Hi! I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral concerns, school problems, and reactions to trauma. If you (or your child) is having a hard time adjusting to the demands of school, worrying a lot, spending too much time on screens, having having a hard time in relationships, or difficulty managing your emotions, I can help. With children, I utilize a play-based approach and include parenting strategies and techniques throughout our sessions. With teens and young adults, we focus more on our interpersonal relationships to promote change. I strive to be authentic and solution-oriented in our sessions.
I believe that the clients are the experts of their own experiences. A trusting, collaborative relationship between therapist and client and family is essential for hope and meaningful change. My therapeutic approach is based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and expressive art and play therapies. I also use trauma-informed practices, acknowledging individual, intergenerational, and community trauma.
I grew up in Charlottesville, VA. I graduated with my B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Theatre Arts from Drew University in 2021, with a published thesis on reforming sex education in public schools. In May of 2024, I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Social Work degree, with a specialization in clinical practice. In my years at VCU, I was placed in Richmond Public Schools providing group and individual therapy to elementary school-aged kids. I am currently a supervisee in Clinical Social Work under supervision of Jodi Harris, LCSW.
I offer face-to-face and walk-and-talk sessions out of our Richmond office and teletherapy for clients across Virginia. In my free time, I enjoy sewing, baking, gardening, and exploring nature around Richmond! You can schedule with me be completing the Contact Me form or by contacting me directly at jkenner@activeconnected.com.