Clinicians

Jensen Southwick, MA, LMHCA

ABOUT

The only person you will spend every single day of your life with is yourself. Meaning that you will be better off if you come to know, accept and eventually love that person.

As a therapist, my approach functions through the lens of learning to understand ourselves and our own unique needs. This often involves the process of undoing how unfairly we’ve learned to treat ourselves, releasing our reliance on maladaptive coping mechanisms and moving on from our previously needed survival strategies. These ways of existing can stem from how we’ve been treated by others in the past or perhaps from implicit messaging from cultural, religious or societal marginalization and expectations. The work we do in therapy enables us to create the life we’ve always desired and deserved.

I conceptualize my therapy process with the following metaphor: As the therapist, I am in the front passenger seat of a car with you, and you are behind the wheel. As a passenger, I offer you assistance with reading the map and providing directions, but it’s up to you, the driver, to choose the turns you’ll take, and ultimately, the destination.

I operate within a framework that includes: psychodynamic transactional analysis (TA), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and emotionally-focused therapy (EFT).

In my work in community mental health for the past two years, I have come to learn the importance of adaptability and meeting my clients where they are at. I have experience working with unresolved and complex trauma, acute post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adjustment difficulties following post-traumatic stress (PTS), grief, LGBTQAI+ community, relational issues, the impacts of systemic racial oppression, chronic depression and suicidal ideation/self-harm, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A humanistic approach and client-centered care are at the core of my therapeutic relationship with all of my clients.

Experience & Education

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Washington State University – 2021
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Development – Washington State University – 2021
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Northwest University – 2023
• Licensed Mental Health Counselor – License # MC 61459937
• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer – 2021
• Common Elements Treatment Approach Certified – 2022

Insurance

I am a Preferred Provider with Aetna, Cigna, First Choice, Kaiser Permanente, Premera, and Regence. Please call for inquiries regarding additional insurance plans.

Self-Pay

A Good Faith Estimate of expected charges will be provided when scheduling an appointment or upon request for self-pay clients.

Cancellation Policy

Must cancel 24 hours before the appointment to avoid $100 fee.