01/19/2026
Dear community near and far,
It tickles my heart to announce my “official” return to in-person private practice. It has been a hell of a ride these last six years—of not only acute illness and recovery, but profound and deep inner transformation. While so much has been burned off or stripped away, much of what has been asked of me is to inquire and discover what remains. What parts of the human psyche are capable of immense levels of psychological endurance despite catastrophic losses or traumas? And where do they live within, and how do we locate and nurture them? And more importantly, what now—when one begins to emerge from trauma? How do we initiate the process of symbolization—or meaning-making—for deeper levels of integration, freedom, and aliveness?
While I am returning to private practice, the process will undoubtedly be slow and intentional. So much of “me” is still here, but there is so much more now to offer, explore, and discover—something I know will come in time and through relating.
I do know that I am returning feeling very excited, grounded, and secure within myself—needing not to prove anything, needing not to posture. Some of my deepest inner wounds were touched on, amplified, and exposed during my “medical sabbatical”—ouch, so painful, but also liberating in many ways. I’m deeply grateful.
I also have a much deeper relationship to my faith, to God (Spirit), and know, as the quote goes, “God gives the increase”—that is who my true provider is. I feel a deep relief knowing that my greatest task is to stay in alignment with my greatest passions, joys, and excitements, and to follow those bountiful breadcrumbs to wherever I am needed most. A quote that a dear friend said to me in 2019 also remains: “We are always protected.” Focus on WHAT invigorates me, what makes ME feel fulfilled, and the rest WILL be provided for. “God gives the increase.”
Much of what I am interested in doing now is engaging with folks on topics I know a lot about—post-traumatic growth and inner transformation. I will also be offering educational consultations for folks to "pick my brain" on topics they with to discuss with me, including my healing experience, as well as integrative medicine mental health consultations.
To be clear, I am not interested in deep trauma processing or stabilization work anymore. I am interested in the aftermath. The What now? The Who am I now? How does one ever move forward from This, or live with This?
As folks know, my personality is one that calls a spade a spade. I’m loving, but also blunt and honest. I also have an unshakeable belief—perhaps a bias—that the human spirit is the most powerful force, tool, and resource available to each of us. What calls it forth, what summons it, is often one’s mind, one’s attitude, and one’s relationship to something greater than, say, the ego.
“Crisis initiates, attitude dictates.”
Everything doesn’t happen for a reason. Everything has the potential to be infused with meaning, given reason, should you choose. That is your job. The answer—the story or narrative, the belief—comes from within. That is your task. That is the key to your healing as well.
I am sharing my Psychology Today profile, as well as my updated professional website. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested. I am offering consultations and therapy part-time, as that is my limit with all of this, as I have happily discovered a beautiful self-experience that I am protective of these day outside of always working. That includes focusing on other things that bring me joy, such as writing, creativity, and having a full life filled with family and friends.
Onwards, and thank you.
—JLK
https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/198722
Professional website in comments.
Jennifer L. Kerns, Counselor, Burlington, VT, 05401, Hi there! I’m a Depth psychotherapist (Jungian-oriented), integrative mental health consultant, & educator. I view therapy as fertile ground for self-awareness: tending deep longings, transmuting suffering into wisdom, and asking honest question...
