When Jeannette York moved to California nearly 20 years ago, she drove by several neighborhoods in her search for the perfect location for her therapy and counseling practice.
“Once I discovered Toluca Lake, I fell in love,” she shares. “The area has a small-town feel with a sweet but sophisticated charm, making it easy to forget that it’s part of the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles. The people here are friendly, and the variety of excellent restaurants and shops is wonderful, with pleasantly manageable traffic.”
Since opening her private practice off Riverside Drive in 2009, York has dedicated herself to providing compassionate and comprehensive therapy services to those in and around Toluca Lake. She often works from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday in order to accommodate the hardworking locals.
“Even though Toluca Lake is a quiet community, the residents are busy — the community has a wonderful variety of skilled workers, professionals, people in entertainment and celebrities,” York says. “I aim to give Toluca Lake residents extended hours and as flexible a schedule as possible, ensuring everyone receives the care they need without disrupting their demanding routines.”
York’s clientele ranges from individuals and couples to families and even music band members. “Interestingly, the dynamics within music bands often mirror those of families,” she explains. “Even though band members may not be related, their intense time together often brings up issues from their own family backgrounds.”
York’s practice focuses on working through complex interpersonal challenges and fostering healthy relationships. For couples, whether married, engaged or dating, York helps them uncover the underlying issues of their conflicts to build stronger, more loving relationships.
“Family therapy, on the other hand, brings a different dynamic,” she says. “With multiple family members present, sessions typically last 90 minutes to two hours. My priority is to ensure that everyone feels heard and understood. While agreement is not mandatory, empathy and effort to understand each other’s perspectives are crucial. I frequently reframe conversations to help family members see problems from different angles.”
For York, the most rewarding part of her work comes from witnessing the growth and transformation in her clients’ lives.
“There’s nothing quite like receiving wedding or baby pictures from couples I’ve helped along their journey,” she says. “It feels like being a small part of their joy and celebration. Some of my clients have been with me since their teenage years, and now I get to see them flourish as they start families of their own. Watching their growth over the years is incredibly fulfilling.”
York adds that it’s important to recognize that therapy can be a valuable tool for personal growth and improved well-being.
“Many people feel apprehensive about starting therapy, often due to fear that discussing difficult topics will make a relationship worse,” she explains. “If you come with an open mind to not change your partner’s or family’s behavior but to change your own, there is a wonderful opportunity to create a more open and loving relationship.”