Jessica Hankins , LPC

Jessica Hankins is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a nationally and state certified school psychologist with 14 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked with children, adolescents and adults in educational and clinical settings to help them better understand their strengths and manage life challenges. Her practice focuses on a broad range of concerns including stress and anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, parenting and coaching, ADHD, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, eating and body image concerns, anger and self-esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.

Hankins describes her counseling style as warm, interactive, holistic and supportive, allowing each client to guide the pace and focus of the work. Her clinical approach blends client-centered care with cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing and solution-focused strategies to build practical skills and problem-solving tools. She often works with attachment-related concerns, communication difficulties, isolation and loneliness, and challenges such as divorce, infidelity and forgiveness.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the State University of New York College at Buffalo and a Master of Arts with an Advanced Certificate in School Psychology from the University of Buffalo. She is credentialed to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and aims to equip clients with strategies they can use to respond to life situations - reflecting her guiding idea, 'You can't control what someone may do or say, but you can control HOW you respond.'

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Care

Jessica Hankins uses client-centered therapy to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients set the pace and focus of sessions. This approach helps individuals and families explore personal goals, strengthen coping skills and build confidence. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns - it is practical for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps partners and family members understand emotions and attachment patterns so they can improve communication and rebuild connection.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Jessica works with clients to determine which methods match their needs, goals and preferences, and she adjusts techniques as progress unfolds so therapy remains responsive and goal-oriented.

Online therapy offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging. These options allow clients to receive consistent support around work, school and caregiving schedules, and make it easier to continue care from home or while traveling. Licensed professionals can adapt the same therapeutic tools used in person to these formats, helping clients practice new skills and apply techniques between sessions.