Caffeine is just the beginning of my rebellion.
Jessica Gifford, LMSW
(she/her)
Supervised by Lindsay Garrett, LCSW-S
Specializing in teens 14 and up,
young adults, adults, LGBTQ+ folx, divorce transition, neurodivergence, religious trauma
*Please note that Jessica does only virtual sessions
This is Pepper. She also enjoys being cozy.
I could happily exist solely on cheese, crackers, and coffee for the rest of my life
I love to relax by browsing home goods, either online or in person at places like TJ Maxx or…HomeGoods. Don’t even have to buy anything, just experience that HGTV fantasy.
I know how to sew, and one of my hobbies is quilt making (insert #tradwife Mormon joke here). My skills were recently commandeered to make costumes for my high schooler’s musical.
My favorite way to unwind is to take my dogs Lucy and Pepper for a walk, or to get in my comfies and settle in with a good movie or book.
As a new-ish Texan, I am working my way toward trying every taco I can find. Send me your favorites.
I am a parent to three awesome kids, who are all in different stages of young adulthood. If you want to commiserate about parenting semi-adults with underdeveloped brains, I’m your gal.
How I Got Here
I grew up in a small town in Utah, and I was a member of the Latter Day Saints aka Mormon church for most of my life. I am the classic middle child who was the people pleaser and the peace keeper. I always wanted to help everyone solve their problems and be okay. I cannot do math to save my life, so I sought out career paths that didn’t require it. I toyed with being a veterinarian as I love animals, but the “putting animals down” part was a dealbreaker.
I found within my church community that I was good at connecting with the people around me and being able to help them through compassion, kindness, empathy and service. In high school I also spent time during breaks from school working with the special needs children at the school.
I have always loved talking to people and getting to know them, solving problems, and teaching. I eventually discovered that being a therapist checked all of those boxes for me. I started out working in an elementary school with a school counselor. From that position I realized that working one on one with people was something I was passionate about and good at. So I pursued my social work degree, and here we are.
Although the LDS church was a big part of my life and my history, I no longer consider myself a member, and feel well equipped to explore areas like religious trauma, separating from the church, or navigating existing within that community when it contradicts your personal values, as I have experienced all three.
How I Do Therapy
My approach is very much person centered, which means the client is in the driver’s seat of their own therapeutic journey. I feel it is important for my clients to be in control of their therapy experience. I like to tackle what is currently causing my clients stress and worry in their everyday life. My clients are the experts on their lives, and what they want and need, and I allow them to set the pace and course we take each week.
I believe strongly in the connection between therapist and client. The therapeutic relationship is one of the foundational pieces of a successful therapy experience and I am invested in authentically getting to know my clients.
As a teacher at heart, I try to teach my clients something every time we meet so they leave with new information, a new tool or coping skill that they can take home with them and use in real life experiences. I also love learning, so I am constantly reading a new book, or seeking out training to expand my knowledge
Experience and Education
Degrees
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the Utah State University
Masters of Social Work from Utah State University
Licensure
Texas Licensed Master Social Worker (License #112577)
Supervised by Lindsay Garrett (License #56716)
Utah Certified Social Worker (License # 14096023-3502)
Idaho Licensed Master Social Worker (License# 9281603)
Certifications & Trainings
Brainspotting Level 1 and 2
Sandtray therapy
Religious Trauma-Informed
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
ADHD and Autism in teens and adults
Narcissistic Relationships
Divorce transition for teens and women
Until I get more photos of myself, here is one of my dog Lucy!