I’m Jessica Ortiz, LCSW
I’m a licensed therapist specializing in helping you break free from anxiety, stress, and the lasting impact of challenging relationships.
Whether you’re looking to let go of the past, ease overwhelm and worry, are ready to live a more ambitious future, or want support for dealing with the people around you that won’t go to therapy, I’ll help you find a clear path forward.
Working together, you’ll feel more content, more connected to yourself and in your relationships, and more present— so you can fully enjoy the moments that matter most in life.
Areas of Specialization
Anxiety, Stress, & Overwhelm
Quiet racing thoughts, release tension, restore energy
Family Challenges
Navigate criticism, control, low effort, rejection or emotional immaturity while staying authentic and grounded
Healing from Difficult Relationships
Gain clarity, break unhelpful cycles, strengthen resilience after narcissistic or emotionally immature relationships
People-Pleasing & Perfectionism
Set limits, prioritize yourself, build confidence
Developing More Fulfilling Relationships
Recognize patterns and build healthier connections
Personal & Professional Growth
Gain clarity and direction to achieve goals
Parenting Support
Navigate challenges or change family patterns
My Approach
My background in research, education, evaluation shape how I practice therapy. My collaborative, conversational style focuses on making therapy practical and useful in everyday life so that you can create the meaningful, lasting changes you’re ready for.
You’ll leave sessions with ways to interrupt anxiety and relieve stress. Together, we’ll explore what’s pulling you out of the present and find ways to move forward. The goal is lasting changes in how you think, feel, and relate — helping you experience greater balance, clarity, and connection in your life.
Professional Background
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Education and Licensure
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Professional Educator License (PEL)
B.S., University of Illinois
M.S.W., Washington University in St. Louis
M. Ed., University of Illinois
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Experience
I bring over 15 years of clinical experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. Drawing on a variety of therapeutic approaches, I help clients reduce anxiety, calm their minds and bodies, and feel more empowered, connected, and fulfilled in their daily lives and relationships.
My background includes extensive experience in education, research, and program evaluation across academic, social-emotional learning (SEL), STEM, and youth development initiatives for public and private organizations. I have taught at both undergraduate and graduate levels in the United States and internationally. Across these settings, I specialize in making data and evidence-based research easy to understand and use in every day life.
Learn more about my evaluation consulting services here. -
Specialized Training
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction
Somatic psychology and nervous system regulation
Trauma-informed and complex trauma therapy
Narcissistic Abuse and Co-Dependence recovery
Adult children of emotionally immature parents
What To Expect
Over time, You Can Notice
Strengthened resilience and self-trust
Bounce back from setbacks, feel more confident in decisions and perceptions.
Needs or preferences asserted with confidence
Set boundaries without guilt and ease the pressure to be perfect.
Shifts in thinking, feeling, and relating to others
Change patterns, communicate more effectively, and respond with more intention
Feeling more authentic, connected and present
Engage more fully with yourself, loved ones, and in daily life.