Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Anderson
Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
In high school I was a peer mentor and fell in love with helping people. I went on to major in psychology as an undergraduate and then on to graduate school to get a degree in clinical psychology. While I was in graduate school I worked with a therapist who truly saw me and connected with me in a way that helped me through the issues I was struggling with. That relationship shaped me to be the therapist I am today. In graduate school once of my professors worked in the field of foster care and adoption which spurred me on to dive into that field also. FOr the first 15 years of my career I work with foster and adoptiive children and their families who were impacted my complex early developmental trauma. Throughout this time I also worked with adults with trauma. During the pandemic when it became more challenging to work with children on telehealth I transitioned to only working with adults and I began to dig deeper in the world of dissociative disorders and acquired advanced training with that population. In 2021 I decided to start a group practice and hired my first associate. I now run a group practice with 6 associates with a focus on providing trauma therapy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the early years while gaining my hours for licensure it was hard to work in high acuity jobs where I was over worked and had high caseloads and extensive documentation requriments. When I got licensed I had a toddler and it was challening to balance being a mom and being a therapist. I eventually found my groove and the ability to wear both hats. As I grew in my career I had amazing mentors that came alongside me to pour into me personally and professionally as I grew as a clinician. I had the ability to take many trainings to expand my knowledge and skillset. WHen I began my group practice there were struggles as I had no experience being in a managerial role, but thankfully my husband is in buisness and gave me many tips and guidance. For the last few years things have run fairly smoothly and I proud of the practice that I have created and grown
We’ve been impressed with Conejo Valley Family Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a trauma focused practice offering multiple trauma informed models such as EMDR, Brainspotting, Parts Work, and Somatic Therapy. Unlike some other practices we take multiple insurances as I believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone, not just those who have more financial freedom. I am proud that we offer high quality care and that myself and my clinicians have continued to take trainings and grow as therapists so we can help people heal from the trauma that has been keeping them from living a fulfilling life.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
As more AI options pop up I do wonder how this will impact the field of therapy. I think there will be a growing world of potential clients using AI for therapy but I feel like clincians like myself and those in my practice who provide models that require the the presence and tools of the therapist will be more protected.
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Leigha Smith
