Q & A With Jenna Lehmann, PhD
Q & A With Jenna Lehmann, PhD
We took a few moments to sit down with Postdoctoral Psychologist Jenna Lehmann, PhD, to talk about what most clients have in common, what is needed for a successful client-therapist relationship, the best parts about living in Nashville, and more. We hope you enjoy learning more about Jenna.
Welcome, Jenna! We are so happy to have you on the team.
Thank you so much! I’m very happy to be here.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure! I’m a postdoctoral psychologist with a PhD degree in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University. I love working with clients, and I could not imagine myself doing any other job.
What made you decide to become a psychologist?
As a child, I was always drawn to helping professions. However, my interest in psychology began after taking AP Psychology in high school and also experiencing individual therapy for myself. After exploring a career as a psychologist further, I discovered that my values aligned with those associated with the profession: open communication, authenticity, connection with others, compassion, and justice.
What do you love most about your work with clients?
The number one thing I love the most is feeling connected to my clients. There’s a certain level of intimacy and spirituality that happens in the work that we do that feels important and purposeful. It feels like such a profound gift to be allowed entry into my clients’ worlds, sit with them, and attend to them. Each relationship is deeply important to me, and I’m always curious to learn more about them. It’s very meaningful to share some of their most vulnerable moments with them.
What is the key to a successful client-therapist relationship?
That’s a great question, and different clinicians, depending on their theoretical orientation, will provide different answers for this one. I believe that an important part of the client-therapist relationship is authenticity from both parties. I show up to the therapy room as myself versus an inauthentic, surface-level version of myself. In my experience, this helps quickly build trust and makes my clients feel much more comfortable opening up. I also think striking the right balance between validation and offering gentle feedback is essential for growth.
Which clients do you love to work with and why?
While I enjoy working with clients of different ages, backgrounds, and presenting issues, generally speaking, I’m interested in working with anyone at a crossroads. Maybe they are looking to rethink some of their relationships, behaviors, or perspectives. Clients may be feeling stuck and just need a little guidance to find their way out.
I also enjoy working with people on issues around identity development. At Georgia Southern University, I worked with college students, which I greatly enjoyed. It’s the first time in their lives when they are able and expected to figure out who they are, what they believe, and what they want to do with their lives.
Similarly, I have a special interest in working with LGBTQIA+ clients and individuals from other marginalized communities. They are also having to carve out their own place in the world, which requires a great deal of openness and courage. We’ve worked together on navigating relationships, familiar pressures, exploring gender identity, and more.
At the same time, I’ve greatly appreciated my work with professionals with families who are overwhelmed or stuck and are trying to manage all of the responsibilities that come along with their multiple roles.
Lastly, I enjoy working with neurodivergent clients, such as those with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I like to meet people exactly as they are and to nurture their self-acceptance. We all deserve to honor our unique wiring, creativity, and resilience.
One common thread I see with most of my clients is their experience of grief and loss. This could be grieving the life they hoped they’d have, the relationships they wish they had, or some other form of loss.
What would your clients say about you, if asked?
That’s a hard one because everyone is so different. I think they might all agree that I offer a safe and supportive space for them to be seen, heard, and understood. My clients appreciate that I am also direct with feedback, which not every therapist is willing to do. They might also share that I have frank discussions about how things are showing up in the room with us. I love to communicate about the therapy relationship. This is heavily influenced by Dr. Dan Goldstein, my clinical supervisor, and I believe that my clients have greatly benefited from it.
You also do Psychoeducational Assessments. How has your assessment experience informed your therapy work?
First, let me say that I love doing assessments. It is very meaningful to be able to offer clarity to clients who are wondering whether they have ADHD, ASD, or other challenges. Plus, it has made me a better clinician in a lot of ways, the main benefit being case conceptualization. My work in assessment is allowing me to better honor the individual as a whole and more quickly identify patterns of thinking and behavior.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about starting therapy but hasn’t yet done it?
I would say that it’s perfectly natural that everyone needs support at some point in their lives. I would encourage someone who is wary of reaching out to do themselves that kindness.
What attracted you to Nashville and what do you like most about living here?
My PhD program at TSU led me here. I had already been to Nashville before, as I have family that lives here, and I always thought it would be a nice place to live. Nashville has a little bit of everything, but also spaces where things aren’t so busy if you want to relax. I have found it relatively easy to find connections with others in town who have similar interests or captivating stories since everyone seems to come from all different places. I’ve really enjoyed how easy it can be to find like-minded people, get to know them, and create a sense of community. There are places all over town that are tailored to different communities. Additionally, cooking and food are interests of mine, and it’s been so nice to try so many of the different restaurants in town and come together with good friends over a good meal.
Thank you, Jenna! We appreciate your time.
It’s my pleasure.
Jenna is currently accepting new clients. If you are interested in possibly booking an appointment with Dr. Lehmann, schedule a consultation with our client care team, give us a call, or send us an email. We are happy to help.