
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of those depths.”
-Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Jessica Smith (she/her/hers)
The Work
Hello, my name is Jessica. I am currently a Counseling Intern and completing my master's degree in counseling at the University of Baltimore. Ever since entering the health sciences profession, I have enjoyed working with diverse populations. My experience ranges from middle schoolers to older adults. I engage in an integrative approach to therapy drawing heavily from person centered approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques. I have a particular interest in trauma, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. I work collaboratively with my clients to create a therapeutic treatment plan that addresses their needs and wants. My client will always be put first in our relationship. I strive to create an atmosphere of acceptance, so clients can freely express themselves. I will display empathy, nonjudgement, and unconditional positive regard in every session. It brings me great joy and gratitude to assist my clients in reaching their full potential for health and wellness.
Groups a part of or aligned with:
Individuals, Groups, BIPOC, Multicultural, Cisgender, LGBTQIA+, Adolescents (10+) through Adult, Persons with Disability, Living with Chronic Illness, Living with Reproductive Health Issues
Degrees:
- Master of Science in Counseling Psychology Candidate, The University of Baltimore
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, The University of Baltimore, May 2022
- Associate of Arts in Psychology, Anne Arundel Community College, December 2019
Certifications:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) | Mitigating Unconscious Bias in Healthcare
- JHM | Status of Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation in the United States
- JHM | Guidelines for Facilitating Racial Dialogues
- JHM | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility: Improving Healthcare Encounter for Individuals with Disabilities
Readings:
Menahem, R. (2017). My grandmother’s hands: Racialized trauma and the pathway to mending our hearts and bodies. Central Recovery Press.
Bryant-Davis, T., & Ocampo, C. (2005). Racist incident based trauma. Counseling Psychologist, 33(1), 479-500. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0011000005276465
Yalom I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th edition). New York: Basic Books. ISBN: 978-0-357-62295-7
Hayes, S. C., Follette, V. M., & Linehan., M., M. (Eds.). (2004). Mindfulness and acceptance: Expanding the cognitive behavioral tradition. The Gilford Press.
Fun Facts:
Fun Facts:
1. I love animals. Growing up I had dogs, cats, turtles, frogs, and fish. I currently have 3 dogs, 1 cat, and 1 turtle.
2. Walking is my favorite form of self-care.
3. I have always lived close to a body of water. Beaches, lakes, etc. are my place of peace.
Therapy Services and populations/dx you might refer out for:
Sex Therapy
Psychosis.
