ABOUT

Jessica Vasa

Who I Am 

I grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming and earned my Bachelor’s Degree Cum Laude in Social Work from Michigan State University and my Master’s Degree Cum Laude in Clinical Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. I currently live in Salt Lake City, Utah; having access to the magnificence of the outdoors has fueled my interest in adventure and spending time outside. I find myself most present and grounded when in nature- whether that be canoeing in the Green River Lakes, snowshoeing, or staring up at the stars next to the warmth of a campfire.

 I believe in coming home to ourselves, in slowing down, and replacing busy-ness with stillness. I believe that physical sensations and difficult emotions are powerful messengers and that it’s important to develop the capacity to listen. I believe in learning how to skillfully turn towards challenging emotions with a compassionate presence so that we can show up in our lives with joy, fullness, and possibility. 

The Work I Do

I’ve spent the last 12 years developing tools and refining my personal and professional skills to help guide others back to themselves and their bodies. My professional experience and educational training has equipped me with the skills to promote healing and transformation in people struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, addiction, low self-esteem, grief, and life transitions. I have extensive experience in working with the Veteran population and use a trauma-informed approach with all of the people I work with.

My work comes in different forms- individual therapy, research on Mind-Body interventions, group yoga classes, private meditation classes, community workshops, and writing- but my intention has always been the same; to support you in your journey of slowing down, in becoming more present in your body, and returning to who it is that you already are.

certifications and trainings

• Licensed Clinical Therapist (LCSW)

• EMDR Therapist

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level I Trained

• 5oo Registered Yoga Instructor

• Certified Mindfulness Facilitator

• Trained Mindful Self Compassion Teacher

• Trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction

• Trained in Mind-Body Bridging

Specialties

Trauma

My practice focuses on treating individuals who have experienced trauma from a single incident or cumulative experiences. Because of the relational and physiological impact of trauma, I use an attachment based lens to inform treatment and integrate mind-body approaches (like yoga and meditation) to help regulate your nervous system and reduce emotional distress. I completed my clinical training at the VA Hospital and am extensively trained in EMDR, yoga, and mindfulness. I am also in process of completing a seven month Traumatic Stress Certification program through the Trauma Center.

EMDR

EMDR is an extensively researched, 8-phase therapeutic approach that helps people heal from emotional distress and mental health symptoms.  Much like the body recovers from physical trauma and wounds, EMDR therapy helps the mind recover from psychological trauma.  EMDR targets the brain's information processing system and uses bilateral stimulation to remove blocks or imbalances caused by a disturbing event or negative core beliefs.

Meditation and mindfulness

I have received extensive training in various mindfulness based interventions including completing a year long Mindfulness Facilitator training, Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Mind-Body Bridging (MBB). As a 500- hour registered yoga instructor, I incorporate bottom-down processing through use of gentle movement and breath awareness as a way to help regulate the nervous system and cope with mental health symptoms.