Accepted insurance & self-pay
About JaLesa
Ja'Lesa Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. She has provided mental health support, counseling, and therapy in a variety of settings including residential, classroom, community, and office. Ja'Lesa has worked with children, families, couples, adolescents, and adults, but she found her niche in assisting teens through middle-aged women with finding their voice, recovery, and resting in a place of purpose. Ja'Lesa is passionate about helping others live their best life—healthy, fulfilled, and whole. Ja'Lesa specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, women's issues, and major life transitions.
Ja'Lesa completed her Master of Arts degree in Community Counseling from Norfolk State University in 2013. After working in the mental health field for a few years, she realized her desire to help others on a deeper level and went back to school at Virginia Commonwealth University. There, she obtained a Post-Master's Certificate in Professional Counseling in pursuit of LPC licensure. Ja'Lesa's varied experience across a myriad of cultures, backgrounds, dynamics, and diagnoses allows her to bring a unique perspective to the counseling session. Ja'Lesa's charismatic and non-judgmental approach helps her clients feel welcome and free to just be. Ja'Lesa utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, radical acceptance, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness.
Ja'Lesa understands the nuances of life's stressors, pressures, and upsets. We all go through challenges, and some seasons are more difficult than others to journey through alone. Maybe something has come up in your life that you thought you were over, or maybe imposter syndrome is crippling you where you stand. Maybe grief has been lingering longer than expected, or maybe unhealthy patterns of behavior are starting to impact multiple areas of your life. Whatever "it" is for you, Ja'Lesa is confident that she can support you with gaining new perspectives, reaching a place of acceptance, improving self-esteem and confidence, healing, and developing relevant coping skills that you can utilize for the rest of your life. If you are committed to doing the work, schedule an appointment with her today!

"When "all the things" seem to cloud the way forward, help me help you make it make sense!"
What clients say
These testimonials are from real clients who completed a satisfaction survey after their sessions and agreed to share their feedback. Results may vary.
My counselor is very patient & understandable
A Thriveworks Client, verified client of JaLesa
Get to know JaLesa
Why did you decide to become a counselor?
I decided to become a counselor for a few different reasons. At my core, I am a helper. I love to help others in any way that I can, whether it be as a listening ear for a friend, helping to prepare for a big event, or just being a resource in some way. When I was younger, before I even knew about the world of therapy and psychology, I wanted to be a lawyer for a lot of the same reasons. Helping others in their time of need, providing insight that is objective and truthful, analyzing various alternatives and options to get to a desired result, all of these things are a part of my personality. Another reason I became a licensed counselor was to further my knowledge and skill set so that I can provide a service that goes beyond the surface. Anyone can give sound "advice" or an opinion, but when you have studied theories and evidenced based practices, utilized theoretical concepts, and practiced the skills, you become more qualified. I wanted to be properly equipped to help people navigate the "whys" of life.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I work best with clients who are ready to do the work it takes to make necessary changes. Some level of awareness that change is needed is the first step. Starting something new like therapy can be scary, and some apprehension is to be expected, but as long as you stay open to the process, even when its challenging, you are the right type of client for me!
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am most excited to work with anyone who is tired of the way things have always been and want to learn how to do things differently! If you know you want more out of your life, but you're stuck in whatever "it" is for you- divorce, transition, a traumatic experience, lack of support, mindset, grief, loss, etc., then I am excited to work with you!
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
Therapy is not a magic fix and therapists are not magicians. Therapy is a partnership that takes trust, honesty, and communication. All therapists are not the same and one bad experience should not hinder you from finding the right fit for you. It may take some time before finding the right therapist, and that's OK, just don't give up!
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I chose Thriveworks because it was founded by therapists and it's a company that truly has the counselors' best interest in mind. I love the blueprint, the various opportunities within the company and the fact that it is highly reputable and noted around the country. Thriveworks makes the counselor's job easier by doing most of the leg work for us which allow us as therapists to focus on our clients and their unique needs.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
Clients can expect to be greeted warmly and provided with undivided attention. In our first session, I will be gathering a lot of information, to include your history and primary reason for starting therapy. We will also iron out some logistics like scheduling preferences.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy making memories with my son. We usually go on what we call "adventures" that are themed around the season, holiday, or a specific event happening in the area. Excitement for me also looks like alone time spent reading a new book in comfy pjs.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 10 years
- Graduating institute
- NSU
- Graduating degree
- Master of Arts in Community Counseling
