Jennifer Kennedy, M.A., LPC, NCC

THERAPIST, DOCTORAL CANDIDATE (ABD)

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) who has been working in the mental health field for the past 6 years. I have my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Waynesburg University and my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Saint Francis University. Currently, I am pursuing my doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at IUP so that I can help teach the next generation of counselors.

I worked as a professional counselor in a community mental health outpatient clinic for 6 years. During that time, I provided individual counseling to many different clients with diverse backgrounds, identities, and presenting issues. I have experience working with adolescents, college-aged students, young adults, and adult clients. I have experience helping clients navigate a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-harm, suicidal ideation, self-confidence/self-esteem, grief/loss, and life adjustments/transitions. Even though I am not specifically trained in evidence-based trauma therapy approaches, such as EMDR or TF-CBT, I integrate a trauma-informed approach within my work with clients to create a safe and trusting therapeutic space.

My primary approach to therapy includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques with an integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill sets. I also integrate psychoeducation on wellness and self-care strategies as needed. My approach is also flexible depending on what specific approaches or techniques matter to my clients or work well for them. As a Christian, I know how helpful one’s faith or spiritual beliefs can be to their overall well-being; therefore, I offer clients the opportunity to integrate their spiritual and/or religious beliefs and values into their counseling work if this is preferred or requested. I strive to partner alongside my clients to help them pursue meaningful, purpose-driven lives that are consistent with their chosen values. I also encourage and empower clients to do what matters most to them even if this means sitting with and working through unpleasant thoughts, feelings, memories, or physical sensations along the way. I enjoy helping clients drop the struggle with their thoughts and feelings by finding new ways to relate to them so they can start living the kind of life that matters to them – starting today!

In my free time I enjoy eating good food, spending time with friends and family, and working together with my husband to renovate our home. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether that is hiking, swimming, walking around a park, or traveling to the beach.