“I am discovering how thrilling and fulfilling it is to help couples turn around their relationships, by tearing down their old ways to make room for something new, exciting, and beautiful.“

In working with me doing couples counseling, be prepared to work on yourself in order to better your relationship, as I firmly believe that enhanced self-awareness is the first step, as well  as a willingness to become vulnerable. I believe that the things that bring us into counseling, such as: anger, fighting, and poor communication skills, are the relationship’s way of telling you it’s time to look under the hood of your relationship, to see what’s really going on underneath, which the fighting often hides. Does this sound a bit scary? It can be, but with a little courage, and plenty of support, you’ll find that it’s well worth the trip through momentary uncertainty to get to the other side of a more satisfying and loving relationship. Together, we uncover what needs and wants are not currently being met on an individual and relational level. How do we do this? Marriage counseling largely consists of talk therapy, lots, and lots of talking; but sometimes, trying something else is needed. This is where experiential activities come in, like sand tray work, art therapy, and writing exercises that serve to open up that part of our brain that stubbornly works to hide our insecurities and keep us stuck in our defense strategies. We also work to identify any power differentials that exist within the relationship, which will get in the way of partners having mutual respect and the ability to trust each other.

Bereavement issues within Couples Counseling & Individuals 

Have you recently lost a loved one and are finding that is affecting your closest relationship? This is not uncommon when it comes to bereavement issues. Mourning is a complicated process that we cannot step over, try as we may. When we do not allow the complicated process of grief and mourning room to breathe in our lives, it will make its own room, forcing its way in and leaking out into our relationships in painful and alienating ways. How do you know that you are in unacknowledged mourning? What does it feel like? Grief forces its way in, and if you fight it, it’s like walking through cement, or trying to breathe in quicksand. Unacknowledged grief and mourning in relationships often looks like one partner alienating themselves and the other partner noticing unsettling behavioral and sudden mood changes. It often looks and feels like depression, a common symptom of loss. If this describes you or your partner, give us a call and make an appointment with me. Together, we’ll work through the complications of grief, loss, and mourning.

Boundary and Self-Esteem issues with Individuals

If it seems like you are constantly being taken advantage of by others, or that your needs are not considered by your loved ones, you likely have boundary issues. By taking the time to learn to define and draw boundaries, you will strengthen not only your relationships with others, but in particular, with yourself. Poor boundaries and poor self-esteem go hand and hand, as both have to do with the amount of respect we have for ourselves, which directly translates into how others view us. If this sounds familiar, let’s talk.

When I’m not at Inner Compass Counseling I enjoy activities like walking my dog, reading, watching movies, and connecting with family and friends.

Jennifer is available to see couples and individual clients on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.