Jen Lindsay, MA, LMHCA, Ph.D.
Psychotherapist
(She/Her/Hers)
My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, and rooted in a framework that integrates feminist, narrative and humanistic-existential theories. I believe that humans are always situated within systems that are layered and intersectional. And, as such, we approach our worlds — that is, our coping, our suffering, and our connecting — all of our expressions, whether viewed as personal, familial, biological, or cultural, in contexts, shaped economically, politically, and historically. This orientation, deepened through experience and training, is undergirded by this essential idea — we are hurt and we heal in and through relationship — with ourselves, first and foremost, and with all beings.
Also shaping my orientation is the view that we humans are “selves” in bodies. Interpersonal neurobiology, polyvagal and attachment theories, which combine cognitive, mindfulness and somatic (body-based) research inform this view in practice in therapy sessions. I draw on my repertoire of skills in collaboration with you, always tailored to your knowledge of your strengths and what works for you. Together we endeavor to understand and lovingly engage with your world with respectful curiosity and care for who you are and what you bring to therapy. Above all, I will listen to you and walk alongside you.
EDUCATION AND BACKGROUND
I earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from Seattle University and a doctorate in education from the University of Washington. I received mentorship and training in community mental health, where I honed skills in modalities such as dialectical and cognitive-based therapies, motivational interviewing, mindful self-compassion, and collaborative, respectful harm-reduction approaches to substance use disorders such as CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach to Family Training).
I come to my work as a psychotherapist with decades of teaching and learning with young children, youth, families, and educators, working in culturally and socioeconomically diverse schools and various community-based settings. I’ve coached and mentored new teachers and was a program director and professor, teaching courses in multicultural education policy and history. Currently, I teach undergraduate psychology courses in writing, family systems, and whole-body healing.
I take a gender-affirming and outside-of-binary approach to our human relatedness. I believe that working across identity-shaping social groups (e.g., race, class, gender, religion, family structure) has the potential to be transformational. I also know that ways we relate across human differences can reaffirm ongoing experiences of racism and other forms of oppression.
As a U.S.-born, cis-gendered, white and able-bodied, woman-identified person, I understand that privilege and power flow through the body I live in, and as such is deep-seated. I bring humility and accountability to these dynamics through ongoing inner work, and professional consultation and training, as an ethical commitment.
Other shaping forces in my life that bring me immense joy and fulfillment—
— Being a parent, partner, daughter, sister, teacher, swimmer, tender of chickens, a small-scale food forest and berry farmer, and a wider community collaborating for just and democratic communities of care.
— Being a practitioner of Zen Buddhism and an engaged participant in my sangha.
— Gathering with others around a fire or table, frolicking in the mountains, on the water, under the stars, or cozied on my porch with my book, my pup, and two cats.
Areas of Focus
I bring passion, honed by decades of working with youth (10 +), adults, couples, parents, and families. I have experience exploring various themes with my clients, including the following:
Communication and empathetic listening skills to increase connection, collaboration, understanding, and respect in relational challenges (e.g., life decision-making and values discernment, parenting support, substance use).
Attachment as a system
Depression and anxiety
Trauma
Grief and loss
Internalized oppression
Identity formation, discernment, and existential concerns
Life transitions (school, work, end of work-related issues).
I offer a 20-minute complimentary phone or video call for both of us to gauge goodness of fit, which means you can ask me questions and get a sense of my therapeutic style and personality. For me, this allows an opportunity to assess how I can best support you.
Fees
50-minute psychotherapy session — $180
50-minute intake session — $200
50-minute relationship session — $220
45-minute child therapy session -- $135 (ages 10-17)
80-minute relationship (couple or family) session — $300 (Note: relational counseling is generally not covered by insurance).
75-minute intake session — $250
8-week group session — $480
Sliding Scale Offered when available spots are open
Extended sessions are available upon request at a prorated feeI accept payment by credit/debit card, HSA/FSA
Insurance
As an associate level clinician affiliated with the Shelterwood Collective, I am “In Network” with Premera and Lifewise.
I provide superbills for reimbursement through “Out of Network” insurance providers.
Location
I offer sessions in person and via telehealth.
I practice at the Shelterwood Collective’s home location in Seattle’s Pioneer Square district:
108 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98104
Scheduling Information
I offer a 20-minute complimentary phone or video call for both of us to gauge goodness of fit, which means you can ask me questions and get a sense of my therapeutic style and personality. For me, this allows an opportunity to assess how I can best support you.
To schedule an introductory session or a first appointment, please email me at JLindsayTherapy@gmail.com.
Or call and leave a confidential voicemail at 206.888.0592.
“As we learn to have compassion for ourselves, the circle of compassion for others — what and whom we can work with, and how — becomes wider.”