Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Blazek, LPC-S.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
From Girl Scouts to babysitting gigs to being a teen mentor in high school, I always got my energy from being there to support others. I went to school at Texas Tech University where I studied Human Development and Family Studies. Post college, I was accepted into an internship at Texas Scottish Rite as a Child Life Specialist Intern. I found great joy in supporting the patients and families at the hospital during their stays. I continued my education and went back to get my post-baccalaureate in elementary education and dove head first into life as a third-grade teacher. I was passionate about helping my students be not only successful academically, but socially and emotionally as well.
My parents encouraged me to go get my Masters in Counseling and I did this concurrently with my classroom teaching position for three years. Post graduation with my masters, I began my life as a school counselor in Southlake Carroll and started my pursuit of licensure as a professional counselor. One of my first jobs as an LPC was working with adolescent and teen survivors of sexual abuse through Community Partners of Dallas’s Heart Program. During this time, I also made several transitions in my school counseling career reaching more students and ultimately landing in Highland Park ISD as an elementary school counselor at University Park Elementary.
In 2016, I joined Mend Counseling with my friend Annie Tam, LPC in private practice. At Mend Counseling, I am able to use all the tools in counseling toolbox. I see children, adolescents, and adults and love every minute of it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am a life long learner and have always pushed myself to keep gaining knowledge that will serve me in my craft as a counselor. Time is always a big factor when working a full-time job, going back to school, and growing your business. Some nights, you come home exhausted because you have talked nonstop all day, but you rest your head on your pillow knowing it was all worth it.
As a counselor, I always preach self-care. If I don’t take care of myself, how can I possibly help take care of others? I make sure I start my day by expressing gratitude and setting my intentions before I ever step out of bed. I also have treated myself to a pedicure each month since graduate school, something small that gives me that “me time” we all crave. There is no way I could do all that I have done and continue to do if I don’t take some time for myself each day. The value and practice of self-care is something I incorporate with my clients during the session.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Mend Counseling – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I currently am expanding my counseling practice and accepting new clients. My services include child play and activity therapy, as well as adult individual counseling, coaching, and consulting. I have experience in working with issues such as anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, family conflict, grief, trauma, sexual abuse, academic coaching, school issues, parent support, and life transitions. My goal as a counselor is to support you through any and all of life’s journeys.
Through a collaborative relationship, I work with clients to openly and honestly create a deeper understanding of one’s unique self as well as their relationships with others, build confidence and self-esteem, identify attainable short and long term goals, increase awareness of emotions, and instill hope in the journey ahead. I believe in creating an environment that feels safe, loving, and playful.
Who have you been inspired by?
My friends inspire me daily. I have a very large and diverse group of girlfriends in the Dallas area who are all incredible. We are all so different in personality, stage of life, upbringing, career and yet are there cheering each other on from the sidelines. The amount of support I have received from my circle of friends continues to be what I need to push me from point A to point B.
Pricing:
- Individual Counseling Session- $150 per counseling hour
- Couples/Family Sessions- $165 per counseling hour
- Coaching- $65 per 30 minutes
Contact Info:
- Address: Mend Counseling
5307 E. Mockingbird Ln, Suite 975
Dallas, TX 75206 - Website: http://www.mend-counseling.com/
- Email: jennifer@mend-counseling.com
- Instagram: @mendcounseling
Image Credit:
Dolores + Dean Photography
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