Jessica Tappana

My Journey To Becoming A Therapist & to Found Aspire Counseling

I’m no different from the clients I see. Like everyone else, I’m human. I’ve been been through both wonderful and difficult experiences that have shaped who I am and how I help. 

I believe in the power of therapy, because I’ve seen the impact it has had both in my personal life and professional life. Unfortunately, most of us go through something in our life that feels so big we’re not sure how to get through it. I’ve been there too and I’ve watched people I love walk through those overwhelming moments.

Most importantly, I’ve watched people get better and find healing. And the truth? There is very little in life that I love more than knowing I’ve been part of someone else’s journey to healing. I’ve seen the powerful way people can overcome those moments and move forward in their lives. In fact, I’ve seen people grow in ways they never thought possible in the aftermath of the worst moments of their life. I believe you can do the same with the right support and that’s what motivates me as a therapist.

My life experiences and my desire to help others find healing in their own lives are what lead me to become the therapist I am today and then inspired me to open Aspire Counseling.

I opened Aspire Counseling in 2017 with the goal of helping around 10 people a week through individual counseling sessions. However, I learned VERY quickly that the need for high quality mental health services in the Mid Missouri area was much larger than I ever realized. So, I brought on my first contracted therapists less than a year after we opened.

The focus now is the same as it was in 2017: Provide a healing, supportive space where we use well researched interventions to help people get better and live the lives they were meant to live.

Helping People Is What I Look Forward To Every Day

Being a therapist is fulfilling. I love helping people become healthier and more empowered and watching them transform their lives. The most rewarding thing about being a therapist is seeing a person walk away lighter, more free, and excited about their life.

I am committed to helping you get back to living life.

I Have A Genuine Interest In Others And Bring Non-judgemental Acceptance To Sessions

I have a natural ability to: 

• Help people feel comfortable

• Collaborate with people to set goals and help them reach them

• Inspire hope for getting better

• Help clients heal their past and manage the present

People who know me often say that I am a good listener who can be fully present for people’s stories, even if they are difficult stories.

Our Sessions Are Focused On You

Our therapy sessions will provide you with the space to be understood and heard. In feeling safe and comfortable, you’ll be able to feel what you need to feel and work through past hurts.

It’s important to me to provide a non-judgemental space where you can be yourself and create safety within session. There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to therapy. Rather, our sessions will fit your specific needs and concerns.

You Deserve Therapy That Works

I believe in the power of therapy and counseling. I’ve seen it transform lives. I know it’s a hard decision to come to counseling. And it’s a big investment of your time and money. I value and honor that commitment and investment that you’ve made. I will work tirelessly to provide the most effective treatment possible.

I believe in Evidence Based Treatment

To provide counseling that really works (“evidence based treatment”), I believe there are three components: well researched interventions, my experience/knowledge as a mental health professional and YOUR wants and needs. Everything I do in session is about balancing these three things. Every year I attend as many trainings as I can, usually centered around the types of counseling I most offer like anxiety disorders (including panic attacks, OCD, social anxiety & more), PTSD treatment (I’m trained in several evidence based methods such as EMDR and CPT), serving diverse populations (LGBTQ, racial diversity & religious diversity) and counseling for various age groups. I go well above the required number of continuing education units and am constantly trying to learn new methods to help my clients find healing even faster. Part of the reason I have focused my clinical practice on only seeing a few types of clients is so I can really hone in my continuing education on how to best support those populations.

Evidence Based Treatment Doesn’t Just Mean a Specific Type of Therapy

For me, evidence based counseling is about more than using the methods research shows works. It’s also about balancing YOUR needs as a client. A great example is with trauma therapy. When someone has PTSD, I might start out using Cognitive Processing Therapy which is incredibly effective treating PTSD. But then, if things get stuck, we may switch to using EMDR briefly. It’s about taking my knowledge of these different types of really effective therapy with your needs and wishes at that moment.

From the beginning of counseling, you and I form a real relationship. This is a relationship of equals, a partnership on your journey toward healing. Together, we’ll come up with treatment goals and a plan. Then, we’ll work together to help you find healing and move toward the life you want.

As A Therapist, I Embrace The Following Philosophies

• I believe that trauma survivors are not what happened to them

• I believe that emotions heal when they are witnessed and validated

• I believe that you are strong enough to be present with what you may be going through

• I believe that taking care of yourself is the most generous thing you can do for the world

• I believe that we can stop feeling shame when we share our story with someone who can hear it with empathy and understanding

Counseling Specialties

While I see a wide range of clients, some of my specialties where I have extra training and experience include:

• Trauma Therapy

  • Counseling shortly following a traumatic event

  • Help after sexual assault

  • PTSD treatment even after many years after the trauma

• Anxiety Treatment

  • Help for students with significant anxiety

  • OCD Treatment using EXRP

  • Treatment of Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder

  • Social Anxiety

• College Students

  • Role adjustment for new college students

  • Feeling lost or uncertain

  • Beginning life post graduation

• LGBTQ+

  • While most of the time this means treating members of the LGBTQ+ population who happen to be experiencing another issue listed above, I do have some experience working with individuals exploring their gender identity. I believe all individuals deserve affirming, supportive and effective counseling services regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation and have built Aspire Counseling to only have affirming therapists and to be welcoming of all individuals.

My Professional Background

I received a bachelor degree in Social Work from the University of Missouri and then spent a couple of years gaining experience in the field of mental health. I returned to school and earned my Masters of Social Work from the University of New England with a clinical focus in 2012. My mental health experience has ranged from working at Fulton State Hospital to a school with students who had significant emotional and behavioral needs. Everywhere I have worked, I have brought a focus on evidence based counseling practices and a commitment to helping people face and overcome the greatest stressors of their lives.

On a final note:

I love being a therapist. Watching clients find healing and begin moving forward toward their ideal life gives me energy and excitement.  It’s an honor have the opportunity to partner with clients as they grow and rediscover their passion for life.  I believe in the power of counseling.  Client after client has come through my office and I have watched them rediscover joy, happiness and a sense of purpose.  It’s that energy that drives me forward.  I am passionate about the field of mental health, dedicated to helping others and want more than anything to help people get unstuck so they can be the best version of themselves.