Anxiety & Panic
Tools to interrupt the spiral, regulate the nervous system, and rebuild trust in your body.
A practice rooted in growth There is hope
There is hope
for change.
Certified Brainspotting and trauma therapy for your journey toward restored hope, empowerment, and a vibrant life.
Oregon · WA
In-person & virtual
15 min
Free consultation
In 2 business days
Personal response
The protea flower represents courage, daring, diversity, and transformation. I integrate these values into a holistic approach to therapy.
Licensed in Oregon · LPC / Washington · LMHC
About Jessica I'm glad
I'm glad
you're here.
Growing up in a dysfunctional family, being in a toxic or abusive relationship, or experiencing the horrors of a traumatic event can set you on a collision course with daily triggers of anger, sadness, overwhelm, panic, and dissociation. Maybe you notice your reactions in your relationships are causing harm, and you regularly experience the dreaded “shame spiral.” You minimize your pain, or others regularly do. If this is you, I’m glad you’re here. As a trauma specialist and survivor, I am committed to helping you achieve long-lasting and transformational change
I integrate parts work (IFS/TIST), Brainspotting therapy, and Somatic therapies to get to the root of your experience. I believe in the wisdom of the body to heal through compassionate attunement, set to your individual pace, to restore self-trust in your nervous system.
I work with
- Complex Trauma
- Anxiety & Depression
- Abuse Recovery
- Dissociation & DID
- Neurodivergence
- Family of origin
- Disordered Eating
— Jessica Van der Merwe Licensed Professional Counselor (OR) / Licensed Mental Health Counselor (WA)
The approach Trauma-informed
Trauma-informed
and human first.
Trauma isn't limited to acute events — it includes the subtler abandonments, betrayals, and systemic harms that shape how you function. Your history doesn't define you, and it doesn't have to be a life sentence. As a trauma-informed clinician, I work through brain-based, body-based, and emotion-focused approaches.
01
Courage
Showing up — even when a small part of you hopes for change — is the only thing required to begin.
02
Daring
We move toward the places that have been protected the longest. Gently, on your timeline, but together.
03
Diversity
No two stories or systems are the same. I don't apply a protocol — I meet who is actually in the room.
04
Transformation
Be liberated into new understanding and compassion for yourself, others, and the world around you.
What I offer A holistic
A holistic
approach to therapy.
I integrate parts work, Brainspotting therapy, and somatic therapies to get to the root of your experience.
01 03 04 05 06
Brainspotting
A focused, body-based therapy that locates and processes trauma stored beyond reach of talk alone.
02Complex Trauma Therapy
Integrative, paced work for childhood, relational, and acute trauma — with safety always first.
Relational Healing
Repair patterns from family of origin, navigate difficult relationships, and reclaim your voice.
Shame & Self-Worth
Untangle the shame spiral, soften self-criticism, and remember who you were under it all.
Professional Consultation
For therapists and helping professionals: case consultation through a trauma-conscious lens, and Brainspotting certification.
A note from Jessica
Even if only a small part of you hopes for change, I'm confident it's enough to start the journey toward a peaceful and thriving life.Jessica Van der Merwe, LPC · LMHC
Maybe this is you Some of this
Some of this
may sound familiar.
None of these are diagnoses. They're signals — the kind that tend to bring people to this work. If any resonate, that's enough.
Reach out — it's free- 01 You feel set off by daily triggers — anger, sadness, overwhelm.
- 02 You experience panic, dissociation, or feel disconnected from your body.
- 03 Your relationships keep replaying patterns you can't seem to break.
- 04 You minimize your pain — or others around you do.
- 05 You're caught in the shame spiral and tired of fighting it alone.
- 06 Even a small part of you hopes things could be different.
Credentials
Trained where it matters.
Licensure
LPC · Oregon
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensure
LMHC · Washington
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Education
M.A. Counseling
Western Seminary, Portland · B.A. Psychology, San Jose State
Brainspotting
Approved Consultant
Trains and consults with other Brainspotting clinicians
Trauma
CCTP & TIST
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional · TIST (Janina Fisher) · ISSTD member, advanced studies in progress
Couples
Gottman Method · Lvl 2
Evidence-based couples therapy training
Practical bits The practical
The practical
bits.
Most questions come down to cost, cadence, and what happens in the room. If yours isn't here, reach out — I'll answer directly.
How much do sessions cost?
$175 for a 50-minute individual session ($225 for the one-time intake), $225 for a 60-minute couples session ($250 intake). Sliding-scale slots are sometimes available — please ask. See fees for full detail.
Do you take insurance?
I'm a private-pay practice, but I provide superbills you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement.
How often will we meet?
Weekly to start. Once we find rhythm, some clients move to bi-weekly or monthly maintenance.
How do I get started?
A free 15-minute consult — no pressure, just to see if we're a fit. Use the form below or call/text me. More on a first session on the what to expect page.