Jessica Foksa- Professional Counselor
My name is Jessica Foksa. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage & Family Therapist working via video sessions.
In my opinion, the single most important factor in therapeutic success is your relationship with your therapist. If you do not feel safe to be yourself in a judgment free space, it will be nearly impossible to be open about the most vulnerable pieces of yourself. My biggest strength as a therapist is my ability to make you feel secure and seen. I may not always completely understand your specific circumstance, but I can promise you that I will always work hard to get as close to full understanding as I can.
Anyone who knows me would describe me as goofy, creative, down to earth, compassionate, insightful, and empathetic. You will see these characteristics come out in nearly every session you have with me. Therapy can be heavy at times and I find that intermittent humor is a great strategy to help cope and get through those difficult conversations. I embrace my own personality in order to make my clients feel they are working with a peer or confidant rather than with someone who has some sort of power over them. My goal is to help you explore your desire for change in a safe and judgment free space. I do not see myself as a healer, rather a catalyst for self-discovery and growth. It is important to me that you are in control of your journey while using me for support and guidance.
I love spending time outside gardening, hiking, skateboarding/snowboarding/falling down, enjoying time at the lake, and playing with my dogs and cats. Other hobbies include crafting of all kinds, learning new ways to create art, working out, baking/decorating cakes, and cooking.
Most importantly, I love people. Something that really recharges me is having conversations with people with different life stories from whom I can learn so much. As a therapist, I believe that I often learn from my clients just as much as they learn from me. I work hard to always keep an open mind and will never judge you based on your life decisions or fundamentally who you are.
In session with me, you can expect a large range of interventions and techniques based on what you need from me. My goal is to tailor your treatment to you individually rather than operating under only one theory. Theories that I often pull from include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Couples therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Behaviorism, Person Centered Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy.
I have been in the field for over 10 years and have worked in many different settings. I started my helping profession during my graduate studies working for a non-profit organization that focused on at risk youth. We provided them a safe space to stay while working on important skills for their future. From there I moved into another non-profit working with children on the Autism Spectrum. Here I conducted early intervention Applied Behavior Analysis with the goal of catching the kids up to age appropriate behavior and growth milestones. Once I graduated, I transitioned into the counseling realm that I operate within today. I simultaneously worked in an outpatient private practice similar to what I do now as well as an inpatient psychiatric floor of the local hospital. In the hospital I conducted group therapy and skills building groups with adults and teenagers struggling with suicidal ideation and mood disorders. Currently I work in an outpatient private practice offering Telehealth online sessions.
