Let me introduce myself, my name is Jennifer Hickson and I am a therapist who is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Georgia. I have been providing counseling services for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients with various needs. I try to create a therapeutic environment that is warm, nonjudgmental, and where clients feel they can be their true selves. In working with clients, I love to empower, encourage, and motivate them to accept themselves but to also see themselves as who they want to become. I empower clients to work towards what they think is best for them and help them come against negative thinking patterns that have prevented them from moving forward in life.
In our first session, it will be me trying to get to know you better as well as your needs and reasons for coming into therapy. I will assist you in identifying your needs as well as your goals. You can expect for it to be in a safe, nurturing and non judgmental environment.
One of my strengths is being able to quickly build rapport and relationships with others. I have a knack of making people feel comfortable enough to open up and be vulnerable. I'm a great communicator and I will often do reflective listening (i.e., "so what I hear you saying is that...") just to make sure that I understand everything you are trying to convey. Another strength is allowing clients to address issues at their own pace, and I won't push discussing a topic if you are not ready to go there yet. I'm very discerning and I know when to pull back when I feel that you may start becoming overwhelmed. I just want clients to feel that they are safe, understood and protected at all times.
With CBT clients can unpack and identify negative thoughts that have hindered them from being the best version of themselves. I support them in seeing things from different perspectives and work with them to ultimately change their negative thinking patterns. I help clients to confront negative thinking patterns, and develop more positive thought patterns that usually result in more positive behaviors.
If requested, I incorporate Christian/Biblical practices and components into our therapy sessions. I have clients identify what their problems/needs are, and use scriptural texts and Christian spiritual practices in session to meet the needs of clients.
I assist clients in identifying what their goals are and the barriers to these goals. I work with clients on developing and maintaining the motivation they need to achieve their goals. I help clients in learning what motivates them and how to maintain their motivation.
I assist clients in identifying and setting concrete goals for themselves and empower and motivate them to reach these goals. In addition, I assist clients in discovering solutions to reach these goals and to overcome any barriers they may face.