“Connection...the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” —Brené Brown
Jennifer creates a compassionate, non-judgmental space to collaborate on client goals. With an integrative therapy approach, she fosters a connection where meaningful change can occur, allowing clients to live with more ease and to move forward in life empowered by strengths, both old and new.
She approaches the work with cultural humility and an anti-oppressive framework that supports client intersectionality, particularly for those who identify as BIPOC, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, women, and birthing people in all stages of their perinatal journey from preconception to postpartum.
Jennifer works with clients on a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, life transitions, trauma, and more. She earned her MSW from California State University, Northridge. In addition, she has an MA in Literature and a background in the arts and education. Jennifer is a Registered Associate Clinical Social Worker #102226, working under the professional supervision of Michelle Harwell, PsyD, LMFT #50732.
Michelle Harwell, PsyD, LMFT #50732 is an expert trainer, respected speaker, and licensed therapist in trauma, development, and attachment. She is a certified yoga instructor and seeks to help her clients better understand how the body is often the first speaker to life's experiences: joy, stress, or even trauma. She is noted for her specialization in areas of development, attachment, trauma, and neuroscience, and her ability to communicate complex topics with clarity and humor.
Michelle has worked extensively with adults and children with severe disruptions in early life-care. This includes foster and adoptive families, attachment issues, child development, and healthy parenting. She is an infant mental health consultant for a variety of non-profits and community mental health teams. She is the co-author of Floortime Strategies to Promote Development in Children and Teens: A User’s Guide to the DIR® Model, a curriculum for parents and professionals to help young people with social, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
Michelle completed her doctorate in Psychoanalysis from The Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles. She received her BA in English Literature from University of Oklahoma, MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Fuller Graduate School of Psychology.
Visit drmichelleharwell.com for more information.