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My Approach

Interpersonal problems are often at the root of psychological symptoms like depression and anxiety. When people experience these symptoms they can become discouraged and this can hamper daily functioning and further strain relationships. 

 

Marriage and family therapists (MFTs) are mental health professionals trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and licensed to diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of human relationships.

"Like a seedling that needs the right mix of water, air, and sun to germinate, humans need the right combination of factors to thrive."

Like a seedling that needs the right mix of water, air, and sun to germinate, humans need the right combination of factors to thrive. In my approach, I apply a systemic lens to understand your full and unique context. This includes your current situation (home, work, school, wider culture), your emotional and spiritual state of mind, and how you're getting along with others.

 

Positive outcomes are more likely when treatment includes all of the parties who are most affected. In fact, many behavioral problems we see in children and teens resolve when problems are addressed as a family, all together. For this reason, I rarely meet with minors one-on-one.

 

Once we determine that a course of therapy is appropriate, we will formulate realistic goals for treatment. In our space, you are the expert on your own life. Whether you see me in person or by remote teletherapy, your family will have the opportunity to learn and practice new skills and strategies so you and those you care most about can function better.

 

Length of treatment varies. Most clients notice signs of clear progress in about 10 sessions. Together, we will monitor progress every step of the way to ensure that you get the most out of our work.

I do not ascribe to a one-size-fits-all model of care. Just as every human presents unique qualities, the treatment approach will vary. Depending on your needs, I will draw upon the following techniques:
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

  • Trauma-focused CBT

  • Trans-generational family therapy

  • Emotion-focused therapy (EFT)

  • Narrative therapy

  • Mindfulness

  • Play-centered therapy

  • Experiential therapy

  • Psycho-education

Sometimes people want to know if my goal, when working with couples, is to keep them together. Actually, my aim is to provide a safe, respectful, and nurturing space where each member of the couple can explore who they once were, who they are now, and who they want to be. Once this happens, couples can begin to envision a future that takes all of these perspectives into account. As a result of this work, the end result is often a mutual outcome, whether the couple chooses to stay together or not.

About Me

I have been practicing since 2009. Having devoted much of my life as a parent of four, spouse, researcher, instructor, and therapist, I can offer perspective on a wide range of situations while utilizing tried-and-true methods of treatment.

 

Prior to moving to Maine in 2018, I treated families, couples, and individuals as the founder and clinical director of Brockport Marriage & Family Therapy, P.C., in Brockport, New York.

I began studying psychology as an undergraduate at Cornell University, where I ran my own animal study on memory retrieval. Later, I worked in a laboratory at The Rockefeller University in New York, where I assisted with human and animal studies on cocaine addiction. I have a master's degree in clinical psychology from Millersville University (2003) and a master's degree in marriage & family therapy from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, 2009). In 2020, I completed a research doctorate in human development and family science at Syracuse University, where I studied the effects of maternal communication at puberty on early sexual decisions.

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Photo by Kristina O'Brien Photography

Jennifer King is a licensed marriage and family therapist with a research doctorate in human development and family science.

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For my doctoral research, I examined the effects of maternal communication during puberty on young women's earliest sexual decisions. I found that how mothers talk to their pubescent daughters about menstruation, their own body, and what it means to be female influences the types of sexual health decisions young women make.

In addition to running the Center for Collaborative Family Therapy, I teach and supervise future therapists and provide consultation to practicing therapists.

 

I am a clinical fellow of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT) and an AAMFT-approved supervisor. I am currently serving a three-year term on the Board of Counseling Professionals Licensure for the State of Maine.

I am licensed to practice in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York.

 

My pronouns are she/her/hers.

The Office

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Hours

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

10:00am - 6:00pm

10:00am - 6:00pm

10:00am - 6:00pm

10:00am - 6:00pm

Closed

Closed

Closed

Through conversation, brief exercises, and play, clients gain insight into their patterns of behavior and interpersonal dynamics.

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