Meet Jennifer Jones, CMHCi, at Gold Counseling in Draper, UT

Jennifer holds a master’s degree in education and is nearing the completion of a second master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. With fifteen years of experience teaching high school, she has dedicated much of her professional life to supporting and guiding young people. As she began to consider a transition out of the classroom, she felt a strong desire to continue making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. The turning point came after the loss of her sister—a deeply personal experience that led her to seek counseling. Through that healing process, she discovered a new calling and felt inspired to become a counselor herself, with the goal of helping others navigate their own challenges.

She has spent the past fifteen years working as a high school teacher, where she developed a deep understanding of the academic, emotional, and social challenges that teens often face. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to roles that allow her to build meaningful relationships and provide support beyond the classroom. Now, as she transitions into the field of clinical mental health counseling, she brings that same passion for connection and growth. She especially enjoys working with teens and adults, helping them navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, and personal loss. Her background in education gives her a unique perspective when supporting young people, while her own life experiences have deepened her empathy and insight when working with adults.

Jennifer specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a strong emphasis on mindfulness-based approaches. Her training in these evidence-based modalities has equipped her to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, regulate emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies. She incorporates mindfulness techniques to help individuals stay present, manage stress, and build emotional resilience. With this foundation, she supports clients in addressing a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Her compassionate, skills-based approach is especially effective for teens and adults seeking practical tools for change and personal growth.

For my own positive mental health, I’ve found a few key practices that really make a difference. I’ve sought counseling myself, and it’s been an incredibly helpful way to process grief and life’s challenges. I’m also very religious, and my faith gives me strength, purpose, and a sense of peace during difficult times. Being outside in nature is another powerful tool for me—there’s something so grounding and healing about fresh air, sunshine, and the beauty of the natural world. I also make time for regular exercise, which helps me clear my mind, manage stress, and boost my overall mood. Together, these practices keep me balanced and grounded.

I love reading and baking—there’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book while something sweet is baking in the oven. I also really enjoy running; it’s my favorite way to clear my head and stay active. I’ve run several half marathons and even completed a full marathon, which was such a rewarding experience. At home, I have two furry companions—a Siberian Husky and a Golden Retriever—who are sweet, energetic, and always generous with their fur! Family is a huge part of my life. I married a wonderful man who had two children of his own, and together we added three more, creating a blended family full of love and laughter. Between us, we have twelve grandchildren, with number thirteen on the way. Life is full, busy, and beautiful!