Currently accepting new clients
Jennifer Hazelwood, LISW-S
Jennifer Hazelwood is an independently licensed therapist that has been working in the mental health field for over 25 years. Her passion has always been working with children and families and doing whatever she can to improve their lives through compassionate, quality care. Throughout the years, she has worked in a variety of settings including residential treatment, partial hospitalization, crisis stabilization, public schools, and outpatient settings. She has trained and supervised many therapists in the field of child mental health and managed outpatient mental health programs in various non profit organizations.
As an EMDR-Sandtray specialist, Jennifer has a special interest in working with children that have experienced trauma and has had extensive training in this area including a focus on how to effectively utilize EMDR with children. She utilizes many therapeutic and evidence based treatment models such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), EMDR-Sandtray therapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Sandtray Therapy, PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy), Play Therapy and Art Therapy techniques. She is skilled in providing diagnostic assessments as well as individual, family and group therapy services. Jennifer's areas of special focus have included working with young children under the age of five, survivors of trauma and sexual abuse, anxiety and depression, adjustment issues such as divorce and separation, and school related difficulties.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences by targeting the underlying memories and associated emotions. Jennifer is trained in EMDR and has an extensive understanding of how it can be adapted to meet the specific needs of children and adolescents. Through a structured and supportive process, EMDR helps children reprocess their traumatic memories, reducing distress and fostering resilience.
EMDR-Sandtray Therapy
In addition to utilizing EMDR, Jennifer has received advanced training as an EMDR-Sandtray Specialist, combining the benefits of both modalities of EMDR and Sandtray therapy. Sandtray therapy provides a safe and non-verbal outlet for children to express their experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It allows them to create a visual representation of their world, giving voice to their inner struggles and facilitating healing on a deeper level. Combined with EMDR, this integrative approach is a valuable trauma treatment tool and enhances the therapeutic journey for children, promoting self-awareness, emotional regulation, and positive change.
Play Therapy
We understand the power of play in a child's therapeutic journey. Play therapy is an essential component of our approach, recognizing that play is not just a child's natural language, but also a vital tool for healing and growth. For children, play is more than just fun and games. It serves as a means of expression, exploration, and communication. Through play, children can safely navigate and make sense of their experiences, emotions, and challenges. Play therapy harnesses the inherent therapeutic value of play, creating a space where children can heal, learn, and develop coping strategies.
Play therapy allows children to process their experiences at their own pace and on their own terms. It helps them develop problem-solving skills, enhance emotional regulation, build self-esteem, and strengthen their resilience. Through play, children can safely reenact and explore challenging situations, gaining a sense of control and mastery over their emotions and circumstances.
Through use of play therapy techniques, we create a warm and supportive environment, establishing a therapeutic relationship based on trust, empathy, and respect. We carefully observe and engage with the child during play sessions, gaining insights into their inner world and guiding them towards self-discovery and healing.
CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is an evidence-based and highly effective approach for children and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges. CBT is grounded in the understanding that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by addressing and modifying our thinking patterns, we can bring about positive changes in our lives.
CBT for children and adolescents is a collaborative and goal-oriented therapy that focuses on developing practical skills and strategies to manage and overcome a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, anger, low self-esteem, and behavioral issues.
Jennifer works closely with her clients to identify and challenge negative or distorted thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviors. By replacing these unhelpful thoughts with more realistic and positive ones, young individuals can experience improvements in their emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.