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Community Highlights: Meet Jessie Lamb of J. Lamb Therapy Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessie Lamb

Hi Jessie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up as an only child in a household led by busy entrepreneurs. Although hard work and independence were highly valued, I often felt out of place due to my emotional sensitivity and constant struggle to meet expectations. I later realized that undiagnosed ADHD had played a significant role in making school and social situations especially difficult. Focusing, staying organized, and fitting in were constant challenges, which left me feeling isolated and confused.

My personal experiences with ADHD and emotional overwhelm greatly shaped my professional path. They fueled my desire to understand human behavior, leading me into social work. I started my career working in trauma-informed settings like Child Protective Services (CPS), Adult Protective Services (APS), and residential group homes. From there, I became a Head School Counselor in San Francisco, working in a middle school for 8 years. These environments were demanding, but they gave me invaluable insight into trauma, resilience, and emotional health, deepening my empathy and understanding.

The decision to move into private practice came after I passed the California Board of Behavioral Sciences licensing exam and started my own family. Reconnecting with my roots in San Diego, I found that private practice gave me the flexibility to focus on supporting individuals and families facing life transitions, anxiety, depression, and ADHD-related issues like impulsivity and emotional regulation. This shift also allowed me to grow as a therapist, gaining certifications in Somatic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and undergoing extensive training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Integrating these approaches has created a powerful framework for helping clients achieve deeper self-awareness and lasting change.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Navigating life with undiagnosed ADHD created significant challenges from an early age, especially when it came to school and social expectations. I frequently felt like others didn’t fully understand me, which led to feelings of isolation, frustration resulting in a unhealthy masking of my true self. My difficulty with focus, organization, and managing emotional overwhelm made everyday tasks harder than they needed to be. These struggles didn’t just disappear as I entered adulthood—they shaped how I approached my career and personal life.

In my professional journey, working in emotionally demanding environments like CPS, APS, and residential group homes also presented unique challenges. Witnessing trauma and supporting vulnerable populations took a toll on my emotional well-being. While these experiences deepened my understanding of trauma and resilience, they also required a great deal of self-care and reflection.

When I transitioned into private practice, starting my own business while raising a family brought its own set of difficulties. Balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities has been a constant learning curve. There were moments of self-doubt, especially as I built my practice from the ground up. However, these struggles have only strengthened my commitment to helping others, and I’ve found that the challenges I’ve faced make me more empathetic and attuned to my clients’ needs.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I offer remote therapy services to clients across California, specializing in helping individuals navigate life transitions and manage challenges like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. My approach is holistic, focusing on the connection between body, mind, and personal history. I incorporate techniques like Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Somatic movement to create a comprehensive, tailored treatment for each client.

Clients often describe my style as both compassionate and direct, appreciating the way I gently challenge them to explore new perspectives. What sets my practice apart is the deep, ongoing relationships I’ve built with clients—some of whom I’ve had the privilege of working with for years. I take great pride in witnessing their growth and resilience, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to support them through these transformative journeys.

Above all, I want people to know that my practice is rooted in a commitment to fostering meaningful change. I work to provide a safe space for clients to explore their emotions, discover new insights, and develop the tools they need to create lasting shifts in their lives.

How do you think about luck?
Luck has played an interesting role in my journey, especially in forming some truly meaningful connections with clients I might not have encountered otherwise. In many cases, it was a combination of timing and insurance alignment that brought us together. However, I’ve since made the decision to step away from accepting insurance. This choice allows me to offer more personalized, unrestricted care, without the limitations that often come with insurance.

While this transition brings some uncertainty, I trust that the right clients—those who resonate with my approach and values—will continue to find me. This shift allows me to focus on providing deeper, more impactful support to the clients I’m passionate about helping. It’s less about luck now and more about creating a space where quality and meaningful therapeutic work can thrive.

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