Jessica Press
LCSW, 11 years of experience
About me
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions or controlled by your feelings can be challenging. If you're seeking to understand yourself better or questioning your reactions, an impartial person can offer support through this process. My name is Jessica, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience assisting individuals across various settings and life stages. Life's difficulties and complexities can be daunting and seeking help may feel intimidating. Yet, by reaching out, you've taken the first step. I am eager to join you on your journey. Support during times when we feel utterly drained can be transformative. Together, we can makes sense of the issues you face and formulate a plan to tackle them. Remember, you are not alone, and you are more than your anxiety, depression, or any losses you've endured. Regarding my background, I embarked on my educational path later in life. After earning my AA from Chabot College, I initially thought that would be the extent of my education. However, encouraged by faculty, friends, and family, I pursued further studies at Mills College, where I obtained my BA in Psychology. This led me to work with children and families in ABA therapy, which inspired me to further my education. I enrolled in USC's MSW program, paving my way into social work. Post-graduation, I supported individuals with chronic medical conditions, substance use issues, and other mental health challenges. My career also includes aiding individuals reintegrating into society post-incarceration. Most recently, I have worked with individuals diagnosed with chronic medical conditions and those in hospice care, where depression, anxiety, grief, and loss are natural and expected reactions to such significant life changes.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session we will focus on getting to know each other to be sure you are comfortable, and we are a good fit. Developing a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of successful therapy. Working collaboratively, we will work on discovering your goals and determining objectives so that we can establishing gradual steps towards achieving your goals. For example, if you're experiencing depression, it might be challenging to set or believe in achieving your goals. As a team we will set attainable goals which will help you stay motivated during treatment. Additionally, you might receive "homework" tasks to support your therapy progress, like journaling to track upsetting thoughts or doing breathing exercises to manage anxiety, as well as watching psychoeducation videos or listening to podcasts. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the recovery journey.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Ensuring that you feel secure and at ease to express yourself openly and honestly is crucial. I have experience working with many clients who have had hesitations about therapy or negative experiences in the past. Your comfort and safety are my top priorities. When you feel secure and at ease, we can start the therapeutic work.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
17+, women. Older adults with chronic health conditions and end of life decisions. People transitioning out of the justice system. Transitioning back into society.
Specialties
Top specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Eclectic
You are unique and deserve an approach that is best suited for you. An eclectic approach adapts to your unique needs drawing from different therapeutic approaches.
Grief Therapy
As a certified grief educator, I will help you understand and process your emotions as a result of a loss of a loved one, loss of independence, a change of role, or lifestyle. Grief is a common human experience but can be very difficult to process alone, having someone to support you in the process is invaluable.
Psychoeducation
I want you to feel empowered to address any situation that brought you into therapy. Feeling empowered starts with you having a clear understanding of your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment options. Therapy is a collaborative therapeutic relationship and the more information you have the more empowered you will feel.
Strength-Based
My hope is that you will feel hopeful about your future. Strength-based therapy focuses on identifying your strengths to help you feel empowered to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative method that supports the development of objectives to recognize and address unhelpful thinking that has negatively affected you in your life. CBT will assist us in applying practical methods and techniques to increase understanding of your thoughts, emotions and behaviors.