Jessica Aleman, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Jessica Aleman

Jessica Aleman

(she/her)

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual

Hello! If you’re here, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just not yourself lately—and you’re not alone. Whether it’s anxiety that won’t quiet down, a mood that feels hard to shake, or past experiences that still seem to have a grip on your present, I’m here to help you move forward. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals across a range of settings, including community mental health, school settings (both K-12 and higher education), and private practice. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with people navigating all kinds of challenges, but I most commonly help those dealing with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and trauma. I also have a strong commitment to working with members of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a safe and affirming space to explore identity, relationships, and any challenges that may come up along the way. Whether you're looking for support, clarity, or connection to helpful resources, I'm here to walk alongside you. I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. My approach is compassionate and collaborative—we’ll work together to better understand what’s been holding you back and find ways to create meaningful change. Whether you’re facing a recent stressor or working through something from the past, we’ll take things at your pace and focus on what matters most to you. If you're ready to move forward—or even just thinking about it—I'm here to walk that path with you. Let's reconnect you with the strength and clarity that's already within you. Feel free to reach out for a consultation. I look forward to meeting you.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, we’ll take some time to get to know each other. I’ll ask about what brought you in, what you're hoping to work on, and any goals you might have for therapy—whether those are clear right now or still taking shape. It’s a chance for us to explore what’s been going on in your life and start to build a plan that feels supportive and tailored to you. Sessions with me aren’t super formal—I aim to create a space where you can feel comfortable, talk openly, and be yourself. You’re welcome to ask me any questions about how I work, the types of therapy I draw from, or my professional background. I want you to feel confident that this is a good fit and that we’re working together in a way that feels right for you. Most importantly, this is your time, and we’ll go at your pace. Whether you come in ready to dive deep or just want to ease into things, I’ll meet you where you are.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a space where people feel genuinely comfortable being themselves. I'm fairly laid back in my style, and I work hard to make sure clients feel safe, heard, and never judged—especially when we're talking about the hard stuff. That said, I’m not just here to listen. I’ll be honest with you, and I’m not afraid to gently challenge you or push you to do the work when it’s needed. Growth can be uncomfortable at times, but I’ll always show up with respect, compassion, and a belief in your ability to move forward. I also bring a good sense of humor into the room when it’s appropriate—because sometimes laughter really is a part of the healing process. I create a space where you can talk openly with me, even about things you’ve never said out loud before—and I will make sure you feel both supported and accountable in the process.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I work with teens (15+) and adults of all ages, but I especially enjoy supporting young adults navigating the often overwhelming transitions of early adulthood—whether that’s figuring out who you are, managing school or career stress, building relationships, or healing from past experiences. This time of life can feel exciting, confusing, and heavy all at once, and having someone in your corner can make a big difference. That said, I welcome anyone who’s feeling stuck, weighed down by anxiety or depression, or working through trauma. I also provide an affirming space for LGBTQ+ individuals looking for support, clarity, or connection to resources. No matter where you're starting from, I aim to meet you with empathy and real conversation, and help you build the tools and insight you need to move forward.

About Jessica Aleman

Identifies as

Specializes in

AnxietyAnger ManagementTrauma and PTSD

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In our work together, I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a practical, hands-on approach to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. CBT is all about spotting patterns that might be keeping you stuck—like negative self-talk or unhelpful beliefs—and then working to challenge and change those patterns. What I really like about CBT is that it’s flexible and can be tailored to fit your unique experiences and goals. We’ll work together to identify what’s going on in your mind and find new ways to respond that feel healthier and more empowering. You can expect to practice skills during sessions and sometimes between them, which can help you manage anxiety, improve mood, and build more positive habits over time. I also combine CBT with other approaches depending on what you need—whether that’s trauma-informed techniques, mindfulness strategies, or supportive talk therapy. My goal is always to meet you where you are and use the tools that best support your growth and healing. CBT is collaborative and goal-focused, so it’s very much about what matters most to you and helping you take concrete steps toward feeling better and living the life you want.

Trauma Informed Care

In my work, I use trauma-informed care to create a safe and supportive space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. Trauma can show up in many ways, sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious, and it often affects how we see ourselves and the world around us. Trauma-informed care means that I recognize the impact trauma can have on your mental, emotional, and even physical health. I’m here to listen without judgment and to honor your story while prioritizing your sense of safety and control throughout our work together. This approach is gentle and flexible—we’ll move forward in a way that feels manageable for you, and I’ll help you build skills to feel grounded and resilient. I also integrate trauma-informed practices with other tools to support your healing in a way that fits your needs. Above all, trauma-informed care is about empowerment—helping you regain a sense of safety, trust, and strength as you move forward.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I also use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), which is all about focusing on your strengths and what’s already working in your life. Instead of spending a lot of time digging into the past or the problems, we concentrate on your goals and the positive steps you can take right now to move forward. In our sessions, we’ll explore what you want to achieve and what small changes or resources you can tap into to get there. This approach is practical and goal-oriented, designed to help you build confidence and momentum quickly. SFBT is collaborative and empowering—you’re the expert in your own life, and my role is to help you notice your abilities and solutions you might not have seen before. This makes it a great fit if you’re looking for focused, efficient therapy that helps you create meaningful change.

Strength-Based

I use a strengths-based approach in therapy because I believe that everyone has inner resources, talents, and resilience—even when things feel really tough. This approach focuses on identifying and building on your existing strengths, rather than just focusing on problems or challenges. In our sessions, we’ll explore what you’re already doing well, the qualities that have helped you get through difficult times, and the skills you can draw on as you work toward your goals. This perspective helps foster hope and confidence, reminding you that you have the tools within you to create positive change. By focusing on your strengths, we create a more balanced and empowering therapy experience—one that highlights your abilities and supports your growth in a way that feels authentic and motivating.

Narrative

I often incorporate a narrative approach in therapy, which is all about understanding the stories we tell ourselves about our lives. Sometimes those stories can feel stuck or limiting—like they define who we are or what we’re capable of. Narrative therapy helps us take a step back, explore those stories, and consider new perspectives that feel more hopeful and empowering. In our sessions, we’ll work together to unpack the narratives that might be holding you back and find ways to rewrite them in a way that highlights your strengths, values, and goals. This approach helps you see yourself not just as someone shaped by challenges, but as someone with the power to shape your own story. Narrative therapy is collaborative and respectful, giving you space to make meaning of your experiences on your terms and move toward the future you want to create.