JESSICA BONER, LICSW
Internship Program Director
(Licensed in MN & WI)
PRONOUNS
She/Her
RACE/ETHNICITY
Caucasian
Jessica practices being an anti-racist in her daily life and raises her children this way as well. She understand that there’s always more to learn, and she’s also been able to be mentors for others who are just getting started with this development.
Additionally, she is LQBTQ++ affirming and also realize that there’s more to learn about someone’s lived experience, and in the history that hasn’t been taught or mainstreamed.
Jessica believes that building trust and rapport are important. Her clients often say she is genuine, calm and gentle. Jessica’s experiences as a Social Worker have allowed her to work in many settings, including child welfare with the goal of preserving the family system and keeping families together. Jessica sees how racial disparities are present within systems and works towards dismantling these oppressive systems. As a psychotherapist, she takes into consideration how racial trauma and historical trauma impacts mental health and does not shy away from discussing this in therapy.
“I think all systems need to be dismantled and built without white supremacy and oppression at the center. I’m good at recognizing the bigger picture and acknowledging these systems and environments when working with clients, and we talk about that and its impact. I identify as a social worker and social justice advocate, and make intentional decisions on where I live and shop, who I give my money to, the representation of all races, cultures, gender identities, sexual orientations, etc. of books, toys, movies, etc. in our home. Finally, I am an optimistic person and believe that things can get better in most situations. I am also mindful of not subscribing to toxic positivity as well.”
LICENSURE/ CERTIFICATIONS
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Permanency Adoption Competency Certification
EDUCATION
MSW in Clinical Social Work: Saint Catherine University/University of Saint Thomas School of Social Work
BS, Human Services: Metropolitan State University
Jessica’s passions consist of working with families, including adoptive, foster, and kinship families, adult adoptees, individuals going through life transitions, as well as older children and teens. Jessica has experience working with families in crisis and navigating through challenging situations alongside her clients. Jessica has a natural ability to connect with individuals of various backgrounds, genders, sexualities, family formations, socioeconomic statuses and celebrates one’s authentic self.
Jessica uses an eclectic clinical approach and pulls from different theories, tools and experiences. Some common approaches she uses includes strengths-based, person-centered, attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive, family systems, relational, and trauma focused. Jessica recognizes that not one approach fits all and she strives to adapt for her clients.
She believes that we are all out there trying to do our and encourages continued reflection and exploration for her clients as well as herself. When it comes to diagnosing, Jessica talks with clients first about a diagnosis she is thinking of, and ask them how they feel about it, and it becomes an open dialogue.
Jessica is creative in her approaches and adapt to clients. She does her own reading and research when she wants to know more, and apply different skills learned.
