Jessica McDuffee M.ed, LPC-Associate
she/her/hers
Supervised by Ashby Simons M.A., LCDC, LPC-S; License # 87657
Jessica McDuffee
Working With Tweens, Teens, and Adults
Are you feeling burdened by the complexities of life, left with a sense of emptiness or a void within yourself, longing for fulfillment and a sense of purpose? I believe that the therapeutic process can foster a sense of hope that empowers you to explore new perspectives and strategies to build a life you believe is worth living. My mission is to support you through the ups and downs of life, so you can build self-confidence to take on life’s challenges, have deep and meaningful relationships, and feel connected in your everyday life.
Through the power of emotional connection, I create a trusting and safe therapeutic space, free from judgment, where you can freely express your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. I am passionate about trauma work and helping those who engage in self-harm or feel suicidal. These topics are scary for many, but I feel equipped to handle them with care through using Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which provides practical tools to cope with big emotions that feel unmanageable.
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. By tailoring sessions to you, I aim to help you discover your own answers to your questions to navigate the complex web of emotions associated with everyday life.
If you feel the struggle to find your place in the world and have been impacted by effects of trauma or self-harm/suicide, I am honored to walk alongside you. Please do not hesitate to reach out and let us embark on a journey of healing and transformation together, as you reclaim your joy, resilience and wellbeing.
How I Got Here
Service and respect have been driving core values in my life, decisions, and relationships. Initially, I wanted to study fashion design and merchandising, and while I attempted to justify how that fit with those values, I could not make it fit in the way that I wanted to. Through a career and aptitude test that I took my junior year in high school, my career goals drastically changed from fashion towards criminal justice.
I moved from Washington D.C. and became a proud Bearkat at Sam Houston State University, where I received my Bachelors in Criminal Justice. Through my studies and having opportunities to work in multiple prisons, I yearned for something more rehabilitative and restorative rather than punitive. While obtaining my Masters degree in counseling, I worked at a recovery treatment center and local mental health agency where I received a great variety of experience working with clients and meeting each person where they are to serve their needs and honor their stories.
Outside the Office
While I love the work that I do and am passionate about it, I am also discovering other passions and hobbies that I have such as art, cooking, exercising and volunteering. I also am a dedicated dog mom to my goldendoodle, Goober (and yes, he lives up to his name everyday) and my german shepherd, Rosie.
Evidence-based Treatments
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Interviewing
Training & Credentials
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University
- Masters in Education of Clinical Mental Health from Sam Houston State University
- Internship at Prison Prevention in Chattanooga TN
- Clinical Internship at TriCounty Behavioral HealthCare
Insurance & Availability
Accepts: Aetna, Cigna, and Sana Insurance
Rates: $130 Hourly
Therapy: