Jen Rives, MA, LMFT

Healthy relationships are essential to a happy and meaningful life. And, there are tons of barriers to healthy and successful relationships: low confidence or a lack of self-esteem, stress, challenges with work or lifework balance, life transitions, issues with family, and of course feelings of anxiety or depression. If you invest in the process of therapy, your relationships will be the first thing to benefit. The results can be transformative! I can provide something that is distinct: the manner of a coach, the warmth of a confidante, and the knowledge of a therapist. Let me help! Let's get insight on your relationship patterns, ineffective behaviors, and the emotional wounds and defenses that get in the way of having the quality relationships you want in your life. Helping smart motivated adults do wholehearted work is what I do best! Wholehearted, self reflection in therapy makes a difference in your relationships, and an enormous impact on the romantic relationships in your life. Are you ready to learn about yourself in ways that will make your relationships rewarding and successful? If you are, email or call so that your adventure of therapy can begin today.

In my experience, growth requires delving into three distinct areas, which is what we do in our work together: 1: INSIGHT. Insight is an important part of this process, and we begin with it for a reason. Not much can change if you don't identify what it is that's not working! This is why we get a good background of what you are doing that might not be getting you the results you want. Together we explore the family you grew up in, which gives you the opportunity to discover patterns that get in your way. Maya Angelou said it up perfectly, "When you know better, you do better!" 2: PROCESS. Very real emotions accompany insight; it is an important part of the process is to work through sadness from the past. The poet Rumi said, "The wound will not heal unless given witness. The shadow that follows us is the way in." Yes, it can hurt when emotional wounds get cleaned, but it is necessary if the wound is going to heal properly. 3: PRACTICE. After more of the challenging aspects of therapy, you can have more fun with this part! This is where you practice your new skills and try out doing things differently so that you can get the results you want. I will be the coach in your corner, encouraging you, gently challenging you, and cheering you on.

With me you get is someone that will truly listen when you talk. Someone who listens without judgement, someone who doesn't have an agenda, restrictions on the conversation, or is too busy to pick up the phone. I am trained as a marriage and family therapist. With me there are safe boundaries, as well as knowledge about relationship dynamics & patterns of relating, effective coping skills, and LOTS of tools. I bring a healthy dose of humor to the work that we do. Self reflection is a compelling process but it can also be challenging, so why make it harder than it already is?! Remember, you won't be alone. We can check out your blindspots together.

You are not the only one! We all do the best we can with what we know, with what we have learned. Many people encounter challenges in holding on to themselves in the relationships in their lives, whether those relationships are with partners, friends, colleagues, or family. Research shows that 90% of therapy success is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. I commend your efforts in seeking out a better way for yourself. And, I know that finding the right fit in a therapist can be a daunting task. So, take your time. Trust your gut.