Jeritt R. Tucker | PhD
My approach
Fear, disappointment, resentment, and despair. These are some of the painful, private experiences that often bring us to therapy. These are also the sort of feelings that are difficult to access, stay with, and integrate into our day-to-day lives, especially in the face of the social taboo, family culture, and the self-judgment that comes with not just “grinning and bearing it.”
The therapeutic space should be one in which we can make infinite room for what at first seem like infinitely vast emotions and sensations. It must allow us to take risks at crucial moments to “not know” as we explore feelings we might otherwise avoid, precisely so that something new may occur. In order to take such risks, we must have a profound sense of trust in the person sitting across from us and a clear understanding of the way forward. It is thus my primary aim as your provider to ensure you feel continuous care from me and confidence in the therapeutic process. When you work with me you can expect an earnest, nonjudgmental commitment to exploring painful experiences, a knowledgeable guide in the nature of human experience, and a ready champion of moments of increased aliveness and connection.
professional
I am licensed psychologist in San Diego, CA and maintain active licenses in both California (PSY31412) and Iowa (083818). I received my Ph.D. from Iowa State University and completed my clinical training in combined adult and child/adolescent outpatient services at Harvard’s Cambridge Health Alliance. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings including university counseling centers, public hospitals, juvenile corrections, and group practices. I’ve also served as assistant professor at a school of osteopathic medicine and published peer-reviewed research in the areas of interpersonal trauma, forgiveness, mental illness stigma, help-seeking behavior, and group psychotherapy (learn more here).
While I have experience working across the lifespan, I specialize in the treatment of early life neglect, abuse, and chronic misattunement as it presents in adulthood (sometimes referred to as developmental trauma). In addition, I occasionally provide consulting to healthcare organizations and private companies—both large and small—in the areas of employee selection, management training, burnout, physician mentoring, and diversity & inclusion programming.
personal
Each of my roles as husband, friend, family member, and psychologist are very important to me. I do my best to fully show up in these roles as they invite me to learn and grow. I am certainly an introverted-extrovert and feel happiest with a balance of both large social events (dinners, dancing, group hikes, concerts, beach outings, and board games) as well as quiet afternoons at home reading with my partner and dogs.
contact
If you are an individual or couple interested in working with me, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly. You can expect a quick reply, usually within 1 business day. I truly look forward to partnering with you.