Often rebooked
I am a middle aged Caucasian woman with quirky hobbies and interests. I enjoy getting out in nature, reading, learning, and re-charging with quiet time. I have been working with children, teens, adults, and parents in different roles for a few decades now and I continue to learn and develop greater understanding of human diversity. I enjoy working with people of various ages, genders, sexual orientation, ethnicity and cultures. I have a specialty working with individuals who might be described as intense, deep thinkers, with a strong sense of justice, may have some sensory sensitivities, attention and focus challenges, while also highly intelligent. Many of us feel like we are square pegs trying to fit in a round hole in a very loud world, leading to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, frustration, shutting down or too often irritable.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session I will be gathering information about what is concerning you, how your concerns/challenges are impacting your life and what you are hoping therapy could help with. This first session is also an opportunity for you to get a sense of whether you think we are a good fit for working together. You are welcome to ask me questions. If you are a parent looking for help for your child, I will want you both to be present for the first appointment. I realize also that kids and teens will be anxious and may need to leave the appointment early while the parent and myself continue on.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One thing that makes me unique is that I have lived experience as a neurodivergent person who has raised a neurodivergent child. I have experience with the ways in which being a neurodivergent person living in a world created for neurotypical people creates challenges. I have professional training that has further developed my understanding of neurological differences and how they can present throughout the lifespan. I use a neurodivergent affirming relational approach in my work with clients, recognizing differences are not deficits. In my work with clients I regularly am able to see those "aha" moments when a client recognizes something about themselves that leads to deeper understanding. I view each person as having unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. I want you to know you are not alone and therapy can be a safe space.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal adult clients are dealing with some complex issues, perhaps experiencing a mix of depression and anxiety, along with job or relationship stress, while trying to find a way forward in their lives. Some clients may have a past diagnosis of Autism, Asperger's, ADHD, or identifies as a "Highly Sensitive Person" or suspect that one of these is a good fit for what they are experiencing. We can explore this together in a safe space. Please know that being someone who feels things deeply and cares very much about equity and justice can mean you may also experience more anxiety and sadness. When it is interfering with your life, your relationships, work performance or pursuit of your goals it is likely a good time to meet with a therapist. Children and teens I work with may be struggling with tasks like brushing teeth, eating, or going to school. I love working with kids/teens who have intense interests, strong opinions, but who may be getting stuck on specific worries or have meltdowns over what seems like something small. Sometimes parents are getting calls from school about their child's behavior in the classroom or on the playground and they are trying to figure out what is going on. These are good kids who are getting overwhelmed and their behavior looks "bad". I usually meet with children/teens weekly and parents will need be able to make time for regular 1:1 check-ins to review recent behaviors, explore possible triggers to their child's unwanted behavior, discuss parenting strategies and track progress over time. Parents have far more time with their child than I will and are a necessary part of treatment, together we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of your child's strengths and challenges and where they may benefit from additional support.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT is a very effective approach of addressing a client's experience of anxiety, frustration, and hopelessness. It offers a way to recognize thoughts, feelings, behaviors and patterns that keep a person feeling stuck. ACT offers tools for increasing flexibility, improving self-understanding, identifying values and getting unstuck by taking steps, actions, that align with one's values. Your values, not mine. I see my role as being more of a guide, offering a new way of looking at something. Perhaps pointing out when you have taken the familiar path that has taken you further from who you want to be or the life you want for yourself.
Humanistic
I approach my clients with an awareness that each person has inner strengths, capacities to learn and reflect on what is important to them, the ability to make positive life choices. While recognizing past life experiences have had an impact on a person, and this can be helpful in understanding how a person developed thoughts and behaviors over time, with a humanistic approach there is a focus on the present. I incorporate this approach when I encourage reflection on current thoughts, emotions, and actions you can take that move you forward in your life.
Trauma-Focused CBT
TF-CBT focuses specifically on the effects of trauma on individuals, including their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. I include key elements of this approach when working with all ages of clients. Elements such as coping and relaxation skills, cognitive reprocessing of past events, education about the normal responses of the nervous system to perceptions of threat and how trauma experiences can lead to intensified stress responses, identification of trauma triggers (reminders). Progress towards the goal of being less negatively impacted by past frightening events takes time and I follow the pace being set by my clients.
Play Therapy
Children communicate their thoughts and feelings through play and this is how they process difficult experiences. I have worked with children from age 4 on up through a tele-health platform. During our sessions I encourage parents to be present as this can help a child, or teen, to feel safe. When a child is ready for a parent to move away they will usually give signs of this. Sometimes a young teen wants a parent in the room, but several feet away, while other children want privacy to meet 1:1. My goal is to follow the child's lead as I want them to feel safe meeting with a new person. Play therapy via telehealth can include art (please have some paper and colored pencils on hand), story books, games, finger puppets/stuffed animals. I prefer to meet 1:1 with parents every few weeks so we can collaborate as a team and you can inform me about ongoing challenges or progress.
1 rating with written reviews
October 23, 2025
Jennifer is kind, considerate, and overall a great therapist for me so far. As a queer and neurodivergent individual, finding a provider that is a good fit has been challenging, however I am grateful to have found Jennifer because she is great at helping to navigate challenges that arise in my life. She creates a warm and welcoming environment that is such positive experience compared to past therapist I have tried to work with. I would definitely recommend Jennifer Van Loy.