Thery Jenkins, MFT
(805) 882-2424 x 203
tjenkins@ftisb.org
Education & Professional Training
Thery received a Masters in Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University’s School of Holistic Studies in Pleasant Hill, California.
She has received specific training in somatic, transpersonal (psycho-spiritual), and psychodynamic therapies as well as Gestalt, group process and Positive Psychology. Thery is trained in psychometrics and behavioral models commonly used in business environments: DiSC, performance coaching technologies, and Situational Leadership. Thery is currently pursuing comprehensive training in The Hakomi Method, a body-centered, mindfulness-based approach that incorporates principles of nonviolent communication and mind/body holism. Thery provides assistance to Holotropic Breathwork practitioners and volunteers with The Bonding Weekend, a relational personal growth workshop.
Professional Experience
At The Center for Holistic Counseling, a community counseling center in downtown Oakland, CA, Thery worked as an intern providing affordable counseling to a culturally diverse population of individuals, couples and groups. She founded and co-led the Center’s first Stress & Anxiety Group, a weekly process therapy group for adults.
Prior to her work in counseling, Thery was a learning & development manager for a Fortune 500 company where she designed and facilitated professional and leadership development training programs. She has taught classes in management skills, effective communication, public speaking, group/team dynamics, performance coaching and Situational Leadership. Much of her passion for psychology was spawned by her experiences managing sales teams, leading groups of volunteers, and running a life-coaching practice. Thery’s unique blend of skills and perspective in the corporate realm helps to inform and support the work she does with her counseling clients.
Treatment Philosophy
Thery believes that effective, meaningful therapy is built on a foundation of acceptance of and respect for the extraordinary process of being human. Thery’s “theory” is that, by and large, people have their own unique answers to their particular struggles and suffering, and she works alternately as a guide and an advocate helping clients uncover and dissolve the blocks to their innate wisdom and intelligence. Holistically oriented, Thery attunes not only to the client’s mind, body and spirit, but equally important, to that person’s relationships. By bringing awareness to core beliefs, behaviors and relationship dynamics that limit freedom of choice to be or do something different, clients are able to expand their sense of themselves, effectively becoming more of who they REALLY are. Thery’s clients include couples, families, children and individuals, and they describe her as a warm and strong presence with whom they feel safe, accepted and deeply seen.
Personal Life
Thery is the quintessential life-learner, finding great pleasure in being a student, pursuing adventurous activities (skydiving and wakeboarding), and spending time with her wonderful & wise friends who range in age from 20 months to 94 years. She lives in Santa Barbara in an intentional community of 5 dear human souls and 4 rascally pets. Thery enjoys long beach walks, raucous game nights with friends, and eye-opening conversations with her beloved kitty, Savannah.