Apricity Counseling Services

04/12/2026

Sending my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and law enforcement family of Sheriff Richard Hickox. Churchill County lost a dedicated and beloved public servant. May those who are grieving find comfort and peace.

03/28/2026

Dear parents of teens,
I know this stage can feel overwhelming — full of change, uncertainty, and more than a little fear. As a therapist who has walked through it personally with my own kids and professionally with countless families, I want to say this: it is hard. Parenting was never meant to be easy. But just like every stage before it, one day you’ll look back and miss that gangly teenager — the late-night talks, the first formal dance, the first heartbreak, the earliest glimpses of the person they’re becoming.
If we stay locked in our frustrations and fears, we miss the magic happening right in front of us. And that magic is real.
So here’s what the research — and years of clinical experience — keeps pointing to:
When they have an attitude, stay patient. That emotional intensity is your teen’s nervous system doing the hard work of development. When they talk back, stay calm — you’re watching critical thinking emerge in real time. When they take risks, keep the connection open and keep expressing your love out loud. Point out their strengths and celebrate their wins more than you correct their mistakes. Hold boundaries with clear, consistent consequences — but deliver them with calm words, not reactive ones. And no matter what they say or how the day went, don’t stop hugging them goodnight.
The teens who feel genuinely seen, delighted in, and fiercely loved are the ones most likely to keep their parents in the room as they build their independence. Your relationship is your influence — protect it.
You’re doing something hard and important. Keep going. 💙​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Jess

03/27/2026

Last night I had the privilege of introducing the Western Nevada College psychology club to Accelerated Resolution Therapy — and what an incredible group to share it with! Their curiosity and thoughtful questions made for a truly memorable evening. A heartfelt thank you to Jolene Coverston for the honor of being your very first guest presenter!

03/19/2026

03/12/2026

My schedule is officially full, and I am so grateful. 🌿
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, please don’t let this stop you. Openings can come up at unexpected times and I’m happy to connect you with a trusted colleague who can support you on your journey — because finding the right help matters more than finding my help.
Send me a message and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.
I’ll be sure to announce here when a spot opens up — so if you want to stay in the loop, follow along and you’ll be the first to know. 💙

03/09/2026

Last week I was reminded why I do this work. Sitting with clients as they move through something painful — and watching the moment it starts to lift — is something I will never take for granted. Honored doesn’t even cover it. 💚

03/01/2026

Trauma informed therapy is multi-layered and nuanced, especially for people who have experienced on-going traumas through childhood. While there are many practices that can be helpful, I always recommend seeking the support of a licensed therapist trained in integrative approaches that take into consideration the mind-body connection, relationships and attachment, and the political, economic, and societal systems that have the potential to impact healing.

02/28/2026

I had the honor of supporting the women who attended the Women Empowered Seminar this week, and I want to sincerely thank Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fallon for including me in such a meaningful event. And I’m deeply proud of every woman who stepped onto that mat. What stood out most wasn’t just the physical training.

It was the courage in the room.

The willingness of women to show up.
To try something new.
To move their bodies with intention.
To practice strength — sometimes after life has required them to be strong in ways no one should have to be.

In my work as a trauma therapist, I often sit with women who carry a great deal — responsibilities, memories, hypervigilance, self-doubt — all while appearing “fine” on the outside.

Trauma doesn’t only live in our thoughts.
It can live in muscle tension. In posture. In guarded breathing. In the way we brace for impact without even realizing it.

Spaces like this matter.

From a trauma-informed perspective, I saw:
Safety.
Clear structure.
Choice.
Respect for individual pacing.
Encouragement without pressure.
Attuned leadership.

These principles aren’t accidental — they’re foundational to helping the nervous system feel safe enough to learn something new.

Empowerment isn’t about becoming aggressive.
It’s about restoring agency.
It’s about remembering that your body belongs to you.
It’s about learning that strength and regulation can exist at the same time.

The heart of the staff at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was evident throughout the seminar. The care they take in how they teach and support women reflects genuine respect for the emotional and physical experiences people bring into the room.

I’m grateful to have been part of it.

🩷A big thank you to these strong amazing women that spent their Saturday morning with us for our 2 hour free Women Empowered Seminar!
Much thanks and appreciation to Jessica Homer of Apricity Counseling Services for her onsite support during our event.
☹️If you missed the event, no worries!
The Women Empowered program lives and is active year round Wednesdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9am.
Join us, because self-defense begins with the belief that 🩷YOU🩷 are worth defending!

02/21/2026

Teens escalate when they feel unseen.
Partners withdraw when they feel dismissed.

Validation lowers defensiveness.
Resolution or correction can happen after regulation.

Save this for your next hard conversation.