LMHC, 11 years of experience
Frequently rebooked
My name is Jessica Vermaak, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor through the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling as well as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and MFT Board. My approach to therapy begins with client-centered care. I utilize various therapeutic frameworks to ensure that our sessions are collaborative.
During the first session with me, clients should expect to establish rapport, set expectations, and provide some background information on why they are seeking therapy. I will begin with a warm, welcoming introduction to ensure that clients are comfortable. I will explain my client-centered and collaborative approach to our sessions and create a safe space for the client. We will discuss confidentiality and boundaries as well as goal setting. Aside from discussing background information, we will also clarify the client's expectations.
Like many therapists, I was drawn to this field to help others. I have struggled with my own mental health issues that have shaped me into the person I am today. I was eager to learn how to resolve and change the things that I saw didn't serve me in life and work towards creating a life that I am proud of. A life that gives me satisfaction. As a professional, I want to help others on their path towards a better life with an increased level of satisfaction. Improving lives drives me to do what I do.
I believe that building a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation of all meaningful work in therapy. From the first meeting, I strive to create a space that is safe, supportive, and conducive to healing. The tone I set and the atmosphere I cultivate are intentional—designed to foster trust, encourage openness, and allow clients to feel truly seen and heard. My approach is warm, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. I want clients to feel welcomed and accepted from the moment we meet. I make privacy and confidentiality a top priority, so clients can freely express themselves without fear of criticism or judgment. I approach every concern with curiosity rather than assumptions, offering understanding, patience, and reassurance in the process. Empathy and compassion are at the heart of my work. I listen attentively, validate emotions without minimizing them, and use open-ended questions to deepen reflection and self-awareness. I respect each client’s autonomy and recognize the importance of allowing them to lead sessions when appropriate, which fosters a sense of empowerment in their healing journey. I encourage vulnerability and authenticity as we explore challenges and strengths together. My goal is to help clients feel safe enough to share openly, while also challenging unhelpful patterns in a supportive way. By honoring their experiences and meeting them where they are, I aim to help clients build resilience, gain clarity, and develop strategies that align with their values and goals. Clients can expect an environment where emotional expression is met with understanding, where progress is celebrated, and where setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth. Whether we are navigating mood changes, life transitions, relationship challenges, or self-discovery, I approach each session as a collaborative process—one that is client-centered, respectful, and oriented toward lasting change.
7 ratings with written reviews
July 16, 2025
though we’ve only had a few sessions, she is by far the best therapist i’ve ever had. jessica provides a safe space where she perfectly balances listening to you and adding in her own input/ideas on how to help. she comes up with an extensive treatment plan, and helpful homework/exercises to practice outside of your sessions. i’d highly recommend! :)
June 24, 2025
I deeply appreciate that we have a plan for my treatment and that plan has goals and specific action plans.
June 12, 2025
Instead of providing an environment for reconciliation and communication, setup an ambush just so my wife could tell me she's divorcing me. Then proceeded to say nothing in support of the marriage, but only encouraging my wife to pursue the divorce.
I use several effective worksheets for homework assignments that are derived from the ACT approach.
I will seek to address the dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors that my clients present with. Our goal is to work together to change maladaptive thinking. This is accomplished through cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and behavioral experiments.
I will incorporate mindfulness practices to foster a greater awareness of the present moment, aiming to reduce stress and manage things like anxiety and/or depression. This is accomplished through Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction.
Rather than focusing on problems, we work together to emphasize solutions and client strengths. This approach is brief and goal-oriented. This is accomplished by utilizing techniques such as the Miracle Question, scaling questions, and identifying exceptions to the problem.
DBT helps clients build practical skills for managing intense emotions, reducing impulsive reactions, and improving their relationships. We focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and effective communication strategies. I tailor DBT tools to meet each client’s unique needs so they feel more confident and balanced in daily life.