My road to becoming a therapist was unconventional. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in creative writing I moved to South Korea to teach English as a foreign language. Thus began my love of travel and adventure. I became fascinated by people, their minds, and their experiences. With each new adventure I developed an appreciation for the unique story that everyone has. I also realized that I was capable of helping people change their story, just as each encounter changed me. As a systems therapist, I balance the belief that we have all been shaped by the lives we have lived with the knowledge that everyone is capable of growth and change. I view each client in the context of their family, their environment, and their community because I know that each of these components impacts their experience. My approach to therapy is logical, solution focused, and compassionate. As an LMFTA I specialize in working with couples and families. I enjoy the traditional family therapies including structural therapy and strategic therapy. I appreciate the focus that each of these places on mapping cycles of interaction in order to identify unhelpful behaviors and their relational impact. However, my favorite people to work with are simply those who are genuinely interested in developing insight and fostering change—whether they are families, couples, or individuals. When working with the latter, I often use cognitive behavioral therapy because of the emphasis it places on staying solution focused and optimistic. Most of my hobbies are rooted in creation; baking, crocheting, painting—activities that involve the production of something tangible, with the exception of reading which appeals to my imagination and love of language. I have worked with clients facing a wide range of issues including: anxiety, depression, trauma. grief and loss, and phase of life issues. I understand that people are complex and there is no one-size-fits all approach to therapy. What I offer is compassion, insight, and support in developing the tools necessary to create change that is needed. If you are willing to put in the work, then I am willing to work with you. Jessica Govan, MA, LMFTA NPI: #1801496021 | License: #MG61092988 | Clinical Supervisor: Jeff Gishkin, LMHC, NPI #1649415126