LPC, 12 years of experience
Hi! I'm Jen Tucker, a licensed mental health counselor who is passionate about serving others. I'm a military veteran and a military spouse. I'm also a wife, mom, and grandmother. I've been through a lot in my life. Most of you have too. After all, you find yourself here looking for something. It is my firm belief that each and every one of us has tremendous potential. We all have unique talents and skills, honed and sharpened through our life experiences. These experiences, while crucial to shaping us, can also leave us hurt, confused, numb, or insecure. It is paramount that we stop along our journey to take stock, address our needs, heal, and refocus. Sometimes, we realize we may benefit from having extra support or guidance through these moments. That is where therapy can help. Throughout my counseling career, I have had the privilege of being able to walk beside clients as they process the past, learn to be comfortable in the present, and get excited for the future. I am certified in trauma and treat clients with a wide range of concerns. Whether you feel ready to dive into therapy, or you are just contemplating the idea, I'd love to hear from you. I am currently accepting video clients for individual therapy. If you aren't ready to make contact, I have some resources available for self-reflection. Check out my blog at NotWavingButDrowning.org or my TikTok @MHMinute, where you'll find videos on a variety of mental health topics.
The intake session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. I will try to get a sense of who you are, what is going on in your life, and what you are looking for in the therapeutic relationship. It's also a time for you to get a sense of me, to make sure I'll be a good fit for your needs.
My biggest strength as a clinician is the ability to connect with my clients. The therapeutic relationship should be a space that feels warm, supportive, and safe. It is only from this space that you can feel secure enough to do the work you need to do. I provide that space.
I don't focus on any one population. I am open to working with anyone, wherever you are along your journey, however you identify, and whatever your life experience is. One of the keys to successful counseling is forming a connection. I believe this is something we just can't tell on paper. We have to experience each other to see. Counseling is a therapeutic relationship that provides the space to process and heal, so it is vital that this connection feels safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental.
As human beings, we are storytellers. Our experience in the world-whether with people, places, or roles, is inherently shaped by the narrative we construct. Two of us can be present for the exact same event, and can walk away with very different emotions and memories. In therapy, we can use this knowledge to deconstruct and reconstruct our narratives in a healthier way.
I am certified in trauma, and have worked with everything from emotional, physical, and sexual abuse to combat. Trauma impacts every part of our being, emotionally and physically.
A schema refers to the way in which we see ourself, others, or the world. They are often formed during childhood or other life experiences, and can be adaptive or maladaptive depending on circumstance. Therapy allows us to work through any that have become maladaptive so that we can live healthier, more enjoyable lives.