"Wellness" is a complicated word when you're emotionally and/or physically struggling. The dictionary defines wellness as "the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal." But what if things happen or have happened to you, your family, your community - illness, accident, death of a loved one, job change or job stress, a history of childhood or relationship abuse, historical/intergenerational trauma, daily lived experience with oppression - that interfere with this goal? The word Jen happens to be my name, but there is also a similarly spelled word defined as benevolence and compassion. It is this quality that I hope to bring to my practice of supporting your wellness.
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 for coping to move forward, heal, and thrive. My approach is clinical and holistic meaning that I work from a trauma-informed perspective that incorporates both body and mind in the healing process. Specific challenges may include:
*For chronic illness clients: I specialize in working with people living with unusual and debilitating 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; 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." Additionally, I offer support for caregivers and healthcare providers who serve individuals living with these conditions.
TELE-MENTAL HEALTH Due to COVID, I have transitioned my practice entirely online via an encrypted tele-mental health service and am licensed to see clients located in Illinois, Washington, Oregon, and New York.
COORDINATION WITH MEDICAL TEAM (for those facing new diagnosis, stage of treatment, or hospitalization) I offer online/on-site therapy (depending on hospital restrictions), and - for those clients who want to feel as empowered and proactive in their care as possible - assistance with coordination with your medical team to insure that any questions you have about your diagnosis and treatment plan are asked and answered.
TRAUMA & WELLNESS CONSULTING I conduct workshops and public speaking events in corporate and non-profit settings on trauma-informed care with a particular emphasis on preventing and managing vicarious/secondary trauma/compassion fatigue and self-care for providers and organizations directly and indirectly exposed to traumatized populations.
"CORPORATE GUIDANCE COUNSELING" Not HR and not an EAP. For companies that see the value in having a qualified person on-site or available for employees to meet with one-on-one or in group settings to process challenges that are impacting performance and to develop the interpersonal skills that will empower team building, improve communication, increase productivity, and grow success.
HOLISTIC NUTRITION COACHING I offer holistic nutrition and wellness coaching and workshops to individuals, couples, families, and organizations seeking to increase and support overall health by creating new relationships to food, exercise, and the mind/body.