Jessi @ the mend

I work with adults (18+) and couples navigating trauma, relational wounds, anxiety, identity exploration, grief, major life transitions, and chronic illness. I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative process grounded in trust, curiosity, authenticity, and compassion. In my relational approach, I support clients navigating family wounds, boundaries, and chosen family. I value creating a safe space to explore nontraditional relationships and complicated family dynamics.

I practice from a trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and neurodiversity-affirming lens. I believe it’s important to understand people within the context of their relationships, environments, identities, and the larger systems at play. Our emotional wellbeing is shaped not only by our personal histories and relational patterns, but also by the realities of living in a complicated and often overwhelming world. As someone living with Type 1 diabetes, I understand the emotional, relational, and day-to-day impact that chronic illness can have on a person and the importance of bringing these experiences into therapy. Along with exploring your experiences and interpersonal relationships, I also acknowledge the systems and environments that shape our lives.

While pain and disconnection can run deep, I believe healing happens through connection, self-understanding, and meaningful relationships with ourselves and others. I strive to approach each client with warmth, respect, and genuine curiosity while honoring their strengths, resilience, and lived experience.

While not originally from the area, I have called Asheville home for many years and deeply value the sense of community I’ve found here. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lenoir-Rhyne University and have developed a strong interest in trauma-informed, relational, and attachment-based work.

Before becoming a counselor, I worked at an Alzheimer’s skilled nursing facility, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the complexity of people’s lives, relationships, caregiving roles, grief, and resilience.

As an introvert, I value spending meaningful time with my chosen people through shared activities like board games, puzzles, and movie nights. I tend to show care and appreciation for others through cooking meals and baking for them. When I do get out of the house, I enjoy traveling, hiking, exploring new places, and trying new foods. I appreciate a balance of connection with others and with myself, finding joy in community as well as in quiet, grounding nights at home with my cat.

My approach to therapy is relational, collaborative, and rooted in attachment-based and Relational Cultural Therapy perspectives. I believe healing often happens through safe, authentic relationships and through developing a deeper understanding of ourselves and our patterns of connection with others.

I utilize interventions from narrative therapy, parts work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and existential therapy. I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs, values, and goals.

I have training in Gottman Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT).