You, Me and Therapy
Professional Background
Alaska Licensed Professional Counselor - #125634
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Master of Science in Counseling Psychology | APU (2015)
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | UAA (2011)
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Specialized Trainings:
Brainspotting (Certified Brainspotter)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Complex Trauma
Family Systems
Attachment Theory
Neurodivergence (with a focus on ADHD and Autism)
Suicide and Self-Harm
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If you would like to know more about my training / professional background, please feel free to ask.
Jen (she/they)
So, why choose me?
Therapy can be daunting. challenging, a little weird... but at the end of it all, the hope is that there has been healing.
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Not all therapists are created equally. We each have areas where we shine, which is why finding a therapist that is a good fit is so important. I am passionate about getting folks past the daunting, through the challenging and to the healing.​ I am fond of utilizing techniques that connect mind and body, that welcome in all the parts of us that we hide from the world.
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My job is to create a safe space for you; part of how I do that is showing up in a genuine and compassionate way. I throw some quirkiness in there as well. Humor can definitely be some of the best medicine. ​I am not a blank slate and I won't leave you hanging trying to figure out how to lead therapy on your own.
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My process is collaborative. I won't pretend to know better than you nor do I want authority over the decisions you make. My goal is to help you build confidence, clarity and balance in your life.
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I hold many identities, but the ones that tend to matter to clients most are that I am neurodivergent (AuDHDer), I'm part of the LGBQTIA2+ community, I'm a parent, a partner, and a million other little things.​
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For information education, trainings, etc. hover over the blue button to the left.
Brainspotting
Trauma is "stored" in the body and can alter the way the brain works which ends up impacting our emotions, memories and physical health. Brainspotting is a method that allows you to identify, process and release core sources of emotional/physical pain. We do this by helping people position their eyes in a way that enables them to access/target core material. The general theory is that, "where you look affects how you feel."
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Consider when you or others zone out or have the “thousand-yard stare”. It's to stare off blankly into space, detached from what’s happening around you. When that happens, we're not really looking AT anything, our focus is directed inward towards thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and memories. Where the gaze is focused dictates what is being accessed.
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This is an example of Brainspotting (specifically gazespotting), when the body spontaneously goes into processing mode. However, people can accidentally disconnect from their present, trigger themselves, and make reactive decisions.
During a brainspotting session, we utilize techniques tailored to each individual and often times pair it with bilateral stimulation (sounds, sensations or visuals that move back and forth from one side of the body to the other in steady rhythm). When used with brainspotting, it is thought to help the brain replace the painful feelings associated with disturbing memories with more resolved, peaceful feelings. All of this combined seems to activate the body's innate ability to health itself from disturbing events.​
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Here are some resources that provide additional information regarding Brainspotting.
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YouTube:
'What is Brainspotting Therapy?"
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Podcast:
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Books:
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Internal Family Systems
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a therapeutic approach that recognizes, explores and honors the complexity of our bodies, brains and minds.
Developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, IFS is based on the premise that we all have different "parts" within us, each with its own unique thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. We often just feel isolated in our minds, aware to some degree of internal conflict but not realizing just how often our "parts" are getting activated and taking over the drivers seat in all aspects of our daily life. They may engage our anxiety and cause us to call out of work often, they may show up when our kids are having a difficult time and cause us to overpower the situation with yelling or threats and they often show up during difficult discussions with partners or friends, causing rifts that we desperately try to mend time and time again.
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These parts often play distinct roles in our lives, and engaging and building relationship with them can lead to significant growth and healing. Through compassion, courage, curiosity, and creativity, IFS empowers individuals to cultivate self-love, resolve inner / outer conflicts, and to create a peaceful inner world.
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Here are some resources that provide additional information regarding IFS.
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YouTube:
*Derek Scott provides many, many free resources on this channel for anyone interested in IFS.
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Podcast:
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Books:
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
You are the one you've been waiting for by Richard Schwartz
Self-Led by Seth Kopald