Counseling & Coaching

HIGH-VIBRATIONAL SUPPORT FOR THE MIND, BODY, AND SOUL, WHEREVER YOU ARE ON YOUR JOURNEY.

At pear, we know that motherhood can feel like a soul-deep unraveling, especially when you’ve spent your life building a strong, brilliant mindset. For many of the women we work with, pregnancy, birth, and parenting bring long-buried trauma to the surface. What was once manageable anxiety or sadness can begin to bloom into something heavier: panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, exhaustion, or a sense that you’re just…not yourself.

Whether you need clinical support or something more holistic, we’re here. Our services are designed to help you navigate the reproductive journey with clarity, groundedness, and care.

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Counseling at pear is a space to unravel the knots, one breath at a time. Jessica Hughes is a licensed psychotherapist who uses Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the gold standard for trauma treatment. These evidence-based modalities help you process and learn to heal from:

  • Birth trauma

  • Childhood trauma

  • Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

  • Postpartum depression and anxiety

  • Identity shifts and emotional overwhelm

Each session is 60 minutes long and begins with a thorough, one-on-one diagnostic evaluation. You’ll receive a personalized care plan that’s anchored in compassion - not just clinical labels. Together, we’ll move toward greater clarity, balance, and inner steadiness.

You’re not broken. You’re awakening.

Counseling

CLINICAL SUPPORT ROOTED IN MINDFULNESS, TRAUMA HEALING, AND COMPASSIONATE CARE.

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Trauma-Informed Coaching

NON-CLINICAL, WHOLE-PERSON SUPPORT FOR LIFE TRANSITIONS AND EMOTIONAL HEALING.

Not everyone needs (or wants) a diagnosis. Our coaching sessions are ideal for women who:

  • Prefer a non-medical model

  • Are navigating big identity shifts in motherhood or life

  • Want to explore emotional healing without traditional therapy methods

  • Have religious, personal, or professional reasons for avoiding clinical diagnosis

pear’s trauma-informed coaching blends Jessica’s clinical background with a holistic, heart-forward approach. These 60-minute sessions focus on emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, self-inquiry, and deep self-trust…without the paperwork or pressure of a traditional medical system.

It’s high-quality mental health support, without the clinical part.

This is your invitation to return to your inner knowing…without needing to be “fixed.”

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What is an EMDR Intensive?

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing is a therapy that allows your brain to heal itself from repressed emotions and traumatic experiences that presently cause overwhelming panic, or anxious and depressed feelings. 

Unlike traditional counseling sessions, which are typically spaced out over weeks or months, the EMDR Intensives at pear last from 3 hours to 3 days, depending on your presenting issue, and your needs.

In this concentrated therapeutic format, your brain has the ability to process the information faster and heal quicker. If you have experienced a recent trauma, infant and child loss, a traumatic birth experience or have childhood wounds, you can clear these negative beliefs from the traumas through a 1-3 day intensive.

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Questions & Answers

  • What can I expect from a counseling session?

    Our counseling services begin with a traditional mental health assessment, which helps us create a treatment plan and outline the next steps on your healing path. Whether we move forward with trauma-informed coaching or psychotherapy, we walk alongside you—transforming the challenges of your reproductive and parenting journey into healing, growth-inspired moments along your personal path of development.

  • Do you accept insurance?

    Yes. We accept most major insurances, including Anthem, BCBS, Humana, United, Aetna, Cigna, and Medicaid.

  • Do you offer payment plans?

    We never want finances to stand in the way of care. Whenever possible, we’ll work with you to create a payment arrangement that fits your family’s needs.

  • What type of payment do you accept for your counseling and coaching services?

    We accept credit and debit cards, which can be uploaded to our secure patient portal during intake. Cash payments are also accepted if needed.

  • What should I do if I'm interested in therapy but feel hesitant or unsure about starting?

    You’re welcome to schedule a free Welcome Chat, or simply join one of our yoga classes or workshops to get a feel for the space and community before committing.

  • How often should I attend therapy sessions?

    That depends on your needs, priorities, and schedule. Together, we’ll create a support plan that feels realistic and sustainable for you.

  • What types of issues or concerns can prenatal & postnatal therapy help address?

    Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the number one complication of childbirth and a significant and currently alarming number of cases go untreated every year. Many of these conditions are treatable and go away with support. We focus on supporting our mothers, women and families with support that helps them navigate this challenging and important adjustment to motherhood. We work on things ranging from self-worth, anxious mood, effective communication and boundary setting with family and friends, and coping to help you feel comfortable and eventually confident in this new role. 

  • What are the benefits of participating in prenatal therapy during pregnancy?

    We believe mental health care belongs in every birth plan. Having a professional provider alongside you means someone is monitoring your wellbeing, ruling out more serious concerns, and offering ongoing support throughout this life-changing time. Our prenatal clients often reach out within the first week postpartum, already feeling safe and known because of the trust we built during pregnancy. This early connection can make the difference between surviving and truly thriving as a new parent.

  • Can you still help me even if I don’t want to receive a diagnosis?

    Yes! We know this season naturally brings significant stressors, and needing support doesn’t always mean you want (or need) a formal diagnosis. We’re here to walk with you either way.

  • Do you offer EMDR?

    Yes. Jessica is EMDR-trained and often uses this therapy to help clients reprocess significant life events—from birth trauma to childhood experiences. It can also help desensitize everyday stressors of motherhood that may feel overwhelming or trigger anxious moods.

    You can learn more here.

  • Do you offer virtual coaching or counseling?

    Yes. I’m happy to offer virtual sessions to meet the needs of my clients. Coaching can be provided across state lines, while counseling is available only to Virginia residents due to licensing requirements. While I do prefer to meet in person for our very first session, your comfort and accessibility come first and I’m always glad to adjust to what works best for you.

MORE FAQs

Not Sure Where to Begin?

We offer a free 15-minute welcome chat to help you find the right path. Whether you’re navigating postpartum anxiety, preparing for birth, or seeking clarity in the swirl of motherhood, we’re here to help you land gently.

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