Meet Jessica
"If you want to fly, you have to give up the things that weigh you down."
- Tyler Perry
It is understandable that you want to know about me, but ultimately I am not the reason you are here, you are.
Finding a therapist that you connect with and trust is vital and can be overwhelming and time consuming. Some people give up and settle for someone who is not a good fit for them. I am qualified to help you address the issues you are seeking support for, and here you can find information to help you determine if The Serenity Wellness Project might be the right fit for you.
In therapy, you could be discussing some of your innermost thoughts and feelings; making you feel more vulnerable than ever before. You may be overwhelmed with many emotions, but by going through them, you are making way for growth. Change does not happen immediately, but it will with time.
"The best way out is always through."
- Robert Frost
In my 13 years of experience in the field of mental health, I have learnt that you have the most potential for success in therapy with me when you show up ready to work, valuing the need for professional help. Perhaps you have tried doing things your own way and have come to the realization that what you have been doing is no longer working.
It is the role of your therapist to listen to you without prejudice, help redirect your thoughts, and challenge your way of looking at something, not to tell you what you want to hear. Navigating your feelings and emotions without boundaries does not lead to your personal growth, it keeps you stuck exactly where you have been. Challenging your thoughts and actions can help bring a sense of awareness to issues that you may have overlooked before.
As much as this is about you, the therapeutic relationship works best when both client and therapist are on the same page, working together. The truth of the matter is that not all personalities mesh well, as individuals we need different things to help us succeed. Every therapist has their own approach and it is important that you feel comfortable and confident with your decision.
"We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is the one of the most potent forces for change that I know."
- Carl Rogers
You will find me to be an active participant in your treatment. My goal is to be present during our time together and direct with you about your understanding and how you might consider moving forward. I have a very clear idea about what I would want from a therapist and believe you should too.
The end goal is not for us to build a friendship but to establish a mutually respectful relationship which you ultimately leave the better for.
Education and Experience
As for my education, my graduate studies are in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling. These advanced studies included extensive hours of supervision in both group and individual sessions. I completed these hours in various locations and states including the Iowa Department of Corrections, drug and alcohol inpatient and rehabilitation facilities and adolescent inpatient facilities. Following the completion of my masters, I have gone on to practice therapy in domestic violence shelters, mental health inpatient facilities and drug and alcohol outpatient facilities for both adolescents and adults.
These combined experiences have driven my passion for helping others seek change.
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (License No. 8538)
Member of the American Counseling Association
Master of Arts, Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, University of Iowa, 2011
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Mount Mercy College, 2008
Modalities
I utilize several evidence-based theoretical approaches in therapy and integrate various models depending on the issues I am treating.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)