Therapy That Transforms
From Ashes to a Phoenix
Therapy for Children, Teens, Adults, and Couples in Orem and Online in Utah
A Story of Rage
Alyssa* was an ideal baby. She charmed everyone around her and was learning quickly at school. She noticed when others were sad and would cheer them up by making them laugh or sharing a treat.
Now, at six, it feels like some kind of creature has possessed Alyssa’s body and begun a reign of terror in their home. Even the most minor mishap or denial of something she wants turns into a volcanic eruption.
Her parents, Ben* and Maria*, have tried everything from removing all her favorite things to closing her in her room until she stops the meltdown.
Everyone in the family is exhausted from Alyssa’s pattern, including her two younger siblings, who have also started to struggle with their tempers.
Ben and Maria are desperate to find a way to help their daughter. Where did their sweet little toddler who found joy in even the most minor things go?
A Story of Exhaustion
Maggie* is fed up and frustrated. She’s exhausted from the effort of keeping up. No matter how hard she tries, there is perpetually a pile of laundry, dirty dishes, and surfaces to be cleaned.
She gets easily irritated by the smallest things, even though she tries not to. She takes her frustration out on her family.
Maggie used to love planning special activities for her kids, from themed spring breaks to a fun-filled summer schedule. Now she just hopes to make it through a single day without losing her temper or breaking down in tears.
She worries she is damaging her relationships, but doesn’t know how to control the constant overwhelm.
Is it possible to go back to feeling the way she used to? Is she even that person anymore?
A Story of Disconnection
David*, the father of 15-year-old Josh*, stands with his ear pressed to the door of his son’s now-silent bedroom. A year ago, passing by Josh’s then-open door, he would hear him talking to friends, practicing the violin, or laughing at reels from Instagram.
Now, Josh has shut out everyone and everything, including his little brother, with whom he used to love playing soccer.
Headphones are a constant accessory; he plays video games for hours every night.
Josh’s principal emailed David, saying that Josh was failing two classes and that he had been talking back to his teachers or ignoring them.
Josh brushed off all of David’s questions, clearly lying when he said school was going fine. David worried about what other things he might have been lying about.
What could David do to help his son? Was it already too late?
A Story of Pain
Randy* loved hiking and camping. He used to be an avid rock climber. But he’d hurt his back several years ago, and ever since, the pain hadn’t left him. At first, he shook it off and thought it would go away after a few trips to the chiropractor. Eventually, he was diagnosed with early-onset arthritis.
Several months later, there was no end to treatment in sight. Physical therapy, shots, and any other thing his doctors could think of to help him made the pain manageable, but he could no longer do most of the things he used to love.
Randy felt down. No one seemed to understand how life-changing this was. Even the parade of doctor appointments was exhausting. His life wasn’t the same and likely never would be.
What’s the point in even trying? Is there even a way to enjoy life anymore?
*These are fictitious names and scenarios used only to illustrate real-life situations.
Therapy Can Transform
We have to decide what to do with life experiences that shape who we are.
Everyone faces challenges they can’t handle alone.
That’s where therapy can help bridge the gap between where we want to be and the things that are keeping us from getting there.
Therapy is meant to be transformative.
The beginning can be the hardest. However, as you commit, work, and keep trying, you can build momentum and move toward a life that brings you greater fulfillment and satisfaction.
Therapy with children works similarly to adults, with successful moments building momentum and change.
However, children’s life disruptions/challenges are often more predictable. (Thanks a lot, puberty and middle school!) Therapy can help parents prepare for these times and support their children at every stage of life.
Hi, I’m Jenni.
I’m delighted to meet you! I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Registered Play Therapist. I became a therapist because I have struggled myself and have experienced relief and support through therapy.
True to what I’ve learned about myself over the years, when I feel I don’t know enough about something, I dig and learn until I feel competent. This has translated into years of learning and personal growth. I now have experience working with individuals, children, couples, families, and parents.
My own children struggle with rage, sadness, shame, loss, and feeling and being different, as many of yours do. I know how much I love and care for my children, and I find great fulfillment in helping other parents in the ways that I have received help while navigating the complexities of parenting and my own challenges.
From Raged to Engaged
After learning and practicing emotional regulation skills in therapy, Alyssa started to manage better at home some of the time, but Ben and Maria were still hoping for more change. They decided to do some parenting work.
After two months of making an effort to learn new parenting skills and avoiding power struggles, Ben and Maria felt like they were handling rough moments better and were hopeful that Alyssa was moving in the right direction again.
From Exhausted to Excelling
Over the course of a few months, Maggie was able to adjust her priorities and focus after setting clear goals and hopes in therapy, particularly around the expectations she was placing on herself.
She still had a somewhat messy house and felt like life was chaotic, but now she could manage her emotions and responses better. She felt less angry with herself and with everyone else. She even started to feel like being with her family was fun again, at least most of the time!
From Disconnected to Discovering
It took a long time. David worried over his son for several years, but was able to hold on to hope as he saw glimmers of his son coming back to himself. The most challenging part was changing family habits around screen time engagement.
David spent many exhausted nights helping all his children adjust. One thing he decided to do was ride out on his bike several times a week, rain or shine. Eventually, this became a time for him to reconnect with Josh.
David finally felt at peace one night when Josh came to him to ask for his help in filling out after-school job applications.
From Pain to Peace
Randy spent time understanding the psychological components of pain. He felt understood and learned tools to help him think differently about his pain.
After using EMDR to challenge his most embedded negative beliefs, he found a way to not only manage pain, but to thrive and engage in a variety of interests he found fulfilling. He had hope again that the second part of his life would be just as happy and meaningful as the first had been.
What I Offer
I’m ready to get started when you are.
I’m just a text, email, or call away. Now is the time to start the transformation process.
Schedule your free 15-minute consultation to get started.
