LMHC, 35 years of experience
Jennifer E, Matilla, M.S., LMHC, LPC, Qualified Supervisor Jennifer has her Master of Science Degree in Psychology from Northeast Louisiana State University and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Barry University. She has a strong foundation in a variety of psychological treatment methods and has been working in the Mental Health field for over 30 years. Jenna has a long history of working with diverse groups of patients including but not limited to children, teens, and adults of various cultures, spiritual beliefs, and gender. She has treated patients facing a wide variety of challenges such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and chronic pain. She was given the privilege to work with patients and families dealing with a terminal illness, anticipatory grief, and bereavement where she gained comprehensive knowledge in the treatment of grief, complicated grief, anticipatory grief, suicide, and other forms of loss. Working with patients coping with PTSD and Complex Trauma (violent crimes, accidents, suicide survivors, and abuse) is an area I have extensive experience. I have also had the opportunity to work with our Military Families and the specific needs of the Families who serve our nation is another area I honored to have gained experience in. I have also spent time developing programs working with those who have developmental disabilities. Jennifer puts the patient first, providing gentle and patient support. She recognizes each patient as unique and uses a compassionate, supportive, and integrative approach to develop a plan specifically catered to each individual. Jennifer believes that patients should play a central role in the treatment process, and values a collaborative approach that emphasizes developing a relationship with the patient. She always accepts the patient for who they are and where they are and works tirelessly to help them overcome any obstacles toward achieving their goals and leading a more productive life.
Cl have told me they were surprised how they could now identify so many emotions and were now able to regulate strong emotions rather than feel controlled by different situations. Others have said they now feel they are a part of life instead of watching life taking place around them. Parents expressed enjoying interacting with their child or children rather than continually yelling or wanting a break from the exhaustion of trying to get them to behave. Some have expressed experiencing happiness and not feeling afraid if they felt sad because they knew it was something that they could change or get through. You will take away from a session what we both work hard to help you to take with you. We have to be patient and work together with supports that surround us.
Jenna always puts the client first, providing support in a gentle and client manner. She recognizes each client as unique and uses a compassionate, supportive, and integrative approach to develop a plan specifically catered to each individual. This includes DBT, Trauma-Focused Therapy, art therapy, play therapy, and additional modalities as appropriate.
My biggest strength is accepting a client where they are at the present time and assisting them in identifying the pace and path they want when working toward achieving their goals. There may be times a client comes in and while on the path they identify a completely different goal, but one that is just as worthy ,and we set course toward their new journey. Sometimes with excitement other times with hesitancy, but always knowing their is support along the path. Every step along the path opens new experiences adding to the tools to be used throughout life.