“ I believe that therapy is a dynamic, engaging, and co-created process. It
involves some heavy lifting. You are the expert on your life. My commitment is to partner with you throughout the therapeutic journey bringing curiosity and empathy as a professional and fellow human.”
Provides
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Couples Therapy
Specializations
- LGBTQIA+ Affirmative Counseling
- Sexual Health, Relationship Concerns
- Adjustment and Life Transitions
- Employment and Career Counseling
- Feminist Multicultural Counseling
Education and Affiliations
- Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – University of Utah
- Master of Divinity – Emory University
- Bachelor of Arts – Elon University
- Leadership Member of the LGBTQ Affirmative Psychotherapist Guild of Utah
- American Counseling Association (ACA) Member
- Co-Chair of the Hope and Resilience Conference: Reducing Intimate partner violence for Sexually & Gender Diverse Individuals
About Jess Shade
My path, like those of most people, has not been wholly linear. Over a decade ago, I began my professional education and career studying the ancient Near East, archaeology, and religion. While working on my first Master’s degree, however, I had a chance to serve in an intentional community comprised of adults living with severe and chronic mental illnesses in inner city Atlanta. After this first round in graduate school, I left the South to work as a wilderness therapy guide in Utah. I lived on “trail” with my clients for 24 hours a day for a week at a time. I witnessed tremendous growth and accomplishment from the clients with whom I worked and lived. The experience of wilderness further cemented my conviction that we are embodied and social beings. Following four years working in wilderness therapy as a guide, staff trainer, and director of operations, I returned to my non-profit roots in community mental health as a case manager. It was during this period of time that I decided to return to school and pursue my second Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
My therapeutic style is collaborative. You are the expert on your lived experience. My hope is to be of assistance in sorting through and achieving your goals. I practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with guidance from Feminist Multicultural Theory. My office is an open and affirming space to all humans. I am proud to serve as part of the leadership collective of the LGBTQ Affirmative Psychotherapist Guild of Utah.
When I am not in the office, I practice self-care through ski mountaineering, climbing, and robust belly laughter with my family, friends, and shaggy old dog named Dave.
