Jesse Connor, MA, Licensed Resident In Counseling

Jesse Connor is a resident in counseling in the state of Virginia under the supervision of Meredith Luttrell, LPC. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Oregon,

majoring in Family Human Services with a minor in Psychology. Jesse stayed in Oregon to pursue his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bushnell University, where

he developed his counseling philosophy and sharpened his clinical skills and intuition.

During his internship, Jesse gained a unique experience working with various client populations in diverse contexts. Part of his internship involved serving as a counselor for the university’s

basketball team, where he addressed issues related to performance, athlete identity, and the transition from sports to a career. Additionally, he interned at CAFA, a non-profit organization that specializes in family, couples, and child therapy. In this role, he provided parent support and psychoeducation on parenting, as well as child-centered play therapy for children aged 3 to 12. Alongside providing individual therapy, Jesse taught parenting classes and led groups focused on skills related to emotional regulation, communication, and trauma-informed interventions to support parents and

individuals reintegrating into the community, fostering safer and more connected relationships.

Jesse believes that every person does their best with the skills they possess and centers his approach around empathy and compassion. His philosophy has been shaped by various

theories and frameworks, including attachment theory, polyvagal theory, collaborative problem-solving, the neurosequential model, and neuroscience, which collectively inform his understanding of the intrinsic connection between mind and body and how it shapes the patterns in which we often find ourselves stuck. The interventions Jesse employs are eclectic, incorporating modalities such as Internal Family

Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He specializes in child-centered play therapy and Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT).

Jesse brings warmth, curiosity, and unconditional acceptance to his therapy sessions, fostering a space where clients can gain awareness, insight, growth, and meaningful change.

More about Child/Parent Work:

You’ve just received another call from the school informing you that your child has had another behavioral incident. You tirelessly search online, watch YouTube videos on parenting, read every book on the shelf, and try every strategy offered to you — yet somehow, it still feels hopeless. All you want is for your child to finish school, join the workforce, and eventually build a healthy life and family of their own. But right now, you may find yourself asking: Am I a terrible parent? Am I enough? Am I even cut out for this?

These are questions I hear frequently from parents. In many ways, if a parent isn’t asking themselves these questions at times, that would raise concern — because parenting is one of

the most complex and demanding roles a person can face. It is exhausting, confusing, and overwhelming, yet also one of the most rewarding experiences in life. With extensive experience working with children and families, I’m here to support not only your child, but your entire family system. My goal is to help build the structure, connection, and emotional safety that allows children to develop healthy relationships with both themselves and others. Our work together may include play therapy with your child, while also placing a strong emphasis on supporting you as parents — offering practical strategies, tools, guidance, and space to process the daily stressors that come with raising a child.

More on my work with Athletes/Performance:

You are passionate and dedicated to your sport. You have high hopes and are eagerly anticipating the big game, significant event, or the meaningful speech you will present for your

final project. When things are important to us, the desire to perform well can invoke feelings of anxiety, and sometimes even panic. As soon as you step into the arena, gym, or onto the

stage, you may notice your palms beginning to sweat, uncontrollable shaking, tightness in your chest, and your heart pounding. These intense experiences can feel overwhelming, and despite trying various strategies, they seem to persist. This anxiety can interfere with the things that matter most to you, whether it's securing a scholarship, landing a dream job, making the team, or achieving a high grade. You may have explored numerous solutions from self-help books, podcasts, or online searches, yet nothing seems to make a difference. You are not alone; this experience is common in our demanding, fast-paced, performance-oriented society. The question is: What can you do about it? 

In our work together, we will explore this question. We will not only investigate evidence-based techniques to help manage your anxiety, but we will also delve into what is happening beneath the surface of your body's response. During our work together, you will learn a tremendous amount about the connection between the body and mind, specifically how your individual experiences shape your uniqueness. Our sessions will be a collaborative process in which I base my approach on compassion, acceptance, and ultimately, value-driven change.