Psychologist, Healer, Guide
My approach both for myself and with my clients is that in life there are no mistakes, only opportunities to learn. And when we pay attention, we can be constantly growing through everything we do.
Dr. Jami Grich
Working with couples is my specialty and lifelong passion. It thrills me to help couples find both passion and peace in their relationship. I also work with motivated individuals to help them find their joy. My work focuses on the positive and our innate capacity for healing, connection and growth. Learn more about my approach and story.
It’s also important for you to know that I don’t see anyone or any couple as “broken.” We all struggle and I’m here to help illuminate your way back to peace and wholeness. My work with couples in particular presumes that we all long for love and connection but have little idea how to maintain it when the inevitable challenges of couplehood arise.
How I Work
At the heart of my approach and beliefs is that if I haven’t gone there myself, I can’t help you go there. Having traversed the landscape of my own healing deeply over the last twenty plus years, I am confident that I can lead you on your own healing journey.
When new clients tell me their story, I get it and can relate to what it feels like to reach to someone for support. You’re in the thick of it, ready to make a change, and are probably feeling pretty vulnerable. I know it takes work to make real change in our lives, but I also know what it’s like to get on the other side of that. I bring this kind of joy and enthusiasm to helping my clients.
Professional History
If you’re curious about the difference between a psychologist (which is what I am), a psychiatrist, and a therapist, check out my FAQ page. At it’s most simple: it’s about our training and education. I have both a masters and doctoral degree in psychology, completing over 5 years of postgraduate work to earn my PhD. I am licensed in the state of California.
My undergraduate psychology degree is from the College of William and Mary, my graduate degree in clinical and social psychology is from Texas A&M, and my pre- and post-doctoral internships were completed at Vanderbilt. My doctoral work focused on attachment theory and the dynamics of distressed romantic relationships. This aligns well with my practice, as I focus primarily on working with couples.
My doctorate, however, was only the beginning of my education. I am a passionate lifelong learner, both about my field and myself. You can see a full list of my professional trainings here.
Personal Touch
If I were to recommend one question to ask a potential couples therapist when making your choice, it may surprise you! It would be to ask about their own relationship. In fact, it’s something I want my clients to know about me—my husband and I enjoy a vibrant and healthy marriage. This, of course, has come for me after years of personal work, a daily practice of love and communication, and a commitment both of us have made to continually deepen our relationship.
Life has certainly challenged me, and I’m sure it will continue to do so. The services I have to offer are only as good as the work I’ve done on myself in response to those challenges. For many years I have been pursuing my own growth and healing through psychotherapy, bodywork and energy work, the study of yoga and ayurveda, and participation in workshops and vision quests oriented toward deep soul work. When appropriate, I share my own insights and experience with my clients to help them see situations and challenges in a new way.
And a few last details about me. I moved to San Francisco in 2012 to start my marriage with my wonderful partner, Rod, and start my family. We have an ancient boxer-lab who loves to join therapy sessions and a beautiful little girl who lights up our life. When we aren’t at home working on our old Victorian, you can find us at the drop zone skydiving or in our RV exploring the world. Once a year, you can always find us in Black Rock City where we met, fell in love, and re-ignite our connection each year.