Hi! I’m Jen Shepherd. As an integrative mental health therapist, I’m passionate about helping people find balance and healing. My interest in holistic well-being started early—growing up, my parents valued nutrition and integrative health long before it was mainstream. My mom worked in holistic addiction recovery as a counselor, which shaped my understanding of the mind-body connection.
This passion led me to explore integrative health alongside my studies in psychology, healthcare interpreting for ASL, and social work. While in college during the 90s, I took several courses in complementary and alternative medicine, starting with a nutrition course in 1992. In 1997, during a holistic health course, I was introduced to my first aromatherapy book, a discovery that would later become a key part of my work.
I believe therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why I integrate a variety of approaches beyond traditional talk therapy, including clinical aromatherapy. I have a particular interest in psycho-aromatherapy. The simple act of inhaling essential oils like mandarin or lavender can foster relaxation and emotional grounding. To learn more about my therapeutic approach, including EMDR and solution-focused therapy, visit the therapy page.
While I have training and experience in many areas of complementary, alternative, functional, integrative, and even conventional medicine, my social work license limits my scope of practice. As a result, I don’t offer every modality personally. I collaborate with other highly qualified providers, such as those specializing in naturopathy, functional medicine, chiropractic, massage, homeopathy, and nutrition, to ensure you receive comprehensive, holistic care. If you already have integrative healthcare providers on your team, please let me know so we can coordinate our efforts effectively.
I partner with clients on their journey toward healing, restoration, and freedom, helping you overcome emotional wounds and navigate life’s challenges. If you’re interested in exploring how we might work together, I invite you to take the first step and schedule a free 15-minute intro call.
I’m licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin. For additional information about fees, please visit my FAQ page.
CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK
CURRENT
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Minnesota Board of Social Work #16803
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services #11947-123
- Member Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work
- Member EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- Ongoing continuing education and professional development for clinical license, as well as EMDR consultation
PAST
- Integrated Treatment of Chronic Pain and Health Conditions (EMDR) Gary Brothers (EMDRIA approved)
- EMDR Basic Training Rick Levinson Training (EMDRIA approved)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional PESI / Evergreen Certification
- Communications Committee Chair and Member Minnesota Association of Home Care Social Workers
- Member National Association of Social Workers
- School Social Work License Minnesota Department of Education
- Continuing Education Provider CEP-1012 Minnesota Board of Social Work
- Board Approved Supervisor Minnesota Board of Social Work
- Master of Social Work Augsburg University
- POLST and Advanced Care Planning Facilitator Park Nicollet
INTEGRATIVE HEALTH and CLINICAL AROMATHERAPY
CURRENT
- Ongoing continuing education and professional development Tisserand Institute, Naturopathic CE, AIA, NAHA, Botanica, PESI, DrTalks, etc.
PAST
- Adjunct Faculty Anoka-Ramsey Community College – Integrative Health and Healing Program
- Level 3: NAHA Certified Clinical Aromatherapist (NCCA)® National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA)
- Professional Member Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA)
- Board of Directors – Secretary; Media Committee; Conference Committee; State Representative Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA)
- Adjunct Faculty Normandale Community College – Continuing Education and Customized Training
- Clinical Aromatherapist NE Wellness
- AromaPsychology; Essential Oil Safety; Fundamental Chemistry; Molecular Dynamics; Essential Oil Kinetics; Beyond the Bottle; Emulsion Essentials; Essential Formulation Tisserand Institute
- Aromatic Scholars Clinical Aromatherapy Certificate; Foundations of Aromatherapy Certificate; French Aromatherapy Certificate The School for Aromatic Studies
- Aromatherapy Foundations Certificate Normandale Community College
- 2 year internship Jodi Baglien Aromatherapy
- Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) PESI
- Wellness Coach Certification National Exercise Trainers Association
- Immanuel Approach Training Minnesota Association of Christian Counselors
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
CURRENT
- Community Relations Director and Co-Publisher The Phoenix Spirit
- Co-Publisher Minnesota Good Age
PAST
- Master of Social Work Augsburg University (2003)
- Bachelor of Arts, Psychology St. Catherine University (1999)
- Health Care Interpreting/American Sign Language Certificate Program St. Catherine University (1999)