Praise from Colleagues & Supervisees

I have known Jessica Wolk Benson professionally and personally for about ten years.  I find her sensibilities for transformational therapy to be remarkable.  It is not just the skill set that Jessica has in plentiful supply, but the heart and mindfulness to make the work of AEDP sing.  To be with a therapist who has the capacity to be in the present while radiating palpable and purposeful compassion as well as genuine care is a gift to experience.  Such is the case with Jessica.  I heartily recommend Jessica Wolk Benson for group and individual therapy.   

-David Mars, PhD
AEDP Institute Senior Faculty

Jessica was private practice supervisor for 2 years. I was learning AEDP intensively at the time and she was was helping me launch into private practice —sometimes a harrowing journey — learning such a complex model and being at the starting line of a career as therapist at the same time. Due to her profound intellect and deep understanding of experiential models such as AEDP, she was able to support my learning and bring her specific innate capacity of using language skillfully to help melt defenses — mine and my patients! 

She arrived to every supervising session 110% present, on time and completely available, without her own agenda or ego driving the teaching (as I had experienced with other supervisors). She was able to both hold me accountable and "hold me" emotionally when I had been triggered by a session or a client, and she would more skillfully than I have ever experienced, allow me to move through my own emotions in a way that would help me arrive at my own deep guidance around how to move forward with patient treatment. She was never shy to add what she felt might not have been yet considered but always with deep abiding respect for my own sensibilities.

I felt myself blossom and grow with her trusting and collaborative approach. Jessica had a masterful way of creating safety for me when I was freshly learning something and feeling vulnerable, teaching and using language judiciously that allowed every tight spot I got into grow more spacious. Her compassionate approach with me allowed me to stay grounded and steady even when something I was doing as a clinician needed to change or be adjusted. Under her supervision, my private practice literally exploded and within 3 months, and I had far more patient interest than I could possibly accommodate (Thank you Jessica!) She also helped me learn to steady myself and find the balance between self-care and patient care — it’s own art form that Jessica has put tremendous self-study into. 

Deeply fortunate is the person who gets to grow as a therapist with Jessica’s guidance. She both allows space for her supervises to grow and transform whilst simultaneously tracking the growth and transformation of their patient load (a phenomenal dual attention that she brings to her life as supervisor). I am eternally grateful for the way I was able to look at and study my own blind spots with her help, and grow from her looking with me in such a caring and compassionate way.

- Polly Ely, MFT
​Former Intern
Creator of the LAB Method

Many wonderful qualities come to mind when I think of Jessica: A loving heart, a huge capacity for empathy and compassion, the ability to understand and hold the complexities of being human, the courage to be vulnerable and real, and a talent for noticing and tracking subtleties and details. I grew so much and felt deeply accepted and supported while being mentored by Jessica as a therapist-in-training. With her kind, and strong holding and guidance, I was able to relax into my optimal growth zone and lean with care into my challenges. With her encouragement, I discovered new ways that I felt capable and uncovered many of my own gifts. I emerged from my time with Jessica with a newfound confidence and trust in myself that has been a true gift. 

- Kate Ramsey, MFT
​Former Intern

Jessica Wolk Benson is not your average therapist. She is a healer and a guide who brings an impressive capacity to help people reconnect to their lost and forgotten parts. Using her exquisite capacity for attunement, Jessica creates an environment of warmth and connection that allows your healthier parts to regenerate and grow. Jessica weaves her deep intuition with her sharp intellect to shine light on patterns and bring new insight and understanding. She is a very skilled therapist who I recommend to anyone. 

​- Amanda Morrison, MFT
​Former Intern