Jenifer Hatzell
Welcome. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I want you to know that you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change. I am a graduate of Ball State University, a Licensed Mental Health Provider, and have over 16 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s difficulties. Throughout my career, I have worked with people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, life transitions, stress, and other emotional and behavioral challenges. It would be an honor to partner with you as you work toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
I recognize that everyone’s experiences are different, and I approach each person with an open mind, curiosity, and respect for their individual journey.
First session
My goal for our first session is for you to feel welcomed, comfortable, heard, and understood. Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when you are sharing personal experiences or discussing things you may have never felt comfortable sharing before. Our first session is an opportunity for me to get to know you, understand what has brought you to therapy, and learn what you hope to gain from the experience. There is no expectation that you have everything figured out or know exactly where to begin. We will take things at your pace.
Strengths
I bring compassion, empathy, authenticity, and a genuine desire to understand each person I see. I strive to create an environment where clients feel safe, accepted, heard, and never judged. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to connect with people and meet them where they are emotionally. I recognize that everyone’s experiences are different, and I approach each person with an open mind, curiosity, and respect for their individual journey.
Ideal clients
My ideal client doesn’t have to have everything figured out or even know where to begin. They just need a willingness to show up and be open to the possibility of change. I work best with clients who appreciate a therapeutic relationship that combines warmth, compassion, authenticity, and honest conversations. I want to help people recognize their strengths, understand their past without being defined by it, and create a future that feels healthier and more fulfilling.
Origin story
Over the past 16 years, I have learned that being a therapist is about much more than providing guidance or teaching coping skills. It is about building trust, creating a safe space, showing compassion, and helping people see possibilities when they may have lost sight of them. I chose this profession because I believe people matter. I believe healing is possible, growth can happen, and everyone deserves to feel valued, supported, and understood. Being able to be part of someone’s journey toward healing is what makes this work meaningful to me.
Ongoing work together
Progress in therapy doesn’t always happen in big, noticeable moments. Sometimes it happens quietly, through small changes that eventually make a meaningful difference. You may begin to notice that situations that once overwhelmed you are becoming easier to manage. You may find yourself setting boundaries, speaking up for yourself, recognizing unhealthy patterns, or responding differently to situations that once triggered you. You may begin to understand why you think, feel, and behave the way you do. You might become more comfortable with who you are, more confident in your decisions, and less dependent on the approval of others. Progress may look like: * Being kinder to yourself and recognizing your own worth. * Setting boundaries without feeling overwhelming guilt. * Managing emotions rather than feeling controlled by them. * Recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns. * Feeling more confident in your choices. * Responding to challenges differently than you did in the past. * Learning to accept what you cannot change. * Finding joy, peace, and purpose again.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
What I especially like about ACT is that it shifts the focus from trying to eliminate every uncomfortable thought or emotion to helping clients build a meaningful life even when difficult thoughts and feelings are present. The central message of ACT is: You don't have to feel better before you start living better. ACT helps clients develop psychological flexibility, which means learning to experience difficult emotions, step back from unhelpful thoughts, stay connected to the present, and make choices based on their values.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT helps clients recognize and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. ACT helps clients change their relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings. Together, they give clients practical tools to understand themselves, manage emotions, and make meaningf
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) is another powerful approach i incorporate into my therapy practice, especially when working with clients who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, self-destructive behaviors, or difficulty managing DBT is about teaching clients how to manage emotions without allowing emotions to manage them.
Location
Virtual sessions