I have been a social worker for over 24 years, initially with a focus on medical social worker in a hospital setting and then in a clinical setting working with people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Since that time, I have been in the field of child welfare, working in CPS and the Child Abuse Hotline in Washington, DC. This has provided me with a wealth of experience in crisis intervention, depression, child abuse and trauma, anxiety, substance use, emotional abuse, domestic violence and parenting issues.
When working with clients, I believe in allowing them to take the lead with interaction throughout the process and a collaborative approach. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion and sensitivity. My approach is somewhat eclectic, based on the client's needs, using solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques as well as other techniques as needed.
The first step to change is recognizing the need, so congratulations on taking that first step!
I look forward to partnering and empowering you to make the changes you want to see in your life.
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Anger management, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes
DC LICSW LC303422
VA LCSW 0904016767
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Donna Jessen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I cannot say enough about Donna: her commitment, her empathy, her thoughtfulness, adaptability, ingenuity, and just full-on dedication to solving problems have all been life savers. She's given me long-term solutions that will serve me for years to come. Working with her has been a huge part of helping me move forward from a pretty stuck place in my life after dealing with a lot of trauma and loss and being in a kind of survival mode for years, feeling like dreams and plans were unattainable. She is full of ideas, quotes, helpful analogies, such a rich variety of strategies to help me approach the challenge of getting out of old habits and back on track with my life plans. There is no magic bullet with this kind of work and I wouldn't be making the progress I've made without doing my part, but to have such a partner and coach guiding me has been priceless. She's worked with me where I am, in a very collaborative way, to access the tools I have and help me use new ones to work through my ups and downs and help get me pointed toward a more balanced, focused, and happy life. I can't recommend her enough!
Written on Nov 17, 2022 after therapy with Donna for 1 year and 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
Donna has really helped me through a tough time in my life. I am grateful for her help and plant to continue working with her as I improve my mental health.
Written on Sep 03, 2021 after therapy with Donna for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety