Jessica Nadeau, MA
Marriage & Family Therapist
I have a deep passion for helping others restore emotional balance to their lives. I believe every individual is capable of change and possesses positive skills that can be strengthened to achieve their desired change. I have experience working with children, teens, couples, individual adults, and families.
I view therapy as a collaborative process between us that aims to deepen your understanding of yourself in a focused effort to promote the change you are desiring. I view my role as a facilitator in your process of self-discovery, and as a facilitator, I listen and guide the process through questions, reflections, and observations. With children, I utilize play therapy techniques to guide their process to emotional mastery and self-discovery.
I recognize and understand the difficulty in seeking therapy and honor the pace you set throughout this process. My priority is in establishing a relationship with you that is defined by trust, gentleness, compassion, and a genuine concern for you and your wellbeing. Together we will work toward meeting your goals for yourself, your family, or your child.
Child Therapy
Children use play to make sense of the world around them and as a tool for communication. Children communicate their emotions, perception of the world, and experiences in the world with others through play. I am passionate about utilizing various play therapy techniques to guide children toward healing, and the resolution of problems in their lives. Through play therapy methods, children gain mastery over their emotions, enhance their problem-solving skills, learn new ways of relating to others, and increase their self-esteem. It would be a privilege to be a part of this journey toward healing for you and your child.
I have training in the use of experiential play therapy, directive play therapy, and sand play therapy with children individually and in group settings, with ages ranging from 3 to 12 years old, and in environments including the office, daycares, elementary schools, and children’s homes. I have years of experience working in a therapeutic classroom with children experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties, collaborating with school personnel, and assisting families in uncovering the needs behind their child’s behaviors.
My specialty is working with children whose difficulties relate to a history of trauma. I have an extensive background with populations that have experienced sexual and physical abuse. I have experience working with families during separation and in the reunification process following abuse. I am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a method of working through traumatic experiences.
I find great joy in working with children experiencing non-trauma related concerns as well and have had success working with children through anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, emotional dysregulation, behavioral difficulties, divorce of their parents, and grief and loss.
Parenting Support
Whether you are about to become a parent, recently became one, or have been one for a long time, the challenges associated with the role of a parent are ever-present and ever-changing. If you feel the pressures connected to parenting have become overwhelming and you are not the parent you’d like to be, therapy can be helpful. I’m passionate about helping parents regain joy in parenting through increasing their ability to be fully present, strengthening their relationship with their child(ren), and discovering new strategies to implement at home to decrease parenting stressors.
Adolescents
The transition from childhood to adulthood is often the most challenging time in an individual’s life. It’s a phase of life in which a child develops their identity as an individual. The growing need for independence, the desire for greater autonomy and the increased responsibilities placed on teens often create stress. Combine these factors with the onset of puberty, the pressures of academics, social media, relationships, as well as peer pressure and you’re left with the daily life of today’s adolescents. It is normal for teens to experience difficulties during this time due to the aforementioned factors. Therapy provides teens who are facing challenges a safe space, free of judgement, to process emotions and events, explore their identity, and practice new skills. My experience has afforded me the opportunity to work with young adults with a wide range of concerns ranging from anxiety and depression, to truancy, to self-injurious behavior, and relational concerns.
Family Therapy
Family plays an important role in your life. If you feel as though your family is experiencing difficulties that are tearing you apart, family therapy can be helpful in gaining the healthy family life you desire and deserve. I am passionate about helping families on their journey toward harmony and healing.
Individual Adult Therapy
I believe that personal growth is best supported within caring, supportive relationships. My aim is to establish a compassionate, empathetic, and understanding relationship with you. One where you feel safe, heard, and understood. I view therapy as a collaborative process and enjoy joining you on your journey toward meeting your goals, increasing the internal strengths you already possess, and ultimately, your healing.
Contact Me
Insurance Accepted
BCBS MN, Health Partners, Preferred One.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: University of Northwestern, St Paul, MN
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy: Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Child-Centered Play Therapy
Sandplay Therapy
Prepare and Enrich Facilitator