your question. There are many different therapies that are effective for panic attacks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Panic reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with panic attacks. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health READ MORE
What type of therapy is best for paranoid schizophrenia?
Hi,Thank you for your question. There are many different types of therapies to treat paranoid schizophrenia. *Cognitive Behavior Therapy* (CBT) can help change thinking and behavior. A therapist will show you ways to deal with voices and hallucinations. With a combination of CBT sessions and medication, the client can eventually tell what triggers their psychotic episodes (times when hallucinations or delusions flare up) and how to reduce or stop them. CBT can help you feel less distressed about your psychotic experiences, feel less depressed and anxious, reduce alcohol and drug use, deal with suicidal thoughts, and overcome feelings of hopelessness. *Cognitive Enhancement Therapy *(CET) is also called cognitive remediation. It teaches people how to better recognize social cues, or triggers, and improve their attention, memory, and ability to organize their thoughts. It combines computer-based brain training and group sessions. *Psychoeducation* helps people with schizophrenia (and their partner or family) understand the illness. Psychoeducation programs explain about symptoms, treatment options, recovery, and services that can help. You can have psychoeducation individually or in groups. It can include written information, videos, websites, meetings, or discussions with your case manager or psychiatrist. Your family can help you understand your diagnosis and support you in your treatment. Family psychoeducation programs help the person with schizophrenia and their family communicate better and solve problems. Family psychoeducation is also good for family members. It can be very upsetting to see someone you love become unwell with schizophrenia. *Medications* include newer antipsychotic drugs which are also called second-generation or atypical antipsychotics. Theyre newer than the first-generation drugs. They generally cause fewer side effects, such as repetitive or involuntary movements like eye blinking, than older antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics work about equally as well as older drugs. The one exception is clozapine, which is effective against schizophrenia that doesnt respond to other treatments. *Electroconvulsive Therapy* (ECT) which attaches electrodes to the person's scalp. While theyre under general anesthesia, doctors send a small electric shock to the brain. A course of ECT therapy usually involves 2-3 treatments per week for several weeks. Each shock treatment causes a controlled seizure. A series of treatments over time leads to improvement in mood and thinking. Scientists dont fully understand exactly how ECT and the controlled seizures it causes help, although some researchers think that ECT-induced seizures may affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can help when medications no longer work or if severe depression or catatonia makes treating the illness difficult. Living With Schizophrenia Most people with this condition do get better with treatment and support. Exercise, eat healthy foods, manage your stress, and stay connected with your loved ones. Staying mentally and physically strong can help you feel more in charge of your illness and your life. People with schizophrenia do best if they have: - medication and psychological treatment together not just one or the other - medications to manage depression or anxiety, if needed - education about their illness (individual psychoeducation) - a supportive partner, family member or friends involved in their care - access to 24-hour crisis support - a mental health professional who takes care of planning and coordinating their individual care (case management) - support to find and keep a job or continue education - somewhere safe and affordable to live - support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. - I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health READ MORE
Does therapy help with obsessive thoughts?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, therapy can help with obsessive thoughts. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), an evidence-based practice that utilizes exposure hierarchies to address the compulsive behaviors used to neutralize anxiety that accompanies the obsessive thoughts, has been shown to be highly effective in treating OCD. I highly recommend you seek out some support from a mental health professional to guide you through the process. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health READ MORE
Can counseling help a relationship?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, counseling can help with relationships! I hope this helps. Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health READ MORE
Can a psychologist treat sleep disorders?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, psychologists can treat sleep disorders including insomnia by developing an understanding of normal and disordered sleep, and understanding the root of what may be causing your sleep disorder so that they can treat it. Sleep psychologists can help those experiencing sleep problems related to: - Insomnia - Obstructive sleep apnea - Narcolepsy - Parasomnias (e.g. nightmares, sleep terrors, sleepwalking, bedwetting) - Sleep movement disorders (e.g. restless legs syndrome) - Sleep cycle disorders - Dependence on sleep medications Sleep disorders most amenable to interventions provided by sleep psychologists include: chronic insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, and PAP non-adherence. Often, sleep psychologists may use cognitive behavioral therapy to treat sleep disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you change actions or thoughts that are hurting your ability to sleep well. Studies have found that cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is more effective than medications used to treat insomnia. It is the role of sleep psychologists to administer this type of behavioral therapy to treat sleep disorders. Because many sleep disorders affect overall health, sleep psychologists may work closely with other members of the sleep team, including physicians, surgeons and dentists, to treat co-occurring health issues. The treatment for your sleep disorder depends on its underlying cause. If youre experiencing trouble sleeping, I would recommend you seek out support from a mental health professional. I hope this helps. Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health READ MORE
What does a psychologist do in palliative care?
Hi, Thank you for your question. A psychologist would be involved in palliative care for the following reasons: - *Symptom management.* A palliative care plan will include steps to address symptoms and improve comfort and well-being. The care team will answer questions, such as whether pain medicines will affect treatments from the primary health care provider. - *Support and advice.* Palliative care services include support for the many difficult situations and decisions to make when facing a serious illness that may relate to stress, spiritual questions, financial concerns, and may offer guidance or connection with community resources. - *Care techniques that improve comfort and sense of well-being.* These may include breathing techniques, healing touch, meditation, visualization or simply listening to music with headphones. - *Referrals.* Your palliative care specialist may refer to other care providers, for example, specialists in psychiatry, pain medicine or integrative medicine. - *Advance care planning.* A palliative care team member can talk about goals and wishes for the care. This information could then be used to help develop a living will, advance directive and a health care power of attorney. I hope this helps. Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health READ MORE

Internships

Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services

What do you attribute your success to?

Her passion for working with people, building relationships with people and helping them live their best life.She also attributes her success to her husband brandon for all of his support.