Jessica earned her Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree from Indiana University (IU) in 2001. She went on to obtain her Master’s of Social Work Degree from IU in 2005, with concentrations in school-based social work and youth and their families. Jessica began her career at the Indianapolis Juvenile Correctional Facility (IJCF) in 2001. In 2005, she moved into community mental health services working for Cummins Behavioral Health. She worked as part of the school-based program from 2007 until the summer of 2010. This included helping to begin the relationship between Cummins and Brownsburg secondary schools from 2009-2010. She has experience working with depression/anxiety, behavioral concerns, school problems, family and peer relationships, stress/anger management, and self-harm behaviors and/or suicidal ideation. Jessica is a trauma informed therapist that uses Brainspotting to assist clients in working through their trauma experiences and memories. Brainspotting is an evidence-supported trauma treatment modality that is utilizes eye positioning to process trauma. One of the benefits of Brainspotting is that one does not need to relive the trauma in order to heal and can brainspot nonverbally. For people that have trouble verbalizing their trauma, or find it too emotionally activating to do so, Brainspotting will allow healing without talking (clients can also verbally process during Brainspotting if they choose to). This can be especially helpful to children who may not have the language to articulate their trauma memories.
Her primary treatment modalities are Brainspotting (BSP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution/Strength-Focused Therapy. Jessica is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is a highly effective, evidence-based form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps clients gradually confront distressing thoughts, fears, or situations while learning to resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors or avoidance strategies. Jessica also uses play as a therapy approach. Jessica has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Indiana since 2007.
In her own words:
“Now that the technical stuff is out of the way, here’s a little bit about me. I am a born Hoosier and have lived on the west side of Indy my entire life. Proud graduate of Ben Davis in 1996. My husband and I live with our two kids (20, when she is home from college and 16), dogs, lizards, rabbit and snake. We’re always hoping to add to the zoo, when space allows. I love spending time with my family playing games, watching movies, taking walks, etc. Other than that, you can find us at marching band everything and robotics. You catch me reading, taking pictures or working on cross-stitch to pass the time, as well (and yes, playing games on my phone). Don’t be surprised if you hear me singing too. I grew up in the choir at my church we went to and joined as soon as I was old enough, not to mention concert and show choir in middle and high school. Music is a big part of my family and always has been. Being a band mom was definitely a whole new experience for me. Fun fact: I had the pleasure of working in Disney World for six months through their college program!!!
If you decide to come visit, please don’t expect to see me all dressed up and ready for the professional world. I’m a firm believer in being comfortable at work. Don’t worry, no PJ’s, I promise. I tend to be pretty laid back and very open-minded; ready to listen and do everything I can to support the amazing kiddos that I get to meet and their families. Thank you, in advance, for allowing me the pleasure of helping you through whatever your child and/or you need.”
Where to find Jessica:
1103 E. Main Street, Brownsburg, IN 46112
(Voyage Counseling’s Main Office)