At Positive Pathways Therapy you can be your best self.
You are experiencing a hard point in your life. You need someone to walk alongside you as you navigate through life's transitions. Battling anxiety or depression is scary. We all go through times of unbearable stress or times where we feel stuck. Navigating relationships with family, friends and loved ones can be challenging.
Wanting the best for your child and having the relationship you desire with them is all you can think about. Looking for help for your child/teen does not mean you are a bad parent. Parenting is hard!
Adult Services
“ We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
- Dolly Parton
Therapy is all about adjusting sails - in stormy seas or calm. At Positive Pathways Therapy, my focus is in guiding adults through the waters of depression and anxiety. Finding stability is key to recovery and rediscovering the joy life can bring. I will provide a safe space and will help you find coping skills that work for you. Therapy can help if you are at a crossroads in your life or are feeling stuck.
Child Services
Children have unique ways of processing the world around them. It can be difficult to know if your child’s feelings, social skills, and behavior are typical and healthy. Parents need resources to help their child navigate our complicated world. Common warning signs of childhood distress are isolating, moodiness, withdrawal, and/or no longer taking interest in things they previously enjoyed. Children can also act out and appear defiant when they do not have the ability to communicate how they are feeling.
As an experienced pediatric practitioner, I can help children process their feelings and learn a variety of coping skills to best manage their emotions and behaviors. At Positive Pathways, neurodiversity is celebrated and I believe in using every child’s distinctive strengths to their best advantage. Children ages 8-18 are welcome.
Jessica Urban
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
A little more about me…
Helping others has always been a passion of mine. From as long as I can remember, I was the person people went to when they needed a listening ear. In high school, I had an amazing guidance counselor who wrote my mother a letter after meeting me for the first time. I remember it being the nicest letter anyone had written about me. He said I had empathy and that was not something he saw from most high school students. (Admittedly, I did not know what empathy was so I looked it up and was pleasantly surprised with what I read.) I went another three years of having him as my guidance counselor and as we started to discuss college and career options, he told me I had a way of shining light on dark areas and I should go into the helping profession. It was at that point in my life I decided to be a social worker. My passion for working with others only grew as I pursued my education. After 15 years of being in the field, I remain as passionate about helping others as I did when I set out to become a social worker.
Over the course of my career, I have worked in a number of settings with people from birth through their adult life. I have worked in schools, both alternative and public, with students ages 3-21. Other areas I have worked in are a psychiatric hospital, child protection, community social services, and police social work. One of my most memorable work opportunities was when I worked overseas in England. During my time in England I was able to travel to many countries in Europe and many different places in England. This time in England allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture and challenged me to grow both professionally and personally.
Clients feel understood and empowered after working with me. I help clients find their balance and keep their boundaries with others. I offer a safe space for clients to be vulnerable. In therapy, you will be challenged to change your negative thought patterns and to discover the wisdom within yourself. I will teach you different mindfulness techniques that will help you feel unstuck. You will find success and happiness in your relationships.
From your work with me, you and your child will connect again. You will feel like you understand your child and communication will be easier and more fulfilling.
Taking the first step toward therapy is often the most difficult. Getting help during tough times is not a sign of weakness or failure. Seeking guidance is one of the bravest things one can do. We can all use support from time to time.
Please reach out and schedule a complimentary, 15 minute consultation to see if I am a good fit for you. Know that therapy is for everyone. I hope to hear from you soon.
What Exactly Is a Phone Consultation?
A phone consultation is a brief conversation used to determine if there is a good fit between you and the therapist (me). This a great opportunity you and I to learn about one another and what you’re looking for. Though every consult will be slightly different here are some things that may come up.
1. What You’re Looking For Help With
This phone call will help me, the therapist, start to get a picture of what you want help with. If I don’t have the specialization you are looking for, I might be able to provide referrals for you to someone who does!
2. The Therapist’s Style
Just like every person is unique, the same goes for therapists! Some therapists are direct, others are more stoic, and still others are energetic and bubbly… the style is endless! You have an opportunity to get a feel for my personality and approach on the phone.
3. Financial Stuff
In our conversation, we will likely discuss some money related things, like fees for sessions, whether I take your insurance, whether you even want to use your insurance, that kind of thing. Feel free to ask questions.
4. Scheduling
After chatting and we both decide it seems like a good fit, hopefully there is a time slot that will work for us to meet. Because there is only me and lots of potential clients out there, your ideal time may not be available. Hopefully, we can find something that works!
5. Next Steps
You have an appointment and you’re feeling great about it. Next steps will include confirming your appointment time and talking about the intake paperwork process. I have clients fill out paperwork ahead of time to get demographic information and some more clinically relevant information from you before the first session. I send an email out with a link to my secure patient portal where my clients are able to log in and complete paperwork at least 48 hours in advance of their appointment. This way I can review it before they walk in the door and they don’t have to take up their session time filling it out.
6. Your Questions
I want to address any concerns, worries, or questions you may have about the process. Feel free to voice them!