Jess Allen, M.Ed., LMHCA, NCC

Virtual Therapist in Washington State

I am a feminist, multicultural counselor, and systems-thinker. I enjoy deep conversations, existentialism, and developing authentic connection with clients. I believe in the healing power of live music/concerts, nature, and creative pursuits.

My top specialties include spiritual/existential issues, integration support, anxiety, stress, and burnout. I enjoy working with LGBTQIA-identified people as a queer therapist. I also specialize in working with people in the EDM and music festival community.

I use an eclectic humanistic approach and employ techniques from a variety of modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and depth psychology.

Why start therapy?

Therapy is not a quick fix, and it certainly won’t stop life from throwing you curveballs. However, therapy can help you heal, reconnect with yourself, and build a life with greater peace, resilience, and fulfillment.

The magic of therapy is the dynamic space that is created specifically for the development of your goals and best interests. No where else in life can you enter into a professional, confidential space that is uniquely tailored to your life experiences, and where you feel radically comfortable and safe to authentically express yourself. Chatbots and artificial intelligence can give you a roadmap, they can mimic empathy, and they can deliver information. But they cannot replicate the bone-deep sense of safety and trust that stems from human connection. The power of this therapeutic alliance, plus weekly accountability to practice new insights and skills, is why countless people have found therapy to be a transformative investment in their lives.

What does raver-friendly therapist mean?

I work with people in the festival and EDM communities to improve their mental wellness, provide integration support, and enhance harm reduction practices. Some people feel like they need to hide parts of themselves from medical and mental health professionals. I believe this creates a disconnect and stifles your ability to heal. I encourage openness in therapy sessions about all the healing aspects of attending concerts and the medicines you may consume. I have been a member of the community for 15 years and wholeheartedly enjoy working with other music-lovers.

What approaches are used in therapy?

My approach is strengths-based, depth-oriented, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and tailored to your individual needs. I integrate Existential therapy, Attachment theory, Acceptance and Commitment therapy, Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative therapy, Solution Focused therapy, parts work, Buddhist psychology, mindfulness, polyvagal theory, your spirituality, and other evidence-based approaches to support healing and personal growth. I have been meditating for over ten years and have become increasingly fascinated by its influence on my spiritual and emotional health. I often use mindfulness skills as direct interventions in treating rumination, anxiety, and stress.

What are your qualifications?

I have been interested in the intersection between psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and self actualization for nearly my entire life. My passion for Buddhist philosophy and meditation was sparked as an undergraduate at George Washington University earning a BA in Psychology. I received a M.Ed. from Seattle University.

I also have a Level 2 Usui Holy Fire Reiki certification. In addition to therapy, I work as a part time high school counselor in Seattle and as an adjunct college instructor.

What does LMHCA mean?

LMHCA stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate. Associate-licensed therapists have received their license recently and need to accumulate therapy hours under supervision before they become Licensed Mental Health Counselors.

I am a contractor for Four Winds Therapy and I am supervised by Rachel Richards, founder of Four Winds Therapy. All paperwork and billing for therapy work with me will go through Four Winds Therapy.