Jennifer Meyer shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up at 4:30, journal/read/do a gratitude and prayer practice, work out at 5:45am, get ready for work, see clients at my counseling practice from 9am to 5pm with a walk outside on my lunch hour, make dinner, relax, and go to bed.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified First Responder Counselor practicing in Fort Collins, Colorado. I am passionate about my work, which involves counseling adult individuals, couples, and families in my solo private practice. I have been a guest on multiple podcasts, discussing topics such as resilience, mental health, trauma, first responder concerns, grief, parenting, and healthy masculinity and femininity.
Using a client-centered and attachment-based approach, I incorporate several facets into my work with my clients: fifty years of varied life experience, including a dedication to “doing the work” myself; deep compassion; and a sense of humor. I provide an understanding, judgment-free zone, encouraging you to express your REAL self openly and vulnerably.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Until recently, there was a large part of me that felt I needed to remain small and not take up too much space. I think I misunderstood the true meaning of humility, and instead thought I needed to be quiet and agreeable so that I wouldn’t offend anyone. Now, as I approach fifty years of life and have faced a number of challenges (including a current battle with breast cancer), I realize that I can be confident AND kind. I don’t need to downplay my successes or my strength, because I’ve worked hard for both. I realize that I could die tomorrow and there is nothing useful about making myself small to be more palatable to others who may be offended by my happiness or resilience. This was a big lie that I have been working to release.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me that I am the only person responsible for my happiness. It has taught me that I may not be able to change a situation, but I can always change my response to a situation. I have learned through unnecessary, self-created suffering that I can choose to see any given situation as something awful or as something that is teaching me a lesson and providing me with opportunities to become stronger and more resilient. I have also learned that challenges are a part of life, and I can embrace them for the resilience they inevitably bring–plus, I can see that challenges aren’t forever.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs is the importance of self-accountability. I believe it is very important to be self-aware and keep ourselves accountable to being decent humans. In order to bring good to others (in terms of relationships, career, government, as parents), it is important to reflect on how we show up in the world and continue growing instead of blaming others.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I feel grateful that my clients trust me enough to share the deeply personal and painful parts of their lives with me. As a result of sitting with clients for over twelve years as a counselor, I deeply understand the depths of sorrow that people get to, and how people can get stuck there if they don’t believe in themselves. I have personally struggled with hopelessness, and having pulled myself out of it, I understand how important it is to recognize that most of life’s big challenges are temporary, and the worst-case scenario is that we are dead. I believe that once we have faced some incredibly painful challenges, we recognize that others before us have faced similar challenges (which increases empathy and humility) and that we will also be able to conquer THIS challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jenmeyercounseling.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmeyercounseling/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-meyer-lpc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferMeyerCounseling
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN-npo_mpOvJjeljJl2scPA
Image Credits
Pentico Photography
