Jennifer Maupin
Who I Am
I am a congenial, hard-working and down-to-earth person who owes these attributes to my working class, midwestern roots. I studied philosophy and English literature at Millikin University for my undergraduate degree, which offered me a foundation for understanding how humans have attempted to answer questions about discovering meaning and overcoming adversity. I earned a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois in 2010, which ultimately led me to earning the clinical licensure necessary to support individuals and families facing a variety of challenges. After several decades of living in Illinois, my family relocated in May 2020 toward Appalachia’s sublime beauty. I enjoy hiking in the Pisgah National forest and wading in its mountain streams. I also love reading, spending time with my family, and traveling to see my dearest friends who live far away.
Who I Serve
I currently work with adults. My training and employment at the University of Illinois Counseling Center included individual therapy and group therapy facilitation. I consider myself a generalist with great familiarity supporting undergraduate and graduate students, those navigating transitions, those burdened by perfectionism, those ready to shed imposter syndrome, those needing practice setting boundaries, those who have survived trauma and individuals working to overcome symptoms of depression, anxiety and addiction related concerns. I have been honored to bear witness to countless stories of life transitions, courage and resilience.
How I Work
My mission is to provide a nurturing environment where individuals can explore their emotions, overcome challenges, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I offer compassion and validation while exploring the thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to a client's personal struggles. I never assume to have all the answers but I am skilled at being curious and collaborative with clients engaged in building self-awareness as well as empowering clients toward building lives with sustainable wellness. I am skilled in a variety of therapeutic modalities: cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, somatic practices grounded in polyvagal theory and Internal Family Systems framework to foster balance within a person’s internal experience. My approach is relaxed and sometimes starts with simple comforts like hot tea or cold glass of water. Lastly, I also like to share humor as a means of connection and coping with life’s challenges.