Jessica Kenbok, Med, NCC is an experienced and effective counselor who was born and raised in the Pittsburgh area. She currently resides in the North Hills. She will be offering both teletherapy and in person therapy services based out of the McCandless office. Her approaches are multi-faceted and systemic, and focus on the whole person. Jessica’s theoretical focus is client centered. She also utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused, choice, and reality therapy. Jessica strives to meet her clients where they are, emphasizing strengths and building a therapeutic relationship. She approaches clients with empathy and understanding. Jessica focuses on mindfulness and grounding techniques to help when our feelings become too much. Her passion is in helping children, adolescents, and their families with life challenges at home and in school, ranging from anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Jessica strives to assist clients in identifying negative or faulty patterns of thinking and facilitate learning to use more effective coping skills. Jessica reminds clients that while some things are out of our control, we can control our reactions in how we think and act.
Jessica received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Spanish at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Following completion of her undergraduate degree, she worked in a residential treatment facility with young children and adolescents. She then moved on to work as a therapeutic staff support to elementary aged children identified on the Autism spectrum with varying strengths and developmental needs. Jessica then decided to return to school to complete her graduate degree. Jessica earned her Master of Education in school counseling from Slippery Rock University. Jessica completed two internships at the elementary level and at the middle school. Jessica worked with students in fourth through ninth grade. She met with students individually as well as running groups focusing on grief and loss, friendship, and self-esteem. Following graduation, Jessica worked at the North Hills Middle School as a paraprofessional. She provided support to students with individualized education plans in co-taught classrooms.
Jessica then decided to take some time to build a family of her own. She has three children, two boys ages 2 and 7 and one girl who is 5. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys music, dancing, and being silly with her children. She loves animals and currently has one cat. She loves the beach, spending time outdoors, and cannot wait to travel. Jessica loves yoga, running, reading, and coloring. She focuses on utilizing her own coping skills and realizes the need for self care.
Her goal in therapy is to provide a no judgment safe zone where clients can express themselves. She wants her clients to feel supported and empowered to facilitate change and continue to move forward to a healthier, fuller life. Jessica empathizes with and understands the difficulties children and families are facing in this challenging time. She recognizes that the client is the expert, and as a therapist she is there to help guide, increase self awareness, and strengthen our interpersonal relationships.