ABOUT
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Hi! My name is Jennifer Kinsey (I prefer to go by Jen) and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate in the beautiful state of Colorado. I am a proud mother of two beautiful adult children whom I raised with my loving husband of 24 years (and counting). I am drawn to this profession because couples counseling saved my marriage and I hope to pay it forward to those making their own paths through complicated relationships. I look forward to spending time discovering not only who you are innately and culturally, but how you hope to spend time in this world, looking towards maximizing your joy and satisfaction.
What might be happening:
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"I don't want to reconnect with the person I married, I want to connect with the person who accepts me after all of the @*#! is done!"
Often, I find that clients are looking to restore the magic from early days of marriage. Then life happens, children happen, moving happens, death happens… “Where’s the person I married?” is the question I hear. Perhaps it is a quick defense to distract from the real issues at hand. Perhaps it reflects a longing for connection that feels absent. In the great scope of life, it is hard to watch as things and people change around you with no warning or consideration of the consequences. As we grow older, we are forced to reconcile change that keeps us from being our ideal selves and our relationships can be the first to blame. Knowing that we all continue to grow and change, physically, mentally, and spiritually, relationship counseling can help navigate the harder parts of life, strengthening your relationships while preserving your individuality. In most relationships, the magic is still there; it just may need to be unearthed and fertilized!
Often, I find that clients are looking to restore the magic from early days of marriage. Then life happens, children happen, moving happens, death happens… “Where’s the person I married?” is the question I hear. Perhaps it is a quick defense to distract from the real issues at hand. Perhaps it reflects a longing for connection that feels absent. In the great scope of life, it is hard to watch as things and people change around you with no warning or consideration of the consequences. As we grow older, we are forced to reconcile change that keeps us from being our ideal selves and our relationships can be the first to blame. Knowing that we all continue to grow and change, physically, mentally, and spiritually, relationship counseling can help navigate the harder parts of life, strengthening your relationships while preserving your individuality. In most relationships, the magic is still there; it just may need to be unearthed and fertilized!
Why it might be happening:
In the process of life, we play “roles” as we go along. Parenting roles, in particular, can distract us from our authentic selves. Under stress and without support, we model what we were, and were not, taught through our own childhood experience. The narratives of generations past can overshadow healthy family dynamics. If you find yourself struggling with your spouse, your children, work relationships and others, taking some dedicated time to work through what the truth is vs. what the story is can give you a new sense of freedom in life. Our work together will help strengthen your self-advocacy as well as introduce new life skills as you look towards a consistent expression of who you want to be.
Here the catch: Although this work is effective when done alone, it is faster and more effective if the work is done with your spouse and/or family members. There is nothing more powerful than being witness to your loved one’s truth and testimony; it builds instant empathy and couples often find their perspectives of one another are changed in significant, positive ways.
Here the catch: Although this work is effective when done alone, it is faster and more effective if the work is done with your spouse and/or family members. There is nothing more powerful than being witness to your loved one’s truth and testimony; it builds instant empathy and couples often find their perspectives of one another are changed in significant, positive ways.
Why I care:
I grew up in a home where no one talked about suffering. I felt like something was wrong with me- I always wanted to talk about what I couldn’t understand in the world, and those were usually the “secrets” and things that should only be kept behind family doors. Although it continues to be a challenge, I have found that over the years bringing to light the voice inside of me has helped to illuminate a path away from shame and hurtful patterns. Interestingly, I didn’t truly grasp my true voice until my husband was in therapy with me (eight years and a lot of damage later). With the help of a great therapist, we were able to navigate the blocks I had always put up and build new understandings with each other. Couples counseling is IMPORTANT! If you’re feeling stuck, not valued, unloved, not living up to your potential in your relationship, consider dedicating some time to get to know your partner and yourself on the deepest levels possible. I am emphatic about treating every client the “same as”, not better or worse than another. Let’s figure out what’s missing, or just needs some nurturing, because a life of lightness, joy and connection is possible when you’re married!