ABOUT ME

Jennifer Speed Byrnes, LPC, PMH-C
EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist

There's a common belief that memories of labor, delivery, and the postpartum period fade over time. While this may be true for some parents, I vividly recall the challenges I faced during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period after bringing my older son home. Despite my background in forensic psychology, my personal experiences with birth trauma, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Anxiety motivated me to shift my focus to perinatal mental health and trauma therapy. My goal is to support mothers and parents in navigating and healing from perinatal complications.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a board-approved LPC Supervisor in Virginia.

I have been practicing since 2007 and was previously professionally licensed in Colorado and Maryland. My academic background includes a degree in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Mount St. Mary’s University.

Before establishing Solution-Focused Therapy Services, I provided therapy in various settings, including non-profit mental health centers and correctional facilities. I have experience working with children, adolescents, families, and adults dealing with a wide range of mental health and behavioral issues.

BOOK WITH JENNIFER

My therapeutic approach is strength-based, focusing on empowering individuals and families to leverage their existing strengths for positive change. I am certified in EMDR through EMDRIA and am informed in Internal Family Systems.

Specializing in maternal and women's mental health, I assist individuals and couples with improving family dynamics by addressing parenting skills, trauma, LGBTQ+ concerns, and challenges faced by military families. With personal and professional familiarity with the military and federal systems, I work with individuals holding various security clearances.

Certified in Perinatal Mental Health, EMDR, Trauma-Informed Yoga, Aromatherapy, and Internal Family Systems, I am dedicated to providing holistic support. I am also a Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator.

Currently, I am one of only three providers in Northern Virginia and five in Virginia with dual certifications in Perinatal Mental Health and EMDR.

On a personal note, I enjoy traveling, cooking, reading, and Zumba. I cherish spending time with my husband, two sons, and dog, Evie. If you'd like to learn more about my approach, you can listen to my guest appearances on The Birth Journeys Podcast where I discuss a variety of perinatal issues, as well as my personal journey to becoming a perinatal mental health specialist.

Listen to the podcast

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes you different as a therapist?

Well, first and foremost, I’ve been there. My challenges with labor and delivery along with parenting a “neuro spicy” child gives me a lot of insight and empathy for the many difficulties moms walk into my office with. I also use a variety of techniques together, like EMDR, Internal Family Systems/Parts Work, and Sand Tray to help clients break through barriers to progress they may have experienced previously in general talk therapy.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out of network provider with most insurance companies. This allows me to provide a higher and deeper level of care regardless of what clients come in with because I am not necessarily bound by the restrictions placed on therapists by insurance companies. There’s a lot more flexibility in what we can do in session to help you make the progress you want. However, I always provide clients with the necessary paperwork to submit for possible insurance reimbursement, and I’m happy to try and navigate your insurance benefits with you to determine your financial investment.

Why did you choose to work with moms?

I didn’t even know perinatal mental health was a thing until after I had my first child. My delivery was traumatic, and I had no idea I was struggling with PTSD, Postpartum Depression, and Postpartum Anxiety during those first several months. And I was a THERAPIST. So, once I made my way out of that black hole and did my own trauma healing (with therapy, EMDR, and medication) I decided I wanted to do whatever I could to help moms avoid and heal from perinatal mental health challenges and birth trauma.