About me
~ I consider myself to be an introverted and highly sensitive human. Much of my journey has been learning to accept myself. My hope is to give you the space to do the same.
~ I’m a people pleaser and perfectionist in recovery. I’ve spent years struggling with imposter syndrome and this overwhelming struggle of “too muchness” or “not enoughness.”
~ I’m committed to lifelong learning and staying current with my own growth. This helps me better understand myself, but most importantly, benefits you.
~ I have a soft spot for rescue dogs and have two rescues of my own, Trudy and Lincoln. One or both may be present for our sessions from time to time, but I promise they uphold and respect confidentiality!
~ I love reading, writing, creating (and listening to) my Spotify playlists, and spending time with nature.
~ I love coffee. I basically always have an emotional support iced coffee with me.
The formalities
~ I’ve been working in the mental health field for over 10 years and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts (11383).
~ I graduated with my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. My graduate training focused on advocating for social justice and serving those with systemic barriers to mental health care.
~ I’ve provided therapy in many different clinical environments: family shelters in Greater Boston, a men’s state prison, a non-profit outreach center for veterans, a counseling center at a liberal arts university, and a group practice specializing in anxiety and OCD.
~ I’ve seen the benefits of animal therapy through my professional relationships with therapy dogs and their handlers from the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Tufts Paws for People, and Therapy Dogs International. I’m currently in the process of training one of my dogs, Lincoln, to be a Certified Therapy Dog.
-
I’ve received continuing education and training in the following topics of interest to me:
~ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) immersive training with Dr. Steven Hayes
~ Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) training through Massachusetts General Hospital
~ Internal Family Systems (IFS) model training
~ Training in the treatment of trauma through the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and narrative therapy
~ Training, supervision, and consultation in evidenced-based practices such as ACT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) by Jayme Valdez, LMHC, Founder of Clearview OCD Counseling.
My therapy approach
~ We are unique and complex beings and the therapy I provide reflects this - individualized and integrative. Basically, I’ll weave in different therapeutic approaches based on our work together. Some of the therapies I resonate with are listed on this page.
~ I am deeply moved by words. I may share or recommend content that I feel is relevant to our sessions (sometimes even social media content). You can follow me on IG here @jenellistherapy
~ I will swear and use sarcasm in sessions (and encourage you to do the same) because let’s be real, this human thing is hard.
~ I consider myself to be detail-oriented and thoughtful. During your sessions with me, I’m all in — you will have my undivided attention and emotional capacity.
-
ACT emphasizes curiosity and a willingness to open up to and accept life’s messiness and uncertainties. Much of the focus is on cultivating mindfulness and exploring your core values and then living in alignment with those values.
-
Emphasizes kindness and grace - learning to make room for and give voice to all parts of you. In Western society, we aren’t taught to feel our feelings or be soft. Focuses on developing self-trust so you can walk toward your inner experiences, not away from them. Understanding that suffering is inevitable and is something that universally connects us all.
-
Emphasizes finding meaning in your life when your present circumstances feel in flux. Normalizes that anxiety is part of being human. Focuses on using these pivotal times in your life as opportunities to develop self-awareness into who you are and your place in this world.
-
Understanding the role that power, oppression, cultural, racial, sexual, and gender identities intersect and impact mental health. Focuses on context, societal narratives, and systems at play.
I carry many privileged identities (White, thin, educated, able-bodied) and am committed to working on being a less harmful White woman and not turning away from pain and injustice. I think of Audre Lorde’s quote, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.”
-
Focuses on integrating the past with the present. Emphasizes exploring conditioned patterns, limiting beliefs, and internalized messages from your early experiences (i.e., family of origin) and connecting this to the here-and-now. Helping you to gain awareness and insight.
-
Focuses on creating a safe, empowering, and supportive space for you to process your thoughts, feel your feelings, and express yourself. You are the author of your own story/life. Will utilize concepts from cognitive processing therapy (CPT) if applicable.
“Every moment you can meet your difficult feelings with kindness is a moment of peace.”
