ABOUT ME
I am a licensed clinical social worker (Washington, Oregon, New York) 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 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. Additionally, I am certified in holistic health counseling and coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. 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 and providing direct service to trauma survivors stemmed from my experience in the field as a documentary writer and producer for large television networks for over a decade. During that time, I had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life - many of them survivors (and perpetrators) of violent crime - and attempting to tell their stories despite the many limitations of a media that often cares less about the truth and more about ratings. For this reason, I decided to shift my focus and go where I could be of the most help. After attending graduate school this meant emergency rooms and mental health clinics where I could be of service to victims of violent crime - including domestic violence, gun violence, sexual and physical assault - in both acute crisis and those in need of longer term support.
From my work, and also as a person living with chronic illness, I also understand that chronic and acute illnesses - especially those that involve constant pain or fatigue, require long-term treatment, or do not have immediate "cures" - can also be traumatic and have incorporated this as a focus into my practice.
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, practical, 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; and 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.
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 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. Additionally, I am certified in holistic health counseling and coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. 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 and providing direct service to trauma survivors stemmed from my experience in the field as a documentary writer and producer for large television networks for over a decade. During that time, I had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life - many of them survivors (and perpetrators) of violent crime - and attempting to tell their stories despite the many limitations of a media that often cares less about the truth and more about ratings. For this reason, I decided to shift my focus and go where I could be of the most help. After attending graduate school this meant emergency rooms and mental health clinics where I could be of service to victims of violent crime - including domestic violence, gun violence, sexual and physical assault - in both acute crisis and those in need of longer term support.
From my work, and also as a person living with chronic illness, I also understand that chronic and acute illnesses - especially those that involve constant pain or fatigue, require long-term treatment, or do not have immediate "cures" - can also be traumatic and have incorporated this as a focus into my practice.
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, practical, 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; and 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.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact me by phone: (503) 234-5535 or email me: jen@jenwellness.com