Jessica Shin

Hi, I'm Jessica, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes deeply that everyone holds inherent value and wisdom - sometimes we all just need support and gentle guidance to feel seen and understood as we grow in our own natural way. You and your child are always welcome to be fully yourselves in our work together. Whatever it is that your family brings to our space, I honor it through flexibility to shift priorities and nurture the needs that bring the utmost clarity and support.

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I understand that knowing and watching your child or teen struggle is overwhelming. The uneasiness of wanting to fiercely protect and also support them can feel like too much, and you might feel completely lost about what to do. You've tried all the things but know in your bones that the suggestions of "try harder" or please just “calm down" are not the right moves. You're not alone and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. I partner with families to create meaningful change by working through challenges together, with compassion and collaboration at the core.

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Your child's big emotions, their unique way of moving through the world, their sensitivity, their intensity, their quiet observations, their need for sameness, or their craving for change and novelty; all of it communicates their inner world. My work isn't about changing who your child is; it's about creating a space where they can breathe fully into themselves while developing the tools that help them navigate a world that doesn’t always feel comfortable and can be quite demanding.

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I work with teens who might be struggling to find their place, feeling misunderstood, or navigating the intense emotions that come with growing up. Together, we explore what matters to them and build skills that actually fit their real life - not what adults think their life should look like.

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I specialize in helping children and teens navigate depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, autism, social anxiety, and emotional regulation challenges. I take a strengths-based, child-centered approach, and believe that all behavior is communication. I work to understand what’s underneath the surface so we can respond with empathy, not control.

In our space together, there's no performing, no masking, no need to be anyone other than exactly who they are. I create an environment where your child's nervous system can settle naturally, where they can explore their feelings without judgment, and where growth happens not because it's demanded, but because it's safe.

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I don't believe in forcing change. I believe in witnessing, understanding, and gently nurturing the seeds of growth that are already there. Sometimes that looks like play therapy where we speak in the language of imagination. Sometimes it's helping your teen find words for feelings that feel too big for their body. Sometimes it's guiding your family in how to communicate in ways that honor everyone's needs. Together, we’ll come up with realistic, personalized goals that fit your child’s needs and yours. 

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I use modalities like Child-Centered Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and trauma-informed approaches that support the whole nervous system and the whole family.

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I’ve worked with children and families across schools, clinics, homes, and communities, and I bring a grounded, flexible approach to every session. Whether your child is melting down, shutting down, or just trying to find their place in the world, I’m here to help by building understanding, confidence, and connection one step at a time.

If you're looking for a therapist who will truly listen, collaborate with you, and see your child for who they are, not just the behaviors they show, I’d be honored to support your family!