J. Ann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, sole practitioner for J. Ann Clayton, LCSW in San Diego, CA. Her areas of specialty include clients with depression, anxiety, life adjustment transitions, complicated/complex trauma and grief and loss.
J. Ann takes on an interpersonal approach with her work stemming from Internal Family Systems and EMDR modalities. It is important for clients to actively participate in treatment planning and goal planning while J Ann acts as a co-pilot in ensuring the path taken is appropriate and safe. She shapes her approach by meeting the client where they are and teaching skills that derive from DBT, CBT and positive grounding techniques. Clients will be guided in finding the stepping-stones needed to navigate life's challenges while embracing the present.
As a woman of color, J. Ann understands the complexities one may endure navigating life through unanticipated judgment and/or discrimination. She sees the importance of building on strengths when encountering life’s challenges while also building upon internal resources to help maintain balance in one’s life. With the climate of today’s world, it’s essential to take care of our mental health and not ignore triggers or signs that may be hindering one in receiving the help that you need.
J. Ann graduated with her Bachelor’s of Arts from Hampton University. She went on to receive her Master’s in Social work from University of Southern California. She has completed required hours as a trained EMDR therapist. She started her career working alongside healthcare professionals to assist children and families suffering from long-term and life threatening illnesses. She has moved on to work alongside the Criminal Justice system; addressing a complex population while implementing wide-ranging interventions; ranging from Systems Theory, Attachment Theories, Trauma Based Theories and Cognitive Behavioral Theories. While supporting this role, she maintains part-time work as a Mental Health therapist in her private practice.
