Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
[ FEDERAL WAY ]
Jennifer has been a licensed mental health counselor associate for 3 years. She trained in a wide variety of positions before becoming a licensed associate. She has worked in mental hospitals, in group homes for children, and in a prison. Jennifer works with clients ages 10-85 and has experience treating individuals who self-harm and have suicidal ideation.
Jennifer began her education in 1981 with an associate degree in early childhood education from Highline Community College in Des Moines, WA. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. While attending classes for a master’s degree in counseling from Argosy University in Seattle, WA, she completed a one-year practicum with Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care in Federal Way, WA. Jennifer received a master’s degree in psychology from Phoenix University and finished a doctoral degree in health administration from Phoenix University.
Most of us are not taught how the different parts of the brain function and how our mind interacts. The fact is we are still learning. Jennifer continues to learn new information by keeping current with the latest studies. She believes that most people become better when they have knowledge about their issues, as well as practicing healthy skills for coping. She lets the client guide therapy and tell her what matters to them. With open, sincere genuineness therapy can be a team effort and solutions can be recognized. Jennifer focuses on solutions and incorporates polyvagal nervous system techniques and mindfulness into her therapy practice.
In her free time Jennifer enjoys being outdoors and engaging in activities that involve animals.