ABOUT ME
I am a licensed clinical social worker (Illinois, Washington, Oregon, New York), Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD), and psychotherapist with additional certification in the treatment of traumatic stress, and holistic health counseling and nutrition.
I received a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City from which I graduated at the top of my class. I completed certification in advanced traumatic stress studies at The Trauma Center of the Justice Resource Institute in Massachusetts and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals. Additionally, I am certified in holistic health counseling and coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a certified Reiki practitioner through Northwest Healing Studios. I have taught classes on trauma-informed care and abuse and trauma at the graduate schools of social work of Columbia University and Portland State University.
My interest in social justice stems from growing up as a queer kid in 1980s NYC watching my father work tirelessly to make sure the law served those impacted by violent crime (including police brutality). And later as a documentary TV producer where I had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life - many of them survivors (and perpetrators) of violent crime. After 10 years, disillusioned by working in media that focused more on ratings than people, I quit and went to social work graduate school where I worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual /physical assault, gun violence, child abuse, and medical trauma in community mental health clinics and as the crime victim social worker in a large public hospital in NYC. It was in these spaces that I found my calling.
My interest in serving clients who are living with chronic illness initially came from my own experience of living with chronic conditions. I learned that so many providers didn't seem to understand the incredible stress and isolation caused by ongoing debilitating symptoms, unusual and complex diagnoses involving multiple providers, 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 that chronic illness and pain can be traumatic and mindfully apply the same "trauma-focused lens" I utilize in all other areas of my practice. Additionally, 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 clients' care teams if the client decides that would be helpful.
I believe in working with every client as a whole person, not just as a collection of symptoms. My approach is trauma-informed, insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, holistic, and collaborative. I partner with my clients to create new awareness and understanding of the impact of life experience on personal narrative, feelings, and behavior to develop helpful and safe coping skills to effect 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.
When I am not working, I'm writing, drawing, taking photos, posting on topics related to social justice including ableism on IG (@jenwellnesstherapy), baking, and going on long "urban hikes" throughout the city with my wife. I'm also not afraid to admit I'm an eclectic nerd who majored in medieval history, is fascinated by the history of medicine, will binge watch practically anything on PBS, read every Scandinavian mystery series, thinks chocolate should be a food group, and is still an emo punk kid from the 80s at heart.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact me by phone: (503) 234-5535 or email me: jen@jenwellness.com
I received a master’s degree in social work from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service in New York City from which I graduated at the top of my class. I completed certification in advanced traumatic stress studies at The Trauma Center of the Justice Resource Institute in Massachusetts and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals. Additionally, I am certified in holistic health counseling and coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and a certified Reiki practitioner through Northwest Healing Studios. I have taught classes on trauma-informed care and abuse and trauma at the graduate schools of social work of Columbia University and Portland State University.
My interest in social justice stems from growing up as a queer kid in 1980s NYC watching my father work tirelessly to make sure the law served those impacted by violent crime (including police brutality). And later as a documentary TV producer where I had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life - many of them survivors (and perpetrators) of violent crime. After 10 years, disillusioned by working in media that focused more on ratings than people, I quit and went to social work graduate school where I worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual /physical assault, gun violence, child abuse, and medical trauma in community mental health clinics and as the crime victim social worker in a large public hospital in NYC. It was in these spaces that I found my calling.
My interest in serving clients who are living with chronic illness initially came from my own experience of living with chronic conditions. I learned that so many providers didn't seem to understand the incredible stress and isolation caused by ongoing debilitating symptoms, unusual and complex diagnoses involving multiple providers, 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 that chronic illness and pain can be traumatic and mindfully apply the same "trauma-focused lens" I utilize in all other areas of my practice. Additionally, 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 clients' care teams if the client decides that would be helpful.
I believe in working with every client as a whole person, not just as a collection of symptoms. My approach is trauma-informed, insight-oriented, mindfulness-based, holistic, and collaborative. I partner with my clients to create new awareness and understanding of the impact of life experience on personal narrative, feelings, and behavior to develop helpful and safe coping skills to effect 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.
When I am not working, I'm writing, drawing, taking photos, posting on topics related to social justice including ableism on IG (@jenwellnesstherapy), baking, and going on long "urban hikes" throughout the city with my wife. I'm also not afraid to admit I'm an eclectic nerd who majored in medieval history, is fascinated by the history of medicine, will binge watch practically anything on PBS, read every Scandinavian mystery series, thinks chocolate should be a food group, and is still an emo punk kid from the 80s at heart.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact me by phone: (503) 234-5535 or email me: jen@jenwellness.com