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

Jennifer’s path to counseling grew out of more than 15 years of working closely with adolescents and families as a secondary English teacher. Throughout her career in education, she found that some of the most meaningful moments happened outside of traditional academics – when students trusted her enough to talk about anxiety, depression, relationships, family difficulties, identity, and the challenges they were facing in their lives.

Those experiences led Jennifer to pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and transition from education into the mental health field. Her years in the classroom gave her a unique understanding of the pressures facing adolescents and young adults, as well as the impact those challenges can have on parents, relationships, and families. Today, she brings both her clinical training and extensive experience working with people to the counseling relationship. 

Jennifer has more than 15 years of professional experience working with adolescents and families in Utah schools and additional clinical experience providing mental health counseling to adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

She completed her clinical internship at Gold Counseling in Draper, Utah, where she subsequently practiced as an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Her clinical experience includes assessment and intake, diagnosis, treatment planning, individual therapy, couples and family work, and ongoing clinical documentation.

Jennifer particularly enjoys helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, communication problems, family conflict, life transitions and periods when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. Her extensive background working with teenagers gives her a practical understanding of adolescent development, school pressures, family dynamics, technology and social media, peer relationships, and the challenges parents face while supporting their teens.

Jennifer’s clinical interests include anxiety, depression, life transitions, women’s issues, relationship concerns, blended-family dynamics, and adolescent mental health. She has received training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Gottman-informed approaches for couples and relationships.

In addition to her professional training, Jennifer brings meaningful life experience to her work with clients navigating major transitions, changing roles, women’s issues, relationships, and blended families. These experiences have given her an appreciation for how complicated change can be – even when the change is chosen or ultimately positive. She understands that relationships, family roles, identity, and expectations can shift significantly across different stages of life.

Jennifer particularly values working with clients who find themselves asking, “What does the next part of my life look like?” Her approach helps clients make sense of where they have been while developing the insight, skills, and confidence to move toward what they want next.

I believe that taking care of my own mental health helps me be more present for the people in my life and for the clients I work with. Exercise is an important part of maintaining my physical and emotional well-being, and I also make time for hobbies and activities that help me slow down and recharge. I especially enjoy baking, traveling, and spending time with my family.

I try to maintain balance by being intentional about making room for the things and people that bring me joy and connection. I also believe in giving myself the same compassion and flexibility that I encourage my clients to practice. For me, mental wellness isn’t about having everything figured out; its about recognizing what I need, finding healthy ways to manage stress, and making time for the things that help me feel grounded and connected.

Outside of counseling, I love spending time with my family, and one of my favorite roles in life is being a grandmother. Family is incredibly important to me, and my faith and religion are also meaningful parts of my life.

I love animals and have a very full house! I have a Golden Retriever and a Siberian Husky who definitely keep me busy, along with two rescue cats who have become part of the family.

When I have some quiet time, you’ll usually find me reading, baking, sewing, or attempting to improve my newest hobby – crocheting. I’m an avid reader and especially love old British lassics, but I’m equally happy getting lost in a good murder mystery. I enjoy hobbies that allow me to slow down, create something, and occasionally laugh at myself while learning something new.

“I believe that therapy works best when clients feel safe, respected, and genuinely heard. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly without feeling judged while also helping you identify patterns that may be keeping you from living the life or having the relationships you want.

My approach is collaborative and practical. I don’t believe therapy should feel like someone sitting across from you telling you how to live your life. Instead, we’ll work together to understand what you’re experiencing, identify what you would like to change, and develop realistic strategies for moving forward.

I use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapty (CBT), Dialectial Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), while adapting treatment to the individual rather than expecting every client to respond to the same approach. I value authenticity, compassion, humor when appropriate, and honest conversations. I also believe people are capable of meaningful change at any stage of life. Therapy isn’t about becoming a completely different person. Often, it’s about understanding yourself more clearly, developing healthier ways of responding to difficult experiences, and building a life and relationships that feel more consistent with who you want to be.”