Jess CoLbeNson, PLPC

I would like to acknowledge that starting counseling or finding a new counselor is never an easy process, so kudos to you for taking this step for yourself! Most people call me Jess (she/her). I come from a large, loud New Orleans family (I am number11 of 23 grandchildren). I am married with three stepsons, three grandchildren, and a very spoiled cat. I am not a traditional intern as this is a second career for me. I was a high school English teacher for 14 years, and my path has led me to clinical mental health counseling. 

Traveling is a big passion, so when I’m not on a trip, I’m definitely planning one. I’m also a loyal Saints fan even in the most embarrassing times.

I work with adults, adolescents/children (5 years old and up), couples, families, and LGBTQIA+ clients and family members. During my time in the counseling program, I have come to learn that I approach life and people from a constructivist perspective. With this comes the belief that everyone’s experiences and circumstances have helped to shape the person they are and how they view and handle life. The client is always the expert. I simply walk with them through the changes they are wanting to make, and I do so by utilizing various interventions that fit the client.

I work with adults, adolescents/children (5 years old and up), couples, families, and LGBTQIA+ clients and family members. There are always a myriad of hurdles in people’s lives, and often, those come with struggles associated with change, depression, anxiety, grief, etc. These are just a

few of the issues I am willing to help clients face and tackle. An area that I have become truly engaged with is play therapy. Learning this approach to help children speak, heal, and grow is truly beautiful. By the time I graduate in May, I will have met all the requirements to be certified as a play therapist. 

I am also a huge proponent of individuals working to become culturally aware, so my never-ending journey to become a culturally competent counselor is something I hold in high regard.

 I received my B.A. in Secondary English Education from SLU in 2007, and I later received my master’s in Educational Leadership through American College of Education 2020. I earned a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2024. 

• Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor                            (PLPC),  License # 10158
• National Certified Counselor (NCC) #1732286