We often find ourselves in struggle, repeating patterns that leave us in pain, loneliness, or confusion or may periodically wonder "how things got this way".  We may have a relationship with our "self" that is critical, punitive, neglectful or abusive or find that our relationships continue to be a struggle without any clear reasons why.

Individual therapy provides a safe space for clients to explore and feel their way through healing within the parameters of an attuned relationship. This process allows for the individual to venture into places that may be too scary, overwhelming, or confusing to face alone. 

In the process we work through unresolved losses, internal conflicts, and unmet childhood needs that may be contributing to present-day struggles. We work together to overcome adversity or crisis and build on strengths that may be unseen or underutilized so that a more secure self can develop and relationships can improve. We explore deeper truths that may still lie unconscious and what your path is to a more meaningful  experience of life. 

The commitment made to weekly therapy is one that you make to yourself, for yourself, and the vulnerable act of beginning the process is one that only you can follow through on. 

attachment trauma

family of origin issues

trauma/neglect/abuse

dependency/codependency

struggles with sense of self/identity

anger 

depression/anxiety

struggles in relationship

struggles finding a path

failure to launch

If you have been diagnosed with:

Major Depression

Anxiety Disorder

PTSD

Personality Disorder

When people ask what psychoanalysis is, they usually want to know about treatment. As a therapy, psychoanalytic work is based on the observation that individuals are often unaware of many of the factors that determine their emotions and behavior. These unconscious factors may create unhappiness, sometimes in the form of recognizable symptoms and at other times as troubling personality traits, difficulties in work or in love relationships, or disturbances in mood and self-esteem. Because these forces are unconscious, the advice of friends and family, the reading of self-help books, or even the most determined efforts of will, often fail to provide relief. Psychoanalytic treatment demonstrates how these unconscious factors affect current relationships and patterns of behavior, traces them back to their historical origins, shows how they have changed and developed over time, and helps the individual to deal better with the realities of adult life. 

Intensive therapeutic work is a mutual commitment between the patient and therapist. It involves 2 - 3 sessions a week in person so that there is the time and space to dive into the core parts of self, undistracted and in the sanctuary of the consulting room.

During this concentrated time we are focusing on core work. This work can include past or current traumas, unhealthy defenses that are keeping patterns stuck in our lives, grief, relational issues, self-image.

The focus is on the development and relationship with self and the work is done though the attachment to the therapist who supports, holds, and challenges in order to support healing and a more secure view of the world. The more time we have together the more effective and concentrated the work becomes.

This truly is some of the deepest therapeutic work you can do, and for this reason Jennifer assesses for readiness and fit for a more intensive process.

Group therapy offers several benefits to individuals participating in the process. Here are some of the advantages of group therapy:

Support and Universality: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals facing similar challenges can come together and share their experiences. Participants often find comfort and solace in realizing that they are not alone in their struggles. This sense of universality can reduce feelings of isolation and foster a sense of belonging.

Shared Perspectives and Feedback: Group therapy allows participants to gain insights from others who may have faced similar issues. By hearing different perspectives, individuals can broaden their understanding of their own problems and gain valuable feedback. Group members can offer fresh insights, alternative viewpoints, and constructive suggestions, which can lead to personal growth and problem-solving.

Social Skills Development: Engaging in group therapy provides an opportunity to develop and practice interpersonal skills. Participants can enhance their ability to communicate, express emotions, and establish boundaries within a safe and supportive setting. The group setting offers a microcosm of real-life interactions, allowing individuals to learn and refine their social skills through observation and active engagement.

Emotional Expression and Catharsis: Group therapy encourages emotional expression and provides a space where individuals can openly share their thoughts and feelings. Verbalizing emotions and experiences can lead to a sense of relief and catharsis. The opportunity to express oneself authentically can help reduce emotional distress and promote psychological well-being.

Increased Self-Awareness: Group therapy offers an environment for self-reflection and introspection. Through interactions with others and feedback received from group members, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns of behavior, and the impact they have on others. This increased self-awareness can be transformative and aid in personal growth and development.

Skill Acquisition: Group therapy often incorporates specific therapeutic techniques or interventions tailored to address the group's needs. Participants can learn coping strategies, problem-solving techniques, and new ways of managing their difficulties. Group therapy may also include psychoeducation, providing individuals with valuable information and knowledge about their condition or the challenges they are facing.

Empowerment and Encouragement: In a group therapy setting, individuals can witness the progress and achievements of others. This can instill hope, inspire motivation, and foster a sense of empowerment. Seeing others overcome similar struggles can serve as a catalyst for personal change and encourage individuals to set and work towards their own goals.

Cost-Effective: Group therapy is often more cost-effective compared to individual therapy. The shared time and resources among group members make it a more affordable option for many individuals. This can be especially beneficial for those who may not have access to extensive financial resources or insurance coverage.

Overall, group therapy provides a unique and effective therapeutic approach that combines the power of interpersonal connections, shared experiences, and professional guidance. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking support, personal growth, and improved mental well-being.

Groups coming in the fall:

Chronic Pain Group

Mondays 6:30pm

Learn Mindfulness Meditation (group session)

Thursdays 12:30pm

Meditation is a practice that involves focusing the mind and achieving a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is associated with numerous benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Jennifer is a certified 100-hr Mindfulness Meditation teacher. She received her training under David Nichtern, Founder of Dharma Moon and Tibet House of New York. She also trained during her time in Nepal and is versed in Vipassana meditation.

Jennifer offers trauma informed group and individual sessions in mindfulness meditation that includes instruction, guidance, and how to use it in everyday life.

Here are some of the key benefits of meditation:

Stress reduction: Meditation is known to be an effective tool for managing stress. It activates the body's relaxation response, reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. Regular practice can help lower overall stress levels, promote feelings of calmness, and enhance resilience in dealing with stressors.

Improved mental clarity and focus: Meditation cultivates mindfulness, which is the ability to be fully present and aware of the current moment. Regular practice enhances concentration and attention span, allowing individuals to better focus on tasks and improve productivity.

Emotional well-being: Meditation can promote emotional balance and stability. It helps individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. This increased awareness enables better regulation of emotions and reduces reactivity to negative stimuli.

Increased self-awareness: Meditation encourages self-reflection and introspection, allowing individuals to explore their inner selves. It helps in recognizing and understanding patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth, improved decision-making, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Improved sleep: Regular meditation practice can help individuals improve the quality of their sleep. It relaxes the body and mind, reducing anxiety and promoting a state of calmness that is conducive to better sleep. It can also help in managing sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Physical health benefits: Meditation has been linked to various physical health benefits. It can help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve immune system functioning. Additionally, meditation has been found to alleviate chronic pain and improve overall pain tolerance.

Increased happiness and well-being: Meditation is associated with positive emotions and an overall sense of well-being. It activates the brain's reward system, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Regular practice can lead to a more positive outlook on life and increased happiness.

Enhanced creativity: By quieting the mind and promoting mental clarity, meditation can stimulate creativity and problem-solving abilities. It allows individuals to access deeper levels of intuition and tap into their creative potential.

Improved relationships: Meditation can have a positive impact on relationships by fostering compassion, empathy, and better communication skills. It helps individuals cultivate a non-judgmental and accepting attitude towards themselves and others, leading to healthier and more fulfilling connections.

Spiritual growth: Meditation has long been practiced as a means of spiritual exploration and growth. It can deepen one's connection to a higher power, enhance a sense of purpose, and promote a more profound understanding of life's meaning.

It's important to note that the benefits of meditation can vary among individuals, and regular and consistent practice is key to experiencing these benefits. It is advisable to learn meditation techniques from qualified instructors or through reputable resources to ensure proper guidance and understanding.

Presentations should not just educate but inspire. With over 15 years of experience speaking both locally and nationally, Jennifer Gardner is able to integrate the need for both in a sincere and authentic way.

Speaking engagements can be booked for any of the following areas:

Training for Professionals

These are for schools and districts who are looking to integrate more mental health into the classroom. Topics include behavior management, social/emotional development throughout childhood, recognizing red flags, creating empathy in the classroom, shame resilience, development of self, among others.

The CEU workshops are interactive, engaged and informative.

Clinical Presentations

These are talks and lectures given at conferences, clinical institutions, colleges, and institutes. These range from case presentations to discussion groups to workshops. 

Topics presenting on:

Development of Self

Supporting Parents with Trauma

Mentalizing

Working with Challenges in Families

Working with Enmeshment and Codependency 

The Daring Way - A Guide to Shame Resilience in Adults

Navigating Attachment in Adulthood 

Integration is a process in which a person revisits and actively engages in making sense of, working through, translating, and processing the content of their psychedelic experience. Through intentional and supportive practices, this process allows one to gradually capture and incorporate the emergent lessons and insights into their lives, thus moving toward greater balance and wholeness, both internally and externally.

Integration is as fundamentally important to the healing process as the journey itself. Many will seek out integration work individually with their clinician; however, many are beginning to see the powerful place group Integration works holds.