Welcome!
My name is Jessica Ferrante, and I am a white, queer identified, gender non-binary, therapist who uses she/they pronouns. My clinical certifications include: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Gambling Addictions Counselor II (CGAC II), and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (CADC II). My specialties include treating adults and adolescents with concerns related to gambling addiction, internet/technology/gaming addiction, depression, anxiety, shame, and substance use. I offer in-person and telehealth services at this time.
My Background
I was born and raised in East Michigan and met my spouse while working toward my undergraduate degree in Psychology on the West side of the state. We married and made the decision to move to Portland together about 6 years ago. I worked in residential treatment for mental heath and addiction, as a gambling treatment therapist with multiple agencies, and as a skills trainer while also working toward obtaining my Master’s Degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in addictions.
I recently made the transition to Private Practice so that I can spend more time working with individuals impacted by process addictions, including: gambling, gaming, technology use, shopping, and sex related behaviors. Additionally, this transition will allow me to spend time teaching and supervising new professionals as they seek to gain experience working with process addiction related concerns.
Some of my favorite self-care activities include: spending intentional time with my spouse and our two animals, designing and creating embroidery projects, and gaming.
It is my mission to always provide clients with a warm, empathetic, collaborative environment where meaningful experiences and change can occur. As a clinician, I value my privilege of being able to accompany so many unique individuals as they move through the vulnerable process of self-exploration and renovation.
Education & Certifications
I hold a Master’s Degree in Professional Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in addictions from Lewis & Clark’s Graduate School of Education & Counseling. I have taken courses in Diversity and Social Justice, Models of Addiction, and Marriage and Family Counseling, to name a few. Additionally, I have obtained the following certifications from MHACBO: Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor II and Certified Gambling Addictions Counselor II. I earned my Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University.
Philosophy & Approach
My approach to counseling is centered around the belief that we often seek to manage various stressors in our life by engaging in activities and practices that allow us to disconnect and/or escape. Sometimes these practices become harmful over time when we discover that they are no longer helpful or that we are having a difficult time controlling how much of the activity we want to engage in. I believe that the counseling process needs to be collaborative so that we can work together to create meaningful and sustainable change in your life.
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I will utilize my knowledge and expertise in both addiction and mental heath treatment to provide services that are the best fit for you based upon your self-expertise. In this space, I will always actively listen, accept you as you are without judgment, and seek understanding by utilizing all resources available to me. It is not an easy step to begin the counseling process, so I would like to thank you for starting this journey and assure you that I will be with you every step of the way.
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Our work together will benefit significantly if we are able to be open and honest with each other and if we are able to communicate regularly. I ask that you be willing to work on your health and wellness goals both in and out of our therapy space. You can do this by participating fully in our sessions and practicing skills that you can use between sessions to build up your social support system, help you remain mindful of your change process, and more effectively cope with both daily and unexpected stresses. I encourage you to attend as many of our scheduled sessions as you can and I value any and all feedback that you are able to provide to me throughout our time together.
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