Email: info@therapywithjeni.com
Phone: 513-580-8816
Hi! I’m Jeni Saaraswath, a Cincinnati-based somatic therapist and complex trauma specialist. I deeply believe in the healing power of connection. When we are wounded in relationships, we must heal in relationships—and the therapeutic bond provides the safety and connection needed to begin that journey. As someone who has sat on both sides of the therapy chair, I understand how vital it is to feel safe when sharing your inner world. My mission is to create a space where you can explore, grow, and heal with trust and accountability.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio (License C.2103284) and offer both in-person and virtual mental health services in Ohio. I am supervised by Dalenea Giusti, MA, LPCC-S, DARTT (License E.1700366-SUPV). I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern Kentucky University in 2020, and my love of lifelong learning has driven me to pursue extensive post-graduate training. My specialized expertise includes perinatal mental health, post-abortion support, somatic therapy, couples therapy, and treatment of developmental and relational trauma AKA complex trauma.
My personal experience of pregnancy and postpartum was both complex and traumatic, revealing a significant gap in mental health care for perinatal clients. I began my practice focusing on this population, completing Postpartum Support International’s training to support the full spectrum of perinatal mental health challenges, including fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, traumatic birth, and postpartum mental health. I also trained in the Exhale ProVoice Philosophy, a client-centered approach to processing the emotional complexities of abortion while remaining free of political and moral judgment.
As my work evolved, I recognized that parenting often stirs unresolved childhood wounds. To better support clients grappling with these challenges, I completed certification through the Healing Our Core Issues Institute, specializing in developmental and relational trauma. This training incorporates mindfulness, polyvagal theory, somatic practices, and attachment science. Additionally, I am currently enrolled in Somatic Experiencing International’s three-year training program and have also completed Gottman Level 1 training for relationship therapy.
Now what you really want to know about me! I’m a Libra, a toddler mom, and married to an Indian immigrant. Yes I had a vibrant Indian wedding in India! My lived experience of childhood trauma, perinatal anxiety, and traumatic birth informs my compassionate approach to therapy. Outside of my work, I enjoy knitting, gardening, hiking, and soaking up nature—an inspiration you’ll notice in both my office décor and this website design.
You struggle with intense emotions that seem to explode out of nowhere—moments of anger, sadness, or shame that feel overwhelming and leave you wondering, What just happened? It can feel like someone else has taken over your body, or like you’re a child again having a meltdown. Afterward, you’re left feeling confused, helpless, and ashamed, questioning why you can’t seem to control your reactions.
You may worry that you’re the only one struggling with emotional regulation, thinking, I should have this figured out by now. Perhaps you’ve even convinced yourself that you’re broken or defective. The shame after an outburst can be crippling, and you may fear that your friends, loved ones, or even your children will one day leave you because you’re “too much” or “too needy.”
While you focus on others’ reactions to you, your own needs often get pushed aside. Maybe you’ve been told you’re selfish for prioritizing yourself, or perhaps you struggle to identify what you need in the first place. You might find yourself thinking, If I want things done right, I have to do them myself, or I can’t count on anyone else to help me. Over time, this self-reliance can leave you feeling isolated, numb, or disconnected—from yourself, from others, and from the world around you.
If you’ve been depressed or anxious for “as long as you can remember,” these feelings might seem like just another part of who you are. But they don’t have to be.
If this sounds familiar, it may be a sign of unresolved childhood trauma. Trauma doesn’t always come from overtly harmful or abusive experiences—it can also come from what didn’t happen. Even loving, well-intentioned parents can unintentionally neglect emotional needs, often because they were never taught how to meet them or because their child’s emotions triggered their own unresolved pain.
It can be confusing to acknowledge feelings of neglect when your parents provided for your physical needs—food, shelter, education—but left your emotional needs unmet. This emotional neglect might leave you feeling as though you’re “too much” or that your emotions are a burden. It can also make it hard to connect with your body, your emotions, and the people around you.
The way I define trauma is simple: it’s anything less than nurturing. This definition includes a broad spectrum of experiences, from the events that did happen, to the support and connection that didn’t.
If you see yourself in this description, know that you’re not broken or defective—and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Healing is possible, and it begins with creating a space where your emotions and needs are seen, heard, and valued.
I specialize in helping clients heal from traumatic experiences through an integrative therapeutic approach that combines Somatic Experiencing®, attachment-based therapy, and psychodynamic principles. This method focuses on the mind-body connection, mindfulness, and understanding the impact of early relationships on current behaviors and emotions.
In our work together, we will:
I believe that through mindful attunement to our bodies and addressing our emotional needs, we all have the capacity to alleviate suffering, heal, and thrive.
Early disruptions in caregiver relationships can lead to attachment disorders, affecting mood, behavior, and social connections. Therapy focuses on healing these wounds by fostering secure attachments and healthy relational patterns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Therapeutic approaches focus on processing trauma, reducing symptoms, and restoring a sense of safety and control.
Anxiety involves feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness. Therapeutic interventions aim to identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and reduce symptoms to improve daily functioning.
Navigating the significant changes of parenthood can be challenging. The therapy room is a place to explore feelings, learn coping skills, and develop strategies to manage stress that comes with this life transition. This approach also addresses adjustment issues, helping individuals adapt to their new life.
Incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance mental health by promoting present-moment awareness and reducing stress. These techniques support emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore topics such as gender discrimination, body image, reproductive health, and other concerns unique to women's experiences. Addressing these issues can lead to empowerment and improved mental health.
Early disruptions in caregiver relationships can lead to attachment disorders, affecting mood, behavior, and social connections. Therapy focuses on healing these wounds by fostering secure attachments and healthy relational patterns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Therapeutic approaches focus on processing trauma, reducing symptoms, and restoring a sense of safety and control.
Anxiety involves feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness. Therapeutic interventions aim to identify triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and reduce symptoms to improve daily functioning.
Navigating the significant changes of parenthood can be challenging. The therapy room is a place to explore feelings, learn coping skills, and develop strategies to manage stress that comes with this life transition. This approach also addresses adjustment issues, helping individuals adapt to their new life.
Incorporating meditation and mindfulness practices can enhance mental health by promoting present-moment awareness and reducing stress. These techniques support emotional regulation and overall well-being.
Therapy provides a safe space to explore topics such as gender discrimination, body image, reproductive health, and other concerns unique to women's experiences. Addressing these issues can lead to empowerment and improved mental health.
Meditation and mindfulness practices may have a variety of health benefits and may help people improve the quality of their lives.
In psychology, stress is a feeling of emotional strain and pressure. Stress is a type of psychological pain. Small amounts of stress may be beneficial, as it can improve athletic performance, motivation, and reaction to the environment.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Secondly, by honing in on women's issues, therapy can provide a safe and understanding space for individuals to explore topics that they may not feel comfortable discussing in other settings. This can include issues related to gender discrimination, body image, reproductive health, and more.
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues..
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
An evidence-based approach that enhances relationship dynamics through improved communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
An evidence-based approach that enhances relationship dynamics through improved communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
An evidence-based approach that enhances relationship dynamics through improved communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
An evidence-based approach that enhances relationship dynamics through improved communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
This body-focused therapy addresses trauma by helping you become aware of bodily sensations and releasing stored tension, facilitating nervous system regulation and emotional healing
Developed by Jan Bergstrom, LMHC, and Dr. Rick Butts, PhD, the HOCI model builds upon Pia Mellody's Post Induction Therapy (PIT). It integrates attachment theory, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and polyvagal theory to address developmental and relational trauma. The model emphasizes that every child has inherent birthrights, and any unmet needs constitute trauma, as anything less than nurturing is considered traumatic.
This approach explores different parts of the self, helping to resolve internal conflicts and promote integration.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues.
Focusing on unconscious processes and early life experiences, this therapy aims to uncover and resolve deep-seated emotional issues..
In therapy, you will gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, behaviors through somatic experiencing, and move closer to your true, authentic self.
What to expect:
In-person and virtual therapy sessions are 55 minutes, and they are used as your safe place to explore any topic you may like.
Sessions can occur on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, or another interval depending on your individual needs, goals, and progress during treatment.
Groups are spaces where people tackle mental health challenges together. Think of it like a support squad that helps you work through tough stuff. The goal? Breaking down isolation, building connections, and learning from each other's experiences.
You'll sit with folks dealing with similar issues - maybe anxiety, depression, or life transitions. I support and guide the conversation, but the real magic happens when group members share, listen, and support each other. It's about getting real, gaining perspective, and finding strategies to level up your mental game.
Your mental health and that of your partner influences not only your relationship dynamic, but every facet of your lives, from how you parent to how you bond and connect with yourselves and children. Whether you’re grappling with childhood trauma, attachment issues, communication issues, trust issues, infidelity, or more, our sessions provide a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for partners to heal and grow. We will work together to break free from destructive cycles, strengthen your relationship, and model healthy love for your children.
What to expect:
In-person and virtual couples counseling sessions are 55-minutes. In couples counseling, individual sessions with each partner are recommended to help gather individual background history. This is helpful to understand how each partner learned to be in relationship as we map your presenting relationship dynamics and work toward your relationship goals.
Video appointments are available and work just the same as in office sessions. Virtual therapy sessions are a great option if you want to eliminate travel time or if you fall sick. Clients are welcome to select a hybrid of virtual and in person, or only schedule virtual sessions. For your virtual appointments, please be in a quiet, distraction-free environment and make yourself comfortable!
Virtual sessions only available for clients located in Ohio.
Email:
Phone: 513-580-8816
Address: 4176 Hamilton Ave Suite 202,
Cincinnati, OH 45223
Open Times: T-F, 10am-5pm
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