Donna Jessen

I have over 27 years of experience, initially with a focus on medical social work. Since that time, I have been in the field of child welfare, working in CPS and the Child Abuse Hotline in DC. This has provided me with a wealth of experience in crisis intervention, depression, child abuse/trauma, anxiety, substance use, OCD, and DV. More recently, I have established a part time private practice with clients as well as working part time at UVA as a social worker in the Stem Cell Transplant department.

When working with clients, I believe in allowing them to take the lead with interaction throughout the process and a collaborative approach. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion and sensitivity. My approach is somewhat eclectic, based on the client's needs, using solution focused and cognitive behavioral techniques. I like to envision the therapeutic process as similar to a building process - starting with the foundation, removing or restructuring walls, and striving for the life, or home, a client envisions."