Jessica Hamilton, LCSW
About me
When human beings experience trauma or severe life stressors, it is not uncommon for their lives to unravel. While difficult and painful times are part of the human experience, it can feel intimidating and vulnerable to talk about these personal struggles and issues which are causing us distress. Many people also struggle with socialized beliefs and attitudes which stigmatize the seeking of outside resources which can further isolate the individual in silent suffering. These feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or other feelings of inadequacy are certainly not uncommon. If you find yourself struggling with any of these feelings as you consider seeking services, I personally encourage you to give yourself the gift of shameless grace to do so.
Regardless of what you have or have not experienced in your life, we all have individual strengths and weaknesses. I believe that each individual should never be defined by an illness or label. Whether your current distress stems from mental health issues or life circumstances, you are an individual, and we will explore what modalities work best for YOU, within my professional parameters. I have worked in a variety of settings as a licensed psychotherapist, the most recent serving as the Clinical Director overseeing a staff of master's level clinical providers.
I use theory and techniques from ACT, CBT, DBT, Interpersonal Process Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Psychoeducation, and Solution-Focused Therapy among other modalities. In addition to my current master’s level clinical licensure, I am also currently in the second year of my PhD program. I am heavily involved in continuing research and emerging evidence- based trends of therapy and present findings regarding new techniques and services. I am a dynamic psychotherapist, student, writer, public speaker, and passionate advocate in the areas of trauma, grief, PTSD, and post traumatic growth.
I look forward to guiding you in a journey of mindful self-empowerment as you evaluate thought patterns which may be blocking your intrinsic value. Far too often, our perceptions of ourselves have been eroded by external life experiences, trauma, abuse, difficult situations, cultural, societal or religious standards; and other rigid self-imposed beliefs which can erroneously promote shame, guilt, or inadequacy to some degree. Together, we can explore issues which may be hindering your own strengths and personal growth.
SIncerely,
Jessica Hamilton
Professional experience
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Anger management, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Avoidant personality, Caregiver issues and stress, Co-morbidity, Dissociation, Domestic violence, First responder issues, Guilt and shame, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Personality disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Trichotillomania
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
License information
IL LCSW 149.018741
Reviews
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jessica Hamilton. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Thank you for always being supportive and encouraging me to come up with solutions on my own.
Written on Aug 22, 2022 after therapy with Jessica for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Jessica has been incredible. Supportive, great insight, good counsel, trusting.
Written on May 02, 2021 after therapy with Jessica for 3 months