Occoquan, Manassas, & Virtual

She/her

Jess strives to create a counseling environment in which you feel seen, heard, and can be your most authentic self. She has a deep understanding of how it can be difficult to open up in the counseling space, and wants to assist with clients showing up as they are. Counseling is seen as a place to establish connections between past and present experiences, learn more about the self, and a resource for guidance and tools to help create a life that is truly worth living.

Jess earned a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2020. She then went on to pursue her Master's of Education in Counseling and Human Services from Lehigh University in 2022. During her educational career, she worked with students diagnosed with Autism and Multiple Disabilities in a school setting, which helped develop a strong passion for advocating for and working with neurodivergent individuals. Jess also developed a desire and enjoyment for working with LGBTQ+ individuals, both due to personal identity and wanting to celebrate and uplift individuals within the community.

As for her therapeutic approach and orientation, Jess takes an eclectic approach, which she feels is paramount to helping clients with diverse needs. Every brain is different, so every brain needs a unique approach! Primarily, she draws on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help explain how patterns develop in people's thought processes. She also utilizes Dialectical-Behavior Therapy (DBT) to provide tools and skills in coping with strong emotions, as well as focusing on therapeutic goals. Finally, she utilizes both a Feminist and Person-Centered approach, emphasizing the autonomy clients have in their care, as well as acknowledging how systemic factors can impact mental health just as much (if not more so) than individual experiences.

Outside of the therapy office, Jess enjoys a wide range of hobbies and activities. She can be found playing video games and table-top games, crocheting, reading, and playing with her 18-year-old cat, Lunar. She also loves plants and collecting crystals!

Insurance accepted: Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Anthem Carefirst and Federal Employees), Humana Behavioral Health, Cardinal Care (Medicaid), Kaiser Permanente, Cigna, & Optum VA Community Care Network