Jessica Pelaez

Christian Counseling

I have experience working with Christian clients in the community and helped many clients cope using their faith. I provide faith-based interventions to help Christian clients deal with life challenges. Although I provide faith-based interventions for Christian clients, I am culturally sensitive to diverse religions.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use the modality Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help manage clients depressive and anxious symptoms. I provide useful homework and also help you talk through the negative thoughts. My goals are to help you reframe negative thoughts to more positive or realistic thoughts and to also combat suicidal ideation and self-harm thoughts.

Strength-Based

My approach to every therapy session is through the strength-based perspective. I look at clients strengths and help them identify their strengths to help them accomplish their therapy goals. For example, if you struggle with alcohol abuse or substance abuse I work with your strengths to help you cope in healthier ways and help you utilize your resources to empower you. The strength-based treatment method is based on compassion, nonjudgmental, and a safe space to work through your issues.

Play Therapy

I am a creative therapist that uses many creative play interventions for children and teenagers, especially for individuals struggling with autism spectrum disorder/learning disabilities. This interventions include, but not limited to the following: Sand Tray Therapy, games, music, literature, puppetry, animal-assisted therapy, and etc. to facilitate the therapy process in an easier way. I also use art techniques for both children, adults, and older adults to process emotions if it is difficult to put into words painful memories. I am in the process of getting certified as an animal-assisted psychotherapist, so I use creative ways to implement animal symbolism with art or in other creative ways. I currently do not have a live animal for animal assisted-psychotherapy, but I trained my cat Muñeca (Doll) to stand on her two hind paws last year in my training in animal-assisted psychotherapy. Her resilience was impressive and just like animals I believe people have the capacity to overcome many barriers to achieve success in life in whatever that means to you.

Trauma Informed Care

I approach therapy with lens of trauma informed care for clients who have experienced trauma that has affected many areas of their lives. I provide a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental space for clients to share their life stories that have involved trauma. I actively listen and explore ways to overcome challenges due to traumatic life experiences. I have worked with combat veterans, domestic violence survivors, child abuse and sexual abuse survivors, and survivors of other acts of violence. I have experience working with Stop the Hate program. I worked close with BIPOC, unhoused individuals, and immigrant communities to heal from hate crimes and other acts of violence. I have helped clients find their voice and manage PTSD triggers.