We hear a lot from our clients. After all, therapy is YOUR time and YOUR space to explore the issues that matter most to YOU. But we also realize you may at times be curious about us, or wonder what therapy looks like from the other side of the couch.
In this series, we’ll be hearing from the therapists on staff here at Elevate Counseling + Wellness about what therapy means to them. Today, we hear from Alexis Jackson, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for fighting mental health stigma. Read on to learn about the mantra that inspires her work, why she believes therapy is about more than solving problems, her views on medication – and what she’d be serving up if she wasn’t a therapist!
Tell us a little about your background and why you became a therapist.
As a child of divorce, I found myself in a world of chaos during my formative years, struggling to understand how to cope with overwhelming change. At age 12, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety – two words that, at the time, evoked fear and shame. Learning to live with my diagnosis was incredibly challenging as I found myself surrounded by stigma and naysayers of mental health. I struggled to connect with the mental health professionals I was paired with; I felt they may have read what I was feeling in a textbook, but could not possibly empathize with what I was going through.
This was my call to change. By age 14, I felt that going into the helping profession was my calling. “Be the person you needed when you were younger” is the mantra I live by nowadays. I went on to pursue my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Human Development at DePaul University. While working on completing my undergraduate degree, I obtained employment at the University, which led to a full-time job opportunity in a completely unrelated field. I knew I wanted to work in the helping profession, but I knew it would take time to save up to afford graduate school. Fortunately, some stars aligned, and I was able to work and support myself through school to earn my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Do you specialize in a particular area or niche? Tell us about that niche and how you help clients experiencing those concerns.
I work primarily with teens and young adults, but also have experience working with adults. In general, my work with clients at any age centers on one or more of the following issues: anxiety, depression, identity challenges, self-esteem or body image, navigating friendships or relationships, academic performance and test anxieties, career challenges, parenting, grief, anger management, and decision-making. Due to the pandemic, I have seen an influx of clients who are struggling to adjust to e-learning, find motivation, and manage the feelings associated with having to “put life on hold.”
As a therapist, my first step in helping clients make space for discomfort is to form a strong therapeutic alliance where rapport, trust and safety are established. When that rapport is established, it allows the client to step outside of their comfort zone and share their stories with me. Then we can do the important work of processing their experiences and collaborating on solutions to difficulties. It is a beautiful and rewarding experience!
How do you feel about medication and how do you work with clients who are on medication?
I feel that medication can be an incredibly beneficial tool for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Unfortunately, the stigma around medication to address such needs is a significant barrier for those who could benefit from its uses. If we have an injury, a chronic ailment, or even a generic cold, it is socially acceptable to seek out medication to address physical symptoms. The same benefits apply to those dealing with mental health issues; medication can improve both mental and physical conditions. I believe medication is a tool that, paired with talk therapy, constitute a highly effective treatment. If my clients are on medication, it is important to check in regularly to monitor whether they are taking the medication as prescribed and if they are experiencing side effects.
What do you see as the biggest misconception about therapy?
I believe the biggest misconception about therapy is that it is centered on fixing problems, and that one must have significant problems in order to benefit from counseling. While there is often an initial catalyst or life stressor that brings someone to therapy, counseling is about more than symptom reduction; it is also about building insight, coping skills, and prevention strategies for the present and future. You don’t have to be “sick” to benefit from these aspects of counseling, and going to therapy doesn’t mean there is something “wrong” with you. It is simply a resource for anyone who wants more out of life – whether that’s more confidence, better relationships, greater life satisfaction, or a more diverse set of skills for managing stress.
If you weren't a therapist, what would you be doing?
Without a doubt I would be running my own food truck! I have considered having a truck centered around bubble tea because it is one of my most favorite things in the world. If it wasn’t bubble-tea centric, I think I would offer an eclectic, rotating menu as I’m always craving something different – tacos, pizza, pasta, grilled cheese, or anything fried. I’ve considered myself a foodie for as long as I can remember. I took inspiration from Anthony Bourdain at an early age, and have since developed a passion for preparing, sharing and photographing food.