Jessica Criner, LMFT

Jessica Criner recognizes that life moves in seasons and that some periods bring sudden, overwhelming change - 2020 is one such example. When recent weeks, months, or years have felt dominated by transition, uncertainty, or loss, she validates how that turmoil can surface depression, anxiety, and unresolved trauma. She notes that trauma is often present in the stories people carry, though it shows up in many different ways, and her aim is to help clients reach the heart of the issues they are facing while honoring the resilience and strength that have carried them this far. Emotional healing and relief are presented as attainable goals.

With experience supporting people through stress and anxiety, relationship struggles, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse, she adopts a stance that clients are the experts of their own stories and that personal strengths are central to healing. Jessica emphasizes that seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and she positions herself as a supportive, empowering partner in that process.

She practices trauma-informed care and uses Brainspotting, a body-and-brain focused modality, as part of her approach. She also works with Emotionally Focused Therapy when supporting couples. Jessica attends to the ways racial and religious traumas can affect bodies, minds, and hearts, and she frequently works with people whose lives have been touched by the Department of Social Services or the foster care system or who have experienced harm within religious communities. Typical session work may address past trauma, triggers, attachment concerns, the effects of transracial adoption, addictions, and substance use.

Jessica Criner holds the credential LMFT, which stands for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, indicating specialized training in relational and family-centered work.