About Me
My name is Jeanette Samyn, and I come to therapy from a background in academia and community organizing. From my academic work, I learned that there is no “I” without a “you,” “us,” or “them.” From community organizing, I learned about the importance of creating open, supportive spaces in which it feels easy to talk without fear of judgment. I carry this dual understanding into my therapeutic work.
How I Work
I take a psychodynamic approach, drawing on my skills in careful analysis and facilitation. We will talk about your current and past relationships with others, as well as about what transpires between us in session–not only when things are feeling productive, but also when we’re feeling “stuck.” We will work together to identify the patterns that structure your experience and your sense of what is possible, often treating seemingly minor events as the basis for deeper analysis. Throughout, I will listen carefully and without judgment, not bending your words to my understanding but holding them up and giving them space to expand. I am also very interested in how our bodies hold our experiences over time, and sometimes incorporate somatic work into session when appropriate.
Education and Training
I hold an M.S.W. in Social Work from the Smith College School for Social Work, a Ph.D. in English from Indiana University, and a B.A. in English and Comparative Literature from Columbia University. I am also trained as a full-spectrum doula, supporting families for nearly a decade in that capacity.
Specializations
Stress & Anxiety: Anxiety can become overwhelming when it’s a constant presence, disrupting daily life. Together, we’ll uncover the root causes, addressing the emotional triggers and thought patterns that keep it active, so you can regain a sense of calm and control.
Depression: Depression can feel like a persistent, heavyweight, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities. We’ll explore the underlying causes together, helping you reconnect with your sense of purpose and rediscover joy in life.
Grief: Providing support through the emotional and psychological process of mourning and loss; addressing feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, and confusion; helping individuals navigate the stages of grief and find ways to honor and remember their loved ones; promoting healing and resilience through therapeutic techniques; assisting in the transition to a new normal and finding meaning and purpose after a significant loss.
Questions of Sexual & Gender Identity: revolve around understanding and exploring one’s sexual orientation and gender expression, which may differ from societal norms or expectations. These questions often involve navigating personal feelings, cultural influences, and social pressures, as individuals seek to define and express their authentic selves. Therapy in this area can provide a safe, supportive space to address these concerns, helping individuals build self-acceptance, clarity, and confidence in their identities, while also addressing the potential challenges or discrimination they might face.
Trauma, Oppression, & Marginalization: refers to the cumulative psychological, emotional, and social harm caused by systemic or societal exclusion, discrimination, and unequal power dynamics. Individuals who experience these forms of trauma often feel isolated, undervalued, or disconnected from their communities. Therapy in this area aims to address the effects of such experiences, helping individuals heal by fostering resilience, self-worth, and empowerment while working to rebuild connections to a supportive and inclusive community. This process involves exploring identity, reclaiming personal value, and confronting the lasting impacts of oppression.
Perinatal Health, Fertility, Family Building, & Parenting: providing support through the emotional and psychological journey of perinatal health, fertility, family building, and parenting; addressing feelings of hope, uncertainty, anxiety, and loss; helping individuals and couples navigate fertility challenges, pregnancy, and the transition to parenthood; promoting resilience and emotional well-being through therapeutic techniques; assisting in processing complex emotions surrounding fertility treatments, miscarriage, or childbirth experiences; fostering connection and understanding in the family-building process and helping clients find balance and confidence in their role as parents.
Contact
I’m deeply committed to the accessibility of my therapy practice and strive to create a warm environment in which you can feel comfortable and supported. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have questions about how I work or what our time together might look like. You can reach me at jsamynpsychotherapy@gmail.com.