About

Jennifer Gardner is a therapist specializing in trauma, attachment and development of self.  Areas of strength and interest are in working with individuals who have disruptions in the development of the self and who may struggle with family of origin issues, attachment trauma, PTSD, phase of life problems, relationships struggles, and personality disorders. 

After graduating with Clinical Social Work Degree from the University of Houston, Jennifer completed a Clinical Fellowship program at The Menninger Clinic where she also accepted a clinical position providing individual, family and group therapy. During this time she gained specialized training in Mentalization Based Therapy as well as completing her certification to become a Daring Way facilitator. She then went on to complete a 4-year post graduate specialization at the Center for Psychoanalytic Studies.  

A little over 20 years ago Jennifer began working with children and families in crisis as a therapeutic teacher in a psychoanalytically-oriented school, operating within a multi-disciplinary team. This evolved into a training and consultant role for many institutions and families in the Houston area. Jennifer has a deep understanding of children’s social-emotional development  as well as family systems, and helps parents gain the insight needed to address behaviors in an attuned way. She often works in collaboration with other providers who may be seeing children.

Jennifer operates from a psychodynamic and family systems model with a strong humanistic approach to understanding the person seeking treatment. Her approach aims to create connection through understanding, and safety within the parameters of a secure therapeutic relationship, helping to stabilize crisis and facilitate emotional growth.