-Harriet Lerner
About Jes
I have had many gorgeous teachers- loved ones, psychotherapists of my own, artists of all kinds. And my clients- I am grateful to everyone who choses to share their stories with me. Your truths grow me, too. We are fellow travelers indeed, and there is no place else I would rather be.
PRIVATE PRACTICE
I received my Masters in Social Work from Florida State University in 2004 and my undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in 2002. I started working in private practice in 2004 and then started my own private practice in 2010 with offices in Tampa and New Port Richey. Now, I work solely through telehealth, making it possible to reach clients anywhere in Florida.
SELFHOOD + IDENTITY
I want to help people become more aligned with their unique nature and to peel back the layers of fear. I am also here to hold space- for as long as one needs- if you have a knowing inside of you that scares you and is not ready to be acted upon. It’s okay to hold two opposite truths at once. Together we can create a truly safe space to simply let that part of you speak without the burden of expectation for change.
CONJOINT COUNSELING
Conjoint counseling simply means therapy with two or more people. I really love helping couples, (adult) families, friends, or coworkers learn to hear to each other and carry themselves more skillfully, often when there is great hurt and/or opposite personality types (e.g. emotional/logical, introvert/extrovert, pursuer-anxious/withdrawer-avoidant, etc). Because we live inter-connected, conjoint counseling is a very helpful tool for the complex dynamics of the most meaningful relationships of our lifetime. Addressing and restoring these key connections can shift how you thrive in relation to yourself, as well as all other relationships. My job is to facilitate a safe space for communication- to make sure everyone is seen and heard equally and to clear a path for difficult issues to be worked through. I’m deeply hopeful about how much can change for the better. I also hold reverence for setting boundaries and/or separating when necessary so no one is betraying themselves.
CAREGIVING + LOSS + EXISTENTIAL ISSUES
I orchestrated and provided care for my beloved (and spunky!) grandmother Tillie over six years in her home, hospital, rehab, assisted living facility, and nursing home. Through my private practice, I joined with Florida Cancer Affiliates from 2010-2016 to run several of their critical cancer support groups. I also contracted with Allegro Senior Living to provide counseling to their residents. From 2006-2009, I joined Hernando-Pasco Hospice. I started first as a social worker (tending to patients and their families in homes and many different facilities) and was then promoted into their Quality Improvement department (conducting trainings and audits). During college, I provided in-home care to the elderly, worked as a Montessori school aide for two children with special needs, and volunteered at Tallahassee’s Crisis Hotline.
HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE + ART
My passion is in working with highly sensitive people. I participated in SHAND’s Hospital through UF’s Arts in Medicine Program, started a poetry group at the women’s federal prison in Tallahassee, and worked at Omega Institute’s sister program- “Teen Camp” in New York. I also use the making of art for my own personal therapeutic processing.
PRESENTING + MENTORING
I love teaching and have presented for audiences such as MetLife, the Hillsborough County government, the National Association of Social Workers, YMCA’s LiveStrong program, and PetAngel to name a few. In 2014, I became a Qualified Supervisor Trainer of Clinical Social Work Interns.
A NOTE ON EXCEPTIONS
I provide insight-based counseling – I do not provide judgment-based therapy (evaluations/letters of recommendation, etc.). Moreover, my specialties do not include ADHD, panic disorder, parenting young kids, trauma work, addictions, eating disorders, and difficulties with self-harm.
ONLINE REVIEWS
Search for Jessica Deeb on google.com and yelp.com to read reviews of others’ experience working with me.