Embodied
Refuge
Somatic Psychotherapist
Embodiment Coach
About Me
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Hello there! I am Jess ("Jay") Jarris (she/they). I am a Washington State Licensed Mental Health Counselor (#LH61332586) and Certified Yoga Therapist (#42411526) living on an island in Puget Sound and working with clients across the country. I provide somatic psychotherapy, yoga therapy, and embodiment coaching sessions to adults, adolescents, and groups. I identify as white, femme/genderqueer, pansexual, and living with chronic illness/pain.
I received my MA degree in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University in 2019, currently in my advanced year of training to become a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and have had extensive training in a variety of somatic modalities. During the final year of my graduate program, I completed a year long internship at MEND (formerly Seattle Therapy Alliance), a clinic focused on social change and serving female-identified and non-binary individuals. Through my internship, I also
received additional training in critical social theory and approaches to integrating intersectional feminism and social justice into therapy. I am committed to my ongoing continued education in racial justice, systems of oppression and decolonizing the therapeutic process.
Since 2002, I have been dedicated to yoga, mindfulness and awareness practices. I began teaching yoga in 2012 and have been certified with the International Association of Yoga Therapists since 2016. I am committed to my daily movement, breath, and contemplative practices as a way of grounding into the wisdom of present moment awareness. As a yoga therapist and teacher, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of students, including adults in custody in a medium security men’s prison, military personnel, youth, individuals living with chronic and life-limiting illness, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, and many others.
Outside of session, I find inspiration in the ocean, trees, poetry, music, joyful movement, honest connection, cuddling with my cats and gigantic pup, laughter and silence.
Education and Training
​• Trauma-Informed Yoga Certificate, Living Yoga, 2011
​• Certified Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, 2012
​• Certified Yoga Therapist with The International Association of Yoga Therapy, 2016
​• Master's in Mental Health Counseling, Bastyr University, 2019
​• Certificate in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, Embody Lab, 2022
​• Certificate in Somatic Attachment Therapy, Embody Lab, 2022
​• SEP Candidate with Somatic Experiencing International, 2023
Therapeutic Approach
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My approach is holistic and rooted in mindfulness and mind-body therapies. I believe that pain and challenge are inherent aspects of being human, yet within each of us in an inborn drive towards growth. In session, I endeavor to collaborate with you and co-create a safe space that fosters the unveiling of your innate wisdom. While I may have knowledge of certain theories and tools, I believe that you are the expert of your experience. I will encourage you to be an active participant in the process of your healing in order to create positive and sustained changes that align with your values. In our work together, my hope is that you develop the skills and tools to reclaim your connection to your innate wisdom and unveil the answers that anchor you in the realization of a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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I also believe that the body is a powerful ally in this journey. Tuning into the body is a radical act in a world strongly driven by the mind. Our body can be both a doorway to the present moment and to past experiences. Our work together may include a variety of practices such as mindfulness, movement, or other somatic techniques. All are encouraged and optional. Through the development of felt-sense awareness, you can reconnect to a sense of home within yourself and re-acquaint with your body as an inherently wise and trustworthy resource.
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Along with a holistic approach that considers the body, mind, and heart of an individual, I draw from person-centered and existential therapy, attachment theory, intersectional feminism and neuroscience. I am a LGBQIA and Trans affirming therapist and work from the lens of social justice, anti-racism and Health at Every Size (HAES).
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My growing areas of expertise are supporting individuals navigating anxiety and depression, grief and loss, early childhood trauma, disordered eating, body image, chronic pain and life-limiting illness, personal growth, and identity and existential exploration.
Kind Words​
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"I wanted to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the time Jess has shared with me. I’ve felt comfortable and safe in our sessions and I was able to go to some new places in my consciousness that I’ve been resisting for a long time. It was liberating and illuminating, and it was a bit of a breakthrough that I was not expecting." - E.D.
“I have practiced Yoga for over 30 years and have had several excellent teachers. Jess ranks at the top in knowledge of her craft, understanding of the human body, and her ability to modify poses to promote participation, safety and acceptance of one's abilities. She creates a lovely, peaceful environment and I leave her classes feeling energized yet relaxed, focused, and calm.” - M.W.