Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Boss.
Hi Jenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, I grew up in Pittsburgh with an amazing family. I was an avid treehouse reader who quickly became obsessed with all things self-help and mental health around the age of 12. I was fascinated with the mind and how we could have such a big impact on our own lives, regardless of our circumstance. At age 14, I had the opportunity to put this passion into practice as I sat in my room on a school night my freshman year. My little sister burst into my room and grabbed me by my arms, “Dad’s dead! Dad’s dead!” My father had been struck and killed by a trolly when he was out for a jog. My family was devastated…. I know I went to deep quickly, but this is truly what has made me who I am today!
I began a very long journey of understanding myself and my life. I chose drugs, sex and abusive relationships for quite some time until I finally realized my worth. That worth was found on the floor of my bedroom, face full of tears, begging God (whoever He was) to please be a part of my life and rescue me. And that He sure did. I dove headfirst into a relationship with God and cannot believe the places He has taken me and what He has brought me through!
I quickly met a man in church, got married, started working as a part-time Children’s Pastor in North Carolina. I studied small business at Phoenix University and began studying therapy for children through the American Association of Christian Counselors. We stuck around there until my husband got an awesome job opportunity in Orlando.
In 2016, after moving to Florida, I became a Pastor, alongside my husband, at Journey Church. At this point, we had four children but struggled at home, behind closed doors. In early 2019 my struggles in my marriage became too much to bear, and I began to see a Christian counselor for the first time (ironic, I know). I learned just how toxic my environment was. How toxic my own thoughts and behaviors were. I had gotten a lot wrong. With the help of my counselor and support of my Pastors, I set boundaries with my husband. Not long after, those boundaries led to my husband filing for divorce. In these past two years, I have learned the importance of boundaries, forgiveness, grace, free will, mercy and God’s perfect love. I basically leveled up in that understanding of myself and my life.
In the past two years, the time it has taken me to get a divorce, I have become a Certified Temperament Analyst and a Certified Christian Counselor through the National Christian Counselors Association. I am fascinated with how people can grow mentally and emotionally with a little more understanding of who they are and how God created them. So now my days are filled with influencing leaders in our church, teaching about self-awareness, helping people step into their purpose by way of understanding their own needs and counseling those who are ready to take the path of wholeness and health. I love what I get to do!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would say I face two main obstacles. One has been being a single mom of four. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but it is very hard to get the self-care time I need for my own health. There’s a lot of sacrifice… I’ve got four little humans to keep alive! But sometimes, I think it helps me stay focused. Like for example, I often don’t go out at night because babysitters are expensive, but then I end up staying home and reading about psychology or studying for another course. I have to be super intentional with scheduling my time!
The second is myself. Doubting myself and that people really want to hear what I have to say. I find myself procrastinating on things I feel called to do because of fear. This is something I am still currently working out in my life, but I’m excited to see where it takes me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I counsel those who feel like they are in a place that requires change, those have just about had enough. I counsel those who feels stuck in a season and not sure how to get to the next level. And even those who love where they are but want to enhance the relationships in their lives.
The cool thing I offer in my counseling sessions is a Temperament Analysis. This is a short questionnaire that helps me in understanding the client’s needs, similar to an enneagram or a personality test. This really helps us work together and helps my clients have a better understanding of who they are and what they need in life to be healthy and stable mentally. I get so much joy out of helping people feel more fulfilled in life!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mom has been a major inspiration to me in never giving up. She’s gone through so much, from the loss of my dad to Stage 4 cancer; that woman is a fighter!
And my Pastors, JJ and Liz Vasquez. They have always stayed true to Jesus and have helped me walk out this season of my life with biblical integrity and a steadfast fight for what God’s called me to. Their leadership and passion for Jesus is beyond words, it’s an honor to have them in my corner.
And last but certainly not least, my counselor and counseling mentor, Yolanda Velez. A woman after God’s heart with a passion to see people whole, namely me, lol! She’s helped me through the pain of the last two years and helped me discover my passion for life. She constantly reminds me it’s my life story that will preach and change lives!
Pricing:
- $70-$150/hour for Counseling
- $75 Temperament Analysis only
Contact Info:
- Email: jenny@jennyboss.co
- Website: www.jennyboss.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyboss.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyboss.co/
