About Me

Janessa Goudeau

Hello! I’m Janessa, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a clinical intern at Be Restored Counseling LLC and am working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

A big part of why I want to become an LPC comes from my lived experience. Early on, I found myself carrying responsibilities that were far beyond what most kids are expected to manage. Those experiences shaped how I understood myself, others, and the world. Over time, the weight of that role showed up as anxiety, depression, and burnout. Working through those challenges is what pushed me toward this field. I bring that lived insight into my work, while keeping the focus on supporting others through their own experiences.

For a long time, I didn’t have the language, tools, or support to understand what I needed. But, through reflection, trial and error, intentional healing, and eventually my counseling education — I started to build a life that felt like mine, not one built out of survival mode. That process is what led me here and fuels my passion for supporting people who are navigating their own stress, trauma, identity shifts, emotional overwhelm, or just feeling stuck.

In my work, I bring warmth, honesty, and a nonjudgmental presence, creating a space where clients don’t have to perform or “be the strong one.” I integrate humor, authenticity, and a down-to-earth approach, recognizing that therapy is inherently vulnerable and should feel supportive rather than cold or clinical.

I work with adolescents and adults facing a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, family dynamics, trauma, self-esteem, boundaries, life transitions, and people who are simply tired of carrying everything by themselves.

My primary grounding approach is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and I actively incorporate techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) within a person-centered framework, while continuing to pursue ongoing training and development in additional therapeutic modalities.

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Identity in Practice

Counselor Identity Development

Psychological Fitness

Maintaining mental, emotional, and relational well-being across personal and professional life. This includes practicing self-care, staying open and self-aware, and seeking support when needed.
Cultural Diversity

Respecting and valuing differences in culture, identity, and lived experience. Staying mindful of how one’s own cultural background shapes perceptions and interactions with others.
Genuineness

Showing up honestly and authentically in interactions. Being willing to acknowledge misalignment between values and actions and using it as an opportunity for growth.
Flexibility

Remaining open to uncertainty, new ideas, and different perspectives. Adjusting approaches when needed and embracing change rather than resisting it.
Self-Awareness

Reflecting on how personal values, beliefs, and experiences influence relationships and counseling work. Knowing when to set those beliefs aside to prevent harm and support client growth.
Patience

Allowing growth and change to occur at an individual pace. Modeling calmness and respect while supporting exploration and autonomy.
Empathy

Approaching others with compassion, curiosity, and understanding. Honoring each person’s unique experience while working to see the world from their perspective.
Amiability

Demonstrating kindness, humility, and warmth in interactions. Remaining respectful and composed even in challenging or frustrating situations.
Acceptance

Creating a nonjudgmental and supportive space where individuals feel safe being themselves. Remaining ethical and open while avoiding the imposition of personal values.
Professional Identity

Demonstrating responsibility, engagement, and accountability in professional roles. Committing to ongoing learning, supervision, and staying informed on best practices.