Jenny Bilskie-Smith

Clients often want to know who they’ll be sitting across from, not just what credentials someone holds. I’m a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience in the mental health and healing field. My work is shaped by a deep respect for the nervous system, the body’s wisdom, and the ways early relationships influence how we relate to ourselves and others today.

My professional background includes private practice, teaching counseling psychology and neurophysiology at the university level, and many years working in child welfare and systems-based care. Throughout my career, I’ve trained clinicians and frontline professionals on burnout, compassion fatigue, and sustainable care—work that continues to inform how I support clients in therapy.

I specialize in working with adults who are thoughtful, sensitive, and often highly capable on the outside, but feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck internally. Many of the people I work with have histories of relational or attachment trauma, emotional parentification, boundary challenges, anxiety, or difficulties with food, body image, or self-trust. I also support clients navigating life transitions, grief, and the long-term effects of chronic stress.

My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and body-based. I integrate EMDR, somatic and polyvagal-informed therapy, parts work, and self-compassion practices to help clients feel safer in their bodies and more anchored in themselves. I work collaboratively and at a pace that honors your nervous system—focusing not just on insight, but on creating lived experiences of safety, clarity, and choice.

Above all, I bring steadiness, curiosity, and warmth into the room. Therapy with me is not about fixing what’s “wrong” with you, but understanding how your patterns formed—and helping you build a more compassionate, connected relationship with yourself and others.

Your first visit is a chance for us to get to know each other. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what feels most important right now, and what you’re hoping will change. Together, we’ll begin to clarify goals so our work feels focused and meaningful to you. Just as important, we’ll start building rapport and trust—because therapy works best when you feel safe, seen, and understood. There’s no pressure to share everything at once; we’ll move at a pace that feels supportive for you.