Clinical Therapist
Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC
she/her
Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), including process-based; Strengths-Based; Solution-Focused Therapy; Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT); Mindfulness-based therapies;
Available intakes likely within 1 month
(Weekdays Only)
Indiana + Telehealth
Aetna, Cigna, United/UBH, Highmark BCBS Commercial, UPMC Commercial
$115-150
My Specialties
Reproductive mental health issues (infertility; abortion; challenges across pregnancy; postpartum anxiety, OCD, depression, or other challenges; early parenting support)
Reproductive grief and loss
LGBTQIA2SP+ Support
Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse support
Neurodivergent support (please note our approach is generally therapeutic/acceptance-based, not coaching)
Adjustment, stress, transitions
Anxiety and mood symptoms
A little more about me
Some fun facts Music, motherhood and a children’s book about mental health. Get to know me A little less
I love to sing and enjoy watching my oldest son pursue his own musical journey.
I have written a children's book on mental health, which was inspired by all of the children I have worked with during my career. My book focuses on normalizing taking care of mental health from a young age.
Taking care of your mental health is no different than taking care of your physical health.
What working with me is like Space to be heard, notice patterns and build on your strengths. Explore my approach A little less
I provide a safe and welcoming environment for clients to share. I listen without judgement and help clients find their own strength in order to be the best version of themselves.
I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for a positive and effective experience.
I help clients reframe their thinking in order to interrupt negative thought patterns. Through mindfulness, I encourage my clients to be present in order to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
What matters to me Lived experience, connection and respect for who you are. Read my story A little less
I received my master's degree from Mount Aloysius College. I began my career working with children in the school setting.
I am the mother of 3 boys, and I have experienced pregnancy loss and postpartum anxiety. I understand how difficult these experiences can be.
I am an active advocate and ally for the LGBTQIA+ community. I believe that everyone deserves to feel welcomed and respected regardless of who they are, who they love, or how they think.
My therapeutic approach builds on a strong therapeutic relationship, where clients will feel heard and seen.
Open a card to read more, at your own pace.
"Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It's simply listening, holding space, withholding judgement, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of "You're not alone.""
-- Brene BrownThe person behind the practice
Jessica, in her own words.
A few reflections on what brings me to this work, what I understand personally and how I show up in therapy.
Why this work is personal
“I try to offer the support that I needed during that stage of my life.”
Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC
Read my reflection Close reflection
Why do you feel especially drawn to the communities, identities or experiences you support?
I feel very connected to my perinatal clients. As a mother who has experienced pregnancy loss and postpartum depression/anxiety I understand the need to feel safe when discussing very personal and often scary experiences.
Mothers in all stages of the reproductive journey often do not get the support that they need and I feel so honored to be able to offer that support to other moms. I try to offer the support that I needed during that stage of my life.
Room for the hard-to-say things
“safe to share their intrusive thoughts with me without fear of judgement.”
Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC
Read my reflection Close reflection
What do clients often feel relieved that they do not have to explain, hide or justify with you?
People often come to me when they are experiencing postpartum intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts as a new mom (or during pregnancy) can be extremely scary and unsettling.
Many moms are fearful of sharing those thoughts and suffer in silence. I am clear with my clients that they are safe to share their intrusive thoughts with me without fear of judgement.
What connection feels like here
“I show empathy through honest interactions and building a comfortable therapeutic relationship.”
Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC
Read my reflection Close reflection
What makes the therapeutic space you create feel different from other spaces in a client’s life?
Clients are free to express any and all thoughts and feelings in this space. Creating a safe and judgement free space is my number 1 priority.
I actively listen to each client and validate their perspectives and emotions. I show empathy through honest interactions and building a comfortable therapeutic relationship.
Getting to know what works for you
“Meeting a client where they are at is at the core of my work.”
Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC
Read my reflection Close reflection
How do you adapt therapy to the person in front of you instead of expecting them to fit a particular model?
Meeting a client where they are at is at the core of my work. I look at each client as an individual and adapt sessions to fit what works best for them.
I understand that each client shows up in a different place in their journey toward healing and I allow the relationship to build naturally. I try to approach each intervention in a way that feels natural and not forced so that the client feels safe on their path to healing.
I make sure clients know that healing is often uncomfortable, and I walk with them through that discomfort.
You don’t have to pretend
“I know how hard parenting can be and I never expect clients to pretend otherwise.”
Jessica McConnell, MS, LPC
Read my reflection Close reflection
Are there parts of a client’s identity or experience that you want them to know they will not need to defend or explain to you?
I want mothers to know that they do not have to defend or explain their experiences as a mother. I know how hard parenting can be and I never expect clients to pretend otherwise.
My experience as a mom and with postpartum depression/anxiety is something that I share with clients as a way to connect and normalize. I also understand the complicated grief associated with pregnancy loss which I believe sharing can grow the therapeutic relationship.