Jenny Smith

Getting curious about the relationship you have with yourself and cultivating self-kindness are pillars of our work together. I bring my authenticity and compassion. Together, we will notice what wounds are undiscovered or standing in your way of healing. Sometimes, it’s hard to know what nurturing we did not receive. Has shame, fear, or trauma conditioned you to feel ‘not good enough’ or endure discomfort? You are not alone. We will explore the question of, what needed to happen that didn’t get to happen? Therapy is a practice of embodying your values and integrating parts of the self to embark on a lifelong practice of self-compassion and self-actualization. By healing your core self and discovering your intuition, I believe that you resurface as your most capable, connected self. AREAS OF INTEREST AND SPECIALIZATION I am a Somatic Experiencing/body-based therapist. Sessions are infused with experiential practices to integrate mind, body, and soul connection. My therapeutic practice is rooted in Poly-vagal Theory application, inviting a deep dive into tracking nervous system patterns. I have completed the advanced year of the Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) model. Somatic Experiencing aims to relieve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the individual’s perceived body sensations (or somatic experiences). Together, we explore how your body mobilizes to protect, heal, and connect. We expand wellbeing and reduce suffering by inviting completion of self-protective motor responses to release stuck energy bound in the body. A warm, supportive therapeutic relationship invites pendulation between resource building, noticing unmet needs, and tending to difficult bodily sensations or suppressed emotions. Together, we will learn to tune in to find actionable ways to shift you into healing. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a therapy that uses eye movements to help individuals heal from the symptoms of emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. OTHER AREAS OF CLINICAL INTEREST: My educational background is in clinical social work so my clinical orientation is steeped in social justice. I have professional experience in ecotherapy and weave in practices to bring intergenerational wounding and resilience into consciousness. Additional modalities that inform my practice are mindfulness based, attachment based, Trauma focused CBT, and additional post graduate study with the Institute of Heart Math and the Center for Adoption Support and Education (adoption competency course). OTHER AREAS I TREAT • Anxiety & Depression • Complex and Developmental Trauma, and PTSD • Life Transitions • Identity Development in Young Adulthood • Self-Exploration • Self-Empowerment • Stress Management • Compassion Fatigue and Burnout for Helping Professionals • Parenting Skills • Perinatal & Postpartum Healing Jenny offers therapy services VIRTUALLY ONLY to individuals ages 18+. Virtual sessions are offered Mondays between 9-1 and Tuesdays between 9-4. Please do not hesitate to reach out to schedule a free 15 minute intro call to see if we are a good fit. I look forward to meeting you! To request a no charge 15 minute intro call please utilize the "contact" button/link at the top of webpage to submit an inquiry. Jenny Smith, MSW, LCSW, SEP-IT Licensed Clinical Social Worker Master of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison