Grief counselors and therapists in Saint Augustine, FL

I received my B.S. in Psychology and my M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. I have a history of working in community mental health and in private practice. I have experience that allows me to meet a client where they are whether that means working through daily life challenges or healing from a lifetime of complex trauma.

We all go through times in our lives when therapy can help us to cope with the difficulties that arise. You are not alone. Maybe your are feeling overwhelmed or stuck. You feel like you have tried everything and you are looking for a new way to improve your situation. Perhaps your child has experienced an upsetting event and you don't want this to define them. It hurts to see the people we love upset or struggling. I can offer the tools, skills, and support for your journey.

I specialize in treating child and adult trauma, depression, and anxiety. I use a variety of therapeutic techniques and approaches to meet my clients right where they are and assist in healing and reaching personalized goals. I am a genuine and non judgmental person who wants to help you accomplish your goals

I understand that seeking out help for yourself or your child can be scary, intimidating, and stressful. Know that by getting this far you have already started to make progress and take back control of your life. I consider my job a privilege and I look forward to working with you.

I work with adults and high school-aged teens struggling with mood disorders, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use disorders. No matter the size and scope of your struggle, therapy can help. A willingness to take the first step is all you need.

Compassionate, realistic, and person-centered care is the foundation of my services. Foundationally trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, I believe "walking the middle path" is a guide for so many difficulties we all face. In February of 2020, I attended the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Bootcamp. I had further training in ACT and DBT in 2021.

Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, sadness, substance use, mood swings...so many of us struggle with these. Our culture sends us confusing messages about how to approach these problems. Ignore it? Self-medicate? Try to just fake it? Buy more, consume more, do more? It may be time to stop, examine your life and decide what kind of life you want to be living.

I am a licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to adults. I specialize in helping people feel more confident in themselves and in their relationships.

People often work with me in times of change such as a break up or a new relationship, job stress, parenting, or a new stage in life. I also enjoy working with women experiencing perinatal issues and caregivers/care partners of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.

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.

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.