Jennifer Voorhaar, LCSW-C
Owner/Clinical Social Worker/Therapist
Education & Certifications
University of Maryland Baltimore, School of Social Work—2003
LCSW-C—2009
Certified First Responder Counselor
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification
Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD Trained
Maryland Board Approved Supervisor - Social Worker & Licensed Professional Counselors
Over the course of my 20+ years in the social work field, I have heard countless times "I'm just broken" or "can you fix me?" Well, here's the deal, you are not broken, and you do not need to be fixed. You're not a small appliance that needs a repair shop. You're a human being who has been dealt a hand of cards that maybe you aren't prepared to deal. Or maybe, just maybe, the coping skills you've used before just don't work in a particular situation. After years of working with children, teens, adults, individuals, and families, I have learned a few things and the most important thing is that there is hope for healing. (Wonder where our practice name came from?!?!). I know that there can be healing. And I know that if we put in the work together, you'll walk away healed, stronger, and ready to conquer the next thing that life sends your way.
When we work together, you'll feel heard in a comfortable office setting. Or, maybe you'd rather walk and talk to avoid the awkward eye contact that can come with 1:1 conversations. Either way, I'm going to listen to you, learn from you and laugh with you. We will decide together where to start and what your vision is for the future.
Then we will embark on the journey together. I'd ask that you hold on. Therapy is hard work. And you're the one doing all the work. Kind of. I'm here to lead, guide, support and sometimes call you out on your BS, but you're the one driving the car and maneuvering the potholes. You're going to have homework. Sorry, welcome back to school. There are 168 hours in a week and if the hour we meet is the only time you're working on yourself then you'll have to worker longer and harder. If you can put in the hard work in between sessions, however, then you'll make lasting improvements for lifelong healing.
With healing we also know that different things help different needs and that's where Hope and Healing Therapy and Wellness Center comes in. I opened this practice to provide a healing place for the community through more than just talk therapy. I wanted Hope and Healing to be a place where you, as my client, are able to heal mind, body, and spirit. So, don't be surprised if we talk about diet, sleep, exercise, self-care, relationships, your pets, vacations and all the other things that impact and influence who you are.
There's one more thing you should know. I'm pretty honest. I might say things you don't like or want to hear. However, it is in the uncomfortable that we grow and find comfort. Nothing is off the table and I'm willing to hear it all, work through it all and help you dump it here in my office so you're lighter when you leave (unless you eat all the Smarties or DumDum pops… then I can't guarantee you'll be lighter physically 🙂).
I'm human just like you. No wizard behind the curtain and no stuffy professor sitting in the throne-like therapist chair. I make mistakes. I learn from them, and I try really hard not to make the same mistake twice. Together we will navigate this thing called life. So, if you're ready to tackle the hurdles once and for all; if you're ready to roll up your sleeves to do the hard work, and if you're ready to heal, grow, and thrive, then I'm ready to work with you.
When I'm not working with clients or managing my practice, I can be found on the sidelines cheering on my sons and yes, I am THAT crazy sports mom. My family means the world to me and we travel, laugh and walk through this life together.