About me & my work:
I like to infuse my work with clients with a healthy sense of humor, and a realistic, goal oriented approach to therapy!
I started out treating adolescent girls with behavioral and emotional issues, and worked intensively on assisting their families as well. I am also a certified Rape Crisis Counselor by the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, where I served as an individual and group therapist, as well as a medical advocate for survivors of rape. Abortion issues are another specialty that I help women with. My expertise in this area stems from many years in abortion services with the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. In this arena, I also developed an interest in treating postpartum issues for women who have not only given birth, but have miscarried or needed to end their pregnancy.
I received a certificate in Mindfulness and Psychotherapy from the Institute of Meditation and Psychotherapy in May 2009. During this intensive program, I learned how to effectively incorporate some of the core principles of Buddhism and mindfulness into my work with clients! This certificate program blended weekly teachings with retreat practices and daily meditation. The philosophies of mindfulness and insight meditation often help clients that are feeling anxious and depressed. These principles enable them to gain some distance from their intense emotions and to learn to tolerate their feelings from a place of peace.
I am a strong believer in utilizing Relational Cultural Theory. The mainstay of this theory is that we, as human beings, all yearn to be connected. It is our disconnection which keeps us isolated and unhappy. Repairing this disconnection through the therapeutic relationship is part of creating a unique healing experience for you. I also believe in using the power of our stories as women through a theory called Narrative Therapy. Narrative therapy recognizes that just telling your story is a healing experience-and that the telling of this story can be used to create positive changes in your life. I'm trained in the specialized somatic methods of both Brainspotting and the Emotional Freedom Technique, which can be useful in overcoming trauma. Overall, therapy is an interactive relationship that will build on the strengths you currently possess to make the changes you need in your life.
I've also been extensively trained on perinatal and postpartum mood issues and the "art of holding" with Karen Kleiman of the Postpartum Stress Center in PA.
I hold a Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a specialization in Holistic Studies, from Lesley University. I am a past President and past Professional Development Coordinator of the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselor’s Association, and have been licensed by the Commonwealth. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of CA, CT, FL, and in the state of AZ. In addition to having gone to Lesley University, I also taught as Adjunct Faculty in the undergraduate program.
I love helping women in the Waltham and Boston area (and online in CT, FL, AZ, & CA) achieve their goals and really heal through the power of individual therapy. I'm always learning from my clients! I have a dog and a cat, and LOVE to travel. My favorite place in the whole world is Disneyland (I'm a dis-nerd). I love to read, knit, cook, and watch Netflix, & hang out with my peeps. I'm currently studying a lot about sex therapy and how women can embrace their most sexual selves!
Professional Affiliations:
In 2019, I became a PMH-C, Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional by PSI.
In May 2014, I completed the Online Training for the Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training for Mental Health and Clinical Professionals Hosted by Postpartum Support International, and the 2020 Mom Project. In 2019, I became a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Counselor through PSI.
In October 2013, I achieved an advanced certificate from the Postpartum Stress Center & Karen Kleiman, LCSW, completing an additional ten hours of training and further developing my skill set for treating women suffering from postpartum symptoms.
In 2008, I received Certification from the Post Partum Stress Center with famed therapist and author, Karen Kleiman, LCSW.
Also in 2009, I received Certification from the Institute for Meditation & Psychotherapy, allowing me to incorporate meditation techniques in psychotherapy for those clients who wish to explore it.
I was trained by Evelyn Tribole, MS, RD in the Intuitive Eating Pro Certificate Program!
I'm a board certified-telemental health provider!
I am the past President (2011-2012) and past Assistant Executive Director and Professional Development Coordinator for the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association (MaMHCA).
I have achieved both the NCC and CCMHC credentials from the National Board for Certified Counselors.
Recent Publications & Appearances:
January 2012, Parents.Com:
"Overcoming Your Pregnancy Body-Image Fears" by Aexandra Grablewski
September 2009, Expectant Mother's Guide Online:
"Postpartum Depression: Recognizing and Tips for Overcoming PPD"
November 2019, Milton Mom's Blog
Zencare Blog Posts
Postpartum Mental Health: How You and Your Family Can Ensure Support
The Science Behind Perinatal Mental Health Challenges
Therapy with Jessica Foley, MA, LMHC
Three Ideas for Improving Your Relationship With Food *featured quotes
Milton Moms Network
Featured In:
Stressed? 4 Tips to Avoid Workplace Burnout by Stephanie Anderson Witmer
What Is Overthinking, and How Do I Stop Overthinking Everything? by Stephanie Anderson Witmer
Self Care for New Moms by Corinne Crossley, LMHC
I'm extremely proud to be featured in Self-Care for New Moms by friend and colleague Corinne Crossley, LMHC. From Amazon:
"Explore postpartum self-care strategies for eating, body image, emotions, nursing and milk production, sex, and so much more!
The role of motherhood is one where women are continuously asked to focus on the needs of everyone else but themselves. This is a significant issue in the arena of self-care, where we often ignore our own hunger, energy levels, and emotions in the pursuit of taking care of others.
Written from the perspectives of both therapist and busy mom, Self-Care for New Moms features several eye-opening exercises, interviews from a village of experts (who also happen to be moms), and helpful interventions to help you get through the chronic depletion common to the postpartum year.
- Self-care strategies include:
- Exercise and yoga
- Pelvic floor recovery work
- Psychotherapy
- Self-compassion techniques
- Complementary and alternative methods (massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture)
- Simple recipes
- Methods for reconnecting with your partner
- And so much more
The practical exercises and comforting techniques in this book will help you manage one of motherhood’s biggest challenges: self-care.
Jessica Foley, MA, LMHC, LLC
Psychotherapy For Women Seeking Growth & Positive Change™!
36 Beaver Street
Waltham, MA 02453-7006
inquiries@jessicafoley.com
Tel: 617 877 0071
Fax: 617-440-3653
Licensed in MA LMHC #6161
Licensed in CT LPC #004707
Licensed in CA LPCC #2005
Licensed in AZ LPC #17766
Licensed in FL LMHC #18336
Grover Monster is a friendly chocolate lab puppy, born in July 2020. He is available on request for in-office pets & loves for MA clients, and can also make appearances during online sessions! Grover Monster is not YET a trained therapy dog, but maybe someday!
Let's Get Social, Ladies!
I'm also all over social media and you can follow me below! Disclaimer: Social media is a public place. Even private messages on social media are NOT secure. Please do not share anything you would not want the public to read. If you are interested in becoming a client, please know that I do use a HIPAA secure platform for email & video sessions to keep your info safe and protected. Super Important Note: Following or engaging with me on social media is NOT the same as having a therapeutic relationship. I cannot answer any clinical questions. There is no expectation that clients follow me, and I will never follow you back to protect your privacy. Please refrain from including personal info in your comments on any of my social media posts. My social media presence is for entertainment and information only and does not serve as therapy.
Proud TO BE A PART OF:
If you have found this site while in crisis, and are considering self-harm, please contact this excellent resource, or call 911 immediately!