Jessica Jones, PhD, LP

Welcome to Becoming Balanced, and congratulations for taking an important step towards finding behavioral health support for you or your loved one! I know the process of finding the right fit in a behavioral health provider can be long and arduous, and it is also SO worth it. I am very passionate about helping people find the best form of psychotherapy to fit their unique experience and concerns. I have been working as a licensed psychologist for over ten years and have worked with many individuals experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, including trauma-related disorders, and individuals experiencing emotional health concerns in the context of chronic health conditions. I also am a strong advocate for those experiencing neurodiversity (ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder), whether firsthand or in their loved one. I specialize in helping individuals identify the specific nature of their concerns, including differential diagnostic assessment and inclusion of psychological testing, if appropriate. Clearly identifying these concerns leads to improved outcomes, helping individuals grow in a way that is meaningful to them.

Throughout my career, I have valued working with a diverse group of individuals and assisting them in learning helpful ways to cope with the ups and downs of life, as well as working to build a life that is meaningful and aligned with their unique values. Once specific concerns are identified, the next step is selecting an intervention, or type of psychotherapy, that is the best fit for each individual. I have been trained in and use many forms of cognitive behavioral therapy, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). I find that these interventions offer many individuals tools to practice increased awareness of their experience and more opportunities to grow through taking intentional action, even in quite stressful circumstances. I have also received training in many types of group psychotherapy interventions, including through the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, and I am very excited to start a stress management group using Mind-Body skills at Becoming Balanced in early 2023!

To let you know a bit about me, I grew up in North Dakota and attended North Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After working as a research assistant at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, I completed my graduate training at the University of Minnesota, earning Master of Arts and Doctorate of Philosophy degrees. I then completed a pre-doctoral internship at Hazelden Foundation, in Center City, MN, and a post-doctoral fellowship at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Since earning my degree and license, I have worked in hospitals and community mental health centers. I also have a passion for training future clinicians, and I have previously provided individual supervision to Psychology trainees during pre-doctoral internships and post-doctoral residencies.

Outside of work, my roles include being a wife, mom of three kids, and a Director of the Board for West Fargo Public Schools. I use skills daily to seek balance between these roles, as well as working as a psychologist. Some days, that balance comes from practicing mindfulness, being active and cooking nutritious foods; other days, from spreading time between attending kids’ activities and my own hobbies of playing piano, going for a walk outside, cheering on the Bison, reading or knitting and crocheting. I am so glad you are seeking help and healing for yourself or your loved one, and I would be honored to help you navigate that path!”