Services
About My Clients
Many of the people who come to me have spent years trying to understand why they overthink, doubt themselves, struggle to trust, repeat painful relationship patterns, or feel as though they are never quite enough. These struggles are not character flaws, but survival adaptations shaped by earlier experiences where safety, trust, or identity were disrupted. I believe people make sense once we understand the story behind their survival.
How I Can Help You
I’m Jennifer L. Hillier, M.A., LPC-S, an EMDR-trained therapist whose work centers on unresolved childhood trauma, complex PTSD, and recovery from emotional and narcissistic abuse. I work with adults who can explain their patterns intellectually, yet still find themselves caught in the emotional responses and relationships they want to change. Therapy gives us a place to become curious about your survival adaptations: what they protected, how they helped you endure, and what they cost you now. Together, we explore the experiences beneath those patterns and work toward greater self-trust, boundaries, and connection. I integrate EMDR, IFS, ACT, CBT, and DBT according to your needs and readiness. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and direct when needed. We build a therapeutic relationship where you can speak about what feels unspeakable, without having to tell your whole story at once or move faster than you are ready.
Why I am a Good Fit for You
Having walked this path myself, I understand that healing from abuse involves far more than grieving a relationship. The mental and emotional turmoil can leave you questioning your memories, your judgment, your worth, and whether you can trust yourself again. You may know what happened was harmful and still feel attached, ashamed, afraid, or responsible for the person who hurt you. You do not have to explain away those contradictions or defend why leaving was difficult. I understand that survival adaptations are not character flaws, and insight alone does not undo the impact of abuse. I bring compassion and directness to our work as we make sense of what you endured, work through its continuing impact, and strengthen your ability to honor your needs without abandoning yourself. My practice affirms LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients, body diversity, kink, polyamory, and ethically non-monogamous relationships. I also welcome fellow therapists.