Specialized support for individuals:
Experiencing anxiety & fear surrounding pregnancy & childbirth (tokophobia)
You may notice feeling terrified to give birth, avoiding pregnancy because of fear & anxiety about childbirth or experiencing anxiety & panic during pregnancy.
Navigating birth trauma
You may notice feeling distressed after a traumatic birth or overwhelmed by birth-related memories.
Experiencing dissociation
You may notice feeling disconnected from your feelings, different parts of you may seem to want or fear different things or have difficulty remembering daily experiences.
Navigating complex trauma
You may have experienced unmet emotional needs (attachment wounding) and/or unmet physical safety needs (trauma wounding) during your childhood. Presently, you may notice challenges in relationships, hypervigilance, dissociation, negative beliefs, or difficulty managing distressing feelings.
Already working with a therapist & interested in EMDR
You may be seeking EMDR for traumatic experiences while continuing to meet with your therapist.
In-person counseling in Wakefield/South Kingstown, Rhode Island and virtually throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts.


I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in Wakefield/South Kingstown, Rhode Island, as well as virtually in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
I'm passionate about supporting individuals experiencing fear and anxiety surrounding pregnancy and childbirth (tokophobia), birth trauma, complex trauma and dissociation.
I believe that you deserve to feel heard, understood, and supported.
My personal experience with childbirth-related anxiety and fear and my child's birth inspired my commitment to supporting individuals facing similar concerns.
The therapeutic approaches I implement include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Ego State therapy through Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy (DNMS), Structural Dissociation Theory, Evidence Based Emotional Freedom Techniques, Supportive and Strength-based therapy.
I also provide EMDR therapy for individuals who have experienced trauma while continuing to work with their primary therapist.
Through counseling, you may process distressing memories, develop greater awareness of your feelings and responses, feel more grounded, and strengthen your ability to communicate your needs.
Your story matters. Your feelings are valid. Compassionate support is available.
Support for individuals experiencing fear or anxiety about becoming pregnant, pregnancy, childbirth or a combination of these experiences.
Support for individuals navigating the emotional impact of a distressing birth experience.
Support for individuals navigating childhood attachment and/or trauma wounding.
A compassionate group setting for individuals experiencing fear or anxiety surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation. We'll talk briefly about what's bringing you to therapy, answer your questions, and see whether we're a good fit.

I welcome collaboration with healthcare professionals or therapists supporting individuals experiencing anxiety and fear about pregnancy and/or childbirth, birth trauma, complex trauma and dissociation.
*September 2026 update: Equine-Assisted EMDR sessions are on pause due to Joe passing away. *
My sweet and beloved quarter horse Joe passed away on Tuesday 9/15. He was gentle, wise and caring. His legacy was featured in the RI Independent newspaper on 9/25.
Please visit Meet Our Animal Partners page and Emerald Heart Counseling's YouTube channel to learn more about Joe.
23 North Road Building A Suite 11, Wakefield, RI, USA
Phone: 401-447-9771 Email: jessicaveroline@hushmail.com Rhode Island Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker #: ISW02727 Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker #: 1142445