Thrive is celebrating 7 fantastic years in business! Happy birthday to us! It’s been great, and I wanted to share a little about myself and our practice.
My name is Jenn, and I’m the founder of Thrive Therapy, Inc., and a therapist here.
Thrive was born in the spring of 2018, as I was desperately seeking to find some semblance of a work-life balance. I’ve since realized that that is ever-changing, and I do better sometimes than others.
I had been working with the VA Hospital in their PTSD clinic for 12 years.
I absolutely loved my work, training opportunities, and my patients there. I had my four children in 5 years, and found the strict and inflexible hours were simply not conducive to doing great at work and then having enough energy left to be a great mom at home. I just felt like I sucked at everything and always felt like I was struggling to keep my head above water. With that combination of desperation and perhaps some delusion, I decided to open my own practice. Did I know how to open a business? No. But others have done it, so I buckled down and figured it out.
Our culture was simply not designed with women in mind.
I didn’t want to choose between a career I loved and my family. I didn’t want to feel like I was doing a terrible job at both while trying to keep the juggling act going.
So, Thrive was born. I am now able to do my job that is my heart’s work, and be a mom who can have flexibility and energy for my family once I’m home. Don’t get me wrong, life is still chaotic and busy. But it’s doable now.
I fell in love with treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders in 2006 and haven’t looked back. I found this out accidentally, and I had great colleagues and mentors as I grew as a therapist. I enjoyed my work and the people I worked with.
Walking with someone through painful memories that are negatively impacting them is an honor.
The clinical term “symptom reduction” is one goal, sure, but ultimately, I strive to help my patients find post-traumatic growth and get to living a life they want to without trauma in charge. I still get chills when I get to witness this happening!
I have a warm and friendly therapeutic style and believe the human connection between me and my patient is important. Authenticity is a characteristic I possess, and I am very proud of that. I work to create a safe space for you to dig in and do the hard work, all with me by your side and being your biggest cheerleader. I believe you, believe in you, and know to my core that hope and healing are possible! After nearly 20 years, I still get just as excited to see patients find their voice, find their power, and find themselves. I know I have the best job I could have.
What inspired you to become a therapist, and was there a specific moment that sparked your passion for this work?
After undergrad, I bailed on a doctorate program I was on track to begin (note: doing so will make a lot of people very angry). Something just didn’t feel right. I then decided to take a bit of time to figure out where exactly I wanted to fit in the mental health world. I worked for a wonderful researcher and psychiatrist, and through this, gained exposure to the different areas within mental health. When I realized I could become independently licensed without going the PhD route, I knew it was for me. I also knew I didn’t want to be a generalist. I wanted to be a specialist and become an expert in something- I just didn’t know that “something” was trauma until a few years later.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure or personal hero, who would it be and why?
I’d have to say Ruth Bader Ginsburg. After learning about her, seeing her in action before her death, and seeing a documentary about her life, I am just amazed at the power, tenacity, resilience, and calm authority she brought to her world. At this point in our history, I feel meeting her and talking with her about life, work, and activism would be a dream come true.
Oh, and one more. Can this be a fictional character? Because Buddy the Elf. Who doesn’t need more joy?
What’s the most unexpected or surprising skill you’ve learned outside of your professional training that unexpectedly helps you in therapy?
For about ten years, I was a makeup artist (at the same time, I was a therapist). Yes, I know. Weird combo, right? I loved the artistic aspect, meeting people, and helping women to look and feel their best on important days. I primarily did weddings, but I also worked for magazines and even got my work featured on a few covers! I was even featured in an article in Polly Magazine, a local arts & culture magazine, since the start of their publication.
Oddly, there were quite a few similarities. I could keep folks calm on stressful days. I was ready for just about anything they threw my way. The authentic human connection was my favorite. Oh, and yes, I did a fair share of breath work with nervous brides! As my kids got older and busier with activities, I retired from that gig as I simply didn’t have enough time to do all the things I wanted to. Sadly, I deleted my makeup Instagram page, or I’d share it here. I miss makeup artistry a great deal!
What’s your go-to self-care practice that helps you recharge after emotionally intense work?
When it’s nice out, I love a long walk on a hiking trail. I love lifting, I always say it’s my favorite antidepressant. I also enjoy reading and am very much known for starting and finishing a book in one sitting. I prefer psychological thrillers when reading for fun. I love snuggling up with my dog, Mabel. Beach therapy is also high on my list.
If you could instantly become an expert in any field other than psychology, what would you choose?
I debated medical school for quite some time, and there is a part of me that regrets not going. I wanted to be a surgeon, either a cardiac surgeon or a neurosurgeon. I find it fascinating.
What book, movie, or piece of art has most profoundly impacted your understanding of human emotions and relationships?
There is no way to remember all of them, but most recently, the book Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel. I read it first as a daughter (as the author asks you to do), and then a few weeks later as a clinician. It’s beautifully validating, heartbreaking, and inspiring.
What’s a common misconception about therapists that you’d love to clear up?
We don’t “just listen because you pay us”. We care, deeply. We worry about you, feel your pain when you’re struggling, feel genuinely ecstatic when you have a win, think about you in between sessions, or if it’s been a while since we’ve seen you. We greatly value our therapeutic relationships with our patients. Oh, and we want to throat punch anyone who has caused you harm (well, I’ll speak for myself, but it’s true).
Also, if I had a nickel for every time I tell someone what I do and they say, “ok so what am I thinking right now?!” I’d be very, very wealthy. So, I’d like to clear up we are not, in fact, psychic.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I have a book idea for this very topic! I have so many thoughts, and I hope I make time to write it someday. One thing I share with my kids right now is not to rush growing up. Live it. Enjoy it. Savor it.
What’s a hobby or passion you have that might surprise people who only know you professionally?
I make jewelry, am obsessed with true crime podcasts, have recently given in to the millennial urge to garden, and am a huge Taylor Swift fan, and if you are as well, my favorite song is ATWTMVFTVTV. What’s yours?
What does “thriving” mean to you personally and professionally?
To me, thriving means to live life authentically, to create a life worth living, to live according to your own values, and to be able to do this no matter what life has thrown your way.
Start Working with An Online Therapist in Ohio and Kentucky, and New York
If you’re seeking a warm, experienced online therapist in Ohio or need trauma therapy in Cincinnati or Kentucky, Jenn and her team are here to offer support. Reach out today to a trusted PTSD therapist who truly understands. Start your healing journey with Thrive Therapy Inc by following these simple steps:
- Book a free 15-minute consultation call.
- Meet with our caring therapist, Jenn
- Start finding lasting healing!
Other Services Offered by Thrive Therapy Inc.
Thrive Therapy Inc. is happy to provide support across Kentucky, Ohio, and New York. We know that people can experience more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of in-person and online therapy services to support you. Other services offered include PTSD treatment, therapy for sexual assault survivors, first responders, and childhood trauma survivors. You can learn more by visiting our FAQ or blog pages today.