Jessica Sowle

I always knew I wanted to be a therapist. My friends and family have always come to me when they want someone to listen to their concerns or help them find solutions to their problems. I would often hear, 'Have you ever thought of being a therapist? You would be good at that.' While completing my undergraduate degree in psychology, my academic advisor recommended specializing in addiction. At this time, I knew very little about addictions, so I declined and thought, 'I'll never work in addiction.' Ironically enough, in 2012, I began working as an addiction counselor. I often remember this moment and think, 'Wow, if I had only listened, I would have saved so much time!' I've witnessed how truly empowering the therapy process can be and learned so much about the complex relationship between substance use and mental health. Being a therapist is more than a job—it reflects a core part of me that enjoys getting to know people at a real level. I feel so fortunate to help guide people who need support, encouragement, and empowerment in their lives. Everyone feels differently about therapy. Some can feel nervous, maybe excited, or hopeful, but one quote that has always stuck with me is, 'People who need help sometimes look a lot like people who don't need help.'

After 12 years of working in substance use, I've worked with many clients who were struggling with a dual diagnosis of substance use and at least one mental health diagnosis. Unfortunately, success rates in addiction are low; they're even lower with a dual diagnosis if both aren't treated. I remember one person who came in for substance use treatment: She was experiencing reoccurring, debilitating thoughts of harming herself. She denied wanting to hurt herself but was fearful that she could follow through. Another therapist who was trained in ERP began working with her. The improvement in her quality of life over a few weeks was amazing to watch. I was instantly intrigued and had to learn more. When the opportunity came to learn more about specialized treatment for anxiety disorders like OCD, I knew this was meant to be. While working in the substance use field for 12 years, I've worked with a variety of people from different backgrounds and with many different disorders, including personality, mood, anxiety, and psychotic. I've worked with adults, families, and children. I've primarily worked with adults, but I always loved working with children. They always brought so much energy, creativity, and honesty into the sessions. I didn't plan to work in substance use; it just happened to work out this way. I am thankful every day for this experience. So many people don't understand addiction, and how crucial it is to treat both substance use and mental health.

I have experience working with several disorders, including anxiety, mood, personality, and psychosis. I worked in the substance use field for 12 years because it was meaningful. Even more importantly, I learned about the power of honest relationship-building. While learning about the complex relationship between addiction and mental health, I met some of the most resilient people on earth.

ERP is hard. There are moments where at first you may feel uncomfortable, and later you feel relief. Treatment won't be easy, but you will get your life back, and that will be worth it. You're not alone—you will have guidance and support. Let's do this!

That's OK! Many people feel that way when starting therapy. Sometimes it's easier to write your thoughts out. You could type a message through the NOCD app, or you could write them down to process during a session. Just remember: Nothing you say will surprise me. As a therapist, I've heard it all! I want to make sure you feel safe, supported, and most importantly, heard.