About Dr. Judy
Meet your therapist.
A licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (PhD, LMFT, PPS) helping individuals, couples, adolescents, and families across California to heal, reconnect, and grow.
✓ EMDR Trained
✓ Accepting New Clients
✓ Free 20-Min Consultation
I Became a Therapist Because Everyone Deserves to Be Truly Heard
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken a brave first step. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety that keeps you up at night, a relationship that feels disconnected, or trauma you’ve carried for too long, I want you to know that healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.
I’m Dr. Judith Mercedes Brannon, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over a decade of experience helping individuals, couples, and families in California navigate life’s most challenging moments. I specialize in anxiety, trauma (including EMDR therapy), relationship issues, and supporting children and teens through emotional difficulties.
“Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you reconnect with your strength, your voice, and your sense of peace.”
Education & Credentials
Education
PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy
Master’s in Education
Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPS)
Licensure
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
Specialized Training
EMDR Therapy (Trauma)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Child & Adolescent Therapy
My Approach to Therapy
I believe that healing happens in connection with ourselves, our stories, and with those around us. Therapy with me is collaborative: you’re the expert on your life, and I bring evidence-based methods, compassion, and sometimes a touch of humor to guide meaningful change.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Practical tools to identify and change thought patterns that fuel anxiety, depression, and negative behaviors. You’ll learn skills you can use immediately.
EMDR Therapy
A research-backed method for processing trauma and emotional wounds. EMDR helps you move past painful experiences without having to relive them in detail.
Strengths-Based Therapy
We focus on your resilience, what’s already working, so you can build on your existing strengths and move forward with intention and confidence.
Attachment & Family Systems
Understanding how your relationships and family history shape your present helps create lasting change in how you connect with yourself and others.
Who I Help
I work with people who are ready to feel better even if they’re not sure where to start.
Adults
Struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, work stress, or feeling stuck and unfulfilled.
Couples
Wanting to break the cycle of conflict, rebuild trust after betrayal, or reconnect after growing apart.
Families
Navigating blended family challenges, parent-teen conflict, communication breakdowns, or generational patterns.
Children & Teens
Experiencing anxiety, school stress, behavioral challenges, social difficulties, or adjusting to family changes.
A Little About Me Outside the Office
When I’m not in session, you’ll find me spending time with my family, exploring California’s beautiful outdoors, traveling, or in the kitchen creating plant-based recipes. I believe it’s important for therapists to take care of themselves, that is why I prioritize my own self-care, boundaries, and meaningful connections.
I’m proud to serve the Bakersfield community and I’m passionate about making mental health care accessible to everyone across California through telehealth.
Office Locations
Bakersfield Office
2020 Eye Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Free parking available
Telehealth
Available throughout California
Secure, HIPAA-compliant
From the comfort of home
Ready to Take the First Step?
It’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. I offer a free 20-minute consultation. No pressure, no commitment just a conversation to see if we’re the right fit for each other.
Call or Text: (661) 235-5657
Evening appointments available