Jessica Ruiz
I’m a licensed counselor in Virginia and North Carolina with more than eight years of counseling experience and a 19-year background in medical education. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma and PTSD, grief, life transitions, and military-related experiences. As a Puerto Rican, Spanish-speaking counselor from a military-connected family, I also have a strong interest in culturally responsive care and working with diverse communities. I believe our identities, relationships, health, and life experiences all play a role in how we understand ourselves.
First session
Our first session is really about getting to know each other and understanding what brought you to therapy—there’s no pressure to tell me your entire life story in an hour. We’ll talk about what’s happening in your life, what you’d like help with, and what you hope to get from therapy. You’ll also have plenty of space to ask questions and decide whether I feel like the right therapist for you. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, respected, and hopeful that we have a direction forward.
Strengths
I bring warmth, curiosity, and a collaborative approach to therapy. I take time to understand your experiences, recognize your strengths, and tailor our work to your needs. My approach is trauma-informed, and I draw from several therapeutic methods because different people benefit from different kinds of support. I’ll support you, but I’ll also gently challenge you when it can help you recognize patterns, understand yourself more deeply, and move toward meaningful change. Most importantly, I want therapy to feel like a place where you can be honest, ask questions, and be fully yourself without judgment.
Ideal clients
I work well with adults who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or worn down by trying to manage everything on their own. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, or a major life change and want space to understand what you’re experiencing and what could help. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. My approach may be a good fit if you value collaboration, honest conversation, and support that includes gentle challenges. Together, we can build on your strengths, explore patterns, and work toward changes that matter to you.
Treatment methods
Integrative
I use an integrative, trauma-informed approach, drawing primarily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. These approaches help us explore how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect, find ways to respond to difficult experiences, and build practical skills for managing emotions and relationships. Being trauma-informed means I consider how past experiences may affect you today and prioritize safety, trust, and your ability to make choices throughout therapy. Together, we’ll tailor our work to your needs, goals, and comfort level, adjusting based on what you find helpful.
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- North CarolinaLicense 15756
- VirginiaLicense 0701013270