LCSW, 24 years of experience
Hello there! My name is Jessica, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), & certified Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist (EAP). I have nearly 25 years of experience working with individuals and families. It is a privilege assisting others as they navigate life transitions, painful loss, emotional distress, and circumstances that may be preventing them from facilitating change and moving towards a future they'd like to see. I obtained a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at George Williams College at Aurora University. I have a diverse background of professional experience, as I have worked in school settings; in partnerships with local police departments; in inpatient and outpatient programs in behavioral health hospitals; supplying psycho-educational materials and groups for youth and adolescents; presenting at seminars for other professionals in the field; and providing individual, family, and group therapy in a variety of settings.
In our first session together, we'll start with some brief introductions, maybe even do an "icebreaker" to help you relax a bit. Then, we can discuss what brought you to seek counseling and review the specific challenges you're experiencing or trials you are enduring. This will help me create a plan for us to work through in our follow-up sessions. Clients can expect to feel a bit "lighter" in the first session as we connect and I validate how you've been feeling. Early on in our work together, you will learn tools so you can work on regulating your emotions when upset or in distress. Additionally, and most importantly: When you leave your first session, you will already find that you are beginning to feel hope towards your future.
I strive to treat clients and their family members the way I would insist a provider treat my loved ones - with empathy, dignity, patience, and respect. I work to understand where my clients want to start within their own therapy, so they have ownership of their care and their goals for moving forward I empower them to recognize strengths, develop skills, learn strategies, and explore alternative solutions to their current crises. I aim to provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment to promote healing. I engage clients with compassion, humor, and a direct and non-judgmental approach. I work alongside my clients, encouraging and helping them find hope on their individual journey to peace and restoration.
I currently only provide treatment to individuals ages 18+. I love working with young adults, women, and older adults. My clients long to feel better, as they've been feeling stuck and not quite themselves, for quite some time. They might fear change in general, yet they have the desire to make changes. They don't yet have all the tools needed to reach their goals, but that's something in which I can assist them. NOTE: Please do not schedule any sessions beyond your first one. We will talk at the end of your initial session and review availability. I am working off 3 calendars, so some of the availability shown on the Grow Therapy calendar might not be accurate.
I incorporate prayer, scripture, and Biblical teachings into therapeutic interventions for clients seeking spiritual integration. Additionally, I combine your faith with the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Treatment, Emotional Regulation, and Motivational Interviewing. For more info, please visit: https://www.2911healingharbor.com
3 ratings with written reviews
June 17, 2025
After every visit I feel like I can take on the world. I love the conversations I have with Jess and the humor she brings to them. She shows you that it's normal to feel the way that you do and gives proper solutions on how to fix them. This is by far the best therapist I have ever seen, and I am always looking forward to my conversation with her. If you're looking for a great therapist, here she is.
April 23, 2025
I’ve been in therapy for YEARS and have met several mental health professionals. No one has ever made me feel so at ease INSTANTLY than Jessica did during our first session. I was able to have a difficult but open and honest conversation about goals. She was a wonderful listener, provided useful feedback, and made a plan for us moving forward.
March 3, 2025
Jessica is a good person and a good therapist. I can recommend her without reservation.