Jessica Haywood , LCSW

Jessica Haywood is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in California with 16 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing grief, low self-esteem, career setbacks, depression, and major life changes. Jessica aims to help clients find clearer steps forward while honoring their strengths and values.

Jessica uses straightforward, practical methods in sessions. She often helps people build coping skills for chronic illness or pain, manage feelings of abandonment, and reduce social anxiety. Communication problems, workplace stress, and questions about life purpose are also common topics she addresses.

Her style is collaborative and down-to-earth. She listens first, then offers tools people can try between sessions. Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused techniques help with setting short-term goals, while Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness practices are used to notice and change unhelpful patterns.

Clients can expect clear suggestions and small, doable steps rather than long lists of theory. Jessica prefers an initial meeting by video or phone to get started, and she offers flexible appointment times. She brings a respectful, steady presence to sessions and focuses on what each person needs right now.

Jessica holds a Master of Social Work from The Florida State University College of Social Work and is licensed in California as an LCSW. Her approach centers on helping people build self-love, work through guilt or shame, and regain confidence as they move forward.

Approaches that translate well to online care

Jessica commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy in online sessions. CBT focuses on identifying and changing thought and behavior patterns that contribute to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce rumination and increase present-moment awareness.

She also draws on Motivational Interviewing to help people clarify goals and find internal motivation for change. That approach is conversational and action-oriented, which works well in shorter check-ins or focused video sessions.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they will try methods that fit the client's needs and adjust as progress is made.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for more in-depth work and visual connection. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging are convenient for brief check-ins, homework support, or busy schedules. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or medical routines while keeping care consistent.