Jennifer Livingstone
Online Therapy
LCSW, LCAS, LISW-CP, CTTS
North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and 1 more...
www.truealignmentcounseling.comAbout Jennifer
I have 13 years clinical experience working with many issues including depression, anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, substance use issues, and many others. I welcome individuals of all identities to my practice, and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere. I work authentically with my clients which means I am compassionate, direct, humorous, curious, and open-minded. I specialize in helping people quit smoking, helping support families who are affected y a loved ones' use of substances, and helping people who are experiencing some form of workplace abuse. I help clients develop a plan to move closer to the kind of life that matters most to them. I welcome your questions, and hope to be of service! I accept the following insurance plans in NC & SC: Aetna, Allied Benefit Systems, All Savers, Bind, GEHA-UHSS, Harvard Pilgrim, Health Plans, Inc, Meritain, Nippon, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, UHC Student Resources, UMR, United Healthcare, United Healthcare Shared Services. I also accept BCBS in NC.
Costs and Insurance
$160 per session
Out of Pocket
Aetna
Optum
Oscar
Oxford Health Plans
UnitedHealthcare (UHC / UBH)
What's your experience with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
I have practiced CBT essentially since I started graduate school (so about 15 years). Over the years, I have trained extensively in this area and feel very confident using this approach. It has been helpful to many people.
Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?
I experienced many difficulties in my childhood and adolescence including depression, anxiety, trauma, and bullying. I lived under the weight of these experiences for many years, until I saw my own therapist. The healing I experienced with her was so profound and transformative, that I felt called to become a counselor myself and pay it forward.
What's your experience with clients with depression?
I have worked with folks with depression for 13 years. I validate their experience and find out more about how they are experiencing the depression. What does it feel like in your body? How is it impacting your life? What makes the depression worse or better? What message might depression be sending? It is most important to gain a full understanding first, and then discuss how to help that person move forward in their life in a way that feels reasonable to them.
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Its very normal to have hesitancy about starting therapy. There are still a lot of myths about therapy, and it can take time to find the right therapist. Ask questions to find out what a potential therapist's style is, what a first session is like, and their approach to therapy. You are in control, and have the right to end therapy at any time. It is also important to share this hesitancy with your therapist, so they can help you explore any lingering concerns. The therapist who is right for you will welcome your questions and concerns.
What's your experience with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)?
I am not trained in this and would refer to another therapist if this was required.
What's your experience with acceptance and commitment (ACT)?
I have extensive experience in ACT and this is my primary method of working with folks. I received 1:1 weekly supervision for 9 months while I was first learning ACT. I've been providing ACT for approximately 8 years. I find it works very well with many problems including anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues.
How do you work with clients with grief?
There is no one way, or right way to experience grief. It is unique to each individual, and unfortunately, we live in a culture that places grief on a timeline. Truthfully, grief is an evolving, non-linear process that doesn't have an "endpoint". I encourage grieving clients to let themselves think and feel whatever is happening in the moment, and to share with me as much as they would like about their grief story. I provide education about grief (when needed), encourage clients to be compassionate with themselves, and provide exercises that encourage them to process grief in their own way.
How do you work with clients with addiction?
As a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, I have extensive experience working with this population. People with addiction have often already had the experience of being shamed or stigmatized for their relationship to substances, as well as a cycle of treatment and relapse. It is most important to me to first assure clients that they will not be judged, that they will be accepted for exactly who they are, and that I have no agenda. My only goal is provide the guidance and skills that the client requests in the journey they choose to undertake. I support any approach that feels right to the client, whether that be abstinence, harm-reduction, or others.
What's your experience with relationship counseling?
I have limited experience with couples counseling and typically refer out to clinicians who specialize in this area.
What's your experience with family or marital Therapy?
I have experience providing family therapy that does not involve folks under the age of 18. (For example, working with siblings or adult children). I have very limited experience with marital therapy and usually find that it is best to refer to a specialist in this area.
What's your experience with children or adolescents?
I have limited experienced working with children and adolescents. I have often worked with the parent/s to provide counseling related to problems they may be experiencing with their children.
Interested in talking?
(828) 338-9324Costs and Insurance
$160 per session
Out of Pocket
Aetna
Optum
Oscar
Oxford Health Plans
UnitedHealthcare (UHC / UBH)
Specialties
Addiction
Anger Management
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Experiential
Family Systems
Gestalt
Internal Family Systems (IFS)