Out of my 63 years of life in this planet, 28 of those years have been spent assisting others within a diverse number of areas and environments. Narcissistic Abuse/Antagonistic personality style partner or other person in your life? As part of my work with individuals dealing with divorce, widowhood, and coparenting, I provide care and assistance for individuals directly or indirectly involved in relationship with an individual who displays behaviors which may indicate a narcissistic or antagonistic personality style. Note: It is neither possible or ethical for a provider to diagnose an individual who has not come in for assessment/diagnosis/treatment. However, a provider can work with an individual to learn to cope and navigate difficult relationships with difficult individuals. In addition to individual in partner relationships with such an individual, I also work with family members who are struggling with how to relate, support, and cope with a loved one who appears to be entangled in such a relationship. Complex circumstances need to be considered in deciding whether to remain in the relationship or to consider it's necessary to consider leaving. For folks who have separated or divorced from such a situation, the recovery and aftermath intervention and support is often needed on order to heal, restore, and recover. If children and the courts are involved, there are additional areas to address. I also provide care for adults who are highly intelligent and possibly/likely on the spectrum. Regardless of or whether an adult is diagnosable with autism, being highly intelligent can present with social and emotional challenges. 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."
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
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.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am a down to earth, real person, and above all, I want you to feel both comfortable and safe. Abo 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. In other words, as we get to know one another, the ebb and flow of our process will develop based on you, your needs, and your individual communication style. I will frequently ask you if you feel that our sessions are helpful, and I will want you to be able to be honest. Sometimes, you may say, "You know, I think this area of what we've been doing is helpful, but there are some other things which are not." It's my job to create a space where you can feel free to be yourself and to be honest, even telling me things you might think I may not want to hear, (such as, "Jeani this isn't helpful.") As you can learn that you can do this with me, this is a good step toward being able to do this with others. In our society of people pleasing, learning to first be honest with yourself, and then when needed, to find skillful ways to communicate difficult topics with others is a well-needed skill to learn and have. On the other hand, if I feel it's in your best interest, at some point, I may say, "Hey, it seems like there's kind of an elephant in the room here that we may need to talk about. What do you think?" Honesty with self and skillful honesty with others is a key part of honoring, being, and also protecting your best and most authentic self.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
It is my goal to provide a safe space where we talk about issues using 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. As we build trust and rapport, we can collaboratively sort whatever complex issues and challengers you bring to the table, facilitate processing, identifying and build on the skills you already have and learn additional skills. Always with the goal of empowering you to experience your best life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
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."
Narrative
It's my intention and goal to provide a safe, confidential space where we can both respect and care for your authentic self. Individuals often benefit from having a witness to hear and affirm them in their story. As we develop rapport and trust, we can identify themes and events which may have impacted your development in a manner as to leave you with unresolved issues or areas in need of corrective experience.
Grief Therapy
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.