Resident in Counseling, VA-0704014881
She/Her/Hers

Supervised by Jenna Pagano, LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, VA-0717001515

Jessica (Jess) Goldman joined us in July of 2022 as a resident in counseling. She graduated from William and Mary with a masters in counseling. She specializes in working with teens, and adults experiencing various issues including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD and trauma. Jessica's has a warm approach and favors relational and holistic therapy. She helps you recognize the role of avoidance in your life, and how it may be protecting you from thriving.

Jessica believes beginning therapy is a decision of great strength. Starting therapy is a step towards self-love, and a dedication to know yourself deeper. She uses strength based approaches including DBT, CBT, and person centered therapy. These approaches operate from the belief you are capable and in the right place to make any changes you need, and that you will still benefit from the guidance of a well trained therapist.

Jessica's experience is in working with people with eating disorders and trauma. She uses a strengths based approach adapted from her experiences outside of therapy.

A first counseling session with me will usually begin with us getting to know each other. Walking into a new place for the first time can be intimidating, and it’s my goal the first time we meet to build connection and trust so that you feel safe, respected, and heard. We will go through basic assessment questions so that I can begin to get an idea of why you decided to enter into counseling and what your goals are for this process. We will discuss any concerns, symptoms, or goals you may have, and from there I will form a treatment plan for us to utilize over time in helping you achieve the growth that you desire.

The first session for a child looks a little different. The goal is still to build trust and safety, but through some non-directive play, games, and simple questions. I will spend time with both the parent and the child in order to gain assessment information from the parent and then to focus on connection with the child. This allows me to gain perspective and insight on the whole situation and form a treatment plan from there.

Jess can be seen at the Arboretum, or virtually in Virginia