Meet Jessica, Brave Grand Rapids Counselor and Devout Dog Lover
Jessica joined the Brave team in November of 2019. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge and experience working with families, adolescents, and adults struggling with identity exploration, gender-related stressors, life transitions, identifying and regulating emotions, building self-esteem, relational conflict, and communication, as well as individuals with anxiety, depression, and trauma.
A firm believer that counseling creates a necessary space for people to feel valued and connected, she approaches each individual by celebrating and building upon their unique strengths while exploring the influences contributing to their current situation and story.
We sat down with Jessica to dive a little deeper into her own story, and how it has influenced her career as a counselor.
WHAT LED YOU TO A CAREER IN COUNSELING?
I have always been fascinated by human behavior. I think it stems from a deep admiration and appreciation for people and the unique nuances, strengths, passions, and quirks that make them who they are.
One facet of human emotion and behavior that I find particularly fascinating is relationships. In addition to individual counseling, I have experience as a marriage, couples, and family therapist, where I have had the honor of helping individuals journey through these emotional bonds.
We’re all in relationships- whether it be with spouses, siblings, coworkers, roommates, friends, bosses, etc. And these relationships have a big impact on our lives. Naturally when relationships hurt, so do the people in them.
I enjoy helping people navigate emotions and behaviors within these relationships through communication skills, boundary setting, outlining expectations of self and others, defining a ‘healthy relationship’, what intimacy means, and how to fight fair.
WHAT ARE SOME AREAS THAT INTEREST YOU WITHIN THE WORK YOU DO?
One area that I specialize in is life transitions. These are the expected and unexpected events that life sends our way. I love this topic because there is shared humanity in beginnings and endings. Things like relationship changes, grief, loss, new family members, moving, job changes, etc. are things that we all experience on some level, and therefore, something that unites us all.
I’m also drawn to the dynamics of gender- how we shape it, and how it shapes us. Gender plays a prominent role in identity and has a powerful influence on our sense of well-being and contentment. I enjoy exploring what notions about gender are helpful and unhelpful to someone’s goals.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
Being part of a client's story is such an honor. Getting to build a relationship with clients and even share a laugh with them is so meaningful to me.
WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR CLIENTS (OR SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING COUNSELING) TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I'm doing the work too! Introspection and making changes are hard, so I'm right there learning how to do those things too.
WHAT DOES SELF-CARE MEAN TO YOU? HOW DO YOU PRACTICE THIS IN YOUR OWN LIFE?
Self-care can look like doing things that bring a sense of delight, but I think in a deeper sense it has to do with the way you treat yourself. That means the boundaries you hold for yourself, finding time for play and creativity, and practicing gentleness and ease with our thoughts.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO BE BRAVE?
Being brave is the understanding that the work ahead will be hard, but doing it anyway with the belief that it will be deeply worth it.
WHAT HAS BEING A COUNSELOR TAUGHT YOU?
Counseling is all about authenticity. Every day I’m learning how to continue to bring my most authentic self into the room and how to help others do the same.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?
Find something at least once a week to be fascinated by .
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR CAREER?
Giving my dog the best possible life, admiring nature and wildlife, listening to music, exploring new places, yoga, and strength training.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
Anywhere that gives me the ability to get up close and personal with nature and animals.
WHAT IS AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOU?
My dog is from the Turks and Caicos islands. The stray dogs there are called 'potcakes' named after how people would scrape off bits of food caked on to pots to give to the dogs.
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING COUNSELING?
Try it to see what it's actually like and know there are so many options out there for finding a good fit.
To speak with Jessica or one of our other licensed counselors, click the link below.
