WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Clients that work with Jess can expect a warm soul with a laid-back style. Jess believes throughout life, we carry stories about ourselves that limit our understanding of our true self. Our thoughts feel like truths and emotions feel like they will never go away, so we act on them instead of how we want to be as people. Jess is passionate about helping you cope with distressing emotions, find the words to re-write those self-limiting ideas, and create adaptive ways to live a life driven by your values, rather than your anxiety or stress.
You can expect a safe space where you will get to know yourself better. This might mean saying things you’ve never said out loud before, processing stressful situations, and healing past wounds. Jess will compassionately challenge you, help you identify patterns that keep you stuck, and teach you practical tools to apply in your every day life.
Jess has worked with people from all walks of life and of all ages. Jess considers it a privilege to have worked with people who used substances to cope, teenagers in foster care, children who have been abused or neglected, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Jess invites those in helping professions to seek therapy as well, to improve the way you care for yourself while caring for others.
Jess’s ideal clients are college students and adults facing:
anxiety
depression
childhood trauma & attachment wounds
stress & life transitions
low self-esteem
grief
compassion fatigue
lack of motivation, task management, or habit development
Jess is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. She received her bachelor’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. She spends her time reading books, painting, hiking, riding motorcycles, and bugging her pet rabbit.
She has almost a decade of experience supporting individuals and families through all stages of the human condition. Her background as a therapist, child protection worker (from investigations to foster care), hospital social worker (organ transplant), grief counselor, and habilitation worker with children on the autism spectrum has prepared her with the skills necessary to help you find the path towards healing and growth no matter the circumstance.
Jess’s approach is rooted in holistic thinking, where she often incorporates grounding meditation and accessible yoga poses that are widely-researched and effective in managing anxiety or stress. She values being creative to meet her client's unique needs and will utilize Trauma-Focused CBT, Acceptance Commitment therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy. Jess is fully trained in EMDR Level I and Level II through the EMDRIA approved Training program. Read more about this highly effective treatment for trauma here: EMDR and America Psychological Association Info
Because a cactus embodies important qualities. A cactus is a symbol of strength and healing. They are adaptable, resilient plants that survive in the harshest conditions. They know when to store water, and at the right time, use energy to bloom vibrant flowers. It’s not a bad thing to be a calm cactus in the wild west.
