I am a counselor-in-training, driven by my passion for play therapy. I’m so dedicated to learning all I can that I moved from my original counseling program in Georgia to pursue a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the leading school for play therapy research and training, the University of North Texas (UNT). My initial interest in play therapy has turned into a commitment to provide children with a safe space where they can have their voice heard through communicating their thoughts and feelings in a way that is natural to them.

As a child-centered play therapist, I believe that every child possesses unique strengths and abilities. My therapeutic approach is centered around honoring and celebrating these individual qualities by fostering a trusting and supportive relationship that empowers children to discover and explore their inner resources through play. I am eager to continue to learn and grow as a play therapist under the supervision of Jennifer Rette Russell, LPC-S, RPT. If you're seeking a counselor to support your child's mental and emotional well-being, while also supporting you as a parent throughout their counseling journey, then please reach out.

JESSICA JOHNSON MS, MA

Doctoral Practicum Student

My name is Jessica Johnson and I am from the state of Louisiana. I am a doctoral student and a practicum student in training from The Chicago School at the Dallas location pursuing a Psy.D in clinical psychology. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology and minor in social work from Louisiana College in May of 2016. I obtained two master's degrees with one being a Master of Science in clinical psychology from Northwestern State University in May of 2018 and a Master of Arts in discipleship from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in May of 2020.

Fun fact, I played softball at the collegiate level for three years at Louisiana College from 2013-2016. I have previous clinical experience involving professional training and full-time work experiences working with different populations, different classifications of disorders, different intensity levels of mental health, and at different clinical settings. My background clinical experience involves conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations for children and adolescents with ADHD, Autism, and other developmental disorders. Additionally, I have experience working as an Associate to a Psychologist in state-governed facilities, institutions, and pediatric agencies with a wide range of individuals with severe mental health diagnoses, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and other comorbidities who reside in residential treatment facilities. I have experience working with several supervising psychologists in Louisiana prior to moving to Dallas to pursue doctoral training. My research interest is PANDAS/PANS and I desire to contribute to the field of research involving this topic. I desire to specialize in working with children and adolescents because of previous clinical work experiences, prior training, and clinical interest in early intervention at an early age. Jessica will be providing evaluation and therapeutic services under the supervision of Dr. Jamie Smith, licensed psychologist, at the Institute for Healing.