Jill Henion LMFT

Being a human, living with other humans can be very trying at times and we don't always get it right. Our families play an important role in developing who we are and what we want from life. They also influence our ability to manage the world. I work with couples, families, and children to support healthy and clear communication, building respect, finding a voice for every member of the system, and learning how to manage emotions. Every member plays an important role in the family system.

The world can be a difficult place to navigate at times and we tend to be our own worst critiques. We often have anxiety and don't even realize it; with tense muscles, stomach issues, and worried thoughts looping through our minds. I use Cognitive Behavioral Theory to reframe those worried thoughts into better but believable thinking. This paired with emotion management and acceptance can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, so that we can begin to feel better about ourselves and our choices.

Although Family Systems is in the title, this work is actually for individuals who feel like they have several different parts that operate at different times. This work takes a deep look inside and makes friends with the parts that are causing us to act in unhelpful ways. Through this internal work the individual helps the parts find new roles that are more helpful. This is accomplished by befriending our exiled parts (traumatized parts) and helping them move past their trauma.

DBT uses a non-judgmental stance to support growth as an individual. It provides tools for radical acceptance, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. This treatment works with many diverse disorders and provides tools to be in the present in the moment and in tune with our needs and emotions. It supports us in asking for what we need in an effective manner. "Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience." Jon Kabat-Zinn

CBT theory is based on reframing unhelpful thinking patterns that have us stuck in unhealthy loops. This work takes time; as it has taken our whole lives to think the way we do, so it will take time to undo and retrain the way we think. What we think impacts how we feel and therefore drives how we act. We have many filters which determine how we see the world. CBT examines those filters and supports finding a healthier lens to see the world through.