In this episode of Inside the Wellness Hive Unplugged, host Gabriella welcomes Jenny Jonker, founder of Dragonfly Counseling, to discuss the profound impact of lived experiences on mental health and social work. Jenny shares her journey as a refugee from Nicaragua, highlighting how her family's struggles shaped her understanding of mental health and the importance of cultural sensitivity in therapy. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating mental health within communities that often stigmatize such discussions, emphasizing the need for authenticity and compassion in therapeutic settings.
Jenny elaborates on her approach to counseling, which prioritizes human connection over rigid professional boundaries. She discusses the significance of creating a welcoming environment at Dragonfly Counseling, where clients feel at home and valued. The episode also touches on the importance of self-care for therapists, the role of lived experience in understanding clients' struggles, and the innovative therapeutic techniques like EMDR that help individuals process trauma. Overall, the conversation is a heartfelt exploration of healing, resilience, and the power of being human in the therapeutic process.
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