Jessica Harris
LPC
I believe that engaging in counseling can allow us to learn more about our authentic selves, leading to more enjoyment of life. I take a collaborative approach in session to ensure I am supporting your goals. It is a great honor to be a part of the healing and growing process for clients.
My interest in the counseling field started when I was an adolescent who was struggling. I was surrounded by people who loved me and I still needed a separate space to process without judgment. It was then that I saw how counselors have a great power in creating an environment of safety and healing. This experience also sparked my passion for advocating for teens when needed and supporting families in becoming more connected. The road of life has continued to show me the importance of taking care of my own mental health. Experiences of trauma, grief, and struggle illuminated my ability for recovery. This solidified my belief that humans are resilient and can overcome great challenges. The need for kindness, support and outside perspective is something I found beneficial in my journey. I now find fulfillment and joy walking the path of exploration and change with my clients. I hold hope for my clients when they are struggling to find it. It is my goal to help clients identify what is truly important to them and discover how to live their authentic, gratifying lives.
Outside of counseling sessions, I have a great love for nature. I thrive under the canopy of pine trees, in the spray of the ocean and within connection of all creatures. I am an animal advocate and have spent many years volunteering in rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for companion animals. Being able to ground myself in the natural world is my favorite pastime. I also have a love of music. I play the piano and have recently taught myself how to play the ukulele. My life has been spent mostly in Idaho with many visits to Oregon. I am looking forward to all of my new adventures in the Eugene area!
I work with clients who are experiencing a range of presenting concerns, including: Depression, self-depreciating thoughts, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, ADHD, non-suicidal self-injury, suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Who I Work With: Adults, TEENS, Couples, and families
While I work with a wide range of people and presenting problems, some of my most common topics of focus include:
Depression
Anxiety
Self-Harm
ADHD
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Relationship Challenges for Couples and Families
Trauma
Counseling Technique
My counseling is focused on the client needs and goals. The client can be a couple, family or individual. For all clients, I aim to empower and encourage existing strengths to support the growth process. My focus on building insight for clients leads to a level of exploration of self that is enlightening. The techniques I use with clients depends on presenting concerns and the way they process information best. Some of my most used techniques are Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) while always being trauma-informed.
Professional Background
I received my Master of Counseling degree from Idaho State University in 2016. While earning this degree, my specialty focus was Couples and Family Counseling. I also participated in an independent study and coursework related to Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling. This is an area I continue to grow and may bring to clients as a therapeutic intervention in the future. Since graduation, I have gained experience counseling individuals of all stages and ages of life. My focus has been on adolescents and couples while also supporting adult individuals. I have also spent time working with people who are in acute crisis in an inpatient hospital setting. During additional professional experiences I have worked on suicide prevention on public health, clinical, and school-based levels. I also have trained clinicians throughout Idaho on non-suicidal self-injury intervention for teens. Another population I worked closely with is people who use drugs and how to reduce risk and access appropriate treatment. Throughout my professional career, I continue to learn in order to bring new research and insight to support clients in counseling sessions.
Education Credentials
Master of Counseling (M. Coun), Idaho State University
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with the State of Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Idaho.