LPC, 15 years of experience
I'm Jessica Canteen, a fully licensed professional counselor with the Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington State Boards. For over a decade, I’ve worked with school and community-based programs, offering individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, unmanaged anger, trauma, and relationship conflict. My career is defined by a deep passion for supporting others on their wellness journey, helping them grow into their best selves.
The first session serves as a foundation for building trust, establishing a strong rapport, and setting a clear framework for our work together. Clients can expect me to ask thoughtful questions aimed at understanding their experiences, perspectives, and goals from their unique point of view. This session is all about creating a safe space where clients feel comfortable sharing, while I gain insight into their needs and preferences. Together, we’ll begin to identify what they hope to achieve, laying the groundwork for a collaborative, supportive journey tailored to their personal growth and well-being.
In my sessions, I aim to create an environment that feels safe, compassionate, and empowering. I know that therapy requires vulnerability, so I focus on fostering a space where clients feel genuinely seen, understood, and supported. My tone is both empathetic and encouraging. I meet each client where they are, offering validation and kindness while also gently challenging them to grow. Working with me feels collaborative and client-centered; I tailor my approach to each individual, infusing creativity and practical strategies that promote healing, skill-building, and self-discovery. Above all, clients often feel respected and heard, with the freedom to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment.
I am here to support any client who is ready to engage in the meaningful work of therapy. This journey requires vulnerability, self-accountability, and a readiness for change, and I deeply respect every individual who takes the courageous step to seek support. I strive to meet each client where they are and guide them toward the goals they envision for themselves.
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is my preferred therapeutic model because it provides practical, evidence-based tools that empower clients to actively participate in their healing process. Together, we identify unhelpful thought patterns, challenge them, and replace them with healthier, more constructive perspectives. I integrate practical tools and exercises tailored to each client's needs, empowering them to challenge problematic narratives, manage their emotions, develop coping strategies, and create lasting positive change.
I incorporate psychoeducation in my practice by providing clients with clear, relatable explanations about the mental health challenges they’re experiencing and the science behind their symptoms. For example, I might teach clients about how stress and trauma affect the brain and body to help them understand their reactions. I also use visual tools and handouts to break down therapeutic concepts, such as emotional regulation strategies or cognitive distortions, making them easier to apply in daily life. Additionally, I encourage clients to actively engage in their learning by consuming literature and media on the topic and by reflecting on how these insights relate to their personal experiences, fostering self-awareness and empowerment.
I integrate Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) in my practice by emphasizing clients’ strengths, resources, and goals to create practical, forward-thinking solutions. Through goal-oriented conversations, I help clients clarify achievable goals and envision their desired outcomes. By highlighting strengths and resources, my clients build confidence and resilience as they recognize their ability to draw on existing skills and past successes to overcome current challenges. Lastly, through tools like scaling questions and actionable steps, I guide clients to recognize what’s already working and apply those strategies to current challenges. This forward-thinking approach empowers clients to create meaningful change, even within a short-term framework.
21 ratings with written reviews
August 15, 2025
From my first appt, I knew I was lucky to find Jessica as a provider. She is encouraging, but will still challenge you to step out of your own patterns. She has a tactful way of bringing emotions back down to earth into practical action steps. I cannot recommend her enough!
July 24, 2025
Her insight gives me skills to get a bigger picture of certain patterns of behavior and thought I DO have the wherewithal to change despite being “an old dog.”
July 22, 2025
I’m very happy with my choice of picking Jessica for our marriage counseling. She is a great listener. She picked up on my energy from the moment we started. I look forward to working with her in the future and gaining the tools to help us.