Jessica Volpentesta, LMHC, MA
I grew up in a small town in the Redwoods of Northern California. I have since lived in Hawaii, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. My life is comprised of lots of interesting detours, unexpected bumps, and what some might call "crazy" adventures! While I am a wanderlust at heart, I finally settled down in Washington State in 2011. I just love the Puget Sound and all the islands, the incredible mountain ranges, and the diversity of both the land and the people. I am definitely a nature-lover and self-proclaimed "tree hugger", and love exploring beautiful places to hike, kayak, ride my bike, or just sit and take in my surroundings. I also find great joy in traveling, cooking, DIY projects, foraging, yoga, and spending time with my loved ones. My home is on Whidbey Island - where the evergreens meet the salt water - with my teenage son, our mini poodle, Frida, and our giant ragdoll cat, Aslan.
Professional & Educational Background
I have nearly 20 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families in a variety of settings. Early in my career, I spent several years working with underprivileged youth and families in the non-profit sector. When I completed my master's degree in 2012, I began providing counseling in schools and opened my private practice. Working in schools gave me an amazing opportunity to work closely with students and their families particularly with regard to issues related to school. Working in private practice has given me the ability to work on a deeper level with individuals and families, as well as take therapy outdoors, something I am passionate about, and all of my clients find profoundly therapeutic. In addition to working as a Mental Health Counselor, I am also a School Counselor and find both of these professions to be a great balance and also incredibly complimentary to each another.
I completed my Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Chapman University in Orange, CA in 2012. I then completed my School Counseling Program at City University of Seattle's Albright School of Education in 2013. I graduated with my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii in 2009. I have completed additional training in CBT, Trauma-Informed practice, Expressive Art Therapy, Hakomi Therapy, and Mindful Self-Compassion. In 2021 I completed intensive training and certification as a Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides & Programs. As of January 2025, I will have completed by training to a Therapeutic Yoga Teacher (registered with Yoga Alliance). I look forward to bringing the incredible healing power of yoga, through somatic and embodied movement, meditation, and nourishing lifestyle practices into my practice by use of groups, classes, and individual therapy sessions.
I am an active member of Washington Mental Health Association, Hakomi Education Network, the Association for Nature and Forest Therapy and the American School Counseling Association.