We recently connected with Jessica Bush and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
In the African American community, we often face colorism, and I’ve experienced my share of it. I was bullied and labeled as “ugly” by both family members and peers at school for having darker skin and not wearing the latest fashions. However, as a child, I found inspiration in fashion magazines, admiring confident women who exuded power. I realized those criticizing me struggled with their challenges, and I learned not to carry their burdens. True confidence comes from within. It’s essential to activate that inner strength by discovering your own unique style. Staying true to yourself is crucial for building self-esteem. Remember, it’s not about what others call you but how you respond. Embrace your identity with pride!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I want to start by acknowledging God for guiding me in my purpose. Mental health was never openly discussed in my family or community. I grew up in a small town in Arkansas called Newport. I remember asking my parents about mental health, but they didn’t have the answers. When I was seven, my grandmother on my mom’s side passed away, which caused my mom to fall into a deep depression. Seeing my mom emotionally unavailable to meet my needs at such a young age made me a hyper-independent child, always striving for perfection and starting my journey with anxiety. I sought her approval and wanted to be a priority in her life, but I recognized her challenges were more profound than my understanding. I also wanted to understand people’s responses to tragedies and identify my emotional needs. Initially, I wanted to become an attorney, but when I went to college, I found social work and became interested in understanding the human mind and behavior patterns.
I have spent 16 years collaborating with people of all genders and cultural identities, from children to adults aged 18 and older. In 2022, I started my private practice, Healing For the Soul, to provide a safe talk therapy place for women and men. I name my practice “Healing For the Soul” because I firmly believe that a person’s past does not have to dictate their current reality when you learn the core of who you are as an individual. My areas of expertise include anxiety, perfectionism, depression, life transitions, self-esteem, stress management, and relationship issues. I am passionate about helping my clients find their “YES” and tap into their inherent strengths. I have personal experience with the struggle of overcoming obstacles and embracing change, which has fueled my dedication to assisting others in discovering their resilience and values. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and includes the treatment of eating disorders.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
From a young age, my father instilled in me that you must work if you want something out of life. This invaluable lesson shaped my development of three key skills: resilience, discipline, and positivity. Having unwavering faith in the process is crucial, even when immediate results aren’t visible. Many people give in to fear or doubt, but I see mistakes as opportunities to reassess what’s not working and identify solutions that keep my journey moving forward. The path may have challenges, but the rewards are immense when I leverage my strengths and refuse to let weaknesses define or deter me. Embracing this mindset is essential for growth and success.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Surrounding yourself with people who uplift and encourage you during difficult times is essential. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who have guided me in my career and provided me with invaluable tools for self-improvement. Having my own therapist has also been a game-changer, offering me a safe space to express my emotions and thoughts as I navigate my journey. I strongly advocate for therapy and the presence of empowering women in your life; their perspectives are invaluable, especially when facing personal challenges. The company you keep matters significantly; when you share your successes, ensure it’s in a supportive environment. Never downplay your achievements to make others comfortable. Embrace your victories boldly!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://headway.co/providers/jessica-bush?utm_source=pem&utm_medium=direct_link&utm_campaign=69810
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingforthesoul_901/?igsh=amd0ajJlMWtmZjAw&utm_source=qr#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings?trk=d_flagship3_profile_self_view_public_profile
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
