Doherty Mental Health Services

05/28/2026

This month marks three years of sobriety for me.

Over the past few years, I’ve gained a tremendous amount of clarity, self-awareness, and perspective, both personally and professionally.

That experience has deepened the way I approach therapy and my understanding of coping, emotional regulation, behavior change, and the complexity of healing.

At the same time, I firmly believe each person’s relationship with substances, mental health, and recovery is deeply personal. My role as a therapist is never to project my own choices onto clients, but to support them in identifying what aligns with their own values, goals, and wellbeing.

I’m simply grateful for the growth, insight, and intentionality these past three years have brought into my life.

05/09/2026

One of the hardest parts of being a therapist is that caring deeply about people does not mean abandoning boundaries.

Recently, I had someone tell me I was “sneaky” for enforcing my no-show/late cancellation policy, that I treated them like “just a file,” and that I clearly didn’t care about their growth because I upheld a boundary.

And honestly? It stung. A lot.

Therapists are human too. We are not robots sitting behind screens collecting payments and shutting off emotionally at the end of the day.

I think about my clients constantly. I’ll hear a song, see a quote, notice something in a store, or experience a moment in my own life that reminds me of someone I work with, and I have to stop myself from reaching for my phone to text them that I’m thinking of them.

I carry their pain with me. Sometimes after difficult sessions I need a few minutes to breathe, walk around the house, or decompress before I can fully transition back into being present with my own family. There are days I have to intentionally set work down before I close my laptop so I can show up for my husband and daughter the way they deserve.

So when someone lashes out after a boundary is enforced, it can hurt more than people realize. It can make you question yourself. Your abilities. Whether you actually helped at all. Whether you failed someone.

But boundaries are still necessary.

A late cancellation/no-show fee is not a punishment. That appointment time was reserved specifically for one person. When it goes unused last-minute, that is time another client (someone who may have desperately needed support) could not access. It also impacts my time, my income, and the sustainability of my practice.

Doctors charge cancellation fees. Hair stylists do. Personal trainers do. Attorneys do. Therapists are no different.

Holding boundaries does not mean I do not care.

In fact, sometimes boundaries are part of caring.

05/08/2026

❤️

04/28/2026

Ice Breaker Fun Fact: I can say the ABCs backward!.
I felt like there were so many things I wanted to add; and I left out a lot. I guess you’ll have to chat with me to find out what they are😉 For me, being able to appropriately self-disclose allows my clients and colleagues to see that there is more to me than just “Jenna the therapist”. I’m a human too. It allows me to be the most imperfect perfect❤️‍🩹..
I cannot take credit for the originality of this post; I must share where credit is due!! My references are here: .with_kayla .therapy

04/02/2026

03/03/2026

Some updates since I always like to keep everyone on their toes!! ..
www.dohertymhs.co
[email protected]
Updated instagram handle
Updated licensing/credentials..
Take care and talk soon folks🫶🏼

12/28/2025

The holidays may be over, but the impact can linger.
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If this image reflects how this season felt for you (whether in survival mode, grieving, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted) your experience is valid.
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Support is still here. Therapy can help you process what came up and move forward with care.
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You’re welcome to reach out anytime🤍

08/10/2025

Hi, I'm Jenna! I believe everyone has the capacity for growth, healing, and change. Life can feel overwhelming or uncertain—especially when we’re facing difficult decisions or feeling stuck. My goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative space where you feel heard, empowered, and equipped to move forward. Together, we’ll focus on what matters most to you, using your strengths to guide the way.
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I work with adolescents and adults (ages 13+) navigating a variety of life challenges, and I have experience supporting individuals with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities. My approach is person-centered and compassion-focused, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy to meet your unique needs.
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Clients often describe me as approachable, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. I strive to create a relaxed, welcoming space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I know reaching out for help can feel like the hardest step—but you're not alone. I'm here to walk with you, and together we can take that next step forward. 🌱🫶🏼

05/08/2025

Today is the second anniversary of me starting my private practice (aka Doherty Mental Health Services)(and for Maya being my officially titled Therapy Dog)🎉..
I was absolutely terrified to go off on my own. I had always wanted my own practice, but had no clue of what I was doing. There were many times where the thought of things coming together didn’t seem feasible. I got negative feedback constantly that diving head first in with little to no plan as a newly licensed clinician was a mistake. ..
At the very start of my business, I decided on not only taking that dive, but also making my own lifestyle changes. Also, earlier that year, I left my job with absolutely no direction, and then 11 days later losing one of the largest supporters in my life. On top of that, I ended up also going through a really tough pregnancy. I had to navigate life as not only a new business owner, but as a new version of myself and as a mom. I have learned, and continue to learn so much more every single day about navigating all of these new aspects of my life. ..
My “Mrs. Doherty” sign, was the first item I acquired when starting up my practice. It was given to me by someone really special to me within my second family. It is one of my most cherished items in my office, and I have it in eye’s view every time I sit down and start my day. In good times and hard times, I have that to look to as my reminder that I have people in my corner that things will be okay. ..
I cannot thank my family and friends enough for supporting me through this part of my life. I am also so grateful for my AMAZING clients and other clinicians that find me capable and worthy of providing the best care to this community. But most of all, I cannot thank my husband enough. He always gives me the encouragement I need, and has rooted me on from the very beginning. Words won’t ever be enough for my gratitude for him. ..
All in all, here’s to 2 years of my private practice, and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the years ahead❤️

10/12/2024

Hello everyone👋🏻 It is your local mental health therapist here. We are starting to reach that time of year where the weather starts to become colder, it gets darker earlier, and the holidays start coming. While this brings joy to many, it also brings an increase in depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief, and more mental health symptoms in others. If you or someone you know, needs mental health support this season please reach out. I am here and will always have availability for your outreach. Anyone 13+ are welcome. I take many insurances, and continue to try to accept more. Feel free to email, call or text me; my contact information is attached. 🫶🏻

Jenna M Doherty, LMHC
Doherty Mental Health Services
585.643.8080
[email protected]

www.dohertymhs.com