ABOUT OAK & REED
a process-oriented approach towards fulfillment & flexibility
valuing the process of becoming more aware of:
• WHO WE ARE
• HOW WE EXPERIENCE THE WORLD
• WHAT MATTERS MOST
• HOW WE EXPERIENCE EACH OTHER
about jessie
Jessie is a licensed professional counselor and has worked in trauma-specific, gender-specific, and developmentally-specific therapeutic settings throughout her career providing in depth clinical services, program development, and clinical and operational management for all levels of care. Jessie served on the founding executive committees for both the Atlanta and Western North Carolina chapters of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.
Jessie’s primary focus is in transdiagnostic treatment approaches, particularly related to the treatment of complex trauma and associated conditions. She has contributed to research and presented on a range of topics including the midlife stage of development and substance use trends, treatment integration for trauma and eating disorders, family dynamics, the phase-oriented approach to trauma treatment, psychophysiology and coping skills, multicultural bias in clinicians, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Jessie completed her undergraduate education with dual degrees in Psychology and Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences, and received her graduate education from Georgia State University in Professional Counseling. Jessie has recently transitioned from her role as Vice President of Clinical Development and Training at a large behavioral health corporation to opening her own practice providing direct care to individuals and families, training and supervision for clinicians, and program consultation services.
WORK WITH JESSIE
the fable of the oak & the reed
BECOMING BOTH
FLEXIBLE & ROOTED
Oak & Reed Clinical Services’ name stems from the fable of the Oak & the Reed. The fable tells the story of the strong, rigid Oak that mocks the fluid, bending Reed for being moved and shaken by the wind. When a tumultuous storm comes, the Oak firmly stands, relying on its famous strength and power, but ultimately is defeated by its own rigidity and inability to change with the environment. The Reed, however, bends and flows regardless of the power of the storm, absorbing the shifts and change, solidifying its roots to the ground, and enduring through flexibility.
Despite the stress of the wind, the Reed continues to grow and move in whatever direction is life sustaining, while the Oak— so insistent on its resolve and fortitude— cannot sustain the shifts that come with the storm.
Like the Reed, we too can learn to:
Bend and adapt with what the world offers at the moment
Move towards what matters most to us
Be brave in the midst of struggle and suffering