Introducing Jennifer
Jennifer Wootsick, LICSW (she/her) is one of the therapists at the Terrace View Counseling Collaborative. She shares a little bit about herself here…
How did you get into this field?
I owe my career largely to attachment theory, neuroscience, and personal experience. From this knowledge base, I developed a deeper understanding of myself and began to make connections between my past experiences as a child and my current view of myself and others. I also learned that the human brain is the most flexible (aka amenable to change) during the first 5 years of life. What this means is that it is easier to intervene and help a young child adapt during their first few years of life, setting them up for positive health outcomes throughout the lifespan. The benefits of early intervention are truly astounding.
What keeps you in this work?
Of course this work cannot be done without the inclusion of the people who matter the most to my youngest clients; and it is no doubt the parents and caregivers who keep me motivated. The journey of loving and healing thyself to heal the generations to come via parenthood is a journey unmatched. Certainly, my own proximity to parenting a young child and doing my own hard work of inner child healing keeps me empowered and empathetic.
“I work to hold both the caregiver’s worldview and the young child’s worldview in mind, tending to the social-emotional needs of both caregiver and child. I strive to create a safe space where caregivers feel seen and heard by me, so that their children can feel seen and heard by them. ”
Who do you work best with?
My ideal client is an expecting parent or primary caregiver of a child who is between the ages of 0 and 6, who has a desire to learn how to support their young child’s social & emotional wellbeing. This client might also desire to learn how to heal from their own relational trauma or attachment wounds. I would want this person to know that I consider working with their family on this journey my greatest honor.
What made you decide to be part of the Terrace View Counseling Collaborative?
I wanted to work in my own community where I could be close to home and school, to keep my family at the center of my world. The cherries on top were the 3 therapists I met during my search for a new office space. Forming this collaborative of like-minded clinicians, where we can simultaneously operate independently and inspire and support one another in person on a regular basis, has me feeling like one lucky gal.
What’s something bringing you joy these days?
Cats, coffee and wiggly baby teeth.
Are there parts of your identity that you want to share with folks?
I identify as a white, cis-gendered, straight woman who is currently able-bodied with an invisible disability. I am a 40-something-year-old mother, spouse and daughter who is also in the midst of doing the hard work of developing secure attachments.
What’s one of your favorite local businesses?
Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park)
What are you reading / listening to / watching?
Reading: "Are You My Mother? - A Comic Drama", by Alison Bechdel
Listening To: KEXP.org/90.3FM
Watching: Not too much...a little bit of Netflix here and there.
Jennifer’s practice is Jennifer Wootsick, LICSW Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Services, where you can find out more about her services.