Welcoming Fall

As the air cools and the days shorten, many of us find ourselves settling back into familiar rhythms. Kids are adjusting to their school schedules, families are finding their routines again, and new college students are navigating the big transition to independence. Fall often brings a mix of comfort and challenge, and it can be a wonderful reminder of the importance of community and support during times of change.

Girls’ Community Group

Our Girls’ Community Group continues to meet Wednesdays from 4:30–5:45 PM. This group is open to rising middle and high school girls (female-identifying and nonbinary) who are looking for a supportive peer space.

Earlier this month, Dr. Arieta attended the California Psychological Association annual conference, where she participated in a seminar on the unique stressors facing young people today. One of the most powerful takeaways: finding supportive, accepting communities is a critical protective factor for mental health. We are proud that our Girls’ Group offers just that—a space to connect, feel seen, and grow alongside peers.

👉 Learn more here contact us for more info or to enroll.

Additional Protective Factors & How Therapy Can Help

Research shows that certain protective factors help children, families, and communities thrive—especially when facing challenges.

Protective Factors For Families & Children:

Safe, stable, and nurturing family relationships

Positive friendships and peer networks

Doing well in school and valuing education

Caring adults outside the family who serve as mentors or role models

Consistent access to food, shelter, and health care

Caregivers with steady employment and education

Strong social support networks

Parental monitoring, supervision, and consistent rules

Peaceful conflict resolution within the family

Caregivers helping children problem-solve

Families engaging in fun, positive activities together

Protective Factors For Communities:

Access to medical and mental health services

Economic and financial support for families

Safe, stable housing

High-quality childcare and preschool programs

Safe and engaging after-school activities

Employment opportunities with family-friendly policies

Strong partnerships between schools, healthcare, business, and local government

Neighborhoods where residents feel connected and involved

✨ How therapy can help: At Juniper & Jade, we work alongside families to strengthen these protective factors—building resilience, supporting relationships, and fostering environments where children and families can flourish.

AI Awareness for Parents - From Leah Grace Ingram, APCC

One of our associate therapists, Leah Grace Ingram, APCC, continues to stay abreast of the research on the impact of AI on mental health. The following is information she hopes parents will review so they are well equipped to navigate conversations with their teens about the risks involved with AI, especially for young people.

Recently, The Daily podcast did an episode on this topic (linked below). In the second half of the episode, a story is shared about a teen who died by suicide, seemingly without warning. His parents later discovered, through his ChatGPT history, just how easily safeguards intended to protect users—particularly minors—can be manipulated.

As AI becomes more present in our everyday lives, we encourage parents, teens, and young adults to have open conversations about both the benefits and the risks of these tools. Awareness and supervision are key.

The Benefits of AI Tools like ChatGPT(APA Services; NIH/PMC Study)

🌱 Provides accessible mental health support for those who cannot easily access therapy

🌱 Offers psychoeducation and coping strategies to build resilience between therapy sessions

🌱 Encourages self-reflection and emotional awareness by helping users articulate feelings

🌱 May reduce stigma by normalizing mental health discussions in an approachable format

The Risks of AI Tools like ChatGPT(The Daily Podcast; APA Services; NIH/PMC Study)

⚠️ Safeguards can be bypassed, exposing youth to harmful or unsafe content

⚠️ AI lacks the ability to respond with true empathy or clinical judgment

⚠️ Over-reliance may lead some users to delay seeking professional help

⚠️ Vulnerable teens may be at greater risk of manipulation or harmful reinforcement

🎧 Listen to The Daily episode here: Spotify Link📖 Learn more: APA Services – AI Chatbots & Therapy | NIH/PMC Article

Welcome, Tayah Mariani, APCC

We are excited to introduce Tayah Mariani, APCC, our newest associate therapist at Juniper & Jade Psychotherapy!

Tayah brings deep experience supporting youth and families, as well as neurodivergent individuals. Her warm, compassionate approach helps clients feel understood while building the skills needed to thrive. She is currently accepting new clients, and we invite you to learn more about Tayah here.

Therapist Availability

All of our therapists currently have availability for new clients. Please feel free to share our practice information with anyone in your circle who might benefit from a little extra support.

We are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us—both in allowing us to be part of your care and in referring friends, family, and colleagues to our practice. Your ongoing support means so much, and it allows us to continue providing compassionate care to our community.

At Juniper & Jade, we focus on cultivating resilience and deepening connections. We are here to serve individuals, couples, and families in Marin County and virtually throughout California.

🍁 Wishing you a grounded and connected start to fall,The Juniper & Jade Psychotherapy Team