I have always had a great well of empathy for others. Understanding and appreciating how and why people do what they do has been a driving force throughout my life. Being entrusted to hear peoples’ stories and how their experiences have impacted them is a cherished privilege. My early interest in understanding and supporting others in combination with my own journey of personal growth and introspection fueled my becoming a helping professional. I studied and continue to study psychology and human behavior. I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I went on to earn a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Seton Hall University.
This passion led me to my first career as a middle school counselor; which I enjoyed for 12 years. My deepest commitment within educational settings has always been providing direct support to adolescents, young adults, and families navigating challenges. I provide a pathway to unveiling barriers to success, facilitating understanding within families, and forging connections between home, school, and community as necessary. I continue to further my education, completing several doctoral psychology courses exploring a range of topics including but not limited to cultural diversity, physiological psychology, ADHD, and psychopharmacology. I also acquired a certification as a level one mindfulness clinician from Evergreen Certifications and a Family Trauma Professional Certification from the International Association of Trauma Professionals. My additional training and desire to reach out to more people with a broader range of care needs inspired me to work with a remote Intensive Outpatient Program supporting adolescents and young adults. This rewarding experience gave me the space to reflect on my true calling, direct service to others. Being a witness, guiding someone to overcome obstacles and become their most authentic, empowered self reaching goals and maximizing potential is an unparalleled joy I am grateful for everyday.
I am thrilled to persist in my advocacy for well-being, extending my passion for holistic support to individuals seeking a judgment-free space as a wellness coach, where stress management, goal acquisition, and breaking free from negative patterns are at the core of our transformative approach.
Teens are wired to seek excitement—it's part of how they grow. In this quick, colorful guide, Jessica Gonzalez (MA, Adolescent & Young Adult Specialist) from Journey Forward Somatic Therapy & Lock and Key Wellness shows you:
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