Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jeans.
Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up outside of Chicago, involved in all things sports, music, and church involvement. I dealt with minor OCD which led me to a guilt-ridden journey in my faith. I got out from under that and wanted to share the freedom of my healing with others-without preaching religion. Counseling was my path!
As one of four kids born 4 under 4 yrs old (I’m a twin),… I was used to being quite independent and engaged with others. I felt unconditionally accepted by my parents—but we endured stress with mom’s cancer and their company getting off the ground over the years.
In high school, I took mission trips to New York, Denver, Florida, and Chicago and I traveled to Spain and Peru. My dad has section 8 housing and I always enjoyed working with diverse communities in need. I also learned Spanish and took multiple trips to work with at-risk, and/or inner-city areas as I developed a passion for understanding family, culture, and human development.
I was in counseling at 14 yrs old to help with family communication and learning about how my mind works. It gave me the tools I needed to cope with issues I was having in my teens. I traveled to Ecuador and Argentina to learn more about other cultures and I spent some time with children also on these trips.
I went to Baylor University in Texas and was Immersed in the culture there also–very different from the midwest. I minored in Spanish and majored in Child and Family Studies as I was able to work in Waco, TX in the schools, daycares, and nonprofits for child development. My master’s program was in Dallas where I became a live-in nanny for two children. One was on the Autistic spectrum and the other dealt with severe ADHD.
This experience combined with years of being a babysitter, I was totally tuned into the needs of children as they grow up–and how to identify in adults where those needs were not met. This brought me to an interest in studying Counseling. I love to help people get better.
After my master’s I worked in Dallas in multiple locations at a counseling agency. Then I moved to Florida and opened my practice in Ft. Lauderdale. We are now located in Palm Beach Gardens, where I live with my husband and our two boys, 5yo & 7yo.
Amidst chronic back pain for 15 years and hardships starting my company and processing the ups and downs of early marriage life—My practice grew and grew over time. I specialized early on in Family Systems Therapy. Treating the family to help the child/teen/young adult… and addressing the past to help the adult (freedom from lies we tell ourselves).
My mission is to lift shame and help people receive grace for themselves- particularly women. To help them step into the light with their pain and mistakes.
We began women’s retreats and groups and this community fills my cup! I love leading groups and also working with parents to help get the “reins” back in the home. We have two other therapists and Golden Doodle therapy dog at the office.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My husband and I have been through a lot together in 17 years. The practice grew fast when my babies were young–and I couldn’t walk for pretty much 3 years due to herniated spinal discs and degenerative disease. My second son has a medical condition, so I dedicate hours a week to his stability.
The practice was my quiet space to just get time alone in between clients and to focus on my needs. Self-care (gym, support groups, my faith, and friends) has sustained me. My husband has been very supportive as well.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for the state of Florida. I have a practice called Guided by Grace in Palm Beach. I am confident to help a parent sort out their role and how to guide their child into a path of self-reflection and connection with the family. We focus on the shame that causes us to react to children and spouses—which derives from our past.
Our work is to help parents disarm their responses with healthier self-esteem and perspective. Often this includes their own trauma recovery first. We equip parents to understand mental health needs (which we may identify) along with emotional needs. We educate and guide families to walk in grace and to keep facing the fear of looking inward—to get sustainable change in the little things. We have three therapists on site.
Our women’s groups are sacred. We have about 6-7 women who meet online or in Palm Beach Gardens and we focus on tools for self-reflection, relationships, and healing the “child within” as mothers and partners who want to show up fully with grace, love, and power in their world. We mainly work with families who deal with child anxiety (exposure therapy) and internal family systems therapy, trauma, women (self-esteem, identity, and relationships), and parent guidance.
We utilize faith and examine beliefs about ourselves, others and God—where relevant to clients who elect to do so. This sets us apart in that we notice changes in people’s hearts that don’t always happen so fast in therapy–orr an emotional growth community. We are getting to the roots here!
I’m most proud of the success and miracles we see in our families AND our women’s retreats. Life changing and I get so much just from watching women transform. Seeing women begin to accept themselves and actually receive love…. is rare. This is our gem. The weekend is called “Known and Loved”.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
To find a mentor I think it’s important to get involved in a community dedicated to spiritual and emotional growth. Support groups (ACoA, 12 steps, church, volunteering even…). I became connected when I began to attend support groups for me as I continue to recover from codependency myself. Also investing in friends so that our little village stays healthy and strong to be our support and fellowship.
Pricing:
- Therapy Sessions $150-250
- Groups $40/meeting
- Residential Retreats are $495 (food, lodging, everything)
- 20 min phone consult FREE
- Personality test and summary appointment $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guidedbygrace.org
- Instagram: @FamiliesGuidedbyGrace
- Facebook: @FamiliesGuidedbyGrace
