Jess E. Wangia (She/Her)

Have you ever wondered why you keep falling into the same patterns, even when you desperately want things to change? Maybe you're exhausted from trying to hold everything together, struggling with your relationship with food or your body, or finding yourself overwhelmed by anxiety, painful memories, or difficult relationships. Perhaps you can't quite explain what's wrong, you just know something doesn't feel right. Whatever brings you here, I want you to know that you don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. I'm Jess, a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor at Renewed Hopes Counseling. I believe every person has a unique story, inherent worth, and the capacity to heal and grow. My heart for counseling comes from a genuine desire to understand people and walk alongside them through life's challenges. I'm especially passionate about working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, body image concerns, OCD, anxiety, trauma, and the deeper emotional and relational experiences that often accompany them. I work with children ages eight and older, adolescents, adults, older adults, and families, offering both in-person and online counseling. Before joining private practice, I worked as a therapist on an inpatient eating disorder unit, supporting individuals and families navigating complex mental health challenges. That experience reinforced something I deeply believe: what we see on the outside is often only a small part of what's happening on the inside. Eating disorders, for example, are rarely just about food or appearance. Sometimes they're connected to shame, perfectionism, unmet emotional needs, trauma, or a desperate desire to feel in control when life feels anything but manageable. The same can be true of anxiety, obsessive thoughts, relationship difficulties, and other patterns that leave us feeling stuck. I believe that understanding what's beneath these struggles, with curiosity rather than judgment, can open the door to meaningful change. So, what does therapy with me look like? First and foremost, you'll find a welcoming, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can show up exactly as you are. You don't have to have the right words, pretend everything is okay, or worry about being judged. My approach is holistic, strengths-based, and person-centered. I recognize that our thoughts, emotions, physical health, relationships, experiences, and spiritual lives are deeply connected. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, ACT, and Internal Family Systems (parts work), but I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Sometimes our work may involve learning practical tools to manage difficult emotions or challenging thoughts. Other times, we may explore the experiences, beliefs, and relationships that have shaped how you see yourself and the world. Often, it's a combination of both. If you wish to incorporate your faith or spirituality into counseling, I welcome that opportunity. I also bring nearly two decades of pastoral counseling experience and additional training in Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapy. Equally important, I respect each client's beliefs, values, and worldview. Whether faith is central to your life, something you're questioning, a source of pain, or simply not part of your story, everyone is welcome here. Above all, I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role isn't to tell you who to be or what to do. It's to walk alongside you, ask thoughtful questions, offer support and practical tools, and help you discover what healing and growth can look like for you. I consider it both a privilege and an honor to be invited into someone's story, and I would be honored to be part of yours.