Welcome!
Searching for the right therapist for yourself is always a challenge, and taking the first step is always the hardest. I'm so glad you're here. I believe that everyone has the capability and strength within themselves to heal from whatever challenges they are facing. Working together in therapy, I help connect folks to those innate resources so they can live the life that they want, not the one they feel they have to settle for. I'm a geeky therapist who adores working with fellow geeks, busy professionals, creative folks, and young adults just launching into the world. I help people explore their values, find their place in the world, and uncover unhelpful beliefs and behaviors that stop them from being their authentic selves.
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression (or both), you've come to the right place. Anxiety and depression can often leave you feeling isolated and lonely, making it difficult to "just reach out" for help. Your brain is usually being an asshole, telling you all kinds of lies; "If you ask for help you will be burdening others", "You're the only one who feels this way", "Just snap out of it", "You don't have a reason to feel this way", "Others have it worse"….and so on (gosh brain, can't you just stfu for a minute?!).
Together in therapy we can explore those underlying thoughts and beliefs that may give that asshole brain of yours ammunition for the lies it's been telling you. We can work together to learn to interrupt, challenge, and change those unhelpful thoughts. We can find coping skills that help lessen the intensity of your symptoms of anxiety and depression. We can learn about small changes you can make in your everyday routines to improve things that impact mental health.
The beautiful thing about therapy is that its time you are setting aside for yourself to work on ANYTHING you want. Grief? Loss of sense of identity or purpose? Experiencing relationship issues with friends, family members, or significant others? Questioning your place in this world? Uncertain of what you want to do with your life or "who you want to be when you grow up"? Therapy provides a safe place to explore any of the challenges you're facing and help move you towards the life that you want to be living.
I've worked as a therapist for 10 years in a variety of settings (hospital, non-profit, private practice, and corporate). When not working with folks in therapy, you'll probably find me at home hanging out with my partner and my 2 cats, playing video games, reading and watching a whole lot of scary stories, crafting, or out and about walking in local parks (ugh, for my mental health or something).
Jessica Orrick, MA, LPC, CCM
Licensed Professional Counselor