For the Kids: 

"In every child, there is a world of joy and sorrow, a universe of dreams and fears waiting to be discovered and understood."

— Unknown

One of my favorite things about being a therapist is witnessing the deep healing that occurs as families lay the foundation of their child’s future through attuning to their child’s emotions. This attunement to your child is typically where I meet parents in our first session as we go over the ways your child has been relating to their emotions before I begin working with them. Building resilience and increasing children’s ability to navigate a wide range of emotions are some of the cornerstones I help young minds foster during our time together.  I continually collaborate with parents to scaffold a safe and supportive environment as their children move through the joys and sorrows of each developmental stage. Everyday, I am honored to be part of the village it takes to raise a child though the bumps and bruises of growing up. My hope for each kid and teen that comes through my office is they leave feeling more confident as their most authentic self unfolds. 

I love working with youth experiencing:

Depression/Anxiety - Managing Self Harm or Suicidal Thoughts 

Divorce or Separation

High Pressure from Sports 

Disordered Eating

For the Kids at Heart:

“We are always in a perpetual state of being created and creating ourselves” - Daniel J. Siegel

I love this quote because it speaks to the constant overturn of heartbreak and healing we experience as human beings. Some of my favorite work with adults involves rediscovering their voices while interweaving threads of autonomy and resiliency into the messiness. I love meeting clients in moments of disconnect with themselves and others, while helping them find what it means to reconnect. Human beings learn by experience which is why I lean on the therapeutic relationship in the room, and consistently encourage clients to lean into purposeful action outside of the room. I desire to create a space that is safe yet challenging, gentle yet dynamic, and structured yet flexible. Together, we will work to tolerate uncomfortable emotions to create momentum towards living a life rooted in your deepest values. My desire for the adults I work with is to leave feeling confident in their ability to recognize and understand emotions while having freedom to choose how they respond. 

Education:

Point Loma Nazarene University, M.A. Clinical Counseling

Villanova University, B.S. Psychology

JESSIE sees clients at both the University Heights and La Mesa locations.