You don't have to keep feeling this way.
Jessica Burgess, LMSW
20 Years of Clinical Experience
Grand Rapids, Michigan
In-Person & Virtual Therapy Throughout Michigan
Maybe you're functioning on the outside, but inside you're anxious, exhausted, disconnected, or simply not feeling like yourself.
I’m here to help
Or you’re a new mom experiencing heightened anxiety or sadness? Or feeling isolated, misunderstood as you navigate this new phase of life?
I’m here to help
Hi, I’m Jessica,
I'm not a “listen-and-nod” kind of therapist.
I take an active and collaborative approach to therapy. We'll talk about what's happening in your life, but we'll also look deeper at the thoughts, emotions, experiences, and patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
I'll give you practical tools you can use between sessions while also helping you understand the deeper reasons behind your struggles.
The goal isn't temporary relief, it's lasting change.
Using approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), we'll work together to help you better understand yourself, change unhelpful patterns, and heal the parts of you that have been working so hard to protect you.
Areas of specialties.
-
Anxiety & Overthinking.
When your mind won't slow down, you're constantly worrying, or you're stuck replaying situations and second-guessing yourself, therapy can help you understand the cycle and develop healthier ways of responding.
-
Grief & Loss.
Grief changes us. Whether you're grieving a person, relationship, pregnancy, dream, or another significant loss, therapy can provide a safe space to process what happened and begin finding your way forward.
-
Depression & Emotional Exhaustion.
Sometimes depression doesn't look like lying in bed all day. It can look like going through the motions, feeling disconnected, losing motivation, or wondering why you're not enjoying life the way you used to.
-
Motherhood & Perinatal Mental Health.
Becoming a mother can bring tremendous love—and tremendous emotional changes. I help women navigate postpartum anxiety and depression, intrusive thoughts, overwhelm, identity changes, and the challenges of adjusting to motherhood.
Experienced. Specialized. Always Learning.
With 20 years of clinical experience, I continue to pursue specialized training so I can provide therapy that goes beyond surface-level symptom management.
I've completed advanced training related to Internal Family Systems (IFS), including training with IFS founder Richard Schwartz, as well as grief-focused training and educational experiences with renowned grief expert David Kessler.
My goal is to continually expand the tools I can offer clients so therapy can be personalized to what you need.
MY APPROACH
Go beyond coping. Go deeper.
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
CBT helps us understand the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Together we'll identify patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and emotional distress.
You'll learn practical ways to challenge unhelpful thinking and respond differently.
-
Internal Family Systems.
IFS takes us a step deeper.
You may have a part of you that worries.
A part that wants everything to be perfect.
A part that tries to keep everyone happy.
A part that is extremely critical of you.
A part that wants to shut down when emotions become overwhelming.
IFS helps us become curious about these different parts rather than judging or fighting them.
We can explore what they're protecting, where those patterns developed, and what you need to feel safer and more confident within yourself.
-
Mindfulness & Emotional Awareness.
Learning to notice what's happening inside your body and mind can change the way you respond to difficult emotions.
We'll practice skills such as mindfulness, grounding, breathing, emotional awareness, and self-compassion to help you become more present and less reactive.
