We recently connected with Jessica Dye and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
My first job following my internship was at The Teen Project, working in a women’s residential rehabilitation program. It wasn’t the job I had envisioned for myself, but after months of applying, it was the first offer I received, and I eagerly accepted. My primary focus at the time was finishing my hours and moving on to the next step in my career. Little did I know, this experience would become one of the most influential of my life.
Working at the program was a true trial by fire. Training was minimal, and within days, I was handed a full caseload from a departing associate. Overwhelmed, I quickly realized the depth of the need these women had for mental health support—and how limited my knowledge and experience felt in meeting those needs.
As the weeks turned into months, I discovered that my psychodynamic training of sitting in silence and letting the client take the lead would not suffice in this environment. This role forced me to shed my preconceived ideas of what a therapist “should” be and how therapy “should” look. Each woman who walked through those doors had a unique story, challenges, and needs, and it was my responsibility to meet them where they were.
The old adage, “Never work harder than your client,” didn’t apply here. Many of these women had never been told they had the tools to heal themselves. How could they know what to do if no one had ever shown them? My role became less about teaching coping skills or explaining CBT and DBT frameworks and more about holding a space where they could release their shame, guilt, and trauma. My greatest responsibility was to consistently affirm that there was goodness, light, and love within each of them—even when the world had convinced them otherwise.
This experience taught me the transformative power of unconditional positivity and hope. It wasn’t about “fixing” them; it was about showing up, staying grounded, and believing in their worth when they struggled to do so themselves.
Many of these women brought incredible light into my life. They were funny, brilliant, and deeply caring human beings. Sometimes, I found myself wishing I had met them at a different time in their lives, when I could have been their friend instead of their therapist.
This was a profoundly humbling experience that shaped my perspective on what it means to be a therapist—and a human working with humans. I’ve learned to deeply value connection as the foundation of therapy. I often tell new clients: “Anyone can pick up a book and learn a theory or technique, but if you can’t connect with your therapist on a human level—if you don’t feel seen, heard, and cared for—you’re not going to be receptive to any of that.”
Today, I pride myself on creating meaningful, authentic connections with my clients. That ability stems from lessons I learned during this pivotal chapter of my journey, and I’m forever grateful for it.
Jessica, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After a difficult breakup, I sought out my first therapist. I was at the lowest point in my life and desperately needed help to rebuild. Through my work with my therapist, I was connected to a sober living house, where I supported residents with everyday tasks and became a friend and confidant to them. My therapist saw something in me and suggested that I consider becoming a therapist myself.
That suggestion sparked a path I hadn’t previously imagined. While it wasn’t the first time I recognized my ability to support and connect with others, it was the first time I considered turning that passion into a career.
Growing up, I had wanted to be an elementary school teacher ever since eighth grade. I dreamed of being a supportive resource and safe space for kids—something I didn’t always have in my own life. But as I progressed through school, I realized the confines of the classroom didn’t allow for the deep, meaningful connections I wanted to foster. That realization pushed me to explore other ways I could make a difference.
Helping others feel seen, heard, and valued has always been a core part of who I am. Whether it’s a passing interaction or a long-term relationship, I’ve always wanted people to leave feeling a little better. That natural inclination, combined with my experiences as a student, educator, and confidant, eventually led me to the work I do now as a therapist.
Over the years, through school, internships, and my work in residential programs, I’ve realized that I don’t fit the mold of a “typical” therapist. I bring my full self into the therapy room—life experiences, a cheerleader’s enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to help people feel special. While I’ve learned a lot about modalities, skills, and interventions, the part of my work I’m most proud of is walking alongside my clients as they uncover their worth.
For me, therapy is about helping clients dust off the dirt and grime that life has piled on them so they can rediscover their value—the priceless, shining gem they’ve always been. It’s an honor to witness their transformation as they reclaim their sparkle and confidence.
I want potential clients to know that working with me means embracing growth, change, discomfort, humor, and ultimately empowerment. My goal isn’t just to help my clients feel better—I want them to become their own therapists. One of my favorite sayings since my traineeship has been, “The best therapists work themselves out of a job.”
If I’ve done my job well, my clients leave with the tools, confidence, and resilience to navigate life on their own. It’s a funny thing to want to be “fired” by your clients, but I see it as the ultimate success—a sign that they’re ready to move forward and do amazing things on their own terms.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A story from my journey that illustrates resilience is the one I’m currently living. Transitioning into private practice and running my own business has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. While I’ve always felt confident in my abilities as a clinician, stepping into the world of business ownership has required me to stretch and grow in ways I never anticipated.
In graduate school, no one teaches you about business fundamentals—marketing, networking, or the behind-the-scenes skills needed to build and sustain a successful private practice. Everything I’ve learned about these areas has been through trial and error, seeking out resources, and staying committed to my vision.
It’s been a constant test of resilience, especially when faced with self-doubt or imposter syndrome. There are moments when it would be easy to think, “This is too hard. I don’t know what I’m doing. Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” But I’ve learned to challenge those thoughts and remind myself: I am capable. I can learn. I can find mentors, explore new strategies, and adapt.
This journey has also pushed me to think creatively about how to expand my impact beyond the one-on-one therapy room. I’ve been exploring different platforms, attending events to build connections, and even participating in a master class on creating online programs. These efforts are helping me not only grow my practice but also find new ways to share my knowledge and reach people who are seeking growth and self-discovery.
Resilience, for me, is about perseverance—showing up, trying new things, and being willing to fail, learn, and adjust. While this path is not what I initially envisioned, it has taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth, and I am committed to carving out a successful and meaningful career on my own terms.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge, I believe adaptability is one of the most important factors for succeeding in my field. The landscape of therapy is rapidly evolving, whether it’s through the expansion of telehealth, the rise of coaching, or the growing demand for online programs and resources. The ability to stay open and flexible, to recognize what is needed in the moment, and to adjust accordingly is essential—not just for personal or business success, but also for meeting the changing needs of our clients.
Adaptability allows us to integrate our foundational skills and knowledge into new approaches and platforms. It enables us to bridge the gap between traditional therapy methods and the innovative ways people now seek connection, healing, and growth. Being adaptable doesn’t mean abandoning core principles; it means applying them creatively and staying attuned to the evolving dynamics of our field.
Ultimately, adaptability ensures that we, as therapists, can continue to provide meaningful support while navigating the ongoing transformation of our profession.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kindcounselingeducation.com
- Instagram: jessicadyelmft
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