Annika Jernigan
I'm Annika, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. I began my clinical practice in 2019 (working with children, adults, and families) and earned an independent license to practice in July of 2025. I currently work with adults navigating everything from anxiety, depression, and ADHD to identity concerns, discrimination, trauma, relationship patterns, and life-altering grief. I'm biracial, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and deeply committed to culturally responsive care. I believe great therapy rests on a strong relationship with your therapist- one who sees and supports you. I use a tailored mix of various treatment approaches to best fit your needs, including DBT, CBT, Solution-Focused, Narrative, and ACT.
First session
First things first - we will start by getting to know each other. I'll ask you about what brought you here, what's been on your mind, and what you are hoping to accomplish in therapy. You may not have all the answers, or you may not feel ready to share them if you do. That is more than okay, and you won't be pressured to disclose anything that you aren't ready to. My goal is to get an initial understanding of the big picture of your life and your needs while making sure that you actually feel heard. I offer virtual sessions across Ohio and accept Aetna, Cigna, and Carelon Behavioral Health.
Strengths
My style is warm, direct, and genuinely collaborative. I use humor and honesty to help people feel safe enough to face the difficult stuff. I adapt based on your needs and what works for you. That could look like structured skill-building (think DBT, CBT), or sometimes it's narrative exploration of strengths or your past. We figure out the shape of your treatment together and check in as we go. I work best with adults who are ready to reflect, even if "ready" also means skeptical or unsure if therapy is for them.
Ideal clients
I work best with those who are ready to dig in, even if they are unsure of where to start. Maybe you want to explore your identity, manage your relationship with grief, improve your connections to those in your life, or find balance in an overwhelming and stressful world. Whether you're navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, life transitions, depression, or the weight of being queer, multiracial, or simply different in ways that don't fit into tidy categories, you deserve a therapist who strives to understand you and your lived experience.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Person-centered therapy is client focused in that it acknowledges that you are the expert in your own life. It is a collaborative approach which allows me to meet you where you are, understand your goals, and help you build the life you want. This approach also acknowledged the importance of a building a trusting and connected therapeutic relationship between client and clinician. Therapy can be like dating- it's imperative that you find a therapist who is a good fit for you and your unique needs.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is goal oriented. Together we can explore the interactions between our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. CBT is a good fit for those who like structure, skill-building, and personal empowerment.
Eclectic
I use a blend of therapeutic approaches which are tailored to fit the needs and wants of my clients. That includes: culturally responsive therapy, DBT, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Solution-Focused Brief therapy, Positive psychology, Narrative therapy and more.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Serves
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- OhioLicense E.2505525