Jennifer Bearden (She/Her)

Racing thoughts, feeling caged in, heart racing, difficulty focusing, shallow breathing- these are a handful of the symptoms one might experience during a panic attack. I have the utmost empathy for patients experiencing the incredible discomforts of anxiety and panic. My experience and training in multiple evidence-based approaches will help you better understand, manage and prevent the recurrence or escalation of these uncomfortable symptoms.

Distraction, a mind that just won't quiet down, worrying about worrying, feeling tension or discomfort for no identifiable reason (or an obvious one) - these symptoms can disrupt multiple areas of a person's life, leading to more anxiety and stress. I use evidence-based approaches to assist clients with manageable and mitigation of upsetting symptoms to help them regain their footing and their focus.

Worrying about worrying, distraction, a mind that just won't quiet down, feeling tension or discomfort with, and often without an obvious reason- these symptoms can disrupt multiple areas of a person's life, leading to more anxiety and stress. I use evidence-based approaches to assist clients with understanding, working alongside and mitigating upsetting symptoms to help them regain their balance and find comfort in their own skin.

I've worked for 20 years in inpatient and outpatient settings with chronic and acute physical and mental illness. While empathy and support go a long way, learning effective coping strategies takes motivated clients even further down the road towards balance.

One of the most effective, evidence-based approaches available, CBT assists clients with understanding the impact of their individual perceptions, on their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors. Through the learning of easily applied tools, clients can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving their quality of life, both present and future.

One of the most effective, evidence-based approaches available, CBT assists clients with understanding the impact of their individual perceptions on their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviors. Through the learning of easily applied tools, clients can reduce stress, anxiety and depression while improving their overall coping and quality of life, both present and future.

The gift of presence- MBSR is an evidence-based approach shown to improve focus and clarity while reducing anxiety and stress through the teaching of techniques that ground the client in the present moment, rather than spinning anxiously amid past events or future "what if's". It is a tuning in and re-connecting with self.

The trauma-response is not solely experienced by victim's of physical violence or abuse. Relationships and events from childhood on up, can leave an imprint in the body and mind that continues to impact people in the present. Through the use of effective trauma-informed treatment approaches in a supportive therapeutic relationship, clients can begin to process, reintegrate and heal from traumas, both current and past.

Life is full of changes and transitions- some we've prepared for while others knock us sideways and leave us wondering which way is up. Whether a voluntary transition or sudden event, adjusting to change can challenge or coping, sense of self and our relationship to the world around us. Within the safety of the therapeutic relationship the client has the opportunity to process through these transitions, coming to a place of acceptance, and creating a path to move forward.

Trauma is a person's response to a distressing experience that overwhelmed their ability to cope and make sense of the situation at the time. It can cause feelings of fear and helplessness, diminishes a person's sense of self, as well as their ability to feel a full range of emotions. I assist my clients to work through events they were previously unable to process in order to restore a sense of safety, capability and self-compassion.

Life. Can. Be. Hard. While this wasn't advertised on the job description, open house sign, marriage certificate, or college acceptance, here we are. Chronic stress can lead to both emotional and health-related issues as your quality of life takes blow after blow. Even when you have time off, your ability to remain present and appreciate the break is often hampered by the anticipation of what comes next. Healing, change and balance are achievable with the use of evidence-based interventions.

EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma/anxiety memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms.

IFS is a transformative, evidence-based model of psychotherapy that creates an inner dialogue between a person's core Self - the part in each of us that carries our wisdom, self-compassion and knowing - and the many protective "parts" a person develops over a lifetime. Some parts carry painful beliefs, emotions, thoughts, sensations and memories that may be negatively impacting us in our current lives. IFS builds a compassionate relationship between these parts and the Self.

CBT focuses on the impact of individual perceptions on one's emotions and behavioral response. Our minds often distort reality, particularly when we are distressed. CBT helps people identify their distressing thoughts and evaluate their accuracy. Clients learn to change their distorted thinking to a truer version of reality. When they think more realistically, they feel better. Problem-solving and behavioral change are key components.