About

Hello there! My name is Jessica Townsend and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I hold over 7 years of clinical social work experience in a wide variety of settings, ranging from working with survivors of domestic violence to providing support to residents within a long-term care facility/nursing home. Other areas of practice have included hospice, community mental health and working in a medical clinic for individuals with severe, chronic health conditions. I have additional experience and training around working with individuals who have dementia (and other cognitive impairments) and can offer guidance and support to family members trying to navigate challenges around the same. I studied at Loyola University in Chicago at the graduate school of social work with a concentration in mental health.

My intention is to offer a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to work through feelings and situations that may be uncomfortable, painful or overwhelming. Participating in therapy for the first time might feel intimidating, as speaking about very personal topics with a stranger may fall outside of one’s comfort zone. The stigma around seeking help can be a deterrent for those thinking about pursuing therapy. Attending therapy is not a sign of weakness; rather, shows enormous strength. Asking for help can be hard! I do not give advice or have the ultimate answers; rather, I ask probing questions, offer insight or make suggestions, keeping in mind that the client is always in the driver’s seat, and I am just along for the ride, gently helping to get the client back on the road to wellness, whatever that may look like. I believe that with change comes commitment to personal growth, in and outside of therapy sessions. I may provide worksheets or other interventions to complete independently to supplement and enhance our sessions as another means to work towards an individual’s therapy goals.

Specific areas of practice (but not limited to):