Dr. Jessica Dorland

Sometimes life hits harder than expected. Sometimes you've been holding it together for so long that you don't remember what not struggling feels like. I'm Dr. Jessica Dorland, a licensed trauma therapist (LPC, DBH) specializing in complex PTSD (cPTSD) — the kind of trauma that builds up over time through repeated or prolonged experiences, rather than a single event.

I hold a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University, an MS in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, and I'm a Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional and Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I've been practicing since 2009.

My approach draws on Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and polyvagal-informed work, along with Brainspotting — because healing from complex trauma isn't just about talking through what happened, it's about helping your nervous system learn what safety actually feels like.

I work with adults of all backgrounds, with particular depth in domestic violence survivors and people carrying childhood trauma. Wherever you're starting from, I'll meet you there, and we'll work together to help you find your footing again.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing because there is no one-size-fits-all person. My job isn't to tell you who to be — it's to help you better understand yourself, navigate life's challenges, and build the skills and confidence to move forward.

My work is grounded in the understanding that trauma isn't just something that happened to you — it's something that reshaped how your nervous system responds to the world. I draw on Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapy, and polyvagal-informed approaches, along with Brainspotting, because real change often needs to happen in the body, not just in conversation.

I work collaboratively with clients facing trauma, particularly complex PTSD (cPTSD), domestic violence, and childhood trauma. Together, we'll explore what's working, what's not, and what meaningful change might look like for you.

Therapy doesn't have to be intimidating. It can be a conversation, a place to catch your breath, and a space to practice being a little kinder to yourself while you figure things out.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never done it before, or if your last experience wasn't that great. Your first session with me is simply a chance for us to get to know each other. We'll talk about what's bringing you to therapy, what challenges you're facing, and what you hope might be different in your life moving forward.

You don't need to have all the answers, know exactly what to say, or share everything at once — especially if what brought you here involves trauma. Pacing and predictability matter, and I'd rather go at the speed that actually feels safe for you than rush toward a plan. My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable showing up as yourself.

By the end of our first session, we'll have a better understanding of your goals and begin developing a plan that feels realistic, meaningful, and tailored to your needs.