Meet Jessica Waldron, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS
Psychotherapist | Clinical Supervisor
(732) 820-0640
Seeking therapy can feel intimidating and overwhelming, especially when you're managing anxiety, OCD, chronic illness, trauma, or other life challenges. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being yourself—where difficult conversations can happen alongside moments of laughter, honesty, and genuine connection. Therapy is serious work, but that doesn't mean every session has to feel heavy.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), I provide virtual therapy for adolescents (12+), adults, and older adults throughout New Jersey. I work with clients navigating anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, chronic illness, and life transitions. My approach is practical, collaborative, and tailored to each person, blending evidence-based strategies with compassion, curiosity, and even a little humor when it's helpful.
I earned dual Bachelor's degrees in Law and Society and Psychology from Ramapo College of New Jersey before completing my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Georgian Court University. My diverse clinical experience has allowed me to work with clients across various levels of care while helping individuals build healthier thought patterns, improve emotional well-being, and develop practical coping skills.
Real Conversations.
Real Change: Where Insight Meets Action
I believe the best therapy happens when we work as a team. Together, we'll explore what's getting in your way, build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies that fit your life—not just in session, but in your day-to-day routine. As your needs and goals evolve, our approach can evolve too.
While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as the foundation of my work, I integrate additional evidence-based approaches when they best support your goals, including:
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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
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Exposure Therapy
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Trauma-Informed Therapy
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Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Interventions
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Person-Centered Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
Every treatment plan is thoughtfully personalized because no two people experience life's challenges in the same way.
Areas of Specialty
I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors experiencing a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns, including:
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Anxiety and Panic Disorder
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Chronic Illness and Health-Related Stress
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Trauma and PTSD
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Depression
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Bipolar Disorder
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ADHD
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Relationship Challenges
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Disordered Eating and ARFID
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Phobias (Particularly Emetophobia)
Whether you're coping with persistent anxiety or depression, adjusting to a chronic medical condition, or navigating life's unexpected changes, I strive to provide practical tools that help you feel more confident and in control of your daily life.
Experience That Supports Growth
Before joining Empower and Thrive Counseling, I worked as a Behavioral Assistant and mentor, supporting youth with disabilities through counseling and behavioral interventions. I later gained experience in partial hospitalization programs, where I facilitated psychoeducational groups focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and stress management—even helping develop a horticulture therapy group.
My experience also includes outpatient counseling for adolescents, adults, and couples, giving me a well-rounded understanding of the different challenges people face throughout various stages of life.
Virtual Therapy Across New Jersey
Online counseling makes it easier to prioritize your mental health while balancing work, school, family responsibilities, or health concerns. Through secure virtual therapy sessions, you can receive compassionate, high-quality care from the comfort and privacy of your own space.
Whether you're looking to manage anxiety or emotions, improve communication, navigate chronic illness, or develop healthier coping strategies, we'll work together to create meaningful and sustainable progress.
A Little About Me
Outside of therapy, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes, taking long walks, and playing the piano. I'm also the proud mom of an adorable mini Goldendoodle who may occasionally make a guest appearance during our virtual sessions.
I understand that asking for help isn't always easy, and taking that first step often feels like the hardest part. My hope is to make therapy feel approachable, collaborative, and encouraging from the very beginning. Together, we'll work toward quieting unhelpful thought patterns, building resilience, and creating lasting positive change.
If you're ready to begin your journey toward healing and growth, I'd love to connect with you through a free consultation.