Jennifer Kessler

MA, LMHC

To make an appointment, call 425-443-5426

Website: https://www.jkesslertherapy.com/

Green Lake Office: 444 Ravenna Blvd NE, Suite 307

There Is Nothing Wrong With You

Humans are very resilient and adaptable beings and we learn well what we need to do to survive. Sometimes in order to get along in life or get along with others, we hide our truest selves and suppress our inner voice. This helps us fly under the radar and avoid conflict and rejection. Often we learn these coping strategies in childhood and never go back to re-evaluate if they are still working for us. Symptoms like depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship and self-esteem problems can all stem from coping this way. Muting our inner voice helps us get along in the world at the cost of being disconnected from our authentic selves.

Through deep listening, with empathy and compassion, I can help you reconnect with that voice. I give feedback and insight, and I constructively challenge patterns and beliefs that may be getting in your way. Together we can work to understand the roots of the challenges you are experiencing in your life. Some challenges can be resolved and some require coping strategies that can be developed by identifying your internal and external resources and building on your strengths.

“It is never too late to be who you were meant to be.” George Eliot

Education & Therapeutic Approach

I graduated from Antioch University’s Couple & Family Therapy Program in 1999. My approach is personalized somewhat to each client based on their needs, but I have a few perspectives I am most heavily influenced by. I deeply believe in Systems Theory, which looks at the person, their psyche and behavior in the context of the family or other group that they belong to. I also rely on Attachment Theory in my work, which acknowledges the impact of our first primary relationships on current relationships. I find Cognitive-Behavioral Theory helpful, which focuses on the role of thoughts in creating and perpetuating feelings and behavior.

In addition, brain research is informing us that our experiences have changed and continue to change the actual physiology of our brains, something we call neuroplasticity. Difficult experiences have caused our brains to wire in certain ways, but with time and attention, therapy can help the brain to rewire itself. One way we can help this process along is to incorporate some time into therapy to focus on our physical sensations in the present moment that are occurring in response to the interactions between client and therapist. This activates all the brain systems at the same time to help new healthy connections form. There are no expectations or judgments when we do this, only curiosity, respect and compassion.

In therapy, the areas I have a particular affinity for working with are:

Relationship with Self

Anxiety
Body Image
Depression
Food Addiction
Perfectionism
Shame/Self Hate vs. Self Compassion

Relationship with Others

Co-dependency
Fear of Commitment
Fear of Intimacy
Individuation from Family of Origin
Insecurity in Relationships
Introversion
Recovering from Narcissistic Parenting
Relating with Narcissists
Self-Care for Parents Parenting Children with Special Needs
Social Anxiety

Relationship with Life

Grief and Loss
Lifecycle Adjustment
Spirituality & Soulfulness
Stress
Transition
Trauma

Fees & Insurance

Please contact me about my current rates. I believe therapy should be accessible and affordable for everyone, so I have a number of sliding scale spots available. Please ask me about this when you schedule your first appointment.

Insurances Accepted:

Premera
LifeWise.
Many others will reimburse for my services as an out-of-network provider. Please contact me to discuss eligibility.