I'm Dr. Jennifer Semmes, but I prefer if you call me Jen. People want to understand most my style, in order to determine if we would be a good fit. The best way I can do this is to say that I am approachable, I love to use humor. I integrate a number of learned modalities- but I don’t follow any one strictly, as I rely mostly on my expertise. I don’t consider myself above my clients, rather I think of myself as a team mate. I am honest with my clients, but am able to deliver hard messages with love. I believe my clients would describe me as warm, personable, and knowledgeable. Therapy is my natural gift, as well as my passion, and put my whole heart into every session and every client. 

I have experience and can work with great proficiency with most issues that would bring one into therapy. However, in the last several years I have focused a lot of my work on relationships, as I have found this to be a passion of mine. This draw toward a specialization in relationships developed as I worked with individuals and began to really understand the immense importance that relationships have on client’s mental health, physical health and general sense of well-being. I started to find that when a client’s primary relationship was unstable, it was difficult for them to make prolonged improvements on their individual issues. As a therapist, I know that working with relationships is very challenging. You are asked to not only know the mind and inner workings of two separate individuals, but also understand the dynamic that exists between them. I have taken this challenge very seriously, and have devoted the last several years to gaining as much expertise in this area as I can (a journey which will continue throughout my career). Relationships, very simply, have become my passion, and helping my clients find the happiness in theirs, has become my primary professional goal.

I have studied and worked extensively with couples who have experienced infidelity or other forms of betrayal in their relationship. I have had much success in helping these couples navigate through the trauma that is associated with these painful events. I have experience working with couples where one, or both, of the individuals has difficulty emotionally engaging, and have been able to help them open up to each other in ways they have not before. I have also helped many couples work through the process of separation, toward peaceful co-parenting, as well as supporting individuals through the pain associated with break-ups.

I understand the importance of creating a nurturing and safe environment to do this hard work. I incorporate humor and friendship in my practice and have found this helpful in furthering the progress and positive experience that therapy can bring. I also consider myself an active role in the process. I believe in the importance of challenging my clients, and I will push each person to understand their part in the dynamic that has been created, and to do this with love and encouragement.

I have attended many specialized trainings in order to increase my competence, and be able to use current research to offer the most effective treatment. I believe that the difference between a good and a great therapist is in their willingness to keep growing in their profession, both through continued education, experience, and consultation. These are all things I take very seriously in my own practice.

I would love the opportunity to be able to work with you, and look forward to joining with you through the pain, and guiding you toward the life you were meant to live.