
About Jennifer Vulgan, LMHCA
Independent Therapist at Integrity Counseling Center
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Do you feel overwhelmed and alone as you try to “make it work”?
I would like to help you with that.
Sometimes it feels like so much is piled onto you. It can be hard to know where to start in order to get out from under all of it. Stress, anxiety and turbulent emotions make life feel out of control. YOU feel out of control.
And so, you look for “a therapist near me.”
This is where I enter. I believe strongly in the value of relationship and knowing we have someone else in our corner. I’ll be in your corner, helping you work through that stress, anxiety and emotion.
When nothing makes sense and it all seems to be too much, I’ll help you find calm in the chaos.
Who I work with
INDIVIDUALS and COUPLES who are looking for change. Whether it’s slow and gradual or taken two steps at a time, I’ll work with you to find the right pace to achieve your goals. And if you’re not exactly sure what change is needed, that’s okay— we’ll work together to figure it out.
People who describe themselves as independent and self-sufficient. Maybe you’re used to taking care of others, and are great at it. And maybe you’re not always as good at giving yourself the same care. Or you have noticed it’s difficult to let others care for you. Finding the right balance is tough. Relationships are tough. I strongly believe in the value of finding your unique wholistic balance— how the whole of you comes together to form your truest self— and helping you navigate how to live this out in your relationships.
People who enjoy a straightforward approach. Many of my clients fall into neurodivergent categories or find they do things a little different from the norm. They think outside the box. As predominantly an analytical thinker myself, I understand both the challenge and benefit of pushing into and exploring unfamiliar territory like emotions.
People who have gone through difficult, painful relationships and experiences. Trauma shows itself in a variety of ways — sometimes in big events and other times in a series of smaller ones. Either way, it impacts us and can feel like a restraint to who we want to be. I’ll walk with you as you find healing and untangle the effects of trauma on you and your relationships.
Common issues addressed in counseling sessions with me:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Relationship issues
- Divorce recovery
- Sexual issues
- Spiritual issues
- Marital dissatisfaction
Let me tell me a bit more about my COUPLES THERAPY work
For couples counseling, I use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) that focuses on strengthening your relationship bonds and building connection. We’ll look at how you and your partner are hearing and understanding each other. We will strengthen areas where to two of you feel disconnected in your relationships. We will also work on deepening a sense of security for both of you.
I also draw much from Gottman Couples Therapy to help you and your partner to break down barriers that stand in the way of your communication and connection.
Both of these methods are tested through 30 years of research and show what helps you as a couple achieve long term healthy relationship.
Why choose me as your therapist in Vancouver, WA
On the practical side, I use evidence-based counseling practices (ie, stuff that’s been proven to work) and bring a unique background of experience, which gives me a broad perspective and variety of tools to tailor to you uniquely.
I absolutely love to learn and am always finding something new to add to my therapy repertoire. My most recent trainings include Christian sex therapy, polyvagal and somatic techniques, and Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) couples therapy approaches.
I value the unique perspective you bring. Over the years, I’ve met many people from diverse backgrounds and belief systems. I’ve learned the beautiful complexity that each person brings with them. This often includes spirituality. I have experience and am comfortable working with people of all religious beliefs and spiritual practices. As a graduate of Multnomah University and Asbury Theological Seminary, my education further supports those who are looking to integrate their Christian faith into their counseling sessions.
What to expect in counseling sessions with me
In a nutshell: warm and welcoming, coffee and tea, laughter and insight.
In my approach, I strongly believe in the power of relationships to foster healing. When we have healthy relationships in our lives and feel connected to others, we thrive. One way I bring this to the therapy room is through my openness, authenticity and humor. It is also seen in the work we’ll do together. As we focus on your concerns and goals, you’ll naturally be building your connection with others as well.
I believe in a collaborative approach, where you and I work together in your counseling sessions. I’ll bring my expertise to help give guidance and insight. Sometimes I may suggest a focus or share some helpful knowledge. Other times I may recommend postponing a topic. You’ll bring your expertise on you and your knowledge of what works for you and what doesn’t. Together we’ll find the best path for you to reach your goals.
I also have a wholistic view of health and healing, which means I’ll often incorporate body awareness techniques that support the nervous system and strengthen your sense of calm.
A bit about me outside of counseling
My two favorite things are learning and laughing. You’ll usually find me forcing one or the other of these on friends and family.
I love exploring spiritual and philosophical topics or reading old British detective novels.
I’ve worked in many different fields and pursued a variety of training, including life coaching and certification as a mediator— I love the clarity that comes after untangling conflict and confusion.
Self-care is a must have. My current favorites are cooking, weight lifting and traveling. Having lived in the Pacific NW since I was a kid, summers will always find me berry picking or soaking up our beautiful outdoors.
Are you ready to start counseling?
I encourage you to schedule your counseling appointment online.
Not ready to schedule your first appointment yet?
Give us a call and we will be happy to answer your questions (360) 356-8756
Rates information is here.
I look forward to meeting you!
Jennifer Vulgan, LMHCA
All of our counselors are licensed in Washington State. Our counseling office is physically located in Vancouver, Washington. Our online therapy services are available to all residents in Washington State.