Jess Costaldi

Trained in both clinical mental health and marriage and family therapy, I have been a licensed counselor for almost two decades, and I've worked in a variety of settings with clients from many diverse backgrounds. Currently, my specialties include helping clients navigate loss and grief as well as supporting clients through the complexities of religious trauma and deconstruction, although clients come to me with all kinds of mental health concerns, including needing assistance moving through distressing, often unexpected, life and relationship transitions. I’m also a passionate advocate for accessible, affordable mental health care for all, and my lobbying efforts have taken me all the way to Congressional offices in Washington D.C.

My approach to therapy is person-centered and highly collaborative. Even though I have years of education and experience as a counselor, I firmly believe that each client is the expert in their own life. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is open, nonjudgmental, thought-provoking, and sometimes surprisingly fun. My clients often say I have a warm, calming presence and that I’m easy to talk to, even about the hardest things.

When you first start therapy with me, we will go through an intake interview during which I will ask a series of questions about what brought you to therapy, any past or present mental health symptoms, any previous mental health treatment you've received, your family background, your social support system, your current coping mechanisms, your strengths, and your goals for counseling. This initial conversation helps me get to know you better and to begin formulating a collaborative plan for meeting your stated goals. Most clients say they feel a sense of relief by the end of this first meeting and are eager to schedule their next session!