Dr. Jocelyn Pijpaert, Ph.D., LMFT #87678

About Dr. Jocelyn

What is your therapeutic style?


I have a deep dedication to supporting others, and my passion for this work keeps me grounded. Therapy is not just about having all the right answers; it’s about combining expertise with authenticity, creating an environment where healing and growth happen naturally and inspire change. I strive to be approachable, sincere, and relatable. I openly marvel and delight in my clients, being moved in so many sacred moments in therapy.


What formal training and professional experience do you have?


I hold a doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy from Alliant International University, along with an MA in Counseling & Psychology and a BA in Business Administration and Human Resources. I am a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in CA with over 14+ years of experience, with extensive coursework in human development, trauma, and therapy modalities. 


I have received training in group psychotherapy, child and family therapy, couples therapy, and individual therapy, emphasizing relational and systems dynamics both personally and professionally. In the workplace, earlier experiences include serving as a Human Resources Specialist in the federal government, with a focus on mediation, conflict resolution, and employee relations.


Do you engage in research and attend conferences?


Currently, I am a member of the Transformative Couples Therapy Institute and a Clinical Researcher studying the model's efficacy. My research interests also include disparities in mental health and political engagement among People of Color. In 2025, I presented a poster on cultural values and activism among Asian Americans at the Asian American Psychological Conference, and I attended the APA Conference to stay updated on best practices in the field. Previously, I studied Positive Psychology at UC Irvine as a Post-Bacc in 2016/2017 and conducted longitudinal research on infant and toddler development at UT Austin in 2008/2009.



What are your joys in life?


Having lived in over 13 cities worldwide, I cherish spirituality, creativity, and curiosity as I navigate life's challenges. I find fulfillment in improvisational piano, hot yoga, trail running, and meaningful moments with loved ones. With four young children, I strive to be a better, daily. I also treasure handwritten letters and spiritual exploration. 


What experiences would you consider formative in shaping your life?


The military has profoundly shaped my life. For those familiar with this lifestyle, I understand its challenges deeply. Frequent relocations taught me to find stability within myself, often through spirituality and existential reflection. My personal experiences with trauma, TBI, PTSD, and depression—as well as my work as a clinician—have greatly increased my empathy and dedication to this community.


I am passionate about supporting military families through the countless transitions during and after the military lifestyle. My last (and by far the most exhilarating) consultation work for the military was an embedded LMFT  for SOCOM, Marine Special Operations Forces, and their families, addressing the unique challenges faced by this elite group.





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"A human being becomes whole not in virtue of a relation to himself [only] but rather in virtue of an authentic relation to another human being(s)."

- Martin Buber

Our Contact Info

949-484-5009
580 Broadway St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Suite 204
hello@jpfamilytherapy.com
www.jpfamilytherapy.com