Jess Chambers

My primary focus as a therapist

I have worked with children for my entire professional career in various therapeutic capacities, including counseling. I value supporting children, teens, and families with vulnerable nervous systems to further connect to themselves and others. I consider myself to have a deep understanding of the fundamental needs and the skills to not only support children and teens but parents as well. I focus on my innate ability to support parents by putting into words the child’s experience that they themselves cannot articulate but will communicate through play. I try to bring a unique level of empathy and compassion for people who are struggling with behaviors and symptoms driven by big emotions. I have a skillset in helping to support and decrease a wide variety of challenges and behaviors that are present in children and teens as well as in collaborating with parents and caregivers around treatment and skill building. I utilize play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), art, and sand tray work with my clients. 

As a therapist who supports both young children and older children working through adolescence, I feel especially insightful because of my breadth of knowledge that expands the entire arc of life development. Since we were all children at one time, it can be helpful to parents working with me as I have a unique understanding of the whole person, including how our childhood informs our adulthood and the skills that move parts of us effectively. 

I specialize in working with children from 3 years of age to 13 years of age who are experiencing symptoms that align with ADD/ADHD, depression, and anxiety. As well as children experiencing big emotions that lead to physical aggression, self-confidence challenges, negative self-talk, boundary challenges, and power struggles. Some children ‘shut down’ or ‘amp up’ when they experience big feelings and I am here to help support communication in these situations. 

In addition to the work with children and teens, I also provide a high level of commitment to parents as well. I work closely with parents providing psychoeducation, appropriate developmental expectations, and parent coaching support. And most importantly, helping to normalize some of the challenges and experiences that you might be facing.  

How did you become a play therapist?

I grew up in Florida and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. I knew that I wanted to be more immersed in the great outdoors, so I moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where I spent 7 years skiing, hiking, biking, and working with children in various therapeutic capacities. My husband and I landed in Boulder County where play therapy found me!

I quickly became part of the professional Boulder community as a registered psychotherapist and was enthralled in studying child-centered play therapy. I earned my MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and continue to educate myself through continuing education opportunities focused on play therapy and teen counseling. 

I have worked with children in a variety of different settings over the years. In addition to my counseling experience, I have a background in working as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant as well as an Exercise Physiologist for children. With this diverse background of knowledge in body movement, body connection, supporting children and families in reaching goals, and also working closely with other professionals such as teachers and occupational therapists, I am committed to supporting my clients from a team perspective.