Jen Baumgartner, LCSW-C

I have 25 years of experience helping people, of all ages and from all walks of life, Begin Within to attain self-acceptance, fulfillment, and joy.

Instead of chasing the next big thing to make you happy, consider the possibility of first freeing yourself from the things that aren’t truly you. If you are willing to engage in this process with me then the results can be profound. You'll start to connect to and express your authentic self. You’ll respond instead of just reacting to challenging life situations. You’ll increase your sense of inner peace, improve your self-worth, better your health, and strengthen your relationships.

Who needs therapy? EVERYBODY could benefit from therapy! Most of my clients come to me feeling disconnected from themselves. They don’t usually recognize that as what’s going on. Instead, they tell me that they feel stressed out, depressed, frustrated, anxious, overwhelmed, lonely, or inadequate. They often tell me about difficulties that they are having with work, family or romantic relationships. Significant life transitions and experiences with grief and loss are also times when people seek my help.

Many of my clients share that they rely on caffeine, sugar, nicotine, alcohol or other substances to get by. Or they tell me that they are obsessed with work, gambling, porn, shopping, or social media. Some clients tell me that they struggle with codependency. I see these behaviors for what they are: ineffective coping strategies. They are unhelpful attempts to emotionally regulate oneself in a world that is highly dis-regulated. Many of my clients are survivors of trauma. Recognizing and healing old wounds, learning effective coping strategies, and practicing healthy self-regulation skills are, in part, what we do in therapy.

What is therapy? Therapy is an experience of connection. Therapy is an opportunity to express yourself and speak your truth. It is a time for being seen, heard, and feeling understood. Therapy creates a space for self-awareness, self-acceptance and taking personal responsibility. Therapy is reprocessing unresolved issues and having corrective experiences with a loving witness who can help you gain new insights and skills. Therapy is an opportunity to practice new behaviors and empower yourself to heal, grow and thrive.

I primarily do integrative talk therapy with my clients. Formally speaking, I use a variety of therapeutic techniques based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Experience, Internal Family Systems, PSYCH-K®, and Ecotherapy. I embrace a holistic, client-focused approach designed to enhance self-care, emotional wellness, and healthy interactions with others. I am certified in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC). Talking and listening is my primary form of therapy. I also use various techniques to meet my client's specific needs: breathwork, meditation, visualization, meeting outdoors, walking, creative expression, and therapeutic tapping techniques. My style is influenced by my experience as a parent, a partner, an outdoor educator, and by the decade I spent working as an organic farmer.