ABOUT Jessica

If you allow kinship, then the question of you becomes more permeable.
-Richard Powers

Throughout my life, I have explored identity, meaning, and conflict in a variety of contexts—how we cultivate a sense of ourselves and our place in the world, and how we heal when things don’t go well. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, I dedicated years to environmental conflict resolution and international peacebuilding. Through that work, I derived a complex understanding of culture and identity that greatly influences my approach as a psychotherapist.

I love hearing people’s stories, asking questions and holding space for nuance (even when it’s hard). I hold a perspective that individuals are influenced by cultural, social, and historical contexts; I tailor my therapeutic approach to meet the specific needs of each person I encounter. I love exploring and learning where we find purpose and meaning, even and especially when we are up against so much.

Education and Professional Affiliations

  • Pepperdine University- MA Clinical Psychology

  • George Mason Unversity- MSc Conflict Analysis and Resolution

  • Hamilton College- BA Psychology and Hispanic Studies

  • EMDR International Association- Certifed EMDR Therapist

  • Institute for Creative Mindfulness- EMDR Basic Training

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

  • Somatic Experiencing International Member

Teacher + Advanced Training Acknowledgements

I feel strongly that it is important to give credit where it is due. I gratefully offer acknowledgement to all those who have taught and inspired me in this work. Becoming a trauma-focused therapist takes a village, and I am grateful for the guidance and opportunity to learn.

Please note that the following list is not exhaustive; I am continually learning and practicing:

  • I completed EMDR Basic Training with Dr. Stephen Dansiger through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness in 2018.

    I have completed EMDRIA approved advanced trainings and workshops with the following providers: Rebecca Kase (Recent Events, CPTSD), Andrew Leeds (Case Conceptualization, Resource Development), Alison Teal (SuperResourcing), Paula Krentzel (OCD and Distancing Technique), DaLene Forester (Eating Disorders), Bruce Hersey (IFS-Informed EMDR), Janina Fisher (Structural Dissociation)

    I have recieved consultation from the following EMDRIA Approved Consultants: Christine Ashe, Anadel Barbour, Roshni Chabra, Sara Dietzel, Adam O’Brien

  • Somatic Experiencing® Level 1: Abi Blakeslee

    Somatic Experiencing® Level 2: Glyndie Nickerson, Ariel Giaretto

    Somatic Experiencing® Level 3: Raja Selvam

    Specialized Somatic Experiencing® training: Raja Selvam (Developmental Trauma), Ariel Giaretto (Sexual Trauma, Full Embodiment)

    I have recieved consultation in Somatic Experiencing from: Melinda London, Sarit Rogers, Abi Blakeslee, Glyndie Nickerson, Raja Selvam, Ariel Giaretto

    Training in Cultural Somatic Interventions: Much somatic work is performed in a variety of cultural contexts. I have studied with Alessandra Belloni in Southern Italian healing folk drumming and dance as well as Gianmichael Salvato and Marybeth Bonfiglio in Afro-Sicilian folk spiritual-somatic traditions.

  • I was taught foundational principles of postmodern psychology, philosophy and narrative conflict resolution from Sara Cobb and Solon Simmons at The Carter School of Peace and Conflict Resolution.

    I recieved advanced training in postmodern and narrative psychotherapy with David Marsten at Miracle Mile Community Practice.

  • I was introduced to Zen Buddhism primarily through the writing of Brad Warner, an American Zen Buddhist who was taught by Gudo Wafu Nishijima, student of Kodo Sawaki.

    I also draw much inspiration from works of Lama Rod Owens, Joanna Macy, Bernie Glassman, Jeffrey Zlotnik and Kritee Kanko all of whom use their wisdom and contemplative practices to make the world a more compassionate place.

    I am a trained yoga teacher of the Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy of Rishikesh, which was founded by Swami Sivananda in 1948. I was initiated by Swami Sitaramananda of the Sivananda Vedanta Center in Dalat, Vietnam.

Counseling

I utilize evidence-supported therapies and techniques shown to promote post-traumatic growth and change

EMDR Consultation

I provide EMDR consultations for therapists who have completed basic training.