Jennifer Pinion, MA, LMFT

Finding Hope When Life Feels Overwhelming

When you're caught in a storm of overwhelming emotions, it can feel like there's no way out. Maybe you're battling thoughts you’ve never shared with anyone, stuck in patterns that hurt more than help, or just trying to make it through the day. You might be navigating anxiety, depression, self-harm, or feeling like you're constantly in survival mode — and you're exhausted.

I'm Jennifer Pinion, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in St. Paul, MN and I help teens and adults who are struggling to stay afloat find steadier ground, build stronger relationships, and start believing that real change is possible.

Why Work With Me

I've been a therapist since 2007, and throughout the years, I've worked with teens and adults facing intense emotional struggles — including self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and the kind of pain that often feels invisible to others.

What led me to this work is a deep curiosity about the human experience — especially the common struggles that unite us all. I believe every person wants to feel connected, appreciated, and loved. But sometimes, in our efforts to meet those needs, we develop patterns that actually pull us further from the life we want. My own moments of growth have come through recognizing and shifting those patterns, and I love helping others experience that same kind of change.

I believe therapy is effective because it creates space — space to slow down, reflect, and truly understand the thoughts and emotions that shape how we respond to life. That kind of awareness can open the door to real healing and long-term change.

My Therapy Approach

My sessions are collaborative, practical, and focused on your unique needs. I use evidence-based methods including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

DBT is central to my work — it helps clients balance emotional acceptance with behavioral change. Whether you’re learning to pause before acting on intense emotions, building distress tolerance, or improving relationships, I’ll offer tools to support real progress.

We often begin each session by checking in on previous goals. Then, we focus on what’s present for you now — stress, emotions, or relationship struggles — and explore strategies to help you respond differently. We celebrate small wins and return to your larger goals so you feel supported and grounded.

Addressing Common Concerns

It’s normal to wonder if therapy will help, especially if you’ve tried before and felt let down. Many of my clients come in feeling hesitant, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start.

Some of the challenges I frequently work with include:

• Self-harm and suicidal thoughts

• Intense emotional ups and downs

• Trauma and past painful experiences

• OCD, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts

• Borderline personality disorder

• Relationship conflict and isolation

• Difficulty managing stress or daily tasks

We’ll move at your pace. Therapy is a confidential, judgment-free space where you can talk honestly and take steps toward change without pressure.

A Bit About Me

Outside of therapy, I love spending time outdoors — gardening, biking, hiking, and enjoying warm Minnesota days around a campfire. I’m a wife and mom of two, and our tabby cat, Kiki, rules the house. These simple joys keep me grounded and remind me why meaningful connection matters so much.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn next — you don’t have to figure it out alone. Therapy can be a powerful way to reclaim your voice, build healthier patterns, and start feeling more like yourself again.

I offer both in-person and virtual sessions from St. Paul, and I’d be honored to support you as you take this next step forward. Since I currently have administrative duties in addition to my own clients, I frequently utilize a co-therapy model when I do have the availability to take new clients, which allows me to help develop the skill sets of additional Omni therapists, and gives the client additional therapist perspectives.

Reach out today to schedule your first appointment.