Jen Ciraulo, LCSW
I’m a believer in the transformative power of the hero’s journey; that we go through challenges and are better because of them, not in spite of them.
This kind of spiritual alchemy (turning something painful into something that serves you) is a choice- it’s not without effort, but it’s 100% possible. Whatever you’ve been through, you can come out better for it. This can only happen through facing and healing our pain and shadow self with courage, kindness and compassion- thereby transmuting our pain into our purpose and strength. We develop self worth and confidence by doing the things that are in alignment with our essential selves. We can rise again from setbacks and trauma as the authentic and divine beings we truly are. Together we will walk through the dark and light, until you re-emerge as the hero of your own story.
You may find you’re a deeply creative and sensitive person, going through major life transitions, a spiritual awakening, or a dark night of the soul. You may have been told you are ‘too sensitive’, or ‘too much’. You want to grow your self-confidence and self worth, but are unsure where to start. You’re likely intuitive in your own right but are learning to trust yourself. You may feel unsatisfied with the way things are but are unclear on what you actually want and what exactly is holding you back.
My Approach:
In our therapeutic work together, I lead with a humanistic and holistic view of you. My worldview is that none of us are ‘broken’, we are shaped by our experiences- and with time, grace, and effort, we can evolve into our most authentic self that has been with us since we came into this world. No one person is exactly alike, so I adapt our work together to your unique needs and strengths. The therapeutic relationship of trust and support is a deeply intuitive process and integral to my work. Together, as a team, we can determine a course of healing that feels safe, supportive, and specific to you. I operate from an strengths based, trauma informed, psychodynamic approach using tools such as mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
My preferred modality of working with trauma as well as a palliative method for emotional distress is the Clinical Emotional Freedom Technique, otherwise known as ‘tapping’. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) centers on the theory that a root cause of negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system, and that this disruption produces the symptoms that bring people to therapy. This is a gentle and very effective technique that works on both the cognitive (thought) and somatic (body) processes that store trauma. You can find studies that support it’s efficacy here. I also use this modality to help replace limit setting beliefs with ones that are empowering and self affirming.
I am passionate about working with individuals who are exploring their creativity, individuality, and identity. As a part of that I specialize in working with those who are exploring their spirituality or religious programming and trauma, and those who are exploring their relationships with substances and process addictions. I also specialize in working with Highly Sensitive People (HSP’s). Holding space for people to come into their most empowered and authentic version of themselves is an honor, and one that I take very seriously. Intuitive therapy is a path of healing and coming into alignment with our most authentic, empowered selves.
Specialized Offerings
Recovery Focused Therapy and Coaching
If you’re in recovery or sober curious; we can work together to find the path or approach that works best for you. I am a strong proponent of harm reduction; as I believe addictive behavior lies on a spectrum and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to recovery. You may have found that the consequences of your substance use or compulsive behavior is starting to take hold and affect different areas of your life. You may feel ready to reevaluate your relationship with substances or compulsive behaviors but need guidance and support. You might have even tried different recovery programs already, read self help books, or you may feel lost and uncertain of where to start. I offer one on one therapy and coaching with an empowering, compassionate and non judgmental approach.
Tarot Reading
If you’re interested in using Tarot as a tool for self discovery and personal empowerment, please visit me at our sister site Sacred Spaces Tarot.
