Jessica Foley has been in the mental health field for over nine years.  Please click here to read some testimonials from clients who have worked with Jessica in the past! She has extensive experience in treating women’s issues throughout the lifespan, starting in adolescence.  Some of these issues include:

Jessica Foley, LMHC
Jessica is the current Secretary of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA)
MAMHCA		  Jessica has received Certification
 from the Postpartum Stress Center 
Jessica's Professional Affiliations		 Jessica has received Certification
 from the Institute of Meditation and Psychotherapy

IMP

Publications

September 2009,  Expectant Mother’s Guide Online:

http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/boston/recognizing_postpartum_depression.htm

Jessica infuses her work with clients with a healthy sense of humor, and  realistic, goal oriented approach to therapy!

Jessica started out treating adolescent girls with behavioral and emotional issues, and worked intensively on assisting their families as well.  Jessica is also a certified Rape Crisis Counselor by the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, where she served as an individual and group therapist, as well as a medical advocate for survivors of rape.  Abortion issues are another specialty that Jessica helps women with.  Her expertise in this area stems from many years in abortion services with the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.  In this arena, Jessica also developed an interest in treating post-partum issues for women who have not only given birth, but have miscarried or needed to end their pregnancy.   

Jessica received a certificate in Mindfulness and Psychotherapy from the Institute of Meditation and Psychotherapy in May 2009.  During this intensive program, Jessica learned how to effectively incorporate some of the core principles of Buddhism and mindfulness into her work with clients!  This certificate program blended weekly teachings with retreat practices and daily meditation.  The philosophies of mindfulness and insight meditation often help clients that are feeling anxious and depressed. These philosophies enable them to gain some distance from their intense emotions and to learn to tolerate their feelings from a place of peace. The program's curriculum covered the following topics:

Jessica is a strong believer in utilizing Relational Cultural Theory (http://www.wellesley.edu/JBMTI/index.html).  The mainstay of this theory is that we, as human beings, all yearn to be connected.  It is our disconnection which keeps us isolated and unhappy.  Repairing this disconnection through the therapeutic relationship is part of creating a unique healing experience for you.  Jessica also believes in using the power of our stories as women through a theory called Narrative Therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narrative_Therapy).  Narrative therapy recognizes that just telling your story is a healing experience-and that the telling of this story can be used to create positive changes in your life!  Overall, therapy is an interactive relationship that will build on the strengths you currently possess to make the changes you need in your life.  

Jessica holds a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Holistic Studies, from Lesley University  (http://www.lesley.edu/gsass/cp_holistic.html).  Jessica is a member of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor’s Association, and has been licensed by the Commonwealth.  (http://license.reg.state.ma.us/public/licque.asp?color=red&Board=MH).  In addition to having gone to Lesley University, Jessica now teaches as Adjunct Faculty in the undergraduate program.