Jessica
HEY THERE, I'M
As a veteran and military spouse, my life has been influenced by service to my country and the sacrifices that come with that calling. I have seen firsthand the impact of multiple deployments and how difficult it is to integrate back into civilian life. I know how challenging it is to leave a career that defines your identity and to have to start over in a world that feels new and foreign.
My experience working in police and fire departments led me to return to school to study forensic psychology, as I saw the need for mental health resources in environments where seeking help is seen as a weakness.
While I am glad to see a shift in mental health treatment
being more accepted, I believe we still have a long way to go – especially when it comes to care for military, veteran, and first responder communities. I am thankful for the opportunity to draw
on my own life experiences and be part of the change to make mental health treatment less stigmatized and more accessible.
​
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and Written Exposure Therapy. I was recently selected for the Honorary Mentorship Program offered by the New Orleans-Birmingham Psychoanalytic Center to broaden my understanding of psychoanalysis and deepen my clinical skills.
The Mentorship Program has been especially insightful as I pursue continuing education and supervision in Sex Therapy. I am a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and am working to expand my understanding of Narrative Relational Sex Therapy in practice.
​
​
.jpg)
.jpg)
Why Me?
I have a variety of experience working with people from many different backgrounds. In addition to work with refugees and asylum seekers, I also have experience working with veterans in suicide prevention and intervention, substance use, and homeless programs.
It can be very difficult to be vulnerable, especially with past experiences that evoke judgement or fear, and it takes a lot of courage to seek help. Through the use of empathy and active listening, I hope to foster a sense of trust and create a safe space where clients feel comfortable talking about sensitive issues and where we can work collaboratively to create a plan for healing.
I understand how difficult it is to seek help when you are afraid you may lose your clearance and what it feels like to suffer in silence. I also know the unique pressures of working in certain high-risk positions, as well as the uncertainties that come with work in public service.
