Jessica McClary
I'm Jessica McClary. I believe that everyone deserves a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they can feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow. My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and focused on helping individuals gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the experiences that shape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. Through evidence-based approaches, including cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapies, I help clients recognize unhelpful patterns, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change. I understand that reaching out for support can be difficult. My goal is to meet you where you are, walk alongside you through life's challenges, and help you discover the strength, insight, and confidence needed to move forward.
I listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and gently challenge perspectives or patterns that may be preventing clients from moving forward.
First session
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another in a safe, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore your current concerns, and begin identifying your goals for treatment. I'll also ask questions about your personal history and experiences to better understand your unique needs. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client, whether working with an individual, couple, or family. There is no pressure to share more than you're comfortable discussing. My priority is to establish trust, help you feel heard and understood, and begin developing a personalized plan for moving forward. By the end of our first session, my hope is that you'll feel supported, encouraged, and more confident about the therapeutic process, with a clearer understanding of how we can work together toward healing, personal growth, and meaningful change.
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths is my ability to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment while also encouraging meaningful self-reflection and personal growth. I believe effective therapy requires a balance of compassion, honesty, and accountability. I listen attentively, ask thoughtful questions, and gently challenge perspectives or patterns that may be preventing clients from moving forward. My approach goes beyond addressing immediate symptoms to exploring the underlying emotions, experiences, and relationship dynamics that influence present-day challenges. I recognize that every client's journey is unique, and I tailor my approach to their individual needs. My goal is not simply to help clients feel better, but to empower them to understand themselves better, develop healthier responses, and create lasting change.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone navigating life's challenges who desires greater emotional well-being, healthier relationships, and a deeper understanding of themselves. They may be struggling with anxiety, depression, unresolved trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, or overwhelming life transitions. Some may recognize recurring emotional or behavioral patterns but struggle to understand why they continue. Others may feel stuck, misunderstood, or uncertain about how to move forward. I welcome children, adolescents, and adults at various stages of their emotional journeys, whether they are seeking relief from immediate challenges or hoping to address deeper, longstanding concerns. My ideal client does not have to have everything figured out or even know where to begin. They simply need a willingness to explore their experiences, develop greater self-awareness, and work toward meaningful change. Together, we can uncover strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and create a path toward healing and personal growth.
Treatment methods
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is an approach that helps us understand why you feel, think, and respond the way you do. Sometimes we experience frustration, anxiety, sadness, anger, or difficulties in relationships without fully understanding where those feelings come from. Through our conversations, we'll explore your past experiences, important relationships, and emotional patterns to see whether they are influencing how you respond to situations today
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions900 Commonwealth Pl, Virginia Beach, VA 23464, Ste 227
Identifies as
Black / African American
Woman
Top specialties
Couples Counseling
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Couples Counseling
Elders (65 and above)
Individual Therapy
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Woman
Licensed in
VirginiaLicense 0904019264