I'm Jen Stephenson, and I have been a practicing clinician since 2011. I have experience working with individuals aged 3-93. My most recent season working with couples as well as individuals who have experienced trauma, as well as both teens and adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ has become my main focus and passion. You're likely wondering "what type of therapy do you implement?" CBT, MI, and SFBT, to name a few. I work well with clients of an array of backgrounds and find that a "curious approach" to life, and what is troubling you, has proven to be a great starting point for most people. I am fascinated with the human condition. Although, I've mentioned specific modalities, my specialties also include working with clients who are looking for help making changes, individuals who want to "get in and get on" with their life, and individuals with complicated family of origin issues. I come with 11 years of experience honing my skills and learning more about myself and others each day. I'm willing to take on most, if not all, clients with a range of diagnoses. Clients often tell me that it is my true lack of judgment they appreciate most. I also have an "open door" policy when it comes to texts from my clients, and find it to be transformative to be as available as possible. Send me a voicemail or email and see if we're a good fit!

Ask your self "Am I stuck on this issue?" "Do I feel like I need some help just getting into it?" "I want to get thru it and I do not want to spend the rest of my life in the process!" If you want a safe enviornment.... You have come to the right place! Chuck does short term intensive for individuals, couples and young adults. Anger management and PTSD VETS He is also a Collaborative Law Neutral Divorce and Communications Coach. Short term and intensive sessions are available for a wide variety of people and situations.. I offer an eclectic approach, including methods and ideas from many theoretical schools. I work with individuals and couples and families to bring immediate change. Motivated clients are welcomed. My client focus are basically healthy people with a targeted problem or challenge to resolve. IMPROVE the moment This skill is used in moments of distress to help one relax. Imagery - Imagine relaxing scenes, things going well, or other things that please you. Meaning - Find some purpose or meaning in what you are feeling. Prayer - Either pray to whomever you worship, or, if not religious, chant a personal mantra. Relaxation - Relax your muscles, breathe deeply; use with self-soothing. One thing in the moment - Focus your entire attention on what you are doing right now. Keep yourself in the present. Vacation (brief) - Take a break from it all for a short period of time. Encouragement - Cheer lead yourself. Tell yourself you can make it through this(affirmations) Wise counsel on the situation (therapy) Amygdala Hijack The amygdala is the “fight or flight” and emotional memory part of the brain. Its job is to protect by comparing incoming data with emotional memories. An amygdala hijack occurs when we respond out of measure with the actual threat because it has triggered a much more significant emotional threat. For instance, the amygdala will react similarly to the threat of being eaten by a tiger (physical threat) and the threat of an ego attack (emotional threat) by bringing on the fight or flight reaction. When one experiences an amygdala hijack, the amygdala overtakes the neocortex (the thinking part of the brain) and there’s little or no ability to rely on intelligence or reasoning. The immediate result of a hijack is a decrease in working memory; adrenaline is released and will be present and effective for 18 minutes; hormones are released into the bloodstream and will take 3-4 hours to clear. During hijack, the number of perspectives accessible decreases; instead of 4 possible solutions, the observer will see 3 (excluding half of his original perspective), then 2 (creates an either/or choice), then only 1. When only 1 choice remains, the hijack is complete and the observer returns to a default, habitual behavior. A Model to Interrupt Amygdala Hijack Stop –Physically withdraw. If impossible, name the trigger or emotion (keeps the neocortex engaged and active and helps to prevent the amygdala from taking over). Oxygenate – Taking deep breaths with intention and purpose. Pay attention to breath. Keeps neocortex engaged.