Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Temple, TX

I am so glad you're here! I'm Jessica Haffner, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, and trauma therapy is the center of my work. I am trained in EMDR and in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. I opened my private practice in January of 2025. I have a particular passion for working with women navigating symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and the challenges that come with different seasons of life.

I earned my Doctorate in Counselor Education from Sam Houston State University in 2015, following a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Houston in 2003. My clinical specialty is working with young adults, adolescents, and families, with over five years of direct clinical experience.

In addition to my clinical work, I bring more than a decade of experience as a counselor educator at the university level. I also have over 20 years of experience in public education, including 13 years as a certified secondary school counselor. This diverse background allows me to support clients with a deep understanding of both academic and developmental challenges across the lifespan.

Together, we’ll navigate the highs and lows in a space that’s safe, supportive, and free of judgment. I believe healing and growth happen when you feel truly heard and understood. Just as pearls are shaped through pressure, our own resilience and beauty often emerge from life’s most difficult moments and I’m honored to walk beside you on that transformative journey.

Hello, and welcome. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) serving clients throughout Texas. I earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology and completed my LPC internship under the supervision of an exceptional LPC Supervisor here in Texas.

My experience spans a variety of mental health settings, including working as a case manager and service coordinator for individuals with developmental disabilities, a rehabilitation teacher in a state psychiatric hospital, a therapist on a geriatric behavioral health unit, and a counselor in medication-assisted treatment (MAT), substance use disorder (SUD) inpatient and outpatient programs, and individual counseling settings. These experiences have allowed me to support individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use disorders, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges.

A primary focus of my work is helping individuals heal from trauma and anxiety. I have completed the training portion of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based approach that uses bilateral eye movements similar to EMDR while incorporating its own unique treatment methods. Throughout my career, I have come to recognize how common trauma is and how profoundly it can impact a person's emotions, relationships, self-worth, and overall quality of life.

My counseling style is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard and respected. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, substance use, grief, or feeling stuck in life, my goal is to help you build insight, strengthen coping skills, and work toward meaningful change over time.

My story is a bit unique as to how I became a psychotherapist. I studied abroad in Costa Rica during college where I learned the Spanish language and where my love of adventure and exploration began. After moving to Los Angeles for several years, I decided to then move to New York City to pursue a career in music which is my first love. I was living in NYC and working for Sony Music on September 11, 2001 which changed my life dramatically. I decided to return to The University of Texas in Austin and obtained my Masters in Social Work in an effort to pursue a career in helping others which is my second love.

My therapeutic approach is grounded in the Relational Model as I believe that relationships, both with ourselves and others, are what allow us each to feel fulfilled, secure, and empowered. My hope is that we can work together as a team to unlock your inner strengths so that you can confidently manage life's stressors in the past, present, and future.

I love working with adolescents and I have a warm, non-judgmental, humorous, but direct approach that seems to fit well with teenagers. I have worked for many years in community mental health and as such have been successful with almost every diagnosis that exists, all age groups, and all genders. I look forward to working with you and your family.