Hello, my name is Dr. Jane Akponye! I hold a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT 129857), a certified Anger Management provider, an EQi-2.0 certified practitioner, and the author of “Children of Divorced Parents”. As a passionate person, I decided to help people find their passions and celebrate life through counseling. Due to perceived stigma, it’s often tough to decide whether to see a therapist when we are worried, stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed with life experiences. I ask you not to struggle through it alone but embrace help. I will be the shoulder for you to lean on and provide a comfortable space for you to work through the problems until you celebrate life.

My approach

I use evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Interventions (SFI), Person-Centered Technique (PCT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These techniques are tailored to your specific needs, help reduce anxiety, stress, control destructive behavior, and change into positive behavior.

My focus

My specialties involve clients who need self-esteem building, anxiety reduction, depression relief, strengthening of marriages, anger management, stress management, and relationship management. I also see clients with domestic violence, parenting, and marital issues.

My communication style

I am an assertive communicator and always encourage my clients to communicate assertively because it shows confidence and enhances effectiveness. I work unconditionally with clients and know how diverse we all are, and the different stories we tell. Regardless of our different backgrounds, statuses, and perspectives, mental health can be a challenge for all of us, however, we should never allow ourselves to be defeated. I have confidence in myself as a therapist and I believe, with my client's openness and commitment to therapy, they may successfully improve their life and overcome their challenges. It's always a pleasure to see a client transform into a healthier person due to my professional support and assistance.

My journey to therapy

My journey started in the early eighties in Nigeria when I was preparing for a college education. I wanted to study Law to advocate for the poor and the voiceless in my community but my score of 325 out of 400 on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam could not get me admission into the Universities of my choice due to a very high mark cutoff. One of my father's associates at school informed us that I will do better in counseling with such a passion. I got admission and studied Guidance and Counseling up to a Master's degree and finally a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. I came to the United States 23 years ago and seeing that my course of study is in demand for social services and mental health, I started working in those areas while raising my children. I began this career after I retired from my county job as a Family Reunification Social Worker V on medical grounds on September 5, 2014. As passionate as I was, I decided to continue to help people reignite their own passions and celebrate life with counseling. I started preparing for the LMFT license exam to become a therapist. Today, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist not only advocating for the poor and voiceless but helping individuals, strengthening marriages and family relationships. I am very fulfilled and happy doing what I love best...Counseling!

My goals for you

I will make sure rapport is established and collaboratively work with my client to talk about what we intend to see as a result of our engagement and find ways to achieve the intended result. I will create an action plan based on our discussion that must be specific to the client's need and also measurable within the time frame.

My first session with you

I will introduce myself and review some important documents regarding our therapeutic relationship and confidentiality. I will make sure the client feels comfortable in my presence. I will ask questions about what the client is struggling with and why they want to see a therapist.