Jessica PrescottLCMHC

A first and possibly second session would consist of rapport building, assessment, and problem identification. This is a time for us to get to know each other and explore the "fit"; of client and clinician as this will be important moving forward to create and accomplish identified goals.

The therapeutic relationship is very important to me. I can have all of the very best tools in my "tool bag"; but if we do not have a relationship the tools are not going to matter. It is for this reason that I believe authenticity is a key component in the therapeutic relationship.

The determination of therapy goals usually occurs in the second or third session and is a collaborative process that is client driven. I strongly believe that the client is the expert in their life and that they know what is working, what is not working, and what they want to be different. Through rapport building, assessment, and problem identification we will determine and create goals that allow the client to live the life they envision.

• North Carolina, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, 12832

I have worked in the mental health field for the past 18 years. During this time, I have held many positions ranging from work in residential facilities to clinical case management to clinical mental health counseling. Throughout my early career I learned that I had a passion for being proactive in my work as opposed to reactive. These lessons led me back to school to earn my Master in Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After graduation in May of 2011 I worked in a community mental health agency as a clinician with children and adolescents. The program I worked for was contracted by the Department of Children and Families which gave me the opportunity to work with children and adolescents, as well as, biological and foster families. After moving to North Carolina, I began working primarily with adults providing individual and couples counseling. Many of the individuals and couples I have worked with have experienced varying degrees of depression, anxiety, trauma, marital distress, and difficulty with life and work transitions. I am a strong believer in personal power which I incorporate into treatment. I use a person centered approach with a strengths based focus. I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, and have recently included Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into my practice. I am a life long learner and believe that there is something to learn every day. Continuing education is very important to me as this allows me to provide the best service to the individuals I work with.