Jessica Johnson, RIC, NCC

Nice to meet you! I’m Jessica, a Resident in Counseling and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Business from Norfolk State University in 2014 and my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University–Richmond in 2017.

My professional experience includes psychosocial rehabilitation, partial hospitalization, policy and program operations, and outpatient therapy. These experiences have allowed me to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and better understand the many personal, relational, and environmental factors that can influence our mental health and well-being.

Who I Work With

I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate the challenges, changes, and experiences that shape their lives.

As a Black woman with a physical disability, I understand the importance of recognizing that each of us brings multiple identities, experiences, strengths, and circumstances into the counseling room. I value exploring the intersection of those experiences and understanding how they may influence the way you see yourself, relate to others, and navigate the world around you.

My goal is to create a therapeutic relationship where you can feel seen, heard, respected, and empowered while developing a greater appreciation for your own strengths, abilities, and voice.

The Areas I Can Help

I work with clients experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and life concerns, including:

Anxiety
Depression
Anger management
Stress
Trauma and medical trauma
Chronic illness and disability
Life transitions
Self-esteem and self-confidence
Substance use concerns
Emotional regulation
Personal growth and identity development

Whether you are working through a specific challenge or simply recognize that something in your life needs attention, therapy can provide a space to better understand what you are experiencing and determine what you would like to change.

My Approach to Counseling

I use a holistic and integrative approach to counseling, which means that therapy is tailored to the individual rather than relying on one approach for every client.

My work may incorporate elements of Person-Centered Therapy, Reality Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, depending on your needs and goals.

At its core, however, my approach is collaborative. I believe therapy should help us understand where you are, what you need, what strengths you already possess, and what your next step might be.

Being curious at heart, I approach therapy through open and honest conversation. Together, we can explore thoughts, emotions, experiences, patterns, relationships, strengths, and possibilities for change.

What You Can Expect When Working With Me

When you work with me, I want therapy to feel like a space that truly belongs to you.

A space to pour it out.

A space to be understood.

A space to be challenged.

And a space to develop the tools and resources you need to navigate life—both for yourself and within your community.

There is no expectation that you arrive at therapy having everything figured out. Some sessions may involve setting goals and developing practical strategies. Other sessions may involve processing an experience, exploring your thoughts, sitting with difficult emotions, or simply taking a moment to pause and breathe.

I believe in meeting you where you are while also helping you recognize your inner power, strengths, and gifts. Therapy is something we do collaboratively, and my role is to walk alongside you as you work toward becoming the version of yourself that feels most authentic and meaningful to you.

Telehealth / In-Person Availability

I provide counseling through a virtual telehealth platform, allowing clients to participate in therapy from a private and comfortable location. Even though we may be meeting through a screen, I work to create the same welcoming and supportive therapeutic environment that I would want you to experience in any counseling setting. There is no judgment on the screen. This is your space to talk openly, ask questions, process experiences, explore emotions, and work toward the goals that are important to you.

I look forward to meeting you where you are—whether today is a good day, an off day, or somewhere in between. You do not have to have everything figured out before beginning therapy. We can take the time to understand where you are, explore where you would like to go, and identify the steps that can help you move forward.

If my approach sounds like it may be a good fit for you, I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Contact Virginia Counseling Associates to request an appointment, and let’s take this journey one session at a time.

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