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profile

Dr. Jessica Borelli is a Professor of Psychology and the Associate Director of Clinical Training within the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI).  She is also the director of the The Health, Relationships, and InterVEntion (THRIVE) Lab at UCI, which investigates the links between close relationships and health.  She has published more than 180 peer reviewed journal articles and book chapters.  

Dr. Borelli is the Clinical Director of Compass Therapy, a private practice with multiple locations in California. She is passionate about supporting children and families, and her work with low-income Latine families in Santa Ana has earned her recognition from the American Psychological Association.  

Dr. Borelli’s research has culminated in the publication of two books, Nature Meets Nurture (2022), an acclaimed parenting guidebook, and her latest published work, Relational Savoring (2024), which outlines the brief, solution-focused intervention she has developed that supports individuals to connect with moments of positive connectedness within their attachment relationships.

Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical PsychologyYale University2008
Predoctoral clinical psychology internship, University of California at Los Angeles Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, General Child TrackUniversity of California Los Angeles2007
Master’s of Philosophy in Clinical PsychologyYale University2004
Master’s of Science in Clinical PsychologyYale University2002
Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of California at Berkeley in Psychology; Summa Cum Laude; Phi Beta Kappa; Highest Honors in Honor’s Thesis; 3.95 cumulative GPA.University of California, Berkeley1998
6 Honors and Awards
University of California, Irvine2024
UCI Dr. De Gallow Professor of the Year Award Professor of the Year Award, Honorable Mention
University of California, Irvine2023
UCI Dr. De Gallow Professor of the Year Award Professor of the Year Award, Honorable Mention
American Psychological Association2022
APA Division 43 Distinguished Contribution to Family Psychology Award
American Psychological Association2022
APA Division 37 Child and Family Citizen Psychologist Award
University of California, Irvine2021
Dean’s Award for Inclusionary Excellence, School of Social Ecology, University of California, Irvine
University of California, Irvine2020
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship
4 Books
Book cover of "Relational Savoring: Using Guided Reflection to Strengthen Relationships and Improve Outcomes in Therapy"
Book cover of "Nature Meets Nurture: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Resilient Kids (APA LifeTools Series)"
Book cover of "Little Fox Goes to the Beach"
Book cover of "How to Talk to Your Kids About Death"