(she/her)
My name is Jessica and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Work for the past 25 years. I have extensive experience working with individuals, families, couples, and children and specialize in treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, trauma, women's health, obsessive compulsive disorder and sleep disorders. I also have extensive experience working with the military and first responders. Additionally, I work with individuals who may not meet criteria for a mental health diagnosis; however, benefit from developing skills to manage and prevent stress. Chronic, unmanaged stress affects all aspects of life, home, and work, including sleep, family relationships, and professional interactions. Everyone experiences stress, but not everyone invests the time necessary to ensure long-term positive mental health, similar to completing physical therapy to work through knee pain or regular physical exercise to mitigate chronic health issues. Therapy will be straightforward, goal-directed, and solution-focused. We will work together to identify treatment goals and develop strategies to reduce stress and prevent future problems. I primarily treat from a cognitive behavioral model, identifying negative thoughts and beliefs and how they contribute to negative behaviors and outcomes.
In our first session, we’ll start by talking about what brought you to therapy and what you’d like to get out of our work together. I’ll ask about your family and early experiences to better understand the core beliefs you’ve developed and the role you’ve taken on within your family system. We’ll also discuss my clinical approach so you have a clear sense of how I work, and to make sure it feels like a good fit for your needs and goals.
I offer a warm, supportive, and empathetic space where you can feel truly heard and understood, while also helping you move forward with purpose. Alongside this nurturing approach, I gently challenge unhelpful thought patterns and encourage accountability, so that you can develop skills to meet your goals. Together, we’ll identify and shift behaviors that may be holding you back, empowering you to build healthier thought and behavior patterns, take action and achieve meaningful growth.
Clients who are prepared to engage in a collaborative therapeutic partnership can work to identify and explore negative thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors that affect their overall quality of life. They are encouraged to reflect on and challenge underlying belief systems that may be contributing to distress. Therapy is structured and goal-oriented, with clearly defined objectives designed to maximize meaningful outcomes. In addition to addressing current concerns, therapy can also serve a preventative role by strengthening coping skills and resilience, helping clients reduce the likelihood of future difficulties
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a structured, values-based approach that promotes psychological flexibility. In session, the clinician helps the client notice and accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than avoid them, using mindfulness and acceptance strategies. Clients identify core values and commit to behaviors aligned with those values despite discomfort. Sessions are experiential and collaborative, often incorporating metaphors and exercises. Clients can expect between-session practice focused on mindful awareness and values-driven action to improve functioning and well-being.
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a structured, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatment that helps clients examine and modify unhelpful beliefs related to traumatic experiences. In session, the clinician guides the client in identifying “stuck points” (e.g., beliefs about safety, trust, or self-blame) and uses cognitive restructuring to challenge and reframe them. Clients can expect a consistent session structure, discussion of trauma-related thoughts and emotions, and practice through worksheets and assignments. The approach emphasizes building insight, reducing distress, and promoting more balanced, adaptive thinking
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Each session will begin by creating an agenda followed by exploring maladaptive thoughts and behaviors that contribute to stress and other symptoms. Targeted interventions are used to provide tangible skills and tools that can be used. These skills are discussed and then practiced in between sessions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a structured, evidence-based treatment targeting thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep. In session, the clinician assesses sleep patterns and introduces interventions such as sleep hygiene, stimulus control, sleep restriction, and cognitive restructuring. Clients can expect to track sleep with logs, follow consistent sleep–wake schedules, and challenge unhelpful beliefs about sleep. Sessions are goal-oriented and collaborative, focusing on improving sleep efficiency and reducing anxiety related to insomnia.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a structured, evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders. In session, the clinician collaborates with the client to develop an exposure hierarchy and gradually face feared stimuli while preventing compulsive or avoidant responses. Clients learn to tolerate distress and reduce reliance on rituals. Sessions are active and goal-oriented, often including in-session exposures and between-session practice. Clients can expect repeated, controlled exposure exercises to build confidence and decrease anxiety over time.