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Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, or good night! ***I will give you 25 cool points if you tell me where I borrowed that phrase from [insert smiley face here]. I'm Jerusalem Brown, a fully licensed psychotherapist (who also has a therapist), nationally certified counselor, and adjunct psychology instructor. My expertise centers on the lasting effects of early family dysfunction, emotional neglect, and childhood trauma. Even if you excel academically or professionally—embodying resilience and high functionality—you might still face challenges in cultivating healthy interpersonal dynamics. Unfortunately, such struggles can lead to repeated domestic or intimate partner conflicts.
My approach
As a creative-minded, somewhat unorthodox individual, I typically utilize a carefully crafted blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered, Transpersonal, and Jungian approaches to offer a roadmap toward the journey of emotional self-mastery. I aim to equip you with indispensable skills for self-regulation. At the heart of my therapeutic methodology lies psychoeducation, an essential tool for cultivating vital interpersonal competencies like self-awareness, assertiveness, and effective boundary setting. As such, I am keenly focused on partnering with individuals committed to embarking on a journey toward emotional self-mastery. This transformative process aims to foster crucial self-regulation skills as the foundation for emotional well-being.
My focus
I engage with a diverse clientele grappling with various forms of early family dysfunction, interpersonal relationship challenges, and self-esteem and self-worth struggles. The mental health conditions I am exceptionally skilled at addressing encompass a combination of anxiety and depression alongside other co-occurring disorders. I also specialize in supporting adult children raised in environments marked by mental illness, alcoholism, or substance abuse Additionally, I find it rewarding to work with individuals who have undergone psychotherapy in the past and are seeking maintenance sessions to sustain and build upon their initial gains. More importantly, the clients who resonate most with my approach desire change and are committed to the emotional labor required to achieve their psychotherapeutic goals.
My communication style
Imagine a therapeutic experience where you're not just another client but a fellow explorer on a shared quest for emotional well-being. My unique communication style combines genuine curiosity, lighthearted humor, unfiltered honesty, and intentional self-disclosure, breaking the stereotype that therapy has to be tedious or burdensome. Guided by the principle that the path to self-awareness and emotional intelligence is an evolving adventure, I freely share this philosophy in my professional and personal interactions. Empathy doesn't just fuel my active listening; it drives me to ask probing questions, ensuring that I grasp the nuances of your experience before formulating my response. Clients have repeatedly highlighted a palpable sense of authentic connection in our interactions, noting that they've felt secure enough to share layers of themselves never before explored—even with close friends or family. I believe this sense of comfort stems from my unwavering commitment to unconditional positive regard; after all, I know firsthand what it's like to be without it. So, why settle for surface-level change when you can delve into an enriching, transformative journey? Together, we'll navigate the challenges and unearth the joy and discovery that emotional self-mastery can bring.
My journey to mental healthcare
My childhood traumas led to a deeply rooted empathy for those grappling with similar emotional and psychological hardships. That said, my journey to become a therapist is a potent mix of lived experiences of childhood traumas, family dysfunction, a rigorous academic background, and a lifelong commitment to emotional and psychological wellness and self-development—both for myself and others. This is not just a job for me; it's a vocation, a life's work aimed at catalyzing transformative journeys of healing and self-mastery that harmonizes my personal experience with professional expertise.
My goals for you
Goal setting is a collaborative effort. Armed with insights from our initial, in-depth discovery session, I invite you to actively participate in outlining your therapeutic goals. I post questions such as: "What does emotional self-mastery look like for YOU?" or "How would achieving these goals improve your interpersonal relationships?" This approach seeks to empower you, ensuring the goals are achievable and intrinsically resonant with your individual-specific aspirations and life situations.
My first session with you
My first session is an exploration that typically involves an overview of the therapeutic process, an explanation of my specific approach, and a "listening tour" of your emotional landscape, your present concerns, past experiences, and future aspirations. Unlike a checklist-driven clinical interview, this is a rich dialogue aimed at understanding not just the 'what' but the 'why' of your experiences. It's a chance to dig deep, but at a pace that feels comfortable for you. The therapist employs active listening, occasionally interjecting with questions or prompts that aim to clarify, rather than lead, allowing you to explore your thoughts and feelings in a non-linear, organic fashion. We also address any apprehensions you may have. The first session allows us to establish a common language and shared expectations. Overall, you can anticipate a dynamic blend of empathetic listening, assessment, attunement, and authentic engagement.
