Hi there, I’m Jennifer, but most people call me Jen. I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania and I am glad you are considering working with me. My background includes working with individuals and couples trying to navigate the ups and downs of life. My areas of focus have been working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship conflict, addiction, grief, and loss. Life is a journey and sometimes parts of that journey can be very challenging. My goal is to help you navigate your way through those challenging parts. I know that we all have the capacity to grow and change and to become who we know ourselves to be, and I would love to have the opportunity to walk alongside you and help you cultivate a life of purpose and contentment. Seeking help can be a bit overwhelming and perhaps even scary, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. As a certified clinical trauma professional, I will utilize evidence-based techniques that can help create a safe space for you to heal and grow.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
The first session typically consists of gathering information as to what brings you to therapy at this time. It is also important and helpful to know what your experiences have been up to this point as it can help guide us forward in working together. The first couple of sessions usually consist of getting to know each other and gaining a greater understanding of what it is that you hope to change or improve in your life.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
My graduate training was in trauma studies and psychodynamic in nature. I am also certified in rational living therapy which focuses on how our thoughts influence our perception of things. When we begin to understand how our brains work, for example, how much we do automatically, without thinking about it, and how our core beliefs, which are often outside of our awareness can influence how we feel, we can begin to change and get better. For many of us, our core beliefs and perceptions were established when we were young and our brains were not fully developed. What I find to be most often the issue for many of my clients is how influential these core beliefs, which are usually inaccurate, and automatic thoughts that tend to negatively shape our present experience and functioning.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I have worked with many who struggle with self-esteem, addiction, and trauma. These struggles often include relapse and the belief that we cannot heal, grow and change and I know that is not true. No matter where you are in your life and no matter what your experiences have been up to now, we all have the capacity to heal, change and grow and that is what I focus on as a therapist.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with both individuals and couples. My areas of expertise are in trauma, addiction, anxiety, grief and loss, self-esteem, and relationship conflicts.