Jessica Check LGPC

Jessica Check LGPC

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Child and Family Therapist, Parenting Support Specialist

You’ve made it your mission to understand your child. But you don’t understand this. The tears (yours and theirs). The confusing behaviors. The huge reactions to little things. Where is this coming from? And why can’t you fix it? The feelings of guilt are growing.

You’ve seen the signs before. Felt them yourself, even. It’s clear that your child is overwhelmed. Is it even possible not to be? In this fast-moving constantly changing pandemic-shaped world? Watching them struggle is such a helpless feeling. You want to just hug them and make it ok.

But you know it takes more than that. You’ve done the work yourself. To tame your own anxiety. To heal from your history. To stop catastrophizing and hold onto hope.

But this is so much harder. It’s your child. The stakes are higher. You know you have to fix it. But you see yourself making it worse. Losing patience. Feeling afraid.

Is this normal? What if something’s really wrong? What if this problem is worse than I know? What if it wrecks their chance at a good future? The thoughts are terrifying. And you don’t know what to do.

This is not the end of your expertise.

It’s an opportunity. You’ve thought your way through all kinds of problems before. You’re at a new growing edge. And you’re ready for some support. From someone who sees your strength and can help you build on it. Someone who makes you feel safe being vulnerable. And can celebrate your growth with you.

For more than 10 years I’ve helped children and parents understand each other better. Connect in the present moment. And rediscover shared joy. I’ll use my experience as a school counselor and teacher to connect with your child on their level. We’ll discover how they work best.

Can they show me what they need through play? Visually? By talking it out? What makes them feel the most like themselves? We’ll be silly. And serious.

We’ll use tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

We’ll use these tools to create your child’s own way of problem solving. To help them feel unburdened. Less anxious or worried. And more at peace.

But I won’t just support your child. I’ll partner with you both to build a new, stronger relationship. You’ll start to feel confident again. More hopeful. Less like this is too big to handle. Maybe you’ll teach your child that they can do hard things. And maybe they’ll teach you.

Best of all, you’ll hear your child’s laugh again. They’ll seem lighter, freer. Know they’re capable. And trust that they’re supported by you. When you see them struggling, you’ll know what to do. 

When you’re ready to see your child feeling more secure, open, and curious; and to help them face the challenges we all face with confidence and grace; click the service of your choice below to get started.

Education and Training

M.F.A., Nonfiction Writing, Columbia University

M.Ed School Counseling, University of Maryland at College Park

Postgraduate Coursework in Professional Counseling, Johns Hopkins University

SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) Training, Yale Child Study Center, 2022

10 years experience as a teacher and teacher trainer for students with learning differences

5 years experience as a school counselor in PGCPS and MCPS

Fun Facts About Jessica

I have a big, furry silly dog named Chewy.

I love to write and to solve crosswords.

I’m great at creating imperfect art.

Dressing up makes me feel awesome.

I’m a mom of two.

I’m originally from California.

Jessica’s Specialties

  • Play Therapy for children, to help them navigate big feelings and build confidence in who they are.

  • Therapy for parents who’d like to rediscover a sense of competence in an ever-changing world, and pass it on to their children.

  • Therapy for teens, to explore questions of identity and develop a strong sense of self during the teen and tween years.

  • Family therapy, to reach deeper understanding of one another and build collaboration

  • SPACE treatment, to guide parents in helping their anxious children thrive

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to soothe anxiety and improve self regulation in children, teens, and adults.