Jessica Avila

Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m glad you’re here. I’m a Boston native and proud daughter of immigrants. I help women move from survival to self-trust, one honest conversation at a time. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, licensed in Massachusetts and Florida, I specialize in supporting adult women, especially those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color (BIWOC). who are carrying heavy, often invisible emotional loads. I work with women navigating anxiety, depression, burnout, perfectionism, identity shifts, cultural and systemic pressures, parenting challenges, and the ongoing demands of being “the strong one.” Since 2004, I’ve worked in social services, bringing a grounded, culturally responsive approach to every space I hold. MY APPROACH TO THERAPY I provide a warm, culturally conscious, inclusive, and trauma-informed space where you can feel seen, heard, and valued. My approach is integrative and collaborative, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS/parts work), and relational, strengths-based frameworks. At the heart of my work is helping BIWOC clients reconnect with themselves, set boundaries, and unlearn survival patterns, so they can move toward clarity, rest, and self-trust. THERAPY WITH ME Therapy with me is active and supportive. I listen closely, reflect deeply, and gently challenge when needed, always holding space for your full story, both personal and cultural. Together, we’ll unpack what’s no longer serving you, practice new coping strategies, and strengthen your ability to move through life with more softness, sovereignty, and balance. Our first session is about slowing down and arriving as you are. We’ll explore what brings you here, your current challenges, and your hopes for therapy. From there, we’ll begin identifying the patterns. cultural, familial, or internal, that have shaped your journey and explore gentle ways to move toward clarity and ease. YOU CAN EXPECT A space where you don’t have to perform strength Grounded tools for managing stress and regulating emotions Support in building values-based boundaries and practices that sustain you An approach rooted in cultural awareness, compassion, and liberation By the end of our first session, you’ll leave with a sense of direction, steadiness, and the reassurance that you don’t have to carry it all alone.