Jessi Huffman (she/her)

Psychodynamic 

A psychodynamic orientation is one that is focused on the unconscious processes that guide our behavior. Guided by whatever is coming up for you, we explore with gentle curiosity and openness anything causing pain or distress in order to examine what unconscious dynamics may be shifted in order for transformation to occur. I often describe this type of work as a marathon rather than a sprint, as it can take time, be challenging, and we may often even hit a "wall" before breaking through.

Existential

My curiosity is guided by my existential training and encourages exploration of our "why to be here" principles - the ones that guide us and hold us steady when everything around us is unknown or collapsing.

Mindfulness-based

Mindfulness-based training has not only encouraged me to become a better therapist, but also a human who is deeply present and intuitive. This orientation helps us explore feelings and beliefs in the present moment, even ones we may not be fully aware of yet, and bring them to the surface where they can be held and released or reoriented to.

Attachment Theory

I have had training in Interpersonal Neurobiology and Attachment Theory, or how the important relationships in our lives have had a physiological impact on our wiring and functioning. In therapy we can explore this relationally, ie. what comes up between us during sessions in the immediate moment, and we can also understand from a historical lens how the relationships in your life have shaped who you are, your sense of safety with others and the world, and what to do about all of it.

Anxiety

Once we explore the beliefs that underlie anxiety as well as the ways it shows up in your body, we can begin to address the ways you are feeling limited and work to free yourself to experience relationships, work, and yourself more fully.

Chronic Pain or Illness

When you are experiencing chronic pain or an illness with no end, it is often invisible to those around you, perhaps leaving you with feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and resentment. I have my own personal understanding of those experiences, and provide an empathic space where you can work toward acceptance and joy in the midst of loss and grief.

Compassion Fatigue

Being a counselor during these volatile times has taught me much about what I need to do, not only to be ok, but to continue providing support and compassion to those around me. Nothing about being a helper is easy these days, but I fully believe the work is worth it and necessary for all of us to heal and thrive. If you're a worn-out helper and you want to keep helping but don't know where you will find the strength, I see you, I understand, and I want to walk with you.

Self-Esteem

In this area I am guided by meditative practices as well as the work of Kristin Neff, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, and many other leaders in the mindful self-compassion realm. If you struggle to feel positively toward yourself or recognize the many strengths you come to the table with, therapy can grant permission to look at the good in ourselves while holding a curious and non-judgemental space for the things we're not so sure about.

Spirituality

Spirituality - a loaded topic for many of us! I hold utmost respect for those who, for any reason, do not want religion or even spirituality to be a part of their therapy. I hold a gentle invitation to explore for those who are unsure, perhaps after leaving religion, what spirituality might look like for them. I see spirituality as the mystical part of us that needs to find the "Why", whatever that means for you - as well as the essence that connects us all to one another.