PSYCHOTHERAPY
I specialize in a supportive and compassionate approach to psychotherapy in a warm and welcoming environment. I understand that you have many options for therapists and that whom you choose is based on a combination of training, experience, and "best fit." While I hope that my website answers many of the questions you might have about how I can help you, I know that a good therapist is much more than the words on a page. As such, you should feel free to call me at (503) 234-5535 or email me at jen@jenwellness.com. I am more than happy to answer any questions or, if you need, refer you to someone else if I can't be of help. Regardless, don't hesitate to contact me.
That said, here's a little more about my psychotherapy practice. You've already read about where I went to school and that I am licensed in Oregon, Washington, and New York to practice clinical social work and psychotherapy. Additionally, you should know that I specialize in the treatment of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other anxiety disorders. Put the word "disorder" aside for a second and what you are left with is "post-traumatic stress" and "anxiety." In particular, post-traumatic stress results from situations and circumstances that are beyond your control. Most people think that only soldiers can be diagnosed with PTSD. But there are so many other violent and terrifying events besides war that people survive: domestic violence, childhood abuse, physical/emotional/sexual abuse, acquaintance and stranger rape, the diagnosis of chronic, acute, and/or terminal illness, serious accidents and injuries, natural disasters. All of these can cause post-traumatic stress. AND many people with PTSD end up using unhelpful and unhealthy ways to cope with how bad they feel: alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, shopping, overeating, anorexia/bulimia, cutting/self-harm, suicidal thoughts, etc. Kind of makes sense when you think that emotional pain can sometimes feel worse than physical pain. As one very wise client once said to me: "I'd almost rather have bruises and broken bones than the pain I feel in my head." No one should have to choose WHICH kind of pain they'd rather have. The point is that no one can see how bad you feel unless you show them or tell them. But you live with it. Every single day. Often thinking that you are all alone. It's this kind of pain that I can help. You are surviving every day that you wake up and put one foot in front of the other, but I can be there on your journey to help you to thrive, heal, and move forward.
For those of you who are familiar with clinical terminology, my approach is trauma-informed and utilizes cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical-behavioral (DBT), mindfulness-based, and relational. This just means that I can help you to process what you experienced, empower you with new information and new coping skills to feel better, and change your behaviors in ways that help you to become the healthy and vibrant person you've always known is under there some place.
Maybe in addition to anxiety, you are also experiencing depression, and maybe you haven't experienced anything that I mentioned above, but you are struggling with issues related to your relationship, family, work, personal loss, self-identity, and issues even more specific to the LGBTQQIAAP community. I can help you too. All you need to do is contact me.
That said, here's a little more about my psychotherapy practice. You've already read about where I went to school and that I am licensed in Oregon, Washington, and New York to practice clinical social work and psychotherapy. Additionally, you should know that I specialize in the treatment of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and other anxiety disorders. Put the word "disorder" aside for a second and what you are left with is "post-traumatic stress" and "anxiety." In particular, post-traumatic stress results from situations and circumstances that are beyond your control. Most people think that only soldiers can be diagnosed with PTSD. But there are so many other violent and terrifying events besides war that people survive: domestic violence, childhood abuse, physical/emotional/sexual abuse, acquaintance and stranger rape, the diagnosis of chronic, acute, and/or terminal illness, serious accidents and injuries, natural disasters. All of these can cause post-traumatic stress. AND many people with PTSD end up using unhelpful and unhealthy ways to cope with how bad they feel: alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, shopping, overeating, anorexia/bulimia, cutting/self-harm, suicidal thoughts, etc. Kind of makes sense when you think that emotional pain can sometimes feel worse than physical pain. As one very wise client once said to me: "I'd almost rather have bruises and broken bones than the pain I feel in my head." No one should have to choose WHICH kind of pain they'd rather have. The point is that no one can see how bad you feel unless you show them or tell them. But you live with it. Every single day. Often thinking that you are all alone. It's this kind of pain that I can help. You are surviving every day that you wake up and put one foot in front of the other, but I can be there on your journey to help you to thrive, heal, and move forward.
For those of you who are familiar with clinical terminology, my approach is trauma-informed and utilizes cognitive-behavioral (CBT), dialectical-behavioral (DBT), mindfulness-based, and relational. This just means that I can help you to process what you experienced, empower you with new information and new coping skills to feel better, and change your behaviors in ways that help you to become the healthy and vibrant person you've always known is under there some place.
Maybe in addition to anxiety, you are also experiencing depression, and maybe you haven't experienced anything that I mentioned above, but you are struggling with issues related to your relationship, family, work, personal loss, self-identity, and issues even more specific to the LGBTQQIAAP community. I can help you too. All you need to do is contact me.
