LICSW, 25 years of experience
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in both Minnesota and North Dakota: a University of North Dakota graduate with a Masters in Social Work (specialty: mental health. Research: Music Therapy. Special area of study: Volunteerism and Catalyst for Community Collaboration.) I also hold a Bachelors in Music Composition. With over 25 years in the field, I have developed experience and a passion for serving adults dealing with unexpected and/or difficult changes and life transitions, caregiving, chronic conditions, highly intelligent and/or on the spectrum, parenting special needs children, divorce, co-parenthood, widowhood, narcissistic abuse. On the side, I enjoy writing, performing, teaching, and recording music, both vocal and guitar. I have been teaching/empowering "non-singers" to sing for over 30 years with a therapeutic program I have developed called "Singing in the Shower."
The most important thing about this session is to see what it's like for us to talk with another. I will be happy to share some about my background and answer any questions you have. I look forward to learning about you-who you are, what your goals are, and what's important to you. Hopefully, this will give each of us the opportunity to see how it feels talking with one another, to get some idea of whether we are a good fit to work together. I always tell people that if they don't think I'm the right person, that's ok. It can be challenging to find the therapist that you "click" with. If we meet another time or even a few times, and at some point, you decide this just isn't the right fit for you, I will encourage you to explore whether you can find someone you may be more comfortable with. It is my goal, in whatever way I can, to assist you in finding the resources you need.
I am a down to earth, real person, and above all, I want you to feel both comfortable and safe. As you share your story, I listen carefully, and weave therapeutic questions, thoughts, and discussion into our conversation in a way that feels natural. If you come in one day and say, "Jeani, I have a lot to get off my chest, and I mainly need to 'vent" today," I take more of a supportive listening role, in order to not interrupt your train of thought. Or I may say, "Okay, I'm here. Just tell me if or when you want me to share my thoughts on what you are saying. " In those cases, we will tend to wind down about 10 to 15 minutes before the end of session in order to have some dialogue about the issues of the day.
I use a conversational therapy style which feels both comfortable and natural. If you are looking for someone who will listen without judgement, accept you as you are, and help you to process things in a way that feels right for you, we may be a good fit. I am curious to learn about you. I will work with you to identify and achieve your goals, walk through your challenges with you, share your sorrows, and celebrate your successes. Ask about music as part of therapy if you're interested!
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to teach skills during session which can be used to help manage and regulate emotions. It is a process of identifying thought patterns which contribute to depression, anxiety, and other difficulties with cognition and mood regulation. We will practice this together in session, and you will be encouraged to apply this skill throughout the week. With practice, CBT can become a very useful "tool in your toolbox."
We will talk about the things you want to share in a conversational style that feels natural and comfortable, while also therapeutic. There are likely to be some things that truly can be effectively changed in order to make your life better. You may also find that there are some things that cannot be changed, but you can find a way to move forward with acceptance.
I specialize in working with individuals dealing with widowhood, complex grief, and also frozen grief, which occurs in the context of caregiving or loving someone who experiences an extended/long term medical issue which either changes their functioning in a significant manner and/or is terminal.