I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 30 years of social work experience. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Purdue University, and my Master of Social Work degree from Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis (I.U.P.U.I). I also have a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies and a Masters Certification in Christian Theology. I have worked in a number of different settings, to include inpatient and outpatient mental health centers, military family centers, and the Veterans Health Administration. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, co-dependency issues, marital/ relationship problems, socioeconomic stressors, and other phase-of-life challenges. I utilize a Client-Centered approach with an emphasis on Cognitive-Behavioral principles. I believe a strong therapeutic alliance between client and therapist is paramount to achieving counseling goals and having a positive counseling experience.
I am a Christian first and foremost, but that does not mean I will only work with clients who identify themselves as Christians. I am non-judgmental, and I will never attempt to impose or force my spiritual beliefs onto another person. I do believe, however, that one's spirituality is an important, and often overlooked, aspect of who they are as a person and the strengths they possess. I am a warm and empathic person by nature, and a good listener, with a good sense of humor (or at least I'm told!).
Additional areas of focus: Stress, Anxiety, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Aging and geriatric issues, Codependency, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Sexual assault and abuse, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
NC LCSW C002535
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jena Wathen. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She has a vast array of knowledge, but at the same time allows me to come up with my own solutions.
Written on Apr 03, 2022 after therapy with Jena for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, and compassion fatigue
She is compassionate, kind and listens to us actively. She provided encouragement and clears action steps that helped us make decisions in the right direction.
Written on Feb 15, 2022 after therapy with Jena for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and self esteem
Jena is a very sweet and calming person which makes sessions feel like discussing through problems with a friend. Her expertise shines through in the advice and tips she gives.
Written on Feb 14, 2022 after therapy with Jena for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
She very quickly was able to understand how I communicate and the root issues at hand. She's lovely and I recommend!
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Jena for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues
Jena is amazing and supports me in all the ways I needs. She helps me work through issues without handling me with kid gloves which I appreciate. I would recommend Jena to everyone.
Written on Dec 26, 2021 after therapy with Jena for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Jena is not only my therapist but also my friend, she makes me feel like family, her soothing voice makes me so comfortable opening up.. she relates to me and makes me feel like everything is going to be ok. So blessed to have her in my life.
Written on Oct 09, 2021 after therapy with Jena for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd