Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mohrweis.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was teaching one of the greatest groups of 4th grade students I’d ever taught when I first noticed quiet whispers of discontentment in my heart. This was difficult for me because I come from a family of educators and I couldn’t fathom pursing a different career. Also, this was only my third year of teaching, and I was finally getting the hang of it! So, I ignored the whispers until they became louder. The following year, I was holding fall parent/teacher conferences when I started noticing patterns. This particular group of students had some challenging behaviors which meant that this particular group of parents had higher levels of distress. The parents were opening up to me about their difficult divorces, tough coparenting arrangements, and fears/anxieties about being good enough for their children. I found myself wanting to provide more support for the parents because I knew that a grounded, emotionally regulated adult can provide a safe, healthy environment for the child. I spent three more years in the classroom before I went back to school for a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After graduating, I was working at a large group practice and receiving weekly supervision as an LPC-Associate. I was satisfied with my job but my supervisor encouraged me to dig deeper to clarify my ultimate career goals. This led to the launch of my solo private practice where my unique skills, identities, and experiences could help people make real change.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. On a personal note, I experienced a significant loss in the middle of 2020. I didn’t really have the time and space to grieve because my husband and I were also trying to figure out pandemic parenting and virtual school for 3 young children. During that time, my therapy office abruptly became a virtual office inside of my closet- there was a lot going on! I put a lot of pressure on myself because many sacrifices were made for me to pursue a second degree and change careers while raising small children. After graduating, I worked at a group practice and as a PRN therapist. Working as a PRN was an excellent opportunity for me to broaden my experience, work with a larger population, and grow as a therapist, but the two sites were a delicate balancing act. When I finally earned my hours and became fully licensed, I felt confident in my clinical skills but didn’t know the first thing about being a business owner. It took some time for me to feel like I had my bearings and strike out on my own. I haven’t figured everything out but the unknown feels less scary each year.
We’ve been impressed with Jessica Mohrweis Counseling PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I provide mental health therapy to adults, couples, and teens seeking support with managing anxiety, OCD, reclaiming their lives after trauma, and creating healthier relationships. In addition, I’m a certified facilitator of dancing mindfulness. I believe that the most important step is establishing a strong and safe connection with each client. Once the rapport is established, I help the client identify triggers, create strategies to manage their mental health symptoms, and break the cycle of avoidance that’s often maintaining their anxiety, OCD, and trauma symptoms. I feel proud to witness the ways in which clients have created peace after chaos, found their voice, broken toxic cycles, and learned to love and accept themselves. I feel proud of what I’ve built because I know that my business was created out of the ashes of grief and hardship. I’ve put so much of myself into this business and brand. From the color scheme in my office to the font on my website, I want everything to say the same message: I’m glad you’re here, get cozy, and let’s do some great work!
How do you define success?
I define personal success as having autonomy over your life, the freedom to govern yourself accordingly. The desire for career autonomy is what ultimately led me to pursue entrepreneurship. I love being able to make my own schedule, determine my own specialties, and work in a field that always keeps me on my toes. I’m always learning from my clients, other therapists, and this field encourages ongoing pursuit of personal growth/development. I enjoy the satisfaction of building something of my own. There’s a strange comfort that comes with knowing that it all falls on me- the good and the bad! I still have those moments of panic or regret from time to time. But those moments pass and the gratitude for my opportunities eventually kicks in.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photo with blue dress only- Jamie of Modern Milestones Hawaii
Other photos- no image credits
