The Body Speaks What Words Can't Tell
Trauma & Women
Childhood neglect, car accidents, sexual assault, COVID-19—all can be too much. Overwhelming experiences, with all their hurts and fears, are held in the body and can inhibit feeling safe and connecting with others. Discover how you can sit with your trauma without being hijacked by it.
Adoption
Is an adopted member of your family going through struggles? Children welcomed into loving homes often sense a nagging fear they will never belong with those who love them most. Learn how you can help you and your child attach and avoid creating what they fear most.
Children
Is your child experiencing temper tantrums? Mood swings? Difficulty making friends? Struggles in school? Do they seem unhappy, grumpy, or distant? Are you at a loss as to how to help your child? Itsy-bitsy steps can help children climb out of the spout of overwhelming emotions.
Therapy with
Jennifer Hunter LPC, SEP
It’s not uncommon to fidget, feel vulnerable, or go blank when you first walk into a new therapist’s office. I’ve felt all those things myself, and I feel honored to be considered as an option to walk with you on your path to wellbeing.
In my sessions, we play. Sometimes literally, and sometimes figuratively.
If you are bringing a child (ages 4-10 being my “sweet spot”) you can expect that you and your child will together be interacting in attachment focused play (Theraplay informed play). The first two to three, and then every third session or so, parents and I sit down to chat. We’ll talk about what’s working, needs at home, etc. These sessions are equally if not more important than those golden moments with the child in my office.
If you are bringing yourself as an adult, we’ll spend some time in a mixture of work. Some of the time, we’ll talk. Other times we might get up and move around for an experiential exercise. I might ask you about the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and any imagery you might have. We’ll then focus in on the physical sensations that go along with those experiences.
My primary modality—Somatic Experiencing (SE)—is a bottom up method, so that means we’re looking to rewire your brain not only with your thoughts, but through your nervous system, especially the vagus nerve. While the nervous system can get stuck in a specific gear—usually fight, flight, or fold, there are lasting strategies we can tailor to your personality, story, and needs to help your body remember how to organically re-set.
We will work at your pace. Some people who come into my office are raring to go, while others, while raring, might also find themselves hesitant. Body centered therapy is different experience than many of us are used to and the question “Where do you feel that in your body” may not only be unfamiliar, but also not easily answered. That’s ok! We’ll work at the pace that feels comfortable, and most importantly safe.
One last thing. I’m the second therapist in the room, not the first. Rose, my Golden-Cavalier dog acts as a valuable resource in the room.
She cuddles, or just looks cute and gives a helping paw to being in the here-and-now as we work. If you do not like dogs, feel free to ask that she stays in her crate. If you have allergies, I am glad to give you a referral for therapists I trust, as Rose spends long hours in my office and I understand I might not be the right fit.
For more information about my training and experience click here.
