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 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. 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, I worked with survivors of violent crime - including domestic violence, sexual and physical assault, gun violence, child abuse - in community mental health clinics and as the crime victim social worker in the largest public hospital in the South Bronx of New York City. It was in these spaces - emergency rooms, by hospital bedsides, one-on-one in an office, or in group settings - 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 treaters, 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 love writing, cooking and baking, going on long "urban hikes" throughout the city with my wife (We don't own a car(!) Hey, I'm a native New Yorker. Walking, and dodging traffic, is in my DNA.). I'm also not afraid to admit I'm a nerd who will binge watch practically anything on PBS and every Scandinavian mystery series.
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. 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, I worked with survivors of violent crime - including domestic violence, sexual and physical assault, gun violence, child abuse - in community mental health clinics and as the crime victim social worker in the largest public hospital in the South Bronx of New York City. It was in these spaces - emergency rooms, by hospital bedsides, one-on-one in an office, or in group settings - 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 treaters, 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 love writing, cooking and baking, going on long "urban hikes" throughout the city with my wife (We don't own a car(!) Hey, I'm a native New Yorker. Walking, and dodging traffic, is in my DNA.). I'm also not afraid to admit I'm a nerd who will binge watch practically anything on PBS and every Scandinavian mystery series.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, please contact me by phone: (503) 234-5535 or email me: jen@jenwellness.com