Why Psychotherapy?
There are many ways to work with our emotional, relational & psychological struggles. Psychotherapy, when done well, strives to look honestly at our pain & suffering with the intention of easing it.
Everyone is unique, so finding an approach that achieves that ease is not always obvious…that does not mean it’s not worth the effort.
I offer Psychotherapy that integrates body & mind.
I’m Jodi…
I have a Master’s Degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology & am a licensed counselor in Missouri & Colorado.
I confess to being a bit of a “mad-scientist,” a highly-sensitive person, AuDHD-er with an endlessly-curious mind. It took me some time to discover what worked for me in the realm of channeling my non-stop inspiration & empathic vulnerabilities, I am proof that it can be done!
I didn’t do it alone (although it was NOT from a lack of trying). I’ve had amazing teachers, mentors & healing professionals who have helped me over the years. I want to bring what I’ve learned to benefit you on your path to self-awareness.
why work with me?
Choosing a therapist can be a challenge, but I think the most important element in “good fit” is feeling you can show up as you are. No one wants to feel judged. I strive to create an atmosphere of curiosity & acceptance. I help clients to not judge themselves, let go of self-aggression & cease resistance to fear.
If you value self-awareness & cultivating a peaceful mind & body, we might be a good fit.
My style as a psychotherapist is not to follow strict protocols, but to customize my therapy modalities to you & your needs…collaboration is key!
my qualifications
Master's Degree Naropa University
Contemplative Psychotherapy & Buddhist Psychology (3-year degree program)Bachelor’s Degree Creative Writing University of Missouri
LPC in the state of Colorado
(a Licensed Professional Counselor in CO must hold a Masters’ degree in their profession & be supervised for two years post-Masters’ degree plus 2,000 hours clinical experience & pass the National Licensing Exam)LPC in the state of Missouri
Level 1 Training Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Year-long Internship in Play Therapy
Year-long Internship in Hospice Care & Grief Counseling
10 years of Professional work in end-of-life contemplative elder & dementia care, Supervisor
2 year study in shamanic arts w/ Ancient Ways Center in Colorado
Levels 1 & 2 Reiki Training
Reasonable Expectations & Getting the Most from Therapy
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It is reasonable to expect effective therapy to result in:
increased self-awareness
acceptance of what is possible in your life & what is not
symptom reduction
improved skills for setting boundaries
increased skill with communication
better emotional regulation
feelings of validation & non-judgement
more capacity for distress
improved relationships based on the previous improvements
capability to change things in your life & interrupt repeating patterns
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It is unreasonable to want these things from therapy:
a complete end to the difficulty of life & human pain
that other people will change
that you will become someone other than yourself
that you’ll never have symptoms again
that you can stop yourself from having emotions
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Therapy is a collaboration…not something that is “done to you.”
With that thought, you can gain the most from therapy when:
you’re honest & work to increase your honesty with your therapist as well as yourself
you try the assignments agreed upon in your sessions
you practice asking for what you need
you attend sessions regularly, based on the rhythm that is recommended
you continue with sessions when you begin to feel change
you notice your resistance to change…bring it to therapy
you don’t try to “perform” for your therapist
FAQs
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My definition of what is a Psychotherapist is a professional who offers psychological & emotional processing to clients. They will hold a Master’s degree, have completed supervised client hours & hold a license in their field of psychology. A psychotherapist will engage in continued education yearly.
Psychotherapists should either be trained in particular modalities in graduate school or learn distinct modalities post graduation. In my opinion, this is the difference between a counselor & a psychotherapist….a psychotherapist specializes in particular therapy modalities & has completed advanced training in those modalities.
Further, a Contemplative Psychotherapist (which is my field of training) will engage in meditative practices, continued self-awareness practices & retreat.
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I work with Individuals 19 & up 1-on-1, all genders, all religions, all sexual orientations, all races/cultural identities.
My specialty is working with neurodivergent folks who are wanting support with high-sensitivity, burnout & anxiety.
That includes undiagnosed & late-diagnosed ADHD, Autism & AuDHD as well as those who were diagnosed in childhood.
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I do not work with anyone under the age of 19.
I refer out for the following:
-Medications/Medication Management
-Active Substance Use/Addictions
-Eating Disorders
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Counselor: a broadly used term, you'll need to look at credentials & education to know how someone is using this title.
Psychotherapist: a term that is usually used by individuals who have completed a Master's degree in Counseling Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Counseling or Clinical Social Work. Someone using this term is also likely to be licensed in their state of practice or to use a label such as "unlicensed psychotherapist" if they have the education, but are working towards licensure.
Psychologist: this term usually indicates someone who has reached PhD level & who may have engaged in specific research or continues to contribute to research. Licensing varies by state for clinical or counseling psychologists, so you'll need to look at training & education to know exactly what training this person has.
Psychiatrist: this term indicates a medical degree & a level of mental health professional who prescribes medication. Psychiatrists often don't offer counseling or therapy, but some do.
Coach: coaches are not licensed or regulated & are not mental health providers. There's nothing to stop anyone from using the term coach even if they have zero training. There are training programs for coaches, but the content, length & requirements vary broadly. You will need to look at the specific training the individual has to know what experience they have.
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I do not offer hands-on bodywork or energy medicine.
I am trained in Reiki, but I do not offer that in my practice.
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I have many years of training in Shamanic work, but as much as it informs my work with parts integration…I do not offer formal shamanic journey or soul retrieval.
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No. I see clients of all faith, religious & non-religious backgrounds & practices.
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Maybe some things you can find on an app if you'd like to randomly choose things and hope they work for you. My experience is that most people don't really know what they are looking for or what would help their situation & end up wasting time & energy.
Another way to think about it is...if you want to learn Jazz Dance (which requires a lot of technique) you could watch a video on Youtube & learn some things, you could take a Jazz dance class & learn even more or you could work with a dance instructor 1-on-1 & progress much further than you could on your own.
”There is something in nature that forms patterns. We, as part of nature, also form patterns. The mind is like the wind & the body like the sand: if you want to know how the wind is blowing, you can look at the sand.”
— Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen