Professional Philosophy
I love this career! I feel honored that clients chose to share their stories with me and trust me to help. It’s a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I have always been a general therapist. While many therapists are moving toward specializations, I have worked hard to learn and keep updated on a large variety of issues. Every year, I identify a treatment issue that I want to focus to expand my knowledge and skills. No one comes to therapy with a rigidly defined problem; so many pieces are intertwined. I believe you need a well-rounded therapist to help you sort through all the pieces.
Professional Background
I have been in private practice since 2011. Previously, I worked for a community mental health agency with children, adolescents and their families. I also have previous experience with child care consultations, crisis intervention and evaluation, teaching marriage and family therapy courses and school based counseling.
A Few Notes About Me
I grew up on a farm in rural Oklahoma doing all the regular farm hand jobs – driving a tractor, feeding cattle, building fence, fixing things. I am proud of my farm roots and the work ethic instilled in me. I hope my clients know that I will work hard for them. I am a Christian and my faith is important to my daily life. I love getting to work with clients who are also believers and am happy to add that to your treatment if desired. When not in the office, my husband and I are busy parenting our three kids. In my free time, I love being outdoors, trying out new restaurants or reading.
Training and Education
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), License # 1011
- AAMFT Approved Supervisor
- State of Oklahoma Approved LMFT Supervisor
- Clinical Member of American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT)
- EMDR trained therapist
- Adoption Competency trained therapist through National Adoption Competency Mental Health Training Initative
- Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (TF-CBT), Advanced trained therapist
- Training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Filial Therapy.
- Masters in Human Development & Family Science with a concentration in Marriage & Family Therapy, Oklahoma State University.
- Bachelors in Human Development & Family Science, Sum Cum Laude, Oklahoma State University
FAQs About Jennifer
What are sessions typically like with you?
The first three sessions are typically assessment and treatment planning sessions. I like to meet everyone involved in the issue and get their perspective of what needs to change. Each session, you usually update me on major events or changes since the last appointment or progress on homework (yes, there is often homework!) and then we start focusing on topic or goal for that day.
How do I know what therapist to choose?
The biggest factor for success in therapy is the client-therapist relationship. You want someone who you feel comfortable with and someone who has training and experience with your specific issue. Trust your instincts when you are getting started with a therapist. I would love the honor to work with you, but above all I want you to find your path to healing. After a few sessions, I hope that new clients feel that I understand their needs and together we have a plan for addressing them.
What do you treat the most?
Generally, I treat a lot of anxiety disorders, couples issues, trauma related issues, and behavior concerns in children and teens.