About Dr. Jennifer Wilcox

In the busy world in which we live, it is easy to find ourselves swept up in the chaos and the noise of everyday life. What has been illuminated in 20 years working with clients is that attending to inner experiences (i.e., emotions, body sensations, thoughts) in a present, mindful way is often a road toward healing and fulfillment. 

My primary focus early in therapy and throughout is to create a safe emotional space where clients can explore these inner experiences. Throughout the course of therapy, I believe clients ultimately heal themselves and I consider it a privilege to offer support and compassion during this journey.

 My therapy style reflects my theoretical orientation which draws heavily from psychodynamic, interpersonal and behavioral schools of thought. Solid research evidence supports the idea that interpersonal relationships greatly shape who we are, how we think, how we feel and how we interact with others.  Research also shows that our connections to others predict our feelings of happiness and well-being.  

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University (OSU) in 1997. I lived 

abroad for five years before returning to the U.S. to begin my graduate studies at OSU. I 

completed my Master’s degree in 2004 and my Ph.D. in 2007. My graduate program was 

highly supportive of its students and emphasized both research and clinical practice in its training. The emphasis placed on the importance of human connection and resilience strongly influenced my development as a psychologist. In 2003, I began my clinical field experiences which included working as a therapist in the psychology department’s mental health clinic, OSU’s Counseling and Consultation Service, and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. I also completed a rotation in the traumatic brain injury unit of the OSU hospital system. 

After completing my dissertation, which examined the links between discrimination and disordered eating, I began my pre-doctoral internship at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Cincinnati, OH. My clinical training rotations included working as an 

individual and group therapist in a substance abuse residential rehabilitation program, a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder residential treatment program and as a mental health 

consultant in the Emergency Department. In addition to these primary clinical rotations, I gained clinical experience working in the long-term psychotherapy clinic treating clients with depression, anxiety, relationship problems and childhood trauma. 

Upon completion of my internship and Ph.D.,I returned to Columbus where I worked in both a group private practice setting and at the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Vet Center and Ambulatory Care Center as a psychologist. As part of my training at the VA, I obtained strong research-based training in treating PTSD, other anxiety disorders and depression and continue to implement evidence-based treatment in my clinical practice with my clients. Part of my training focused on the use of mindfulness in therapy which continues to be central focus of my work with clients. I also have evidence-based training in treating couples who are struggling with relationship difficulties and enjoy treating couples as part of my clinical practice. 

I started my individual private practice in 2008 and feel fortunate to truly love my job. I 

utilize evidence-based treatment in my work with both individuals and couples. I 

specialize in treating adults with depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties and trauma- related disorders and feel inspired by the resilience of the human spirit I witness everyday.
 

Most recently, I completed a 200-hour vinyasa yoga teaching certification which aligns well with my focus on mindful awareness as a central component of therapy.  I have learned through my own practice and healing journey how essential it is to be attuned to body sensations and emotions to guide us toward emotional well-being and fulfillment.  I have found it helpful to incorporate many of the principles of yogic thought into the therapy context to expand the healing process.