Jenny Benson, LSCW-C

She/Her/Hers
Works with older teens and adults
TELEHEALTH ONLY

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: My approach to therapy is collaborative, trauma-informed, and supportive. It grows out of a respect for the powerful, intrinsic drive towards healing and liberation that I believe exists within each of us. I draw personal inspiration from anti-oppressive practices, compassion, mindfulness, and connection with the natural world. It is a deep honor to earn the trust of my clients in therapy. I view our time together as precious and I intend to show up for you as my authentic, fully human self. I have a gentle disposition, yet I am intentionally present and engaged.

Therapy modalities I embrace include Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), a “bottom-up” approach that aims to explore core emotions. I am currently engaged in Level 2 training with the AEDP Institute. I also may integrate approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), polyvagal theory, narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), systems theory, and feminist theory. As we move along in our work together, one of the most important elements I will want to nurture is an open dialogue. Feedback is more than welcome. I will make it a point to check in with you to see how you feel our work is progressing.

I look forward to meeting you!

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: I am a white, cisgender, middle class woman, and I am open to discussion about how these identities impact the therapeutic relationship. I am originally from the DC area. I am a lifelong artist and aspiring musician. I am a friend, a daughter, a sister, and a cat mama to a super sweet, spunky Bengal Siamese kitty who will likely grace our presence in telehealth sessions.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Complex trauma, the injustices of the criminal justice system, caregiving experiences, poly/open relationship dynamics, neurodivergence and high sensitivity (HSP), ADHD, climate grief, loneliness, and creativity.

I work best with clients who: Most of my therapy work has been with adults with symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, grief, and with people seeking healing from various forms of trauma, including marginalization and systemic oppression. I have been honored to work with the LGBTQ+ community, artists, healthcare workers, parents/grandparents, activists, houseless individuals, survivors, people who experience chronic pain, and folx in recovery. Recently, I spent a few years as caregiver to a loved one in home hospice and that impacted me on a personal level very deeply. I am very interested in developing strategies for finding connection and thriving within the complicated and materialistic culture we live in.

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: I suppose I am not a good fit for anyone who read this bio and didn’t find some connection with it! I hope I am giving enough information to get an initial sense.

What makes me unique: I am compassionate, curious, and have been told I have a gentle demeanor. I also have a strong fondness for wildness. My experience as an artist and as an HSP (highly sensitive person) gives me a creative, outside the box thinking style.

FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING

What resources me to build resilience: Nurturing close relationships, being silly and expressive, spending time in the natural world, exploring, and everything about my cat (of course).

EDUCATION

My Master of Social Work degree is from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. My undergraduate degree is from Oberlin College in Ohio, with a focus on visual art and sociology.

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAININGS/WHAT I’M READING