Dr. Jennifer Semmes

Hello, I'm Dr. Jennifer Semmes, you can call me Jen. My works as a therapist as always focused on couples. My 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.

- DR. JENNIFER SEMMES

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

EMDR

Part 1 & 2 Basic Training

May 2010

EMDR

The Neurobiology of Consciousness

May 2013

EMDR Certification

November 2015

Techniques for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Problems

November 2011

The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference

December 2013

Gottman Couples Therapy

Level 1

September 2014

Anger Control Make Easy

November 2012

Gottman and EFT

Couple’s Therapy Summit

March 2013

Emotionally Focused Therapy

4 Day Externship

January 2014

Couples Conference

May 2016

Gottman Couples Therapy

Level 2

January 2015

Gottman Couples Therapy

Level 3

March 2015

The Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference

December 2020

EDUCATION

Undergrad

University of Colorado

1999

 

Graduate

Colorado State University

2003

Doctorate

Ryokan College

2012

 

License No & State: LCS 23587, California

RATES

Standard Sessions

$150  |  45 minutes

Intensive Sessions

$225  |  75 minutes

For couple's therapy, I do not bill insurance companies directly, or accept insurance. I have found it very difficult to do good work in the time allocated and reimbursed by insurance companies. I am aware that therapy can be a financial strain, and I do my best to make our time together efficient, and focused on the goals. I have also found that couples therapy is more effective when we are able to meet more, and for longer periods of time in the beginning. Then begin tapering off once there is an increase in behavioral, and emotional change in the relationship. I encourage clients to consider good therapy as an investment, and to understand that investing in high quality treatment will pay off in the end.