Q&A with Jen

What made you choose to become a therapist?

I choose to be a therapist because I have had amazing mentors in my life who have all pointed me in this direction. I started my undergraduate degree as a teacher. I knew I wanted to be a helper but being a teacher wasn’t quite the fit I thought it would be and my advisor suggested I explore family services. I decided to become a therapist after working with children in mental health facilities. My grandmother was a social worker and missionary so helping others and being connected to our community were core values that were a big part of my family of origin. 

What keeps you engaged in your work? 

I love the ah-ha moments that happen in therapy. It is so exciting to see a client understand their circumstance, know themself on a deeper level, realize the answers to questions they have been asking, etc. To have an opportunity to bear witness to people's vulnerability and growth is such an amazing gift.

What type of client work excites you the most these days?

Clients experiencing perinatal mental health and parenting/ family challenges. I think that society puts a lot of pressure on parents, particularly moms, and helping parents understand their worth and rhythm is exciting. I enjoy working with clients who feel stuck and are struggling to understand their worth. I think that people are the experts of their lives and helping them gain confidence in their ability to live a life worth living is exciting. 

Tell us about a past client success story.

I once worked with a person who had suffered from an eating disorder for over 45 years. Their eating disorder interrupted all areas of their life and they had also developed a substance use disorder. This client was able to understand their worth and interrupt the negative self-talk that reinforced core beliefs they held. They understood the impact that childhood trauma and abandonment played in the development of their eating disorder and the thought patterns that maintained it. This person was able to learn and implement skills that interrupted daily habits and thought patterns. This person was able to find recovery from both their eating disorder and alcoholism. 

What do you look for in a healer?

I feel most comfortable with a healer who isn’t afraid to show their own vulnerability. I like healers who are engaging and give me authentic feedback while making things relatable and using humor.  Some of the most powerful moments I have seen come from healers who can meet a person where they are, sit with them with the moment, and gently nudge them forward. 

What’s it like to sit with you in a session? What have your clients told you it’s like to sit with you in a session?

I think my clients think I am funny. I use humor and my sessions are conversational. I have been told I am a non-threatening but straightforward person. I don’t shy away from difficult conversations or challenging situations. Clients have told me I am not judgmental and that they feel like I value their internal wisdom. I am a skills-based therapist and my clients typically build a large toolbox of interventions by the end of our sessions. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love being with my family. I have two small children and they keep me busy! I roast my own coffee and love trying new restaurants. I spend as much time outside as I can, winter is getting easier.  Every year I hike a 14er, it’s my favorite thing. 

What is something that people are often surprised to learn about you?

That I am afraid of heights. Most people are shocked by this because some of my hobbies include rock climbing, hiking mountains, and snowboarding. Even though I get scared sometimes, I have a lot more fun playing so it’s worth it. 

What is one thing you would say to someone who is on the fence about digging in to work on themselves?

Therapy can be scary but it’s also very rewarding. Not being ready to make a change or look at patterns in your life is a totally normal place to be. It’s ok to be hesitant and healing isn't linear. There is no “right” way to heal. You get to decide what success looks like.