Jess Willans MA, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Professional Background:
I have been a clinical practitioner for more than a decade, and I’ve been working in the mental health field for 15 years. I began as a mental health technician in a residential treatment center for teens, and then spent three years working as a case manager for traumatized children. Those three years as a case manager were the same three years that I was earning my Masters Degree in mental health counseling. That combination of field experience and academic training made for a rich learning environment.
Diverse Clientele:
My initial area of expertise was in complex trauma and attachment in young children. Along these lines I have twice presented at the national ATTACh conference, and I provide frequent foster parent trainings in my local area. In the context of Better Help, this would make me a good fit for parents struggling to help their children, as well as with adults who continue to suffer from unresolved trauma or attachment issues.
For the past 6 years, well over 50% of my clientele has been older adolescents and young adults. This transition period in life can be challenging, but the possibilities are exciting. As a result I have become very confident in treating this population. In recent years I’ve also helped many separated or divorced parents learn to successfully co-parent. As a general practitioner I’ve had the privilege of working with many types of issues and populations that were outside my initial expertise, with which I’ve become familiar and confident in. I’ve also become accustomed to researching and learning about a wide array of diagnoses that I only had minimal experience with prior to certain clients. My knowledge and experience with the Autism Spectrum is one such example where I was able to move from knowing some basics, to feeling extremely competent in a short time frame. I consider these opportunities exciting, though it is ultimately and always about providing the best treatment I can to my clients.
Strategies:
In working with diverse populations with unique needs, I’ve worked hard to develop a large therapeutic tool kit in order to best customize therapy for the needs of each individual. This includes many theoretical and practical frameworks listed on this site. Therapy of course is not always easy for either therapist or client, but when done well, my experience is that it can be very rewarding for both. We will develop a true therapeutic partnership to solve problems, and create joy and success.
Finally, I am convinced that good therapy is a holistic process, involving the body as much as the mind and emotions. Just as I help clients become more aware of and in tune with their thoughts and emotions, I also strive to help them become more aware and in tune with their bodies. Not only does this provide the potential to greatly enhance the primary therapeutic goals, but it often enhances physical health as well.
Commitment:
I tell all of my clients that during the time of their session, they (YOU) are the most important priority in my life. You are the expert on you, and I am simply a committed and trained facilitator. Together, we will figure things out and create success! I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Grief, Anger management, Career difficulties, Depression, Coping with life changes, Coaching, ADHD, Adoption and Foster Care, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Domestic Violence, Family of Origin Issues, Family Problems, Forgiveness, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Life purpose, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Sexual Assault and Abuse, Young Adult Issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
NV LCPC CP0118