From a young age, Woomendy Jean, MA demonstrated an innate ability to make people feel comfortable, safe, and supported. Friends and family came to Woomendy for advice on life challenges.
“I thought that asking open-ended questions and being an active listener were just skills that everyone had,” says Woomendy.
Woomendy is Haitian, and she says that growing up in a culture where mental health conditions are stigmatized, which presents barriers to care, inspired her to take action in the field.
After realizing that biology was not the degree she wanted to pursue in college, Woomendy started to explore the field of psychology. She says that she fell in love with her first psychology class and it confirmed that she found her life path.
Woomendy went on to obtain her Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy through Capella University and completed a certification program in trauma. She is a current PhD candidate in Studies of Human Behavior.
Woomendy takes a person-centered and integrative approach to counseling. She is experienced in working with clients of all ages, from all ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
She understands traumatic events, overwhelming stress, and various systems we live within, including our society/culture, environment, bodies, families, and institutions, may interfere with our ability to meet life’s challenges alone.
Woomendy works not only to support her clients, but to also empower them by giving them the tools they need, and a safe space they deserve while they work to reach a place of understanding, integration, and growth.
We sat down with Woomendy to learn more about her approach to working with clients online.
What previous experiences have you had in the mental health field?
When I was studying psychology in college, I did a lot of research into different types of mental health counseling. I became passionate about working with families and couples. In marriage and family counseling we look at how a family’s patterns and behaviors influence the individual as well as the whole family. The unit of treatment is strengths based and focused on the set of relationships within the whole family and the resources available in the community.
Before HBH, I worked as an intensive care coordinator, which involved a planning approach to support and provide solutions for youth with mental health challenges, and their families. I worked with the school, primary care physician, and community organizations to address the needs and challenges the youth was experiencing.
The work inspired my treatment approach which is based on identifying and supporting the inner strengths of the client, and connecting them to resources available in the community to improve their mental/physical/emotional wellbeing.
How would you describe your therapeutic style and approach?
I’ve always been passionate about understanding and healing intergenerational trauma that can significantly impact families. Family counseling can be a helpful tool for supporting clients through their process of understanding, integrating, and healing from traumatic experiences.
I’ll often use narrative therapy, an approach which focuses on exploring and re-writing peoples’ stories about themselves and their experiences. It gives clients an opportunity to externalize their story and bring new meaning to their lives.
My approach is solution-focused as I believe that we all have the strength and ability to solve challenges in our lives. That can also include connecting clients to resources within the community that will ultimately improve their quality of life.
What life challenges and mental health conditions do you offer treatment for?
I’ll help adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families work through the following challenges:
- Anxiety/Panic/Phobias
- Depression
- Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD/ADD)
- Ethnic/Cultural Issues
- Adjustment Disorder
- Attachment Disorder
- PTSD/Acute Stress
- Academic/Occupational/Work Issues/Career
- Trauma
What's your favorite part of being a therapist?
The most rewarding part of my work as a therapist is to see the growth and development within clients.
Start working with Woomendy Jean, MA today:
If you or your loved one is searching for an online therapist in Massachusetts,
Woomendy Jean is dedicated to providing an empathetic and nonjudgmental space for you to meet your needs and achieve your potential.
To schedule an appointment with Woomendy, contact us today at (413) 343-4357.