Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Morton, LMFT.
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As cliché as it sounds, my origin story for getting started in the mental health field began after one of my friends in high school nicknamed me “counselor.” It was true I was definitely that friend that could always be relied upon to answer the phone at any hour of the night to comfort and offer good advice. When in college, I found the way psychology combines both science and research with creative problem-solving and emotional processes simply fascinating. I most appreciated learning the Narrative Therapy techniques that deconstruct language and words that keep us stuck and feeling powerless. Our inner stories affect how we approach the world and decision-making; it’s the reason I remain passionate about therapeutic work.
My chosen specialty working with couples and families was inspired by my own childhood, resulting in a burning desire to help family and romantic relationships heal from painful pasts and thrive by deepening their emotional bonds to each other. Having experienced a major grief event when I was in high school, grief therapy work tends to be the area I work most comfortably in. I could work with grief all day, every day, and never feel burnt out; I find it extremely fulfilling and meaningful. I’ve seen how powerful it is for clients who feel stuck and lost in their loss to find their way through the disorienting grief in therapy.
I’ve worked in many different roles in this field, including as an emergency/crisis response evaluator, a group facilitator for youth at a day treatment facility, and a psychotherapist at various community mental health agencies. Along the way, I absorbed the essential financial and business management background needed to start my own solo private practice with confidence. I chose the name Lighted Pathways to illustrate how I approach therapy with a focus on guiding clients collaboratively and illuminating their own potential, versus telling them what to do as an expert. I hope the name suggests the spark of curiosity and learning that is needed to illuminate which possibilities along the path of life could lead toward greater purpose, meaning, and satisfaction. My logo also incorporates the symbolism of a continuous, unbroken line in the shape of a lantern and flame that demonstrates the importance of connection and passion in relationships.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career path has certainly hit some challenging roadblocks along the way, but I try to practice gratitude because each experience has taught me a valuable lesson. I remember way back when I first started out as an inexperienced graduate intern, my co-therapists would complain about how I didn’t say anything for an entire session that I was supposed to be helping lead. When I expressed my worry that I just wasn’t cut out to be a therapist, my supervisor used the visual of therapy sessions as a “runaway train” that I have to leap aboard to conduct or else it will get off track. It was an incredibly helpful metaphor that boosted my belief in myself and changed the way I guide and pace client conversations.
A unique challenge to solo private practice is completing nearly all of the business administration tasks and maintenance by myself, except for outsourcing specific problems I can’t solve without expertise. Running a business alone can be very demanding and time-consuming, but I chose this structure and arrangement because I prefer trusting only myself to follow ethical codes of conduct and best practices versus an employer who may not operate by the same industry standards and laws. I make it a point to defend client rights each and every day.
One of the hardest things to accept about this field is that my “paycheck” is never guaranteed, especially when insurance can recoup funds they’ve already paid. The “feast or famine” mindset in knowing there will be extremes in income revenue can be hard to predict, but I’ve grown the business enough to recognize patterns based on the time of the year for both insurance payouts and new clients’ motivations for coming in. It’s unfortunate this field isn’t allowed to collectively bargain to protect our interests and income, so I hope to see some major reform in this revenue area before I hit my retirement years! Currently, I’m also frustrated that the Marriage & Family Therapy Boards have not united to create an inter-state compact that would allow MFT’s to more easily provide virtual counseling across multiple state lines without having to apply for a license to practice in each individual state. All of the other mental health license types (e.g., PhD’s, LP’s, LPC’s, LICSW’s, LMHC’s) have already enacted their own programs in the last few years. Therapy should be accessible for everyone, and we definitely need more couples/family counselors!
In my own future, I hope to continue to push myself to grow to be a trusted resource in this community. I am definitely interested in trying my hand at running Continuing Education trainings for other providers, supervising licensees, or facilitating a group therapy program. This field can be incredibly taxing and inevitably comes with difficult, even painful moments, which is why you really have to prioritize taking care of yourself too. I make sure to make time for my own therapy work for added support and plenty of self-care outlets to destress along the way. These have made this career’s inevitable strain manageable enough to allow me to thrive. Life will always throw obstacles in your way; it’s how you keep trying and showing up that matters!
We’ve been impressed with Lighted Pathways Therapy, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My therapeutic style tends to be more collaborative versus taking an expert stance, as I believe clients are the experts of their own lives. I’d rather they consistently gain confidence by practicing skills in session that naturally lead to the positive changes they wish to see. I try to balance my approach by incorporating aspects of teaching, guidance, and advocacy, as well as humor! For example, I can be righteously indignant for a client who feels hurt by others, but I will draw attention to when their Wounded Child Part might have taken over and caused some negative social consequences. I will laugh with you about the absurdity of days where every single thing goes wrong, but I will also point out areas where a lesson can be learned or psychological flexibility practiced. Throughout my work, I always retain a trauma lens with every client because it is rare that an adult walks into my office and has somehow managed to live the perfect life. Did you know the definition of “trauma” includes both the feelings of terror and of helplessness? When I approach trauma work, I try to focus on ways the client can feel safe enough to explore the deepest, most hidden feelings and thoughts they would rather avoid, while also supporting healthy practices that align with their personal values to boost self-worth. I feel self-esteem is foundational for all mental health and human growth and can lead to personal empowerment. If you don’t like yourself or think you aren’t worth it, why would you ever make positive changes in your life? I’ve been known to get on my metaphorical soapbox encouraging clients to trust their own true Self and believe they have the power to unlock their own potential. That is where Narrative Therapy comes in handy to tear down the negative self-talk that puts you in a cage and says you aren’t capable of getting out, which is simply not true!
What makes you happy?
My greatest sense of joy is knowing I make a positive difference in this world, especially through my work. I like to read and educate myself. The relationships in my life are very important to me, including my two cats! My social life usually centers around playing board games for fun and relaxing with other therapist friends. I like to play tennis, ride my bike, and kayak during the summer. I love to craft and make things that keep me creative, like scrapbooks. I am happiest when I am listening to music while putting together a puzzle. I am always excited to travel with my husband and hope to visit all the 50 states someday. Food is one of the easiest ways to my heart, which is why I picked a husband who can cook!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lightedpathwayslmft.clientsecure.me/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jessica-morton-coon-rapids-mn/403876
