Jessica Phillips, LPC
Central Ohio Pediatric Behavioral Health
What I Treat
I support clients navigating life stressors, strengthening relationships, and working through concerns such as:
About My Work
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Xavier University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. I have a niche for relationship building and fostering the balance between support and challenge in the therapeutic setting.
I connect especially well with children and teens who may feel hesitant or guarded about starting therapy, working intentionally to build trust at a pace that feels safe for them. I know it can be challenging when a child has a hard time engaging in therapy, and I'm committed to creating an environment where even the most hesitant clients can begin to feel safe, supported, and curious about the work we do together.
My Approach to Counseling
My approach to counseling is holistic and eclectic, rooted in the belief that therapy is both a collaborative process and a deeply personal journey. I strive to meet each client where they are, honoring each client's individuality and integrating creativity, humor, and play into our work together in ways that feel natural and supportive.
My sessions are guided by a person-centered and strengths-based framework that emphasizes your natural abilities. I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices and use a trauma-informed lens, incorporating elements of CBT, DBT, somatic and narrative therapies, gestalt techniques, and mindfulness-based interventions. These approaches help clients develop practical skills for regulating emotions, navigating complex relationship dynamics, and tolerating stress.
I also integrate play therapy theory into my work with younger clients, drawing on additional training in this approach to help children express feelings, ease distress, and build a stronger understanding of the mind–body connection through the language of play. Alongside these techniques, I use art-based strategies to create a supportive, imaginative space where children can explore their inner world with a sense of safety and curiosity.
Specialized Training
Ohio Association for Play Therapy (OAPT) 2026 Annual Spring Conference
Completed an 8-hour workshop (May 7, 2026) focused on adapting foundational Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) skills, trauma-informed play therapy practices, and non-directive play therapy principles to support children experiencing modern stressors, instability, and systemic trauma.
Self-Harm and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Completed a 14-hour workshop focused on underlying causes, assessment approaches, and evidence-informed intervention strategies.
Counseling Challenging Youth
Participated in a 16-hour training emphasizing relationship-building techniques grounded in reality therapy, humanistic psychology, solution-focused therapy, family systems theory, and collaborative problem-solving.
Introduction to Play Therapy
Completed a 20-hour training covering foundational play therapy theory, relevant neuroscience, and best practices for integrating and documenting play therapy in clinical work; developed an educational brochure for caregivers.
Crisis Text Line Volunteer Training
Completed a 30-hour training as a volunteer with The Crisis Text Line, receiving instruction in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
Let's Get Started
If this resonates with you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can begin building resilience, strengthening relationships, and developing a deeper sense of self-understanding.
Schedule with Jessica