JESSICA STEPHENS, LPCC-S

Jessica Stephens (pronouns: she/her) is an experienced licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor who works with adults. Her specialty interests include working with a wide variety of clients including, but not limited to, young adult life transitions as well as women’s issues. Her interests also include working with self-esteem and body image issues, career counseling and development, social/emotional issues, cognitive and developmental disabilities, grief/loss, depression/anxiety, trauma/trauma related issues, struggles with addiction, intimate partner violence, and relationship/attachment issues. She most often integrates skills and techniques from person-centered, strengths-based, and relational therapy.

Jessica completed her advanced education at Lincoln Memorial University, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a dual master’s degree in mental health counseling and school counseling. She believes in always seeking opportunities for learning and growth as well as finding humor whenever possible in life. Two years ago, she began practicing mindfulness and meditation on a regular basis. This has been life-changing for her in both personal and professional ways.

Prior to private practice, Jessica worked with diverse clients in community mental health settings, rehabilitation settings, as well as school settings. Over the last 6-7 years, she has had many opportunities which have included direct involvement in expanding clinical counseling services within schools and providing outpatient counseling services in community mental health organizations to underserved populations. Overall, she has worked in a variety of settings with a broad range of clients. She is passionate about promoting self-care for women and advocating for women and minorities in leadership roles.

Jessica’s approach to counseling is person-centered and relational because she believes that a strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is the catalyst for personal growth and change. She believes the client is the expert on their own lives and it is the therapist’s job to provide support in a non-judgmental atmosphere to help the client on their journey toward forming their own answers and conclusions. She believes the fundamental key aspects of a strong therapeutic relationship include authenticity, vulnerability, empathy, positive-regard, mutual respect, genuineness, and safety. Her approach is authentic and genuine, often including metaphors, relatable life stories, humor, meditation/relaxation practices, and creative therapy techniques during sessions.

Her strengths include kindness, love of learning, sensitivity, creativity, humor, openness and understanding.