About Jennifer Downs, MA
My Background
It may not be easy to talk about what’s troubling you to someone you
don’t know. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell you about
myself so you can get to know me better.
I have supported hundreds of couples and individuals connect more deeply and honestly with themselves and each other. I have over 22 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, speaker and educator.
Looking back, my commitment to helping others expand their potential and live a full life was inspired by my work as a special education teacher. The love and courage the children showed made me passionate about the importance of finding worth and value in life regardless of one’s circumstances. After 11 years in this field, I went on to an in-depth exploration of the mind, body and spirit and how to replace feelings of separation, loss, depression and anxiety with a peaceful mind and satisfying relationships.
My career as a counselor began in Colorado where in addition to my private practice, I worked as a therapist with Boulder Employee Assistance Program, and at the Jefferson Center for mental Health, in Littleton. I also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado and University of Northern Colorado. There I taught classes in communication, family dynamics and innovative learning theory.
In 2003, I moved to Ashland, Oregon where I’m currently a counselor specializing in work with couples and individuals who want to transform their relationship with themselves and others. I am on the board of Winterspring, Center for Grief and Loss and am a member of MHREN, Mental Health Resource Educator Network.
My Philosophy
Everyone is different. I treat each of my clients as a unique individual rather than categorizing or stereotyping them. I take into consideration ethnic, gender, sexual orientation and religious differences.
I work closely with you, as we address current concerns and specific, practical, hands-on strategies to deal with them. Together we can get to the core of the matter so that problems don’t continue reappearing.
My Training and Approach
I received my Masters in Special Education for the University of California and my Masters in Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. My post graduate work on marriage and family counseling I received from the University of Denver.
Although, I’ve been trained in numerous methodologies, the approach I use is based on your needs and concerns. I have received in-depth training in the following areas:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Conflict resolution and Mediation Training, SOU
- Talk/insight therapy
- Pragmatic Experiential Therapy, Lewis and Clarke College (working with couples)
- PAIRS First Relationship Training
- Bereavement/Grief Counseling, Hospice
- Hakomi Body Centered Psychotherapy
- Imagery/Relaxation Techniques
- Mindfulness and psycho spiritual therapy
The Next Step
Please contact me if you have any questions or to set-up a complimentary consultation. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve a positive, healthy relationship with yourself and others.
