Jayne Lessard is a highly recognized and distinguished professional in the counseling field. Jayne Lessard specializes in family and marriage therapy; however, she also has experience working with depression, anxiety, adjustment to life transitions, eating disorders, grief, parenting skills, conflict resolution, stress management, communication, and spiritual concerns. Jayne Lessard is known for utilizing a therapy style that is relatively direct and employs techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theory, and interpersonal theory.

As a professional in the counseling field, Jayne Lessard has obtained licensure and membership to various professional organizations. Jayne Lessard is part of the North Carolina Board of Licensed Practicing Counselors, the American Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the Christian Coaches Network. Jayne Lessard believes that licensure is crucial in the counseling field because it indicates that therapists have passed the minimum requirements to practice in a state. The North Carolina Board of Licensed Professionals (NCBLPC) was established under the provisions of the Licensed Professional Practicing Counselor Act, which was established on July 24, 1993. The act worked to regulate the activities of persons who rendered counseling services to the public; thus, the NCBLPC has a similar mission. The Board works by examining and passing on the qualifications of applicants, issuing licenses and license renewals, adopting ethical standards and examination materials, establishing standards for continuing professional counselor education, and conducting investigations and hearing as necessary to enforce the LPC Act.

This past year, Jayne Lessard celebrated 32 years of practicing in the counseling field. She spoke fondly about her professional anniversary, “I cannot believe it has already been 32 years since I entered this field,” stated Lessard. “I guess time really does fly when you’re having fun. I think it is important to work in an area you are passionate about because that way it will never feel like work. I can truly say that I have enjoyed every single day of my career and I am excited to see what the future holds.”

In the beginning of her career, Jayne Lessard worked at High Point Family Service Agency. After spending some time with the organization, Jayne Lessard was appointed as the youngest Executive Director in the company’s history. She was able to transform High Point from a three person staff to an organization that now employs over fifty professionals. After serving for eight years, Jayne Lessard went on to open her own private practice in 1989. Now, Jayne Lessard has been doing private practice for twenty-four years. Due to her vast knowledge and experience in the industry, Jayne Lessard is frequently asked to speak at various seminars and venues.

“I feel extremely blessed that I have been able to successfully work in this field for over three decades,” noted Lessard. “I love helping others, and this job allows me to positively transform and impact the lives of others. It is always satisfying and never boring. Although 32 years seems like a long period of time, I think of it as the opening chapters to a career that still has mileage left in it”