About Jessica


Beginning the conversation…

Long before I became a therapist, I was interested in communication. That interest evolved in my development from a talkative child to an aspiring artist with a passion for visual conversation through painting and finally to a studious adult focused on learning all I could about psychology, relationships, neurobiology and personal growth and creativity.

My education began in the psychology department at Florida Atlantic University, with my initial concentration being directed toward research in the field of evolutionary psychology. But eventually, I listened to my own heart and realized that I wanted to connect and help others in a more fundamental way that was not readily accessible within the statistical analysis of research. So, I embarked on clinical study.

I completed my masters degree in clinical social work at Barry University in Miami, Florida and was immediately hired at a non-profit community mental health agency as a full time therapist and intake specialist. There, I completed 2 years of post graduate clinical study under direct supervision, passed the national clinical board exam and earned my professional license in the state of Florida. I continued within the agency for several more years before finally deciding to open my own practice.

Throughout this time, I have chosen to continue my education by taking hundreds of hours of additional courses in the neurobiology of trauma, trauma and abuse recovery, relationship issues and communication, LGBTQ issues, women’s issues, child development and more. I have also become certified as a clinical supervisor for other therapists, to mentor and support the profession and foster a passion for continuing education in my colleagues.

In the course of my professional journey, I’ve become a skilled guide for others as they make their way through difficult life situations, try to resolve past issues or look for ways to craft the bold and creative life they really yearn for. To help you accomplish this, I tailor a multidisciplinary approach, utilizing areas of study such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,

    psychotherapeutic approach that addresses how our thoughts, actions and emotions contribute to our life situations and what changes we can make to have the greatest impact on our circumstances.

  • Narrative therapy,

    a collaborative psychoterapeutic approach that focuses on our stories, examining them for their deeper meaning in our lives and developing a richer understanding of their influence over us.

  • Systems Theory/Family Systems Theory,

    an integrative approach that looks at each member’s role within a group, as it relates to the healthy functioning of the whole. This allows family (or group) members to reconnect in deeply meaningful ways and gain insight into how they impact each other in order to adopt more positive behaviors that benefit the whole family as well as each individual.

  • Positive Psychology

    utilizes the scientific method to examine the impact of emotions, traits and systems while identifying strengths so as to increase and sustain well being and happiness.

  • Psychodynamics,

    inspired by thermodynamics, studies inner conflict between our conscious and unconscious motivations by looking at the psychological forces behind our actions and emotions, and how they relate to our experiences and relationships.

  • Symptom Targeted Intervention

    is a methodology that is focused on those with a chronic disease who are also suffering from depression, utilizing goal oriented problem identification and brief cognitive, behavioral and mindfulness techniques to improve health and well-being.

  • Conflict Resolution

    utilizes a dual concern model (concern for the self and concern for others) to examine how our very dispositions effect our relationships, professional goals and overall outcomes while seeking ways to maximize the effectiveness of our communication.

  • Traumatic Incident Reduction,

    or TIR, is a therapeutic intervention for those who have experienced crime-related or interpersonal violence, war, abuse, rape or other shocking events. It is designed to resolve the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety by integrating dissociated emotions and thoughts that result from traumatic memory.

  • Neurobiology

    is the scientific study of the nervous system. I use my knowledge of this subject to help you understand the biological experience and impact of our emotional states (such as anxiety and depression) and how our psychological functions are created in our neural circuitry.

  • Women’s Studies

    is a discipline I use to explore how our culture, media, politics and history impact our experience of gender and our roles as daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, friends, co-workers and bosses.

  • Art Therapy

    is the use of creativity and expressive art in exploring our inner experience, increasing insight to allow us to better cope with stress and work through past traumas to improve our sense of self.

  • Mindfulness

    is a meditative practice that focuses on increasing our moment-to-moment awareness of our emotions, thoughts, beliefs and experiences in order to move us towards a greater sense of authenticity and acceptance to improve our well-being.