New to Grow
My name is Jennifer. I live in Birmingham, Alabama. I obtained my Masters of Science in Counseling in 2007 and Education Specialist degree in Community Agency Counseling in 2009 from Jacksonville State University. In 2021, I completed by PhD from Walden University in Counselor Education and Supervision. My dissertation was on Emotional Support Animals and their utilization. I have over 17 years experience in the counseling field ranging from residential settings, agency counseling, online counseling, in-office counseling, acute settings, and outpatient settings. I have worked with a vast variety of clients ranging from children (age 4) to older adults. I have experience working with individuals experiencing issues with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, family issues, relationship issues, career issues, mood disorders, substance abuse, anger management, and other serious mental illnesses. I utilize techniques from the CBT, ACT, reality-based, psychodynamic, and motivational interviewing perspectives. I utilize a person-centered approach which allows each individual to experience personalized counseling experiences that works best for them.
The first session can be a nervous experience. I want to make this experience less nervous and more exciting. The first session is about us getting to know each other and developing our therapeutic alliance to assist in overcoming the hurdles you are facing. I want to not only learn about your symptoms but also who you are as a person. I want to assist you in feeling comfortable with me to assist you in seeing the value in counseling. I can't wait to meet you.
I did not become a counselor because I wanted to get rich. I have a passion for helping people and assisting individuals become the best versions of themselves. I know what it feels like to feel alone, unheard, and lost. I want to work with my clients to ensure that they may begin with these feelings but throughout our work together they overcome these negative feelings and get to a b better mindframe and point in their lives.
I enjoy working with individuals from many different walks of life. I love working with individuals that feel lost or that they are uncertain how to get themselves back. I like working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults to assist them in navigating life, conflicts, work stressors, lifestyle changes, family discord, personality issues, and identity crises. Everyone has a story and I love to meet clients and learn their stories and assist them in becoming more comfortable in telling their stories.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral therapy to assist clients in reshaping negative thinking patterns to assist them in feeling better, making behavioral improvements, and increase their quality of life.