LCSW, 2 years of experience
Hello! My name is Jessica and I have been working in the human services and mental health field since 2013, concentrating on therapy for the previous 3 years. My frameworks for therapy are strengths based and solution focused, with an emphasis on improving confidence, self-worth, and self-esteem for all. I believe in the power of humor, community, and finding a way to be a little more kind to ourselves each day. Previous clients have stated that my therapeutic approach was compassionate with a warm directness when needed. I received my Bachelor’s from the University of Denver, and during my time there worked in resource advocacy for low income women and also led a self-esteem building group for teenage girls. Earning my degree in Gender Studies laid a foundation for viewing the world through a lens of social justice, structural inequality, and intersectionality. In 2018 I graduated with a Masters in Social Work from VCU. My work since that time has included services for people experiencing homelessness in the Richmond area, hospital discharge coordination, and emergency room psychiatric assessments and crisis intervention for inpatient hospital admission. When not working, I can be found spending time with my two senior pets, growing hot peppers in the backyard, and enjoying a good book.
During our first session, I will ask you questions to get to know your background and complete additional intake information to better understand you and your history. We will go over therapy policies and rules, and I will create a space to ensure you get any questions answered about myself and how therapy works. Then we will discuss your goals and hopes for therapy and how I see myself being able to help meet them!
I believe that knowledge is power. In my therapy approach I try to provide as much psychoeducation as I can, as I believe it is comforting to understand the "how and why" of what someone is experiencing. Starting therapy (at all, or with a new provider) can be a little intimidating sometimes I know, so I try to be warm, welcoming, really connect with my clients, and maybe even have a little fun in the process.
Working to help people better navigate life with an ADHD diagnosis is a huge passion of mine! I have expertise in helping clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, attachment issues, relationship conflicts, and transitional life periods such as school and work. I am gender and sexuality affirming.
Focuses on action and change towards our definitions of a meaningful life. Helps by exploring one’s value system and once that is better understood taking actionable steps towards goals to live more within that value system.
Works on the concept that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected, and that we all have certain cognitive distortions that can trap us in more negative patterns. CBT helps to challenge and reframe these patterns to help improve the way you feel and your approach to problems and stress.
Promotes the idea that we get to make meaning of the stories of our lives, and our interpretations of these stories impact how we see ourselves and see the world. This type of therapy can help one make sense of their experiences, find and focus on your strengths, and determine how to deconstruct and externalize the stories we are telling ourselves that are not serving us.