Jessy Dong, MA, Mental Health Clinician

Jessy (they/she/he) is a master level therapist at Joy

Jessy (they/she/he) is a master-level therapist of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Jessy also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Jessy is bilingual, proficient in both English and Chinese Mandarin.

My Personal Journey to become a Clinician

My journey to becoming a clinician began with an unexpected love for theater and the arts. Diving into the world of acting, I found myself endlessly fascinated by the characters I played. Let’s face it—humans are delightfully strange sometimes! We often engage in behaviors we don't even understand, and that's perfectly normal (or at least that's what I tell myself). My theater experience allowed me to explore human behavior and emotion in a cathartic, profound way, helping me see how narratives shape our self-perception and worldview.

Drawing from my eclectic background in design, film, music, and creative writing, I bring a creative flair to my sessions, aiding clients in expressing themselves uniquely. Growing up in rural China, I encountered numerous socio-economic and cultural challenges that deepened my empathy and awareness of the pressures people face. Navigating life as a queer, pansexual, nonbinary, and poly-affirming individual has acquainted me with a myriad of visible and invisible challenges, particularly related to race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration and many other “isms”. These rich experiences enable me to connect authentically with clients from diverse backgrounds, especially within the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.

My Clinical Approach

In my practice, I employ an integrative approach, blending various therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, somatic work, Gestalt therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Techniques like the Alexander Technique help clients reconnect deeply with their bodies. I chose these methods because they provide a holistic approach to understanding the multifaceted nature of human experiences—because, honestly, who wants a one-size-fits-all approach (looking at you, Brandy Melville) when we're all wonderfully complex beings?

Creating a safe, brave and supportive space is the cornerstone of my philosophy. My mission is to build a trust-based bond where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. I specialize in working with BIPOC communities, the LGBTQ+ population, and individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and trauma, aiming to create an environment where all clients feel genuinely valued and understood.

Fluent in both Chinese and English, I assist a diverse range of clients, particularly within the BIPOC community. I have dabbled in navigating issues related to race, immigration, acculturation, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, suicidality, BPD, trauma, and relationship difficulties. My trauma-informed perspective acknowledges the multifaceted nature of grief, whether it stems from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or a part of oneself. Basically, I'm here to help you view your woes, traumas, and amazing self with the compassion and care you deserve.

In addition, I'm training as a sex therapist, addressing issues such as sexual problems, trauma, kinks, consensual nonmonogamy, relationship dynamics, and communication skills. So, feel free to bring these steamy topics to the table—let's work through them together!

And hey, I welcome all kinds of emotions—joy, sadness, confusion, numbness, you name it. Personally, I have a particular fondness for anger; it's like the spicy hot sauce of emotions, and as a Chinese person, you know I love my spicy food. Let's dive into that beautiful, emotional nuance and see what we can untangle. No emotion is too big or too small!

Overall Impact

My ultimate goal is to empower clients on their journey toward wholeness, using a feminist approach that recognizes the significant role of environmental factors in their lives. By integrating somatic work and mindfulness practices, I assist clients in strengthening the connection between their mind and body. Witnessing my clients’ progress is incredibly fulfilling—think of it less as a straight line and more like a scenic route with a few stunning detours.

I hope my clients can look back on their progress and proudly say, "dang, I've grown."

A mantra that resonates with my therapeutic approach is, "Be patient with therapy and with yourself. It’s a marathon, not a sprint." Therapy isn’t a quick fix; it’s a gradual, ongoing process that requires time and effort. For those contemplating therapy, remember it’s not a magical overnight transformation. I won't flip your life around in just one session, but taking the step to attend therapy is already a monumental move toward healing, even if it doesn’t feel like it immediately. So, give yourself a pat pat on the shoulder. You're doing great—seriously!

I Might Be the Right Therapist for You If...

- You want to be heard, seen, and loved—but you're also okay with a bit of blunt honesty when it's needed, albeit served with a side of compassion.

- You're a deep feeler who struggles to untangle those big emotions. Think of our sessions as detective work with less trench coats and more mindful observation and movement. If meditation piques your interest, I'm ready to bring you on that tranquil (or occasionally awkward) journey, helping you develop a suite of tools to explore, understand, and embrace your feelings.

- You find expressing your feelings in words about as easy as parallel parking a bus. Let’s delve into creative and artistic avenues to articulate your experiences—no actual bus required.

- You face systemic oppression related to immigration, race, ableism, gender norms, and other delightful "isms." If you want validation from someone who’s been there and deeply understands the impacts of these oppressions, I’m here to stand with you.

- You're interested in exploring your relationships—including the therapeutic one between us—to understand how they shape your life.

- You're seeking someone to hold up a mirror (gently!) to your actions and language, helping you uncover behaviors you might not even be aware of that could be impacting how you navigate your life.

- You're keen to sift through childhood experiences and understand how they molded your current self. We can navigate these memories like archaeologists, with care and compassion.

- You want a therapist who brims with curiosity and favors a collaborative approach. If you prefer brainstorming sessions over having a life manual dispenser, we might just make a dynamic duo.