Therapist Spotlight: Jennifer Tietjen, LMSW
Jennifer is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and trauma specialist at Passages. Michelle Button, Passages Director, sat down with Jennifer to chat about why she became a therapist and what led her to specialize in trauma treatment.
What made you decide to become a therapist?
I loved my first psychology and sociology classes in college. I really enjoyed learning about the mind, and how our thoughts influence our behaviors. From this experience, I learned I wanted to share that knowledge with more people.
What do you enjoy the most about being a therapist?
I love connecting and having deep conversations with people. I’m the type of person who isn’t the biggest fan of small talk. In social settings, I tend to search out the people who love to have a good deep-dive chat about life.
How would you describe what a therapy session is like with you?
I’m far from your typical “mhm, and how does that make you feel?” type of therapist. I will hear you out, validate your feelings and experiences, but also challenge you when I think it’s necessary.
Trauma is one of your specialties, where did your interest in working with trauma come from?
I recognized pretty early in my education that most of my clients had experienced some form of trauma, which was contributing to their presenting problems of mental health diagnoses, substance abuse, interpersonal relationship issues, etc. There seems to be a huge misconception about what defines “trauma.” Part of my interest in trauma work started with wanting to educate others about what that big, scary word actually means. The actual dictionary definition of trauma is “any event that has had a lasting negative effect”.
You are trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy. Can you explain what EMDR is and why it is so successful for treating trauma and other issues?
I can spend hours talking about and explaining EMDR therapy. It was initially designed to alleviate emotional distress associated with traumatic experiences. But as I mentioned above, “trauma” can include many different things, and might not be limited to such extreme situations as you might think.
EMDR is a structured, 8-phase process. We work to identify the past experiences that are contributing to your present-day issues, as well as the Negative Cognition, or negative belief about yourself (think- “I’m not good enough” or “I’m a failure” or “I should have done something”). Then, we take this information and have you briefly focus on the traumatic experience, while simultaneously applying what we call Bilateral Stimulation (BLS). BLS could be in the form of eye movements, tapping, or sound. The BLS allows the brain to essentially “reprocess” the memory, which results in lower levels of emotional distress.
Think of it this way- when we experience something upsetting, our brain processes that experience and transforms the related emotions, beliefs, and thoughts into something healthy and more adaptive. However, sometimes that process in the brain doesn’t work properly, and those negative experiences remain in our memory with all of the not-so-great emotions. The system then becomes “stuck,” and those negative emotions, beliefs and thoughts continue to be triggered in our present day experiences. That’s where EMDR comes into play. EMDR helps to shift those negative emotions into something more positive and adaptive, so that they no longer come up in the present moment.
What is your favorite EMDR technique to use with clients and why?
I really enjoy any and all of the resourcing/coping skills that come from EMDR therapy. I tend to use them not only with my trauma clients, but with everyone else, too. They are what I like to call much more “hands on” and tangible than your typical meditations or breathing techniques.
What drew you to working at Passages?
I’ve had a passion for working with women since the very beginning of my education when I declared a Women’s Studies minor. When I found a practice of therapists that shared the same passion as mine, I knew it would be a great fit!
Is there a favorite book or other resource you recommend to clients?
I always recommend the book, “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel an Der Kolk, M.D. to any of my trauma clients. It does a great job of explaining how trauma sticks with us, and most people come back really resonating with what they read.
Is there a dream training you would like to take or an area you would be interested in learning more about?
I’ve taken a few introductory trainings about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Parts Work, and have really enjoyed incorporating this language into my EMDR work. I hope to learn more in the future and incorporate into my work with clients.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? What do you do to de-stress?
I love getting outside in nature, no matter the season. There is something so grounding and calming about being outside. I also learned how to crochet a little over a year ago and it has quickly become my favorite way to de-stress.
Is there a fun fact you would like to share that people might be surprised by?
Winter is my favorite season :)
If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Jennifer, click on the link below to make an appointment.