Jessica Chester
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with an Ed.S. in Professional Counseling from the University of West Georgia. Based in Georgia, I bring 15 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and school‑related challenges.
I stand out as a therapist because I bring a unique blend of school‑based experience and a strong, integrative therapeutic approach to my work.
I am passionate about creating a warm, collaborative, and empowering therapeutic space where clients feel understood and supported. My goal is to help individuals build insight, strengthen resilience, and develop practical skills that lead to meaningful, lasting change in their daily lives.
First session
In our first session, clients can expect a warm, supportive space where we begin by discussing their goals and what they hope to gain from counseling. We will explore any prior experiences they’ve had with therapy what was helpful, what wasn’t, and what they would like to be different this time. I also take time to understand their current concerns, needs, and expectations so we can begin shaping a plan that feels comfortable, collaborative, and tailored to their unique situation. This first meeting is all about building connection, gaining clarity, and setting the foundation for meaningful progress together.
Strengths
I stand out as a therapist because I bring a unique blend of school‑based experience and a strong, integrative therapeutic approach to my work. Having spent years supporting students within the school setting, I understand the academic, social, and emotional pressures that children and teens face, as well as the challenges parents navigate behind the scenes. I combine this real‑world insight with evidence‑based approaches—such as CBT, DBT, and REBT to create practical, personalized strategies that meet clients where they are. My goal is to offer a warm, collaborative space where children, teens, and adults feel supported, understood, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting change.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are children, teens, and adults who are navigating challenges such as anxiety, anger, parenting concerns, and school‑related issues. I work best with individuals who are seeking support in understanding their emotions, building healthier coping skills, and improving their daily functioning at home, school, or in relationships. I strive to create a supportive, collaborative space where clients feel empowered to grow, gain insight, and make meaningful changes in their lives.
Origin story
I became a therapist because I have always had a genuine passion for helping others navigate life’s challenges and recognize their own strengths. I believe everyone deserves a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they can feel heard, understood, and valued. Over the years, I have seen how stress, anxiety, relationships, family concerns, major life transitions, and everyday responsibilities can become overwhelming. I also recognize that there continues to be a significant need for accessible mental health support and for therapists who are compassionate, relatable, and willing to meet clients where they are. Becoming a therapist allows me to help individuals better understand themselves, develop healthy coping strategies, work through difficult experiences, and create meaningful changes in their lives. I enjoy being able to support clients as they identify patterns, build confidence, establish healthier boundaries, and learn how to prioritize their emotional well-being. For me, therapy is not about telling someone what to do or having all the answers. It is about creating a collaborative relationship where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts and feelings, discover what works best for them, and move toward the life they want. I became a therapist because helping others has always been meaningful to me, and I know there is a continued need for quality mental health care. Being able to provide encouragement, guidance, and a safe space for people during both difficult and transformative moments is what makes this work so important to me.
Ongoing work together
Our ongoing work will be collaborative and supportive, focusing on your individual needs and goals. Together, we’ll identify challenges, build effective coping strategies, recognize patterns, and develop practical tools to help you feel more confident navigating life’s challenges.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts, understand how those thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors, and practice replacing them with more balanced and realistic thinking. Through guided reflection, thought‑challenging exercises, and skill‑building activities, I support clients in developing healthier coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and building confidence in their ability to navigate academic and personal challenges.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques with clients to help teach them practical skills for managing emotions, improving distress tolerance, strengthening interpersonal effectiveness, and building mindfulness. I guide clients in recognizing their emotional patterns, practicing grounding strategies, and learning how to respond rather than react in challenging situations. Through structured skill‑building, validation, and collaborative problem‑solving, I help clients develop healthier coping tools and increase their ability to navigate both academic and personal stressors with greater resilience and self‑awareness.
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy
I use Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) techniques with clients to help them identify irrational beliefs that contribute to emotional distress and unhelpful behaviors. Together, we explore the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, and work to challenge and replace rigid or self‑defeating beliefs with more balanced, flexible, and empowering perspectives. Through guided questioning, reframing exercises, and practical skill‑building, I support clients in developing healthier thinking patterns, improving emotional regulation, and strengthening their ability to cope with academic and personal challenges.
Location
Virtual sessions
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Licensed in
- GeorgiaLicense LPC016762
- South CarolinaLicense 12521