Jessica McDuffee LPC

As a teen, I saw many of my peers struggling without adequate support systems, which left them feeling isolated, alone, and hopeless. Being a peer at that time, I couldn't provide the level of help they needed, which has motivated me to become a licensed mental health counselor so I could be a safe, non-judgmental adult that teens could turn to.

Sessions involve building trust and tailoring activities to the client's interests, whether that's art therapy, sand tray, or talk therapy. I help individuals discover their own answers to their questions. It's powerful when they realize they knew the solutions all along. I view their life like a story and help them rewrite their narrative.

• Texas, Licensed Professional Counselor, 87657

My first introduction in working in mental health, was through the prison system. I was able to work with non-profit organizations and chaplains of several different prisons throughout Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia in implementing pro-social groups and classes for inmates. It was through that work, I was encouraged to earn my masters degree in counseling. As I began my masters program, I initially worked at a residential treatment facility for teen girls that had experienced sexual trafficking. I spent each day with these clients providing direct care and support to create an environment for healing. I then transitioned to an internship as a counselor in a community based agency providing individual counseling for 2 years to adolescents of all ages and mental health concerns. Much of my work at the agency included crisis work and collaborating with a treatment team, such as psychiatrists, schools, skills trainers, and doctors. Recently, I have transition to a private practice where I am expanding my skills set to include groups, while continuing to work with adult and adolescent populations in individual counseling.