Jeannie Balenger, MS, NCC, CRC

Professional Counselor Associate

But really I do.

I’m Happy You’re Here.

Do you say mean things to yourself, like "I'm annoying," "too much," “dumb,” a “loser," and struggle to make decisions, and trust yourself? If yes, then we might be a good fit. I work with people that struggle with shame and often feel “not good enough.” I particularly work well with people wanting to get unstuck from the cycle of anxiety/avoidance, and “self-sabotage”, and start moving towards their goals and values while building self-acceptance.

Lets be real, therapy can feel awkward at first, I mean, you are talking to a complete stranger about the intimate details of your life. Before my 30s, the most exposure I had to therapy was watching all 11 seasons of Frasier.

My role is not to tell you what is best for you but to listen to you, understand you, and provide a genuine and empathetic space that helps foster your intuition and self-trust. If we work together, you can expect a collaborative partnership built on trust, empathy, authenticity, a healthy amount of swearing and humor sprinkled in the mix. 

***This therapy practice is a safe and supportive space for individuals of all citizenship/legal statuses***

Know Your Rights: Immigrants' Rights

Populations of Interest:

  • Food service workers can face significant mental health challenges due to the demanding nature of the job. Long hours, irregular schedules, low wages, and high-pressure environments contribute to chronic stress and burnout. Limited access to mental health resources, lack of job security, and inadequate support systems can make issues like anxiety, depression, and substance use worse. The stigma and minimization surrounding mental health in the industry can further discourage workers from seeking help, leading to worsening conditions over time. I worked in the industry for nearly 20 years and have a deep compassion and kinship for food service workers.

  • First-generation Americans often face mental health challenges rooted in living between two cultures, feeling misunderstood by both cultures, discrimination, and family pressures. Many also feel the burden of high expectations to succeed. This pressure can result in anxiety, depression, and burnout. Undocumented people often face constant anxiety about deportation, financial instability, and limited access to healthcare and education, which makes feelings of fear, depression, and helplessness worse. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in some cultures can discourage people from seeking help, leaving people to feel alone and stuck.

  • Highly sensitive people (HSPs) are more prone to mental health challenges due to their heightened sensitivity to environmental stimuli, emotions, and social interactions. They may become easily overwhelmed by loud noises, crowded spaces, or intense emotional situations, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. HSPs often process experiences deeply, which can result in overthinking and emotional exhaustion. Because they tend to absorb others' emotions, they may struggle with boundaries, increasing their vulnerability to depression or social withdrawal. Additionally, societal misunderstanding of their sensitivity can lead to feelings of isolation or inadequacy, making it difficult for them to seek support.

  • Men experience higher rates of completed suicide, addiction, and houselessness. Additionally, boys and men are often expected to cut off their emotional selves to appear strong and stoic, I believe this leads to disconnection and isolation. Many men do not feel comfortable or safe expressing their feelings and so they suffer alone. I believe therapy can be a safe place where men can share their thoughts and feelings and be heard, cared for, and accepted for all parts of them. Shame is a common emotion men experience; my goal is help you reduce shame and promote self acceptance and compassion.

  • Adult children of parents with addiction often face unique mental health challenges stemming from growing up in unstable or chaotic environments. These individuals may struggle with anxiety, depression, and trust issues due to the unpredictability and emotional neglect that often accompanies parental addiction. Many develop hypervigilance and people-pleasing tendencies, constantly managing the emotional needs of others while neglecting their own. They may also experience feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-worth, internalizing the trauma of their upbringing. This can lead to difficulties in forming healthy relationships, coping with stress, and seeking support for their own mental health needs.

Areas of Focus:

  • Shame/guilt

  • People pleasing

  • Complex trauma/relational trauma

  • Work and societal issues

  • Chronic pain/illness/disability

  • Grief/loss

  • Low self-esteem/self-worth

  • Anxiety/Avoidance

  • Depression

  • Mood disorders

  • Body image concerns

  • College Student Stress

Therapies I use:

  • A belief that your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by unconscious processes and past experiences, particularly those from childhood. Through exploring these unconscious dynamics within the therapeutic relationship, I aim to help you gain insight into your inner conflicts, unresolved emotions, and patterns of behavior. By uncovering and understanding these underlying issues, you can develop greater self-awareness, make healthier choices, and experience personal growth and emotional healing.

  • A supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings and find your own solutions to problems. I will provide empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine engagement, which helps you become more self-aware, confident, and capable of managing life's challenges. This approach focuses on your perspective and experiences, fostering personal growth and self-discovery.

  • Think of the yourself like a team made up of different "parts." These parts have their own feelings and ideas. These parts are all inside you and can sometimes cause you to feel and act in complicated ways. IFS therapy helps people understand these parts, like your inner critic part, perfectionist part, and addictive part. By talking about these parts with kindness and curiosity, you can learn more about yourself and find balance within. The goal of IFS therapy is to help you feel more connected to your core self and feel calm, connected and understand yourself better so you can live a more genuine and happy life.em description

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that helps people manage difficult thoughts and emotions by teaching them to accept them instead of trying to get rid of them. It encourages individuals to focus on what truly matters to them in life, like their values and goals, and take actions that align with those values. ACT helps people learn to be present in the moment, let go of unhelpful thoughts, and move forward in a way that leads to a more fulfilling life, even in the face of challenges.

  • Explores the fundamental questions of human existence, such as the meaning of life, freedom, responsibility, and death. I emphasizes the importance of personal agency and the unique experiences of each individual. I will work with you to confront existential concerns, such as the inevitability of death, the experience of isolation, and the search for meaning. Through this exploration, you are encouraged to take ownership of your life, make authentic choices aligned with your values, and find meaning and purpose even in the face of life's inherent uncertainties. The therapeutic process often involves deep reflection, exploration of values and beliefs, and a focus on your experience of living in the present moment.

  • Acknowledges and addresses the impact of trauma on your life. Rooted in an understanding of the neurobiological, psychological, and social effects of trauma, I prioritize safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in the therapeutic work. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, I emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and validating environment where you feel understood, respected, and in control of your healing journey. The therapeutic process is characterized by sensitivity, compassion, and a commitment to fostering healing and growth.

  • Focuses on how your body responds to stress and interacts with your emotions. This therapy looks at the vagus nerve, which connects your brain to different parts of your body, like your heart and gut. It suggests that your body has three states—safe, fight/flight, and freeze—that affect how you feel and act. You will learn to notice and regulate your body's responses to stress, helping you feel more calm and connected. I may use techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, or movement to help you shift from feeling anxious or shut down to feeling safe and grounded. The goal is to help you build resilience and feel more in control of your emotions and reactions.

  • This is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy that focuses on changing your negative patterns of thought and behavior. CBT helps you develop healthier thinking patterns, and adopt effective coping strategies to deal with various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, I provide practical exercises and homework assignments that empowers you to take control of your mental health and improve their overall well-being.