Hi, I’m Jessica!

My Philosophy:
Courage, Curiosity, and Compassion

It takes courage to confront deep pain, seek help, and commit to the vulnerable process of transformation. My own healing journey has taught me that our broken places, once carefully mended, become the most beautiful and strongest parts of our story.

This personal insight hasn't just deepened my empathy - it has fundamentally shaped how I work. I'm passionately dedicated to empowering people who are ready to find their voice, own their worth, and courageously reshape their future.

A Little Bit About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by trade,
Filipino-American by heritage,
Northern Californian by culture,
and rooted here in Philadelphia by choice.

I love exploring, traveling, and seeking adventure—whether that means hiking the Lares trail to Machu Picchu, rock climbing Pao de Azucar in Rio de Janeiro, or paddle boarding in the summertime.

Outside of session, you can find me practicing hot yoga, cooking a new recipe, or playing with my son. My favorite way to end the day is snuggling with my dog, especially after dressing her up in her silly winter pajamas (goats doing yoga is her FAVORITE).

From Researcher & Strategist to Therapist

My entire career has been dedicated to understanding people — how they think, what they value, and how to reach them on a meaningful level. Before becoming a therapist, I spent a decade in marketing strategy and research, helping brands meaningfully connect to people.

My decision to change career paths was inspired by my own journey of self-discovery. I realized my previous career had perfectly primed me for therapy: I was adept at creating an environment where people felt comfortable, listening intently, asking the right questions to understand the whole picture, and analyzing information without bias. I'm grateful to apply this unique skillset to helping others heal rather than developing new products.

My Professional Background

My Diverse Clinical Experience

I have extensive experience working with adults, children, teens, and couples across various settings:

  • Private Practice: Working with individuals and couples through the complexities of life transitions, relational challenges, and breaking unhelpful patterns.

  • Community Behavioral Health: Treating adults with complex trauma and severe and persistent mental illness.

  • Outpatient Therapy for Children & Adolescents: Using non-directive play therapy as a way to build trust, create safety, and facilitate change.

Why I Do This Work

I know what it's like to reel from trauma, to be dismissed, and to feel confused or unsure of your own feelings and needs. I also know what it is like to fight tooth and nail to rebuild and reclaim your worth. While I don't share these details in the therapy room, this journey deeply informs my work and is why I care so much.

I genuinely love my job and feel extremely lucky to be able to do this work. I am constantly inspired by the people I work with—their strength, resilience, and courage.

I've witnessed countless transformations:

  • People who could not see their own value learning to recognize their strength.

  • Individuals stuck in painful patterns discovering new, healthy ways forward.

  • Clients finding the courage to voice needs they had silenced for years.

It is truly an honor to bear witness to that entire journey: from struggling to recognize your worth, to committing deeply to the messy work of change, to finally living seamlessly as the whole, authentic person you are.

What Therapy Looks Like With Me

The Foundation:
Safety and Autonomy

The foundation of my work is creating a relationship built on trust and safety. The therapy room is a place where you can practice having a voice, experience having your needs prioritized, and experiment with sharing limits around what you are comfortable with and not comfortable with.

If something feels challenging, we don’t have to talk about it until you’re ready, or we don't have to talk about it at all. You get to choose.

The Process:
Reflection, Honesty, and Change

I fundamentally believe that you have all the answers — Sometimes it just takes a person asking the right questions to get you there. In our sessions, you'll feel challenged, but it will always be rooted in reflection and understanding.

Along the way, I'll share tools and resources. Maybe they will be helpful, maybe they won’t. I'll always ask how different ideas and methods land because if something isn’t working, we can always go down a different path.

Together, we'll unpack your story, reflect honestly on your history, and identify what no longer serves you. We’ll name when things are not ok, even if it might initially feel like a “small thing”. We'll connect with what truly matters to you, recognize who you are beyond your fears and projections, and set boundaries to protect your well-being.

The same compassion and kindness you show others? That belongs to you, too.

Licensure & Expertise

Education

University of Pennsylvania
Master of Social Work (MSW), 2018

Licensure Details

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pennsylvania License #: CW025820
New Jersey License #: 44SC06557000
NPI #: 1588271043

Therapeutic Modalities

Psychodynamic
Trauma-Informed
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for obsessive compulsive disorder
Mindful Self-Compassion

Certifications & Trainings

Trauma
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) . PESI
Advanced Trauma Treatment for Children & Adolescents . PESI
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) . Medical University of South Carolina
Treating Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents . PESI

Anxiety & OCD
Mindful Self-Compassion . Center for Creative Self-Compassion
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy . PESI
OCD Diagnosis, Treatment, and Exposure Response Prevention Training . NOCD