Dr. Jeni Upton (Groot)

Dr. Jeni Allissun Upton (Groot) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and co-owner of Hope in the Gale Therapeutic Healing where she provides individual and group therapy, collaborates to curate tailored wellness services, and consults on areas related to psychology and trauma. Jeni has worked in diverse settings with youth, adults, and families as a counselor supporting clients as they strive to bolster their mental health, build resilience, and find joy in life. Jeni also has a background in military and federal service. Her 13-year military career included work as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations where she specialized in crimes against children and counterintelligence. Jeni also spent ten years with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers as a Research Psychologist, Behavioral Science Division Program Manager, and Counterterrorism Division Branch Chief.

Jeni holds Associate of Arts Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in both Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a PhD in International Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma Services.

Jeni’s approach to counseling is holistic, incorporating diverse strategies for services as unique as you are. She has specific experience in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed interventions, and other methods. Most importantly, though, she is grounded in a person-centered philosophy that recognizes you as the expert in your life and seeks to empower you to make positive changes and find joy.

Life can be beautiful, amazing, and fulfilling. It can also include experiences and obstacles that cause us to feel sad, anxious, or angry. We may even lose hope. Jeni's mission at Hope in the Gale Therapeutic Healing is to work hand-in-hand with clients as they overcome those obstacles, strengthen hope, and find the joy so critical to healing and happiness.