Jess Stern LPC

Post-traumatic stress can manifest through a range of difficult symptoms, including intrusive memories, heightened anxiety, and emotional numbness, profoundly impacting daily life and well-being. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapies can offer effective pathways to healing.

With extensive experience in assessing individuals for ADHD, I specialize in providing ADHD-informed therapies that address the unique challenges associated with this condition. My approach focuses on enhancing executive function skills such as organization, time management, and emotional regulation. I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized coping mechanisms and practical solutions that empower them to navigate daily life more effectively.

As a proud lesbian therapist, I am deeply committed to supporting my community and addressing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. My practice focuses on creating a safe and affirming environment where clients can explore their identities and navigate issues related to trauma, self-acceptance, and relationships. With a compassionate approach, I draw on my own experiences and professional expertise to help clients heal and thrive.

Four Blinks Flash is a grounding technique designed to help individuals manage intrusive or distressing traumatic memories. By intentionally blinking four times in a slow, deliberate manner, this exercise creates a brief but effective pause, disrupting the automatic replay of painful memories. Each blink serves as a reset point, bringing awareness back to the present moment and reinforcing a sense of safety. This simple yet powerful tool can be especially useful for those experiencing flashbacks

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic model that helps individuals understand and heal their inner world by recognizing the different “parts” within themselves. IFS views the mind as made up of distinct subpersonalities, each with its own role, emotions, and motivations. By fostering a relationship with these parts, individuals can gain deeper self-awareness, resolve inner conflicts, and move toward greater emotional well-being.

EMDR is a structured, somatic therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation, like guided eye movements, to reduce distress. EMDR 2.0 is a faster, more intensive adaptation that enhances emotional regulation and speeds up processing for those with persistent trauma symptoms. Both approaches help the brain reframe painful experiences, reducing their emotional charge and fostering healing without requiring individuals to relive trauma in detail.