Learn More: Services, Credentials & Mission

About

Laura Jennings, B.M.
Certified Mental Health Coach

Laura Jennings, Certified Mental Health Coach, Biblical Mental Wellness

Education & Certifying Bodies: American Association of Christian Counselors, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Light University, International Board of Christian Care

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Psychology Today

My Background

Certified Mental Health Coach: Certified through Light University, a partner with the IBCC, a segment of the American Association of Christian Counselors
Continued research in current mental wellness practices: Through seminars, trainings, classes, and books
Experienced Educator: Years of teaching, studying mindfulness and mental wellness techniques to employ in the classroom, professional development in education and music, and training in leadership specially equip me to both coach and teach. Connecting honestly and deeply with students was one of my favorite parts of teaching. I hope to carry a similar atmosphere of love and safety to my clients as I did in the classroom.

Seek Jesus Grow combines proven mental wellness practices with holistic approaches and my own experience — all centered on Jesus.

Proven Mental Wellness Practices

As a Certified Mental Health Coach, I utilize proven mental wellness techniques such as breathing and grounding exercises, SMART goal setting, constructive journaling, cognitive distortion identification, and artistic expression. I strive to stay current and research a wide variety of techniques in order to offer more tools to clients.

Holistic Approach

Spiritual, physical, nutritional, relational, intellectual — Because mental health is directly related to all other areas of health, a holistic approach is imperative to true, whole healing. Through the variety of techniques I use, coaching and classes at SJG are naturally holistic and allow clients to biblically and healthily pursue peace.

Compassionate Care

While I of course will never equate your pain with mine, I believe my suffering has gifted me with a deep sense of compassion. It takes bravery to open up to another person. You can trust that I will both accept your heart and give you mine.

God comforts me.
I want to comfort you.

Hello! I’m Laura, owner and Certified Mental Health Coach for Seek Jesus Grow, LLC (SJG). Welcome!

Throughout my life, I have experienced hardship, grief, and deep turmoil. I have battled anxiety, slipped into depression, and allowed shame to control me. However, while circumstances in my life are still not easy, God comforts me and gives me peace.

This is what I hope to share, and this is why I started SJG: I want to comfort other women in the way that God comforts me (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). I want God to use me, to work through me, so that I might share His truth and healing. I want to help others love themselves, give themselves grace, and learn with an air of exploration, humility, and joy.

My focus is mental wellness, not mental illness (please read below for more details on the difference). I work with women who want guidance in mental health & wellness, are struggling with the internal pressure as described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, or have a goal in mind that they want help pursuing. I can help with…

- Anxiousness
- Anger
- Bitterness
- Boundaries
- Mood swings
- Difficulty dealing with everyday stress
- Lack of forgiveness of self or others
- Feelings of judgment, pressure, or expectation
- Perfectionism
- Identity problems
- Self esteem
- Career stress, satisfaction, and burnout
- Work-life balance
- Life goals
- An infinite number of other struggles common to (wo)man, including the unnamable feeling of “something missing”

I will not tell you that the road will be easy. I also will not promise that God will help you in the way that you’ve been praying. Honestly, I’ve experienced more “log in my own eye” healing than anything else. However, even in the pain, know that God is waiting for you. He is here with you, right now. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29: 13 ESV)

And that, my beautiful friend, is the wonder of God’s peace: It is not of this world, and it does not depend on the world’s circumstances. You no longer have to be a victim, and you do not have to live in shame. You have an amazing power within you — the power of God, our Creator, who loves you very much and wants to hold you in your pain. With Him, you can overcome.

my Mission & purpose

Coach women to honestly and lovingly look inward, Seek Jesus, and Grow in the peace of God.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV

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Parakaleó & Thlipsis

Since I founded Seek Jesus Grow, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 has been my focus. I feel truly called to comfort others in the way that God comforts me. But what does it mean to comfort, and what is it to be in affliction?

In the original Greek:

Parakaleó – Comfort – This is the word that best describes my calling, and therefore my mission as a coach. While translated as “comfort” here, parakaleó means so much more than that. In Strong’s Concordance, it is described as an “intimate call” or a “holy urging” to inspire believers to carry out God’s plan and deliver His message to others. It can mean to encourage, comfort, warn, or console, depending on what is needed. This is what I am called to do: to love you, and to listen; at the right time, to exhort, encourage, instruct, and speak truth. Perhaps a good word would be to “guide” — but only as I am led by God.

Thlipsis – Affliction – I love this word, because the original Greek does not just talk about circumstance. Thlipsis does refer to persecution, affliction, distress, and tribulation — but it also, according to Strong’s, “carries the challenge of coping with the internal pressure of a tribulation, especially when feeling there is ‘no way of escape’ (‘hemmed in’).”

The specifics of affliction can be — and will be — different for every person. However, if you resonate with the internal pressure described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, then Seek Jesus Grow may be able to help you.

What can you expect at SJG?

Click through for a more in-depth look at my approaches and philosophies. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions!

With love,

Laura Jennings

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Is Seek Jesus Grow for You?

SJG is meant for women who are (1) struggling with internal pressure as described in 2 Corinthians 1:4 and (2) ready to take action to live the life God wants for them.

Internal pressure: This can manifest in many ways. Anxiousness; anger; bitterness; mood swings; difficulty coping with everyday stress; lack of forgiveness of self or others; trouble with boundaries or relationships in general; feelings of judgment, pressure, or expectation; perfectionism; identity problems; and an infinite number of other struggles common to (wo)man, including the unnamable feeling of “something missing”.

Ready to take action: Growth and change, while necessary for peace, are not easy. SJG will only truly help those willing to humbly look internally and work hard in what is within their scope of control: themselves.

Founded with God at the Center

Called by God. I started SJG because I felt called by God to comfort others in the way that He had comforted me (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Purposeful, committed focus. I am committed to keeping God as SJG’s foundation. I, Laura Jennings, will continue to pray, read the Bible, and seek my own growth in Jesus for both myself as an individual and for SJG. Any success in this company is truly attributed to God.

Healing comes from God. He is the true Counselor. My goal through SJG is not to point to myself as the one who will lead clients to healing, but to God. I simply pray that God works through me. With clients’ focus on God and not on me, they can be sure He will always be by their side. Once clients learn techniques and tools that work for them, once they experience God’s healing, and once they recognize their own gifts and the power of the Holy Spirit that is truly within them, my hope is that they will be able to look directly to God for guidance, and not to me.

Holistic Approach

Holistic care values every area of health. Spiritual, physical, nutritional, emotional, relational, intellectual — we have many needs that affect our overall health. If we only focus on one or two areas and ignore the others, then we will likely still feel off balance, and many of our problems will remain unsolved. Through holistic approaches, SJG strives to look at every area of health and coach its clients toward full restoration in Jesus.

True holistic care offers variety in practice. In other words, it’s more fun. Talking, reading, and journaling are all fantastic tools to explore growth and seek healing, but they are not the only ones. SJG’s holistic approach naturally utilizes techniques that include and go beyond the traditional scope.

I know what it is like to suffer.

Personally tested techniques. Services provided through SJG are not merely based in theory and research, but in practice. While I do of course bolster my resources with techniques suited to different personalities and struggles, many of the resources, tools, and techniques I share are things I have personally used and have helped me find peace.

True, deep compassion. I know what it is like to suffer. From this, you can know…

You are not alone. This is not me saying that your suffering is the same as mine — it isn’t. I strive to see you as you, and to hear you and your struggles, with the compassion that I craved in my own darkest moments.
I will not judge you. If you choose to trust me with your deepest burdens, I will not respond in judgment. I know the bravery it takes to be honest about our deepest hurts, thoughts, and feelings, especially those that go against biblical principles. While our goal in coaching is not to stay in the depths of our hurt, truly surrendering requires honesty, and that requires courage. I strive to be a safe space so that clients can experience the healing of simply being heard.

SJG teaches independence, so you don’t have to be dependent.

Move forward with specific goals in mind. At SJG, my goal is not for clients to just share their feelings and circle their problems. While establishing connection, sharing feelings, and understanding the problem(s) are all imperative parts of the healing process – and we will give ample time to that process – true healing and growth also require change.

Healthy change requires intentionality. Therefore, after the problem(s) are identified, I help clients look internally at themselves with love and honesty to see what does and does not line up with God’s will. Then, we work together to establish goals and actionable steps to move forward, toward peace.

Learn in the process, not just the answer. I guide clients toward healing by posing questions and encouraging introspection, not just by telling them what to do. By giving clients the tools they need to be successful and by teaching them how to use those tools to identify their own growth points, I coach clients not just how to solve their current problem, but how to go through the process again in the future.

SJG’s Services are Not for Everyone, And That's Okay!

Your peace and wellbeing are my ultimate goal. Therefore, if someone wishes to use SJG’s coaching services, before we start working together, I try my best to ensure that…

SJG is equipped for their needs. SJG does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe medications for mental illnesses. In the event that I see someone who is beyond my scope of care, referring them elsewhere is truly the best way to get them closer to healing.
We feel mutually connected. A healthy relationship between coach and client is integral to success. Safety, trust, and respect for boundaries are paramount, as is the simple light that connects two people. If you try coaching with me and don’t connect, I will not be offended! Pursuing what you need is a huge step for your growth.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

COACHING VERSUS COUNSELING

There is no right or wrong form of care, only preference and need.
If you have further questions about what I can do for you, please reach out!

For people experiencing severe mental health problems, I recommend that you see a counselor or therapist, as coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

To learn about mental health and mental illness, view the printable Mental Health Literacy Graphic below.

Mental Health Coach

Future Focused ⋅ Mental Health & Wellness ⋅ Goal Setting

According to the CDC, “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, poor mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Likewise, a person diagnosed with a mental illness can experience periods of physical, mental, and social well-being.” (February 2023)

Qualifications: Not regulated and therefore can vary greatly from coach to coach. If you choose to seek help through coaching, I suggest thoroughly checking into the background of your coach. Make sure they do not just call themselves an “expert;” see why. Coaches cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and they are not held to the same confidentiality standards as healthcare.

Approach: This varies greatly between coaches because of both personality and individual choice on certification and study. Below I will list a brief overview of my approach in comparison to counseling:

I work with a variety of women, from those who want guidance in mental health & wellness, to those who are struggling with the internal pressure as described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, to those who have a goal in mind that they want help pursuing, to those who really have no idea what brought them to this website, but they know they feel drawn. As we work together, we keep the focus on God. He is the supreme healer, not me.
My focus is not on diagnosis, but on seeking God’s will through intentional biblical study, goal setting, and action. While we do spend a healthy amount of time with your story, thoughts, and feelings — because what brought you here is important, not just for the purpose of setting appropriate goals, but because there is a healing that comes from being heard — we will not root in or dig deeply into the past. By looking to God, surrendering, and seeking growth and change, we will walk forward with wisdom and keep our eyes focused ahead (Philippians 3:13-14).
Coaching with me is goal oriented. That does not mean that you need to have a goal in mind when we first start sessions; it simply means that we will not stay in the same place. We will intentionally pursue growth. In 1:1 coaching, you and I have the freedom to work together to determine goals, and I can give you more personalized tools depending on your preferences. My self-paced classes are categorized by goals that you can choose, and they include many tools for different personalities and learning types.
My approach is biblical, holistic, and bolstered by proven mental wellness techniques. I do not specialize in one area; rather, I gather tools to help a wide variety of problems and personalities from as many angles as possible.

Counselor

Work through Past ⋅ Mental Health & Illness ⋅ Diagnosis &Treatment

According to the CDC, “People can experience different types of mental illnesses or disorders, and they can often occur at the same time. Mental illnesses can occur over a short period of time or be episodic. This means that the mental illness comes and goes with discrete beginnings and ends. Mental illness can also be ongoing or long-lasting.” (February 2023)

Qualifications: Licensed counselors and therapists have gone through a regulated process of accreditation and have at least a Master’s degree. They are considered healthcare providers and therefore must follow HIPPA regulations; however, they cannot generally prescribe medications (this is usually done by a psychiatrist or a general family doctor).

Approach: Individual approaches vary according to personality, but there are some general patterns:

Counselors and therapists are qualified to work with anyone seeking mental help, ranging from those who simply want a safe space to talk to those struggling with mental illness. Similar to someone with diabetes going to see a medical doctor, a counselor is a professional in diagnosis and treatment.
Counselors can diagnose mental health conditions and illnesses by comparing your symptoms to the DSM. They can also delve into your past and help you work through deeply rooted patterns, triggers, and traumas.
Using their diagnosis, or in general by considering your concerns, counselors can come up with a treatment plan to help their patients get better. However, in my own experience, some counselors have simply provided a safe place to talk and did not move beyond that. Keep in mind what you hope to gain from counseling and make sure your counselor is providing what you need. If not, find someone new!
Counselors are frequently more specialized. Traditional therapy is usually “talk therapy”, consisting of talking, journaling, and the like. (Note that this is incredibly simplified! Lots of stuff happens, or should happen, during those talks and prompts because of the methods used.) Other specializations include Art Therapy, Music Therapy, and Somatic (body) Psychotherapy.

Note that there are exceptions to licensing rules and using the word “counselor” in title, depending on the area of jurisdiction. For instance, in Wisconsin, USA, the law does not require any individual to be licensed in order to use the title “pastoral counselor,” “investment counselor,” “vocational counselor,” “career counselor,” etc. (Chapter 457, July 2023).

Click the graphic below to view and print for your own use.

Mental Health Literacy Graphic: Mental Distress, Mental Health Problem, Mental Health Concern, Poor Mental Health, Mental Health Disorder, Mental Illness, and Mental Health Condition

wellness COACHING RESOURCES

SEEK JESUS GROW

Individual Sessions

Schedule an online video appointment with Laura Jennings, B.M., Certified Mental Health Coach. Individual sessions are relaxed and judgment free. Come as you are.

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Resources

Our internal struggles manifest themselves in our spirits, minds, bodies, and relationships. Explore a variety of tools to help you feel whole, in every area of health.

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You don’t have to be alone in your journey.

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Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV