Jessica Jones, PhD, LP

Welcome to Becoming Balanced, and congratulations on taking an important step toward finding behavioral health support for you or your loved one! I know the process of finding the right fit with a provider can be long and challenging, and it's also so worth it. I'm deeply passionate about helping people find the form of psychotherapy that best fits their unique experiences and concerns. I've been working as a licensed psychologist for over ten years, and I'm a strong advocate for those experiencing neurodivergence (ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder), whether firsthand or through a loved one. I specialize in helping individuals identify the specific nature of their experience, including differential diagnostic assessment and psychological testing when needed. Clearly identifying what's most impacting a person leads to better outcomes and helps individuals grow in ways that are meaningful to them. I also work with many people experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, including trauma-related conditions, as well as those navigating emotional health concerns alongside chronic health conditions, helping them find balance amid shifting environmental and health circumstances.

Throughout my career, I've valued working with a diverse group of individuals and helping them build lives that are meaningful and aligned with their unique values. Once specific concerns are identified, the next step is finding the intervention, or type of psychotherapy, that's the best fit for each person. I've 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 these approaches give people practical tools to build greater awareness of their experience and more opportunities to grow through intentional action, even in stressful circumstances. I've also trained in several forms of group psychotherapy and enjoy leading groups here at Becoming Balanced, including a stress management group using Mind-Body skills and, at times, a skills group for women with ADHD.

A bit about my background: 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 my 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've worked in hospitals and community mental health centers. I also have a passion for training future clinicians and have previously provided individual supervision to psychology trainees during pre-doctoral internships and post-doctoral residencies.

Outside of work, I wear many hats, wife, mom of three kids, and Director of the Board for West Fargo Public Schools. I use these same skills every day to seek balance between all of these roles alongside my work as a psychologist. Some days that balance comes from mindfulness, staying active, and cooking nutritious meals; other days, it comes from splitting my time between my kids' activities and my own hobbies, like playing piano, cheering on the Bison, reading, building with LEGO, or making art. I'm so glad you're seeking help and healing for yourself or your loved one, and I'd be honored to help you navigate that path.