4/15/24 - I have current openings for VIRTUAL psychotherapy on WEDNESDAYS at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. I am able to take most commercial insurance.
Please email me at jessica (at) exert-ed.com to set up a consultation.
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Working with Jessica
I truly enjoy working with people who come to therapy for many different reasons, and I collaboratively work with my clients to help them decide on goals and focus. My approach to therapy is holistic and honoring of each of the many different backgrounds, beliefs, systems and desires that make us the unique humans that we are. I enjoy working with my clients to find peace within themselves and bodies, with others, and the world. I strive to be a guide in helping each person find their own knowledge, wisdom and connection with the universe to find hope, meaning and wellness in their lives.
I have a Master’s of Professional Studies (MPS) in Integrative Behavioral Health and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from the University of Minnesota. I also am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and have worked in outpatient, partial and residential addiction treatment. I have worked in the mental health field in research for over 20 years, and am actively involved in research at the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. My own research is on the concept of Exercise Satiation and the implications for exercise behavior, including in eating disorders. Other relevant experience includes working in neuropsychological testing at Hennepin County Medical Center for five years, and 10+ years as a fitness instructor.
Areas of Focus
While offer psychotherapy for a wide range of mental health conditions, I have specialized training in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, problematic exercise, and body image disturbances in adults. I am skilled in working with athletes, people in the health and wellness industry including fitness instructors, as well as anyone who wants to improve their relationship with food, exercise, health, and their bodies. I am also able to provide support when other issues or disorders coexist with eating disorders such as chronic health conditions and other mental health issues. I also have an interest in working with people who have had previous negative experiences in therapy, personalized treatment consultation, and thorough differential diagnosis assessments if you believe you have been misdiagnosed.
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Eating Disorders, including disordered eating and problematic exercise
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Anorexia
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Bulimia
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Binge-Eating Disorder
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Other eating disorders
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Health Behavior Change & Management
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Counseling for individuals pursuing bariatric surgery, including those with a past history of an eating disorder
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Anxiety
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Life Transitions and Adjustments
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Personal Growth
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Career Uncertainty/Growth/Challenges
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Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder
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Pre-marital Counseling and Wedding Officiating
Are you looking for non-religious pre-marital counseling or wedding officiating?
I am also able to provide pre-marital counseling, and am an ordained non-religious (ie, secular) minister by the Universal Life Church. Pre-marital counseling is not eligible for insurance reimbursement, and is offered at a rate of $1000 for 8 75-minute sessions, and must be pre-paid in full. Additional sessions are available for $150 each. *With officiant services $1300.
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Officiant only services are available for $500 in the Twin Cities Metro area, and includes two 30 minute meetings to personalize your wedding script, attendance at the rehearsal, and up to two hours of on site services the day of your wedding. Pre-marital counseling clients can add officiant services for $300.
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Please contact for price quotes for out of town weddings.
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Evening virtual sessions are available for pre-marital counseling.
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Pre-marital counseling sessions consist of the following topics:
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- Your expectations for marriage/the relationship
- Children
- Finances
- Extended family and supports
- Intimacy
- Faith, religion and spirituality in your relationship
- Personal growth goals
- Conflict resolution
- Home life and living arrangements
- Values and goals, including health
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Treatment Modalities & Therapeutic Style
I draw from many treatment modalities in collaboratively choosing what treatment will work best for my clients. I draw mainly from behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, feminist-relational, existential, strengths-based, and integrative therapies in my work.
For individuals with eating disorders, I utilize data tracking and feedback when appropriate and desired, including offering the use of the Recovery Record® app. I am happy to coordinate care with other treatment professionals to create individualized treatment teams and plans in order to ensure all aspects of health are addressed.
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Online Assessments, Tests, and Resources
Reading the Mind in the Eyes
http://socialintelligence.labinthewild.org/mite/
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Implicit Apperception Test
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html
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Values Card Sort
100 cards
https://motivationalinterviewing.org/value-card-sort-online-game
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50 cards
https://www.think2perform.com/our-approach/values/ne
Career Focused
https://www.icscareers.com.au/card-sort/
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Printable
https://demolition-nfdc.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/PersonalValues_CardSortExercise.pdf
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App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.Pinnguaq.PPLegacyCards&hl=en
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Licensure
I obtained my LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) licensure in January, 2021. I am currently pursuing the hours needed to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) under the supervision of Amber Jensen, M.A. and Shireen June, M.A. (https://www.healingwithshireen.com). I have been supervised by Jennie Yngsdahl, MA, LP in the past during the time I worked at Center for Counseling and Wellness.
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Payment Options
Payment options include direct payment per session, flexible spending plans, or availability of a limited number of sliding fee slots for those experiencing financial hardship. I am now able to accept most insurance plans, private pay, and can work with out of network benefits. I am happy to provide a superbill for insurance reimbursement. Please contact me to discuss the best options for you.
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How to schedule an appointment
If you would like to schedule an appointment, e-mail is the best way to do so. I am happy to schedule a free 15-minute phone or virtual consult to see if we would be a good fit for working together. Please allow up to 3 business days for me to respond.
Jessica Barker, MPS, LADC, Psychotherapist
jessica (at) exert-ed (dot) com
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