Trauma-informed psychotherapy, consultation, and education for all changing minds and bodies.
Like everything in nature, our Minds and Bodies are always changing. But sometimes these transitions can feel like too much, too fast, or just overwhelming for reasons we can't always identify. If this is you, no matter what change you're facing, this space if for you.
Even in turbulence, when we can't direct the winds, we can find ease in ourselves.
My Approach
I provide therapy using a trauma-informed, anti-oppressive lens that values and respects differences of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexuality, gender identity, chosen community, ability/disability, and world-view. I partner with my clients to create new awareness and compassionate understanding of the impact of life experience on the Mind and the Body and how it shapes personal narrative; to heal and befriend the nervous system; and to learn new tools to support lasting change in overall well-being. Perhaps even more importantly, I listen. You know yourself and your life experience best. I truly consider it an honor to be a part of your process.
Body
Mind
Community
Hi, I’m Jen.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), consultant, and educator.
I am a proudly pro-aging, queer/bisexual-identified, sex-positive, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), consultant, educator, and chronic illness warrior who specializes in working with people experiencing change and transition in their lives including complex chronic/acute/terminal illness; as well as with their caregivers, medical and service providers.
As a trauma therapist, social worker, educator, chronic illness warrior, LGBTQ+ identified, aging human in a world that is struggling, I'm with you.
Change can be beautiful and it can also be devastating. Especially the kind of change that comes on suddenly, impacts the health and well-being of ourselves or our loved ones, or makes us look and feel different. Change often leaves us wondering "what happened?" or "how did I get here?" or "what's coming next?" I understand that when you don't know why you feel the way you do, doctors don't know either, or the prognosis is confusing or means having to "watch and wait", it is difficult and confusing to hold alone. That's why I'm here. We will ride these waves together.
I’m right there with you.
I’m also a person living with invisible disabilities.
As a person who lives with complex chronic illness (vestibular migraine, POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, MGUS), I understand the stress and isolation caused by ongoing debilitating symptoms, unusual and complex diagnoses, endless and costly testing, limited treatment options, and "watchful waiting" for symptoms to change or progress over months and years. From this personal experience and after years of working with clients managing their own unique health challenges, I deeply understand the necessity of applying a trauma-informed lens to navigating all illness and pain.
I offer trauma-informed psychotherapy, consultation, and education.
Psychotherapy
My practice is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for individuals who are encountering challenges in their lives and are seeking support, understanding, and new strategies to move forward, heal, and thrive.
My approach is trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and equally supports and engages the Body (soma/somatic, feelings/sensations) and Mind (cognitive, emotional) in the healing process while also recognizing the importance and impact of Community (local, environmental, global) well-being.
Call or email to schedule an appointment:Specific challenges may include:
Chronic / Terminal Illness and Pain*
Life Transitions
Complex Trauma
Anxiety
Depression
Grief & Loss
LGBTQIAP+ specific issues
Vicarious Trauma / Secondary Trauma / Burnout (for helping professionals)
*For chronic illness clients: I specialize in working with people living with complex conditions including COVID and post-COVID syndrome, vestibular disorders, BPPV/vertigo, vestibular migraine, migraine, PPPD, cervicogenic dizziness; multiple sclerosis (MS); postural orthostatic tachycardia (POTS); Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance)/Smoldering Myeloma/Multiple Myeloma; other pre-malignant disorders and cancer; chronic small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); irritable and inflammatory bowel conditions (IBS/IBD); dysautonomia; chronic Lyme Disease; thyroid disorders; fibromyalgia; ME/CFS; MCAS; perimenopause; PMDD; and many others.
In addition to being well-versed in these conditions, I also offer a compassionate space for individuals who have a number of life-altering symptoms, but still don't have an official diagnosis and must now "wait and watch."
If I am not familiar with a client's particular condition, I make a point of educating myself so that the client can come in to see me knowing I've done my homework. I am always happy to coordinate with and offer support for caregivers and healthcare providers who serve individuals living with these conditions.
Consulting & Training
I consult and train on making trauma-informed care standard practice in healthcare, professional organizations, and everyday living.
I’m also an expert on preventing and managing vicarious/secondary trauma/compassion fatigue and self-care for providers and organizations directly and indirectly exposed to traumatized populations. Previous trainings have included trauma-informed approaches to working with individuals living with chronic illness; preventing vicarious/secondary trauma and burnout and supporting self-care.
