Jessie Davis, MSW, DSW (Candidate).
1. What's your practice focus and what kind of clients knock on your door ?
Since becoming a social worker in 2014, I've been fortunate to live out my passion working with children, teens, young adults, and families from a creative and strengths based approach. I often work with children dealing with anxiety or frustration, teens dealing with self-harm and low self-esteem, LGBTQIA+ youth, youth in foster care, and families who are seeking more positive ways of interacting with one another.
2. Tell us about yourself.
I opened my own practice in response to changes in my organization that I felt were not ethical or client centered. Getting to run my own practice is motivating because I get to do what I love (encourage and help clients grow) without having to sacrifice my personal or professional ethics. I can prioritize inclusivity, equity, and diversity in my work unapologetically and I can maintain a healthier schedule and caseload allowing me to invest more deeply in my work with clients.
3. Tell us the story of a patient who you are most proud of helping.
My client's successes truly belong to themselves and no one else. I've been so fortunate to support the growth of some amazing humans through my work. One client in particular I started seeing as a teenager. Since I've met her she's overcome a substance abuse problem, successfully transitioned out of foster care, and has done an immense amount of personal healing from profound childhood traumas.
4. What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a practitioner in private practice?
Staying connected with other therapists takes more work! I've got a good network of therapists who I consider both friends and colleagues, however, engagement requires a bit more effort an intentionality when you strike out on your own.
5. What are the top 3 tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a private practice today?\
The top three tips I would give anyone looking to start, run, and grow their private practice is to:
- Believe in yourself and value your time, energies, and efforts.
- Identify your personal and professional values and weave them into every part of your practice. For example, If you're a social worker, its more work but do what you can to get credentialed to accept insurance. Not only will your caseload always be full, but its our ethical mandate. Consider your office space, if possible, makes sure its ADA complaint.
- BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES BOUNDARIES. Establish healthy practices!
6. Where can people find you?
Website URL: