Jessica Kluge

Hi, I’m Jessica! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I believe everyone deserves a safe, judgment-free place to be heard. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, grief, self-harm, or just feel like life has become too much, you don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with kids, teens, adults, older adults, and families, and I’ve supported people in many settings, from hospital emergency rooms, where I work as a crisis clinician, to outpatient offices and inpatient care. That experience helps me meet you exactly where you are, whatever you’re going through. Our sessions will be shaped around you, using proven approaches like CBT and DBT to build real-life coping skills, plus creative techniques such as art when talking isn’t the easiest way in, especially for younger clients. I earned my Master of Social Work from Montclair State University and my psychology degree from Rutgers University. Reaching out takes courage, and I’d love to help you take that next step toward feeling more like yourself again.

Therapy with me is a team effort. You know your life better than anyone, so I’ll follow your lead, listen without judgment, and go at a pace that feels right for you. Together we’ll figure out what’s weighing on you and what you’d like to feel differently, and then work on practical tools you can actually use day to day. I draw on proven approaches like CBT and DBT to help with stress, difficult emotions, and unhelpful thought patterns, and I use trauma-informed care to make sure you always feel safe. For kids, and for anyone who finds it hard to put feelings into words, we might use play or art instead of just talking. There’s no “right” way to start therapy, and you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to show up as you are, and I’ll meet you there.

Your first session is mostly about getting to know each other, so there’s no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. I’ll start by explaining how therapy works, including confidentiality, so you know what to expect. Then I’ll ask about what’s bringing you in, what’s been going on in your life, and what you’d like to be different. Think of it as a conversation, not a test. There are no wrong answers, and it’s okay if you’re not sure where to begin. Toward the end, we’ll talk about your goals and sketch out a plan together, and you’ll have plenty of time to ask me anything about my approach or the process. Many people feel nervous before a first session, and that’s completely normal. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, a little lighter, and clearer about the next steps.