I believe that the capacity and potential to change is within every person. I work in partnership with clients to develop a deeper understanding of individual strengths, personal challenges, and inner wisdom to facilitate moving through life authentically with a sense of meaning and intention. My approach is integrative within existential, interpersonal, humanistic, and mindfulness-based traditions, with an emphasis in developing insight, awareness and empathy for self, living in the present moment, and finding personal meaning. I am deeply respectful of each individual’s process in therapy. My counseling style is contemplative, creative, warm, down-to-earth, and tailored to clients' individual needs.

When you choose me to be your counselor, you can trust that:
- We will go at a pace that is comfortable for you that honors your individuality and autonomy.
- I will always come to our sessions with an attitude of respect and unconditional acceptance for a fellow human  being. 
- I will help to protect, nurture, and support your authentic-self so that you can safely experiment with making the changes you desire.

Jennifer holds a Master's degree in Health & Human Development with an emphasis in Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University, a CACREP accredited program.  Coursework for this degree included Counseling Ethics and Professional Issues, Counseling Theories, Developmental Theory and Concepts, Clinical Skills Training, Multicultural Awareness, Theory and Practice of Addictions, Mental Health Methods and Treatment, Diagnosis and Assessment of Psychopathology, Group Counseling, Treatment Planning, and Professional Counseling Practicum and Internship.  Additionally, she has extensive training and experience in addiction studies and has earned certification as a Level II Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) (Cert #: 10-R-21).  Jennifer is a Professional Counselor Registered Intern with the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists (#R2053). 

Jennifer also holds Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Music Performance from the University of Montana.  She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors. She has worked in a variety of settings including community mental health, residential mental health, and intensive outpatient addiction treatment. Jennifer has treated clients diverse in ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, gender and life circumstances and welcomes diversity in her practice. 

Jennifer M. Cooper * Counseling in Portland
  3703 SE 39th Ave., Portland, OR * Phone (503) 915-8290 *  jcoopercounseling@gmail.com