Jana Kessler

Jana Kessler is a licensed mental health counselor in Washington with 17 years of experience. She helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, depression, relationship strain, or issues related to being LGBT. She also supports people managing attention and focus challenges and memory concerns. Jana emphasizes that clients know their own stories and brings a respectful, person-centered attitude to each session.

Her approach starts with listening. She uses Client-Centered Therapy to meet people where they are and to build on their strengths. Jana also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help identify unhelpful thoughts and try different ways of responding. Motivational Interviewing is used when people want to change habits or take concrete steps toward goals.

Sessions are paced to the individual. Jana works with short-term goals and longer-term themes, depending on what someone needs. Conversations focus on practical steps, clearer communication, and small changes that add up over time. She aims to make the work feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

People often bring concerns about family of origin, body image, codependency, dissociation, eating issues, gender dysphoria, or aging and geriatric topics. Jana also has experience with autism spectrum issues, coping after disasters, and disruptive mood presentations. She frames these topics in straightforward language and focuses on what will help day to day.

Her practice emphasizes collaboration. Jana helps people name priorities, try tools between sessions, and adjust the plan as progress is made. Taking the first step is framed as a courageous move, and she aims to support clients through the changes they choose.

Therapeutic approaches and how they fit online

Jana often uses Client-Centered Therapy, which focuses on listening, understanding each person's experience, and helping people discover their own solutions. This approach suits anyone who wants a gentle, strengths-based conversation about what matters most to them.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and offers practical experiments to try between sessions. CBT can help with anxiety, depression, and difficulties with focus by teaching specific skills to change unhelpful patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Jana collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, needs, and preferences. If one approach isn’t helping, she adjusts the plan together with the client so therapy stays useful and relevant.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Discuss scheduling needs with the therapist to find a rhythm that fits school, work, or caregiving responsibilities.