Jennifer Kempema, M.S., ATR-BC
Contact her at 816-718-2776 or at jen@waterstreetcounseling.com
Jen is a Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist, and a member of the American Art Therapy Association and its local chapter. She also has extensive experience and training in play therapy and is a trained EMDR therapist (for trauma). She brings over 20 years of experience to serve your family.
Jen works predominantly with kids, teens, young adults and their families. She thoroughly enjoys working with young people of all ages. She uses a strength based approach and evidence based practices to help young people develop healthier coping skills to deal with trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, grief and loss.
Jen has a natural talent for connecting with children and teens. She has years of experience bonding, supporting and helping them feel safe and comfortable to share their inner world. Families are grateful for her compassion and skill to bring about change! Jen does not exclusively use art in therapy... in other words, if your child or teen is not interested in art, Jen offers additional skills to provide effective therapy for this age group.
Jen grew up in Rock Valley, Iowa. She received her B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Art from Northwest Missouri State in 1995, and journeyed to New York to receive her M.S. in Art Therapy from the College of New Rochelle. For over 20 years she has worked in a variety of counseling settings, including psychiatric hospitals, therapeutic art programs, and counseling agencies.
A note from Jennifer
I admire the way kids develop creative strategies to express themselves and manage their lives. We all have a powerhouse of emotions inside us where language isn't always enough to adequately express them. Creative therapies such as art, play and music can help us access these challenging and sometimes difficult emotions in a positive and manageable way. Our best self and most positive inner resources can be identified and strengthened through this creative process.
Being a kid these days is complicated, especially if we have experienced trauma or loss. I would be honored to help your child or teen heal and navigate these challenges. We might make some really cool art along the way too!
Jen Kempema, ATR-BC, is an independent practitioner.