Clinician Spotlight - Jen Braveman
Four Corners Counseling & Well-Being has skilled, experienced, and compassionate therapists, and we want to share some of what makes them special! Jen specializes in anxiety and depression; life transitions; coming out later in life, grief and bereavement, parenting challenges, relationship issues, mindfulness, stress management career changes and mid-life crises.
What helps you to feel calm in life?
Being in the woods and by the water bring me a sense of inner peace and calm. On a day-to-day basis, stretching, guided meditation, walking outside in the sunshine, talking with a friend, acupuncture and praying are very grounding for me. If I’m feeling anxious, square breathing helps to calm me. Breathe in for a count of four. Hold for a count of four. Exhale for a count of four. Hold for a count of four. Repeat four times.
What are your hobbies or aspirations outside of being a therapist?
Does binging on Netflix series count as a hobby? I love playing guitar and singing folks songs, especially around a campfire with friends and family. Some of my other hobbies include collaging, knitting and porch sitting, I am excellent at porch sitting.
Do you prefer tea or coffee? And what is your favorite food/snack?
Both! I drank coffee for years but recently switched to tea. Mostly, I just love sitting by the window with a hot mug of tea or coffee and watching the world wake up. My favorite food is sushi!
What brings you joy in your daily life?
I find so much joy gathering at the table with my family for a delicious, nourishing, home-cooked meal. It helps that my partner is a chef! But what fills me up more than anything else is sharing stories with each other from the day and laughing about the absurdities of life.
What is your style of therapy?
As a therapist, I am interactive, warm and validating. I have been told that I am open-hearted, compassionate and supportive. In session, I will listen, ask questions and welcome all of you to the room.
What's the most valuable thing you've learned...in life? As a therapist?
That living one’s truth is vitally important and yet doing so may require changes that are daunting. When one does not honor who they are or what they need, it can lead to health problems and strained relationships. When we are able to accept, love and express all parts of our Self, we can gain clarity, calmness and courage to live our truth.
Are you a dog or a cat person?
I am a dog person – though I have loved a few cats in my life as well. Right now, I have two dogs, Jemma and Luna. They are not friends ☹. We are working on it.
What’s your favorite quote or mantra you can’t live without?
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?
This quote reminds me to be authentically myself, that community and friendship are essential parts of life, to live life to its fullest and to work to make this world a better place.
What modalities are you drawn to using in the therapy room?
I am drawn to Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Self Compassion and IFS because a central tenet of all three is that we all have the power to heal within.
What are three "fun facts" about you?
I was born in Newfoundland, which means I’m a Newfie.
I used to sing in an acapella group with my best friends. You may have seen us at the Takoma Park Folk Festival in 2000.
I spent the last nine summers at summer camp…as the director.
To read Jen’s formal education and work bio click here.
