Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Erickson.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, certified EMDR therapist, and an experienced school counselor dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults overcome adversities. I have over 18 years of experience in mental health servi and educational counseling. I blend proven therapies such as, EMDR, CBT, and DBT with holistic practices including mindfulness and yoga. Additionally, I am a certified 500 hour yoga teacher. My journey began when I graduated college as an English major looking for employment as a writer. A friend suggested that I should apply to the Regional Center of Orange County because they were hiring bilingual case managers. After being hired, I worked with underserved families in low income communities. I dedicated my skills to serve individuals with a variety of disabilities and their respective families to provide resources such as medical, housing, food, and educational advocacy. I then went on to work for AIDS Services Foundation as a case manager. I helped underserved families and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. My work at Regional Center and AIDS Services Foundation inspired me to return to school to become a school counselor.
After completing my coursework and intership, I earned both a Master’s in Educational Counseling and a Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC.). I was hired as an At-Risk middle school counselor for a Title 1 school in Orange County. After ten years of working as a school counselor, I decided to pursue my Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC.). Once I completed the requirements for my LPCC, I was hired as a mental health specialist for several schools within Orange County. While working as a mental health specialist, I recognized that many families need additional therapeutic support beyond what the school districts could provide. This need prompted me to start my own private practice in therapy.
The last three years, I have been developing my own private practice entitled Jessica Erickson Therapy. My clients range in age from 4 years old to 70 years old. I provide the following therapeutic modalities that include: Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Solution Based Focused Therapy, Talk Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Life and Career Coaching. I tailor my therapy sessions to the individual needs and concerns of my clients.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
During both my educational and career journeys, I have had to manage a full-time job, marriage, and my personal health and well-being. I have been working full-time as a mental health specialist in the public school system while starting and managing my own private practice. I have the importance of balancing all aspects of life and the realities that come with day to day life. I appreciate applying my skills and knowledge of many therapeutic techniques to the needs of my clients and sometimes even to myself. Stress management, personal well-being, and balance are three key principles of my philosophy to overall social, emotional, and physical health.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a certified E.M.D.R. therapist. I specialize in ADHD, Autism, Trauma, Life and Career Coaching, and Stress Management. I have given parent trainings and teacher workshops about emotional language and communication. I am also a sound bowl practitioner and yoga instructor. I teach mindfulness through meditation, sound, and art.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up with a younger sister and a single mother in a bilingual household. I learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. My mom worked three jobs while putting both my sister and me through school. We had to work as a team to provide emotional, social, and financial support for one another. We move several times due to financial hardships, but my mom always provided for us. As an adult, I appreciate all that my mom did for my sister and I to help us become the individuals we are today. I am fortunate to share my educational and career successes with both my sister and my mom. We are a small but very close family that still communicates in both English and Spanish.
My childhood has lead me to a greater understanding of the hardships that individuals and their families face in today’s society. These hardships are often overlooked and are actually the cause of many mental health concerns. I am culturally sensitive to minority populations who are often unable or uneducated on the availability of mental health services in our society. I am committed to serving all members of our society with a humanistic and caring approach.
Pricing:
- $150-$200 per hour
- Packages available for better rates
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicaericksontherapy.com/
- Instagram: @jetherapy
