Post-Master’s Volunteer
Jess Penland is a Post-Master’s Volunteer Therapist focused on working with individuals across the lifespan. He earned both his Bachelors degree in Organizational Communication and Ed.S in Professional Counseling from Middle Tennessee State University while he was an intern with Refuge’s Master’s Level Intern Program. While providing individual counseling services at The Refuge Center, he also serves as an Elementary School Counselor for Rutherford County Schools.
While he is passionate about working with youth between the ages of 8 and 17, Jess enjoys working with those struggling to overcome life’s challenges regardless of where they’re at on their journey. Having experienced the life-changing benefits of counseling at a particularly turbulent period in his own life, his approach to therapy entails being a collaborative and compassionate partner as his clients work toward the fullest version of themselves.
Using an integrative approach consisting of techniques from Mindfulness-Based CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Jess seeks to empower and support individuals across the life-span as they navigate struggles with Low Self-Esteem, Anxiety, Depression, spirituality, and/or Stress.