Jenna J. Torres, PsyD

Psychologist | Clinical

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

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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

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Jenna J. Torres, PsyD

Jenna J. Torres, PsyD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Am I okay?
Hi, Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have a very active imagination, and could possibly channel some of that creativity using visualization techniques to retrain your brain to think about calming or relaxing things instead of milk exploding or jumping off public transportation. Forgetfulness can have many causes, such as inattention, dissociation, or a neurological issue, so I would recommend you seek support from mental health and/or medical professional. I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
Anxiety medication that doesn’t cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain?
Hi, Thank you for your question. For recommendations related to psychotropic medications, I would recommend you seek consultation with a psychiatrist or medical doctor. Examples of antianxiety meds include benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin) and non-benzodiazepines (Buspar). Examples of antidepressant meds include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs- Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil)/Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs-Effexor, Cymbalta), Tricyclics (TCAs- Elavil, Anafranil, Tofranil), Monoamine-Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs- Nardil, Marplan), and others like Wellbutrin and Remeron. I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
Where do I go from this point?
Hi, thank you for your question. If you are experiencing physical issues without mental anxiety, I would recommend you seek support from a medical doctor. I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
How do psychologists treat obesity?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Here are some tips that might help: - plan and establish regular eating patterns including meals and snacks, try to go no more than 3-4 hours between meals - identify your triggers to binging, make note of when you binged or ate without being hungry - recognize the cycle, keep a journal, and document how you feel before and after each meal or snack - find alternatives to triggering situations - learn to listen to your body, it will signal physical hunger and fullness cues - seek out therapy to get support from an eating disorder professional to help change your thoughts about food, your body, your weight, your shape, etc. (you can ask your primary care doctor or call your insurance for referrals) - CBT, DBT, and interpersonal psychotherapy have been found to be successful forms of therapy - consult with a doctor or psychiatrist regarding a medication evaluation to determine if that could be helpful - speak with a nutritionist or dietician about a healthy meal plan and/or nutritional supplements - stop labeling foods as "good" or "bad" which can increase feelings of guilt and make you more likely to binge - stop dieting! get rid of any books or magazines that make you feel inadequate or judge yourself to unattainable ideals - ditch the rigid rules and "cheat days" since no foods are "off-limits" - stay off the scale, as the number on the scale does not reflect your self-worth as a person, your weight does not define you! - make self-care a priority, including maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet - engage in positive self-talk and be kind/compassionate to yourself - reach out for help from trusted friends and family members in your network of social support - find some joyful activities that help give meaning and pleasure to your life - practice mindful or intuitive eating - practice gratitude and positive affirmations about yourself regularly - focus on actions, not outcomes - celebrate your victories and don't dwell on minor setbacks - be patient and manage your own expectations - don't try to be perfect, it's about progress, not perfection! I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
How many CBT sessions are needed for panic attacks?
Hi, Thank you for your question. It can take a varied amount of time for panic attacks to go away, however, a treatment period lasting at least 6 to 9 months is usually recommended. Some people taking medicine for panic disorder are able to stop treatment after only a short time. What works for one person may not be effective at all for another. But even though there is not a magic bullet to wipe out every case, through treatment, patience, and persistence, you can find the methods that help you cope with panic disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy A mental health professional can assist you in developing ways to change your thinking and behaviors that allow for lasting relief. Different types of psychotherapy have been shown to be helpful in panic disorder. One of these is CBT, a method that includes learning ways to relax, change unhelpful thinking patterns, manage stress, and increase self-confidence. Progressive or gradual exposure is a CBT technique in which therapists slowly introduce a patient to their fears and then teach them to relax while they experience anxiety. For example, if your panic is induced by driving cars on the freeway, your therapist may have you begin by simply imagining cars driving on a freeway. You will then be instructed to keep this image in mind as they guide you into noticing your tension. This focus on uneasy feelings is followed by guided attention to relaxing the body and mind. Over a number of sessions, the therapist will progressively increase your exposure to your fear, from visualizing yourself driving on the freeway, to being a passenger in a car on the freeway, to driving the car yourself. While moving through these phases, you will continue to learn how to remain calm and manage feelings of panic. There are numerous self-help resources that address issues related to anxiety and panic disorder. These are intended to help you manage panic on your own. Common self-help strategies include: Relaxation techniques, such as stretching and deep breathing positive affirmations and self-talk peaceful and reassuring visualizationsJournaling and other writing exercisesExpressing feelings through transforming a negative belief system to more constructive and optimistic viewsLifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, limiting the use of caffeine, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising medication Treating panic disorder with medication is often recommended when symptoms persist despite efforts to control them through therapy and self-help strategies. Medication may also be suggested when the panic disorder has become so extreme that it affects daily functioning. Antidepressants Medical professionals typically prescribe an antidepressant for panic disorder, usually from the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs can relieve feelings of anxiety and reduce depression symptoms, which often coexist with panic disorder. Tranquilizers Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are another class of drugs that can ease anxiety and alleviate panic.. There is some potential for abuse with these medications. They may also lead to physical dependence if they are taken over a long enough period of time. Overall, there is no one approach that works for everyone. Give different methods a try to determine what works for you. Even though there is not a cure for panic disorder, you can still experience long-term improvements by finding the combination of treatments that is effective for you. I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
Can work related stress cause depression?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Work-related stress can contribute to depression and anxiety. Usually, there is a genetic component (family history of depression/anxiety) and then any kind of environmental stressor (work or relationships issues) can trigger a depressive episode. I recommend you seek out support from a mental health professional. I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
Is it worth going to couples counseling?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, it is worth it to go to couples counseling for relationship issues in a marriage. I recommend you seek out support from a mental health professional to address any concerns you have. I hope this has been helpful! READ MORE
How do psychiatrists treat anxiety?
Hi, Thank you for your question. A psychiatrist would treat anxiety with antianxiety or antidepressant medications. Examples of antianxiety meds include benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin) and non-benzodiazepines (Buspar). Examples of antidepressant meds include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs- Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil)/Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs-Effexor, Cymbalta), Tricyclics (TCAs- Elavil, Anafranil, Tofranil), Monoamine-Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs- Nardil, Marplan), and others like Wellbutrin and Remeron. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
Do psychiatrists treat ADHD?
Hi, Thank you for your question. A psychiatrist would treat ADHD with stimulant medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Strattera. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
What does a psychiatrist do for anxiety?
Hi, Thank you for your question. A psychiatrist would treat anxiety with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Examples of anti-anxiety meds include benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonopin) and non-benzodiazepines (Buspar). Examples of antidepressant meds include Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs - Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil)/Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs-Effexor, Cymbalta), Tricyclics (TCAs- Elavil, Anafranil, Tofranil), Monoamine-Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs- Nardil, Marplan), and others like Wellbutrin and Remeron. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
How do I overcome panic attacks without medication?
Hi, Thank you for your question. There are lots of natural remedies for panic attacks and anxiety, 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). There are many ways to calm anxiety without medication. Anxiety reduction and relaxation 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 anxiety reduction. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
What is the best therapy for ADHD?
Hi, Thank you for your question. The best therapies for ADHD include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ADHD Coaching, Brain Training or Neurofeedback, Play, Art, or Music Therapy (for kids/teens), and Equine Therapy. Medication is also effective for ADHD. The following are suggestions that may help: - Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. - Get organized. Put your stuff in the same place every day so that you will be less likely to lose them. - Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace. - Limit choices. To help not feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, offer choices with only a few options. For example, have them choose between this outfit or that one, this meal or that one, or this toy or that one. - Help plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress. - Use goals and praise or other rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then let them know they have done well by telling them or by rewarding their efforts in other ways. Be sure the goals are realistic—small steps are important! - Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious foods, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
What psychotherapy is best for 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 READ MORE
Can a psychologist treat panic attacks?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, a psychologist can help treat panic attacks. 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 READ MORE
How can I calm my anxiety after drinking?
Hi, Thank you for your question. There are many ways to calm anxiety after drinking. Anxiety reduction and relaxation 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 hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
Should I go to therapy for anxiety?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, I would recommend that you seek out therapy from a licensed mental health professional for help with the anxiety you are experiencing, especially because it is interfering with your marriage. There are many forms of therapy to treat anxiety, 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). Therapy can also help with practicing anxiety reduction and relaxation techniques, including 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, and reaching out for support from a trusted friend or family member. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
Why do I hate myself after eating late at night?
Hi, Thank you for your question. I would recommend that you seek out professional mental health support to explore some reasons why you might hate yourself after binge eating late at night in the kitchen. Also, here are some tips that might help: - plan and establish regular eating patterns including meals and snacks, try to go no more than 3-4 hours between meals - identify your triggers to binging, make note of when you binged or ate without being hungry - recognize the cycle, keep a journal and document how you feel before and after each meal or snack - find alternatives to triggering situations - learn to listen to your body, it will signal physical hunger and fullness cues - seek out therapy to get support from an eating disorder professional to help change your thoughts about food, your body, your weight, your shape, etc. (You can ask your primary care doctor or call your insurance for referrals) - CBT, DBT, and interpersonal psychotherapy have been found to be successful forms of therapy - consult with a doctor or psychiatrist regarding a medication evaluation to determine if that could be helpful - speak with a nutritionist or dietician about a healthy meal plan and/or nutritional supplements - stop labeling foods as "good" or "bad," which can increase feelings of guilt and make you more likely to binge - stop dieting! get rid of any books or magazines that make you feel inadequate or judge yourself to unattainable ideals - ditch the rigid rules and "cheat days" since no foods are "off limits" - stay off the scale, as the number on the scale does not reflect your self-worth as a person, your weight does not define you! - make self-care a priority, including maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet - engage in positive self-talk and be kind/compassionate to yourself - reach out for help from trusted friends and family members in your network of social support - find some joyful activities that help give meaning and pleasure to your life - practice mindful or intuitive eating - practice gratitude and positive affirmations about yourself regularly - focus on actions, not outcomes - celebrate your victories and don't dwell on minor setbacks - be patient and manage your own expectations - don't try to be perfect, it's about progress not perfection! I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
What are some stress reduction techniques?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Stress reduction and relaxation 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 hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
What is the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy?
Hi, Thank you for your question. There are a few main differences between cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), which are both empirically-based psychotherapeutic interventions for mood disorders. Both are diagnosis-targeted, time-limited, present-focused treatments that encourage the client to regain control of mood and functioning. CBT is 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. IPT is based on the so-called common factors of psychotherapy: a treatment alliance in which the therapist empathically engages the patient, helps the patient to feel understood, arouses effect, presents a clear rationale and treatment ritual, and yields success experiences. On this foundation IPT builds two major principles: -Depression is a medical illness, rather than the patient's fault or personal defect; moreover, it is a treatable condition. This definition has the effect of defining the problem and excusing the patient from symptomatic self-blame. -Mood and life situation are related. Building on interpersonal theory and psychosocial research on depression, IPT makes a practical link between the patient's mood and disturbing life events that either trigger or follow from the onset of the mood disorder. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD READ MORE
What are the psychological effects of using a wheelchair?
Hi, Thank you for your question. Here are some of the psychological effects of being in a wheelchair: - the process of transitioning into a wheelchair after losing body mobility is similar to grieving someone’s death: feeling loss, shock, denial, anger, helplessness, hopelessness, and depression are all common emotions wheelchair users can experience before reconciling with what happened and accepting their new, altered life. Fully engaging in the grieving process can lead to acceptance. Having a healthy mindset doesn’t mean you have to be happy about the situation; in fact, you may never look at the injury or disability pleasantly, but you should aim to live without judgement, understand it’s not your fault and rather than think about your setbacks, work to identify your progress and strengths. - having support can be instrumental in gaining self-acceptance. Wheelchair users in need of emotional assistance should consult with a psychologist, counselor, peer mentor or support group to devise strategies to overcome the emotional hardships of being in a wheelchair. - negative public perception can cause wheelchair users to feel shame; realizing that society unfairly judges people with disabilities is something they work through on their journey to self acceptance. One way to deal with receiving sympathy from onlookers is to understand this as a way humans try to relate to one another and instead of them seeing it as a really tragic thing, it can be seen as just the reality. - wheelchair users often lead more sedentary lifestyles than able bodies and are at higher risk for certain health problems, such as leg swelling, skin ulcers and pressure sores, poor blood flow, blood clots, and obesity. You should get regular check ups with your doctor to monitor, prevent, and treat such physical issues. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD 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.