Meet the Therapist: Maxayn Jennings
Maxayn Jennings is an online counsellor
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I have always wanted to help people attain better mental health. I feel that the stigma of mental health needs to be reduced and if I can contribute to that in any way, I will.
I get joy and fulfilment from seeing my clients grow past their presenting concern(s) and move forward to live their best lives. That's the best feeling that you can have as a therapist.
Where did you train?
I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology, online at Fort Hays State University and my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at The University of the Cumberlands online.
I did my practicum and internships in person and graduated with a 4.0 GPA. I did my studies all while working a full-time job and it was well worth it.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I use an eclectic mix of therapeutic modalities. Simply put, I use whichever therapeutic modality works best for my client.
For example, someone who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and has been through trauma, I would use a mix of dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
For someone with depression, I would start with CBT and Motivational Interviewing. The therapeutic approaches that I use allow clients to heal while feeling heard and encouraged. They feel rejuvenated after sessions and motivated to move through their past pain and are able to see that their future is brighter than they can see at that moment.
How does your style of therapy help with self-esteem issues?
Motivational Interviewing helps my clients gain self-esteem and encouragement while they are going through the therapeutic process where they discuss their most painful moments in life while being heard, having their feeling validated all while educating them on what and why they have/experience the symptoms that they have at the moment.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I usually see clients who have experienced trauma. I have also seen clients who suffer from depression, personality disorders and hoarding disorders. I have had clients who had comorbid diagnosis such as grief and anxiety.
I usually see clients who are young adults to elderly adults but I will see teens as well. I find young adults and teens suffer from anxiety, depression and personality disorders and their symptoms tend to be less invasive however they would have experienced a recent trauma where one of their symptoms were exploited by a close friend or a romantic partner.
I find older adults suffer from more depressive episodes and their personality disorder symptoms are more severe and their lives are more chaotic.
Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?
I have noticed that clients are more open to telehealth/online sessions and there is a large volume of research reporting that clinical outcomes for client who attend online sessions are as good as office sessions and that telehealth improves intermediate outcomes and satisfaction for clients.
I have noticed that there are more cases of clients with anxiety and depression. There are also more cases where people are asking for sessions to address grief that they are experiencing.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I absolutely love seeing my clients thrive and recover from their trauma. Seeing my clients becoming more self-assured, seeing their self-esteem grow, and watching them reorganise their lives out of chaos and into a more structured, functional, safe and positive space. That is why I became a therapist!
What is less pleasant?
Honestly, waiting on clients to choose me as their therapist! I also find it less pleasant when clients struggle with letting go of their pain because I can see their potential and I want them to see what I see in them too.
I always want the best for my clients, I want them to have better lives and be in a place mentally where they are healthier than they were before they came to see me!
How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?
I have only been with Welldoing for a few months. Overall so far the experience has been good and the communication has been exceptional!
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I have suggested the book The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. This is a great read for those who have been through trauma.
What you do for your own mental health?
I have a therapist – therapists seek therapy as well! Therapy helps us process anything that we encounter during sessions with clients, which can include being triggered from our own stuff as well. Doing this helps us remain present while offering our services.
You are an online counsellor. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this way?
I work online so I am not limited to geographical areas.
I have been working with dual diagnosis clients mostly and what defines me most that my clients have told me that I explain things in a way that they can relate.
What’s your consultation room like?
I am online so my therapy room is wherever my client is! I only ask that the space they use for sessions is a safe space with privacy, where they feel comfortable discussing difficult things.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I want prospective clients to know that therapy is a safe place. As a therapist, I have heard it all and will never judge my client.
We only know what we know and we don’t know what we don’t know, however we can learn what we don’t know and need to know so that we can grow!
I also want prospective clients to know that in order to get through trauma you will have to go over the trauma several times while in therapy, but you will be guided and supported every step of the way. Eventually the trauma becomes less painful and start to feel happier.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I learned that I needed to do more self-care! I was too focused on my clients and not enough on myself. Self-care is important!
