Family therapy and counseling in Merrillville, IN

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.

I am a Psychiatric nurse practitioner who specializes in eating disorders, personality disorders, and chronic suicidal ideation. I enjoy working across the lifespan with individuals of all ages using patient centered care. I have experience helping those who also have physical conditions navigate the complexity of mental health. And as a part of the LGBTQ+ community I do my best to provide compassionate and gender affirming care to others in the community who have not found it. I believe each person is the expert of their own experience.

Having lived experience with mental illness, I went into the profession wanting to give my patients the care the care that took me so long to find. I never want anyone to feel rushed or misunderstood when seeing me. I want my patients to feel free to ask questions and get the answers they need.

I have worked in a variety of settings and have experience treating a wide range of diagnosis from anxiety disorders to psychotic disorders.

You're here because something needs to change, and that takes courage. I'm Jennifer, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 17 years of experience working with individuals, teens, and families across Florida and Indiana. I specialize in maternal mental health, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, and substance use. I don't do cookie-cutter therapy — I adapt to you, your pace, and your life.

When you've spent so much time trying to hold everything together, it's easy to lose sight of who you are beneath the anxiety, painful experiences, or expectations placed on you by others. Whether you're navigating trauma, relationship challenges, questions about identity, or simply feeling emotionally exhausted, you deserve a space where you can show up exactly as you are without fear of judgment. Meaningful healing is possible, and you don't have to go through it alone. I partner with clients experiencing anxiety, LGBTQIA+ concerns, women's issues, trauma, and PTSD so they can build confidence, strengthen relationships, reconnect with themselves, and move toward a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling. I work with adolescents, adults, and children because every person deserves to feel accepted, understood, and empowered.

I am a compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 10+ years of experience. My concentration was originally in Mental Health and Addiction with a Masters Degree in Social Work from Indiana University. I have additional training in Trauma Focused Behavioral Health, Specialized Treatment for Women of all ages including such areas as Post-partum Depression, and Intimate Partner Violence along with focused treatment for adolescents and adults with other mental health issues such as ADHD, and Anger.

I believe that everyone has the ability to grow into the person that they want to be. I want to help people turn obstacles into opportunities, weaknesses into strengths, and discouragement into hope. I make every effort to be dependable, understanding, and empathetic. I also am upfront, honest, and kind. You can expect that we will talk in real world terms, not in psychological terms. We will find practical solutions, rather than reflect on "how that made you feel."

I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, where we identify the thoughts and behaviors that lead to negative feelings and emotions. I find that this practical approach is often the best approach to find progress quickly. I also practice Narrative Therapy to address trauma and difficult times. This approach addresses painful memories and experiences to reorient my client to a better understanding of the past and to find healing. I will attempt to work with anyone for almost any issue. I specialize in assisting with men's issues, communication issues, conflict resolution, parenting issues, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, grief, career counseling, and substance abuse issues.

I have worked in private practice for over 9 years. Prior to that, I worked in community-based services where I assisted families to stay together and juveniles to work through their legal issues. I have worked in substance abuse services. I also have experiences working with intellectual disabilities.

I hold a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling and hold a Licensed Mental Health Counselor's license in Florida and Indiana.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have 5 years of experience as a School Social Worker. I graduated from Indiana University Northwest in 2021 with my master's degree. I am a therapist who believes people are stronger than they give themselves credit for. My passion is helping you find your strength and strategies to meet your goals. I keep things warm, supportive, and will never make you feel judged for what you bring to me. I am here to support you and help you navigate to where you want to be.

Outside of work, I run a small farm with pigs, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, and a garden, so my life involves a fair amount of dirt and a lot of animals with strong opinions. I also love to fish, woodwork, cook from scratch, and make soy candles. Being in nature is how I reset, and I am happy to talk about what helps you reset too.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my focus is helping adults and working professionals navigate high-stress environments, burnout, career demands, and significant life transitions. Juggling professional responsibilities alongside personal life often leaves little room to process stress effectively or reset. My goal is to provide a focused, practical space where you can step back, clarify your priorities, and develop sustainable strategies to regain balance and momentum in both your work and personal life.