Hello! I am so glad you are here.
My name is Jessica Aarsvold (she/her) and my goal is to serve my clients in a way that empowers each person to believe in their inherent worth and take steps toward living a fully engaged life. While there may be several theoretical orientations I draw from in our work together, the foundation of my counseling approach is holistic and client-centered. My philosophy is to treat each person as a unique individual, worthy of unconditional acceptance, regardless of their personal circumstances or struggles. It is my desire to come alongside, challenge, and encourage my clients as they work toward healing.
I deeply value social justice and it is a lens that we will use as we examine the messages you have received around things like race, gender, class, sexual orientation, religion, ability. I will seek to understand how these messages have impacted you, your multiple identities, and our relationship as client and therapist. None of us exist within a vacuum and we are influenced by the many aspects of our identity, lived experiences, and access to the resources and opportunities.
I am a masters level trained therapist with training in trauma, counseling along the lifespan and family counseling. This course work included training in TF-CBT and evidence based modalities as well as post-modern modalities such as narrative and feminist theories. Additionally, I participated in a one year clinical mental health counseling internship and training program with an intersectional social justice framework.
I currently live in Tacoma with my wife and love to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. After spending my undergraduate years on the East Coast, I was excited to be back near the Puget Sound and our mountain-lined skylines. One of my greatest joys in life is a lovingly prepared meal, shared with good company and conversation.