Jody Petzoldt is the Assistant Clinical Director at Great Oak Counseling and a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling in 2011 from Southeast Missouri State University. She specializes in trauma, relationship, and recovery counseling. With a background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Jody facilitates the counseling process with a holistic approach based on connection, emotions, and sense of belonging. This approach combined with advanced level trainings and certification in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) allow for healing and recovery for individuals and families presenting with various issues that often relate to complex trauma responses. Jody also has completed additional trainings and experience to become a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) to better serve our community of front line workers such as police officers, fire fighters, EMS, health care professionals, military, and more. She serves as the mental health professional advisor for the local first responders peer support team. Much of Jody’s experience has been working with trauma and addictions (or undesired behaviors). She is also experienced with issues related to gender, LGBTQ populations, faith and spirituality, sexuality and sexual health, grief and loss, transitions, relationships, marriage, parenting, and normal life transitions. When not assisting others in their own healing and growth, Jody spends time with her husband, three kids, and golden doodle “Arlo”. She is involved with the local community and is active in her church family. She values the importance of self care and demonstrates this in her every day life. “When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing” -Pabbie from Frozen 2