Healing Therapeutic Services, LLC

I began by describing how I do therapy; later I thought that rather than explaining theoretical frameworks or tools I use I would provide an analogy about my therapy. 

Any of my close friends or clients who have spent a fair amount of time with me know that I love to go hiking.  My vacation destinations do not include Mexico or Florida, but to the heart of hiking country (Colorado and Utah).  My aunt asked my mom once, “Jennifer wants to go to the desert to hike?  What is relaxing about that?” To which my mom

Safety:

When I hike, I prepare my bag with water, snacks, warm clothes, camera and a first aid kit. I need to be sure that I am ready for whatever may come. I feel prepared for therapy much the same way.  Ready for wherever my clients feel ready or able to go.  I follow my client’s lead much the same way I follow a map or a river. My goal is to help client’s pack an emotional bag of safety that they will feel secure on their trip with me. We are ready for the journey…

I view hiking as a journey.  A parallel to what I do in therapy.  There are light, beautiful spots and dark, challenging parts in therapy.  What I love about hiking is taking time to see that which others will not.  I have worked with people who view themselves as “broken, damaged, unworthy”.  I pride myself on finding, and helping my clients see, that which they may not. 

The Varying Hike:

All hikes come in varying degrees.  From “Strenuous” to “Easy”.  One might have to walk, swim, climb, scramble or repel on any one hike.  Therapy is much like this too.  There are more peaceful, easier times in therapy and more challenging times as well.  I find it important to help clients process this variation so that they are comfortable with this pace.  I also want them to be aware of the hills that may be coming so that they understand that this does not mean a lack of progress, but yet another obstacle to tackle in their process. There are times on a hike when I have to take a break to look at my map to know what is coming so I can face it, knowing that after that hill there will be a decline where I can catch my breath.

Darkness and Light:

Sometimes therapy is like a canyon or a cave.  It appears scary and unapproachable.  My job as your therapist is to provide the flashlight or headlamp that will assist you in working your way through the “dark parts”. The journey of therapy often includes bits of both dark and light, but it is my hope that I provide not only light as needed, but light at the end of your journey to finding your answers.  Why hike? Why do therapy?

Beauty:

Why do I do what I do?  I’ve had so many clients and others ask this question.  It is actually one of my favorites to answer.  I love what I do.  I see the most amazing creations in this world in my clients.  Just like a hike to find a lake in the middle of the mountains it is a treasure hunt for me.  I see beauty in people in the following ways: resiliency, hope, determination, perseverance, growth, change, insight, open-mindedness, respect, love, joy, connection.  I could go on and on.  Let me say it this way, when a client tells me that they are beginning to care about themselves, I go home with a smile on my face.  I have witnessed this person reaching a destination.

Healing:

As I said before I hike to “reground” myself.  I heal and find my own balance by doing this.  I also want my clients to find a sense of purpose, healing and change by their hike with me.  I believe very much in the relationship between my client and myself as the path with which change will occur.  Although it may be bumpy, “strenuous” and dark, our goal is the light, and peace that comes from understanding.  Like any hike, I look forward to walking with you on your journey.