Jessica Couey
MS, Professional Counselor Associate, NCC
I strive to create a space where people can feel safe, warm, and connected – a place that feels like a haven from the chaos of everyday life.
With patience, understanding, validation and a sense of security, I create a therapeutic environment where people can feel free to discuss any thoughts or feelings that might be causing distress, without worrying about being ridiculed or judged. In therapy, I hope to empower you, to help you gain a better understanding of yourself, and to move towards fulfilling and positive change.
Starting out on my journey, I never imagined that I would become a counselor. As a veteran of the US Air Force, I can attest to the fact that mental health was heavily stigmatized. During my time in the military, I saw this firsthand. People were afraid to seek help for their mental health issues for fear of being ostracized, or worse, losing their jobs. But this only made me more determined to make a difference.
Coming from a multicultural family, I was taught to prioritize education and performance over our emotions. We were encouraged to keep our feelings bottled up, never to talk about them openly, and many issues were to stay within the family. But as I began my journey towards becoming a counselor, I realized that this outdated way of thinking needed to change. My experiences from both sides of the spectrum have taught me the true value of providing a safe and accepting space for people to be themselves. This is the driving force behind my passion and dedication to counseling. I believe that seeking help, finding support, and having our voices heard isn't a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and courage.
Today, as a counselor, I strive to create a space for my clients to feel heard and seen. I understand the importance of being able to express oneself authentically and without fear of judgment. It's a freedom that I want to give to all those I work with, and it's a joy to see them grow and flourish through the process.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. After moving to the PNW from the south (Texas to be exact), I've been able to discover new hobbies and interests I wouldn't have before. Indoors I enjoy crocheting, crafting, cooking, and reading. Outside, I enjoy anything and everything to do with the outdoors. Kayaking, river floats, camping, exploring the woods, gardening, and sitting by a fire are some of my favorites, but I also live on a small farm with many farm animals that give me plenty of things to do.
I assist clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns including: anxiety and panic, anger, depression and suicidal thoughts, relationship issues, grief, academic challenges, major life transitions, couples and relationship issues, rebuilding self-esteem, parenting issues, pregnancy and postpartum.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Who I Work With: Adults, Couples, Teens
While I work with a wide range of people and presenting problems, some of my most common topics of focus include:
Marriage/Relationship issues
Pregnancy/Postpartum
Parenting
Student Difficulties
Anxiety
Depression
Self-esteem
Codependency
Major life transitions
Health Anxiety
Chronic Pain
Counseling Technique
My top priority is to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. I approach each session with openness, cultural sensitivity, and a deep sense of compassion. My goal is to build a therapeutic alliance with my clients, helping them feel comfortable enough to share their narratives and regain control over their lives. I empower clients to reframe situations and gain new perspectives, recognizing and building upon their own resiliency.
I believe that each person is unique, and that therapy should be a personalized and individualistic experience. I bring warmth and humor into the room, while also being direct and gentle. My hope is to create a therapeutic environment that is both healing and empowering, where clients can feel seen, heard, and understood. I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Mindfulness-based techniques. I tailor my approach to each individual client, striving to provide the most effective and supportive care possible.
Professional Background
I graduated with my BS is Social Psychology in 2017, which began my journey in the mental health field. I have had the honor of providing support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including active-duty military personnel, veterans, military families, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, BIPOC, and the LGBTQ++ community.
One of my most deeply satisfying roles came when I collaborated as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide support and services to children of abuse and their non-offending caregivers. Through this significant work, I was able to see the power of support and stability in the lives of those who have faced unimaginable trauma. As I furthered my studies with an MS in 2018, I had the opportunity to complete my practicum and internship at a mental health agency serving a diverse population. I worked closely with individuals and families experiencing a wide range of diagnoses and provided crisis intervention services to those in need. In 2022, my family and I relocated to Oregon.
Education Credentials
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
BS in Social Psychology
Graduate Certificate in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services
National Certified Counselor (NCC) #1628562
I am currently a Professional Counselor Associate with the State of Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists. I am under the supervision of Zoe Cryns, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and approved supervisor in the state of Oregon.