Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Powell is a mental health counselor and drug and alcohol therapist at Centerstone, a nonprofit organization in Kentucky. She has nearly nine years of experience and holds master's degrees in clinical mental health and addiction counseling. She works with clients of all ages and is moving into school-based therapy to serve children and young adults.
Before becoming a therapist, Powell spent 18 years as a child advocate with Bikers Against Child Abuse. As a court liaison, she supported abused children through legal proceedings. Her dedication to clients has earned her monthly awards for listening and a plaque for validating clients without judgment.
Powell credits her growth to the mentors she worked with during internships at an adult daycare and a therapy office. She believes in meeting clients where they are and offering support without judgment. Her work centers on the intersection of mental health and substance use, where many clients self-medicate. Her personal values of steadfast family support shape how she serves others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors I had during my internships at an adult daycare and a therapy office. They helped me grow by letting me participate and be myself. I still learn from the people around me every day, and I believe mentorship does more for a professional than a degree alone.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I was taught that if I can't work with a client, it's okay to step aside, let them have that opening, and connect them with someone else. I shouldn't take it personally, because not everybody is for me and I'm not for everybody. I was also taught to meet clients where they are, not where I think they need to be. This work isn't easy, and it won't pat you on the back.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go in open-minded. You can only help those who want help and let you help them, so don't take it to heart when someone doesn't reach out. Offer support like a lifeboat, knowing you can't make anyone take it. If direct therapy isn't the right fit, there are other paths, such as social work in a hospital. Laugh about your mistakes, because you're human too.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Drug and alcohol issues are among the biggest challenges, since many people self-medicate and it's difficult to separate mental health from substance abuse. In the past two years, I've seen more self-harm and suicide than ever before. When clients face multiple issues and relapse, it can feel like a failure even when I've done everything right.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my personal life, I want my children to know I will always be there for them, no matter what. I bring the same commitment to my work: if someone needs me, I will listen and try to give them the help they need. It can be hard, and sometimes sad, because there is no magical place that works for everyone.
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