Therapist focuses on relationships

A therapist new to the Cape Region focuses on relationships and what happens when feelings go unresolved.

Jennifer Brandt, a practicing psychotherapist for 12 years, said clients may have destructive behaviors that sometimes stem from old, unprocessed feelings. These feelings hibernate until, for some reason, the person lashes out. That often brings on more suffering, and the cycle begins again, Brandt said, with the problem unresolved.

Brandt often sees couples, adults and adolescents from the Cape Region.

"I respect my clients' bravery to seek out help and to lead an examined life," Brandt said. "Many people attempt to repress, avoid or deny their deeper feelings and are then left feeling overwhelmed."

Brandt said she aims to individualize her therapy techniques depending on the individual or couple. She focuses on intimacy, loss, and shame, which are often central themes, as well as couples counseling, addiction, divorce, co-parenting, physical illness, sexual identity and sexual dysfunction issues are some of my specialties.

"I want to understand the universal ties that make for the collective human experience," Brandt said. "Ironically, one of the most universal human experiences is that of feeling alone."

Therapy is a prescription for aloneness, Brandt said.

"It gives the support that many people never received, and in that allows for powerful healing and change," she said.

Brandt received a masters degree in 2000 from the New York University School of Social Work. Since then she has practiced clinical social work and therapy in Maryland and recently in Delaware.

"My focus has been on working with people to resolve their interpersonal struggles. This begins by exploring each facet of one's life - from childhood through present," she said. "It is through understanding old patterns and repetitions that one gains self awareness, and can begin to make changes."

Brandt is accepting new clients at her Ocean View office at 518 Atlantic Ave., upstairs from Sotheby's real estate.

"I aim to be compassionate and very sensitive to my clients' needs. I love what I do," Brandt said. "It is an honor to connect with people and to be a part of their life journey."

For more information or to make an appointment, call 410-422-7299.