Thank you for your interest in Psychological Services offered by Jenny S. Wood, Ph.D.
Dr. Wood is a three-time graduate of Oklahoma State University. She is a practicing Licensed Psychologist with a specialty in counseling psychology, and certified Health Services Psychologist in Oklahoma, which she proudly claims as “home” and alma mater after immigrating to the U.S. from her native England in 1987.
In working with a broad diversity of people and issues, Dr. Wood draws from a variety of approaches and techniques when tailoring therapy and assessment services to meet individual client’s needs. A primary theory that guides Dr. Wood’s practice is Relational Cultural Theory (Miller, 1991; Jordan, 1997), a growth-fostering systems approach, which combines cognitive, behavior, humanistic and Gestalt systems of thought. A basic assumption of RCT is “Growth occurs through connection with others”, people develop, and define who they are throughout life by participating in relationships with other people, systems and cultures. The qualities of those relationships determine expectations of others as well as how much of themselves it is safe to share. Most emotional pain and suffering is a result of isolation, feeling shut off, disconnected, silenced from others, or from yourself. People may turn to drugs, alcohol, food and other self harming and addictive behaviors in attempts to cope, which can then lead to further isolation, pain and paralyzing shame.
A goal of therapy is to “move people back into a connection and out of isolation” using the therapy relationship as a groundwork from which to learn, grow and heal. Clients have the opportunity to participate in a therapeutic relationship where they feel heard, understood and accepted, and learn healthier ways to cope. Therapy is focused on providing support and feedback to foster personal growth and development AND, challenge current problems and long-standing patterns. Clients are assisted in making positive life changes.
Counseling Psychology is a branch of the mental health profession focused on helping people improve functioning in many areas including: emotional, social, vocational, educational, developmental and overall physical well-being. Counseling Psychology is unique in that it focuses on both normal developmental issues, fostering growth and optimal wellbeing AND on problems associated with emotional, mental, and physical disorders, symptoms and coping.
Counseling Psychology is a field dedicated to understanding people in context, so attention is given to social, cultural, relational and other contextual factors. Many different theories and approaches fall under the heading of Counseling Psychology. These unique approaches guide practice and research in a variety of areas and issues related to specific goals and focus; however all share basic philosophical principles that include: focus on personal and relational development and functioning across the lifespan; focus on strengths; focus on individual, family, group, systems and organizational perspectives; focus on cultural and diversity factors; adherence to sound ethical principles based on promoting good, avoiding harm and treating people with respect, fairness and loyalty, with focus on social justice and advocacy.
Professional affiliations; American Psychological Association (APA), American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
