Jen Markovics (they/them)

My Approach to Helping

Our physical universe only exists because of a break in symmetry (i.e., there is slightly more matter than anti-matter). Scientists typically consider symmetry to be synonymous with perfection, thus, our physical universe is inherently imperfect. Therefore, we are inherently imperfect. However, I do believe that our consciousness or "soul" is perfection, just like the theoretical math that describes everything in the universe is perfect. What makes us imperfect is the physical filter through which our soul or consciousness works in the body - such as the brain. I believe mental illness or mental health challenges are due to brain dysfunction. Therefore, I believe that treating mental health challenges requires treating the brain. Since everything we do affects the brain, there are many different ways to treat the brain, including talk therapy, but also through exercise, eating an anti-inflammatory diet (for most of us), having a spiritual practice, positive social interactions, etc.

Social Justice Issues I Care About

Since I can remember, but particularly since middle school, I have wanted to fight for the underdog. I fought to bring awareness to climate change back in the 1990s which has now become a climate emergency; I remember playing John Lennon's Imagine in a piano recital in 1991 when Bush senior decided to invade Kuwait in project Desert Storm (or the first Iraq war). Later in high school I came out as a lesbian and I became very active in the LGBT community and activism. In more recent years, I was very involved in the "No on 8" campaign in California, then I was active in the federal push for marriage equality and I have also participated in Black Lives Matter protests and anti-ICE protests. I carry these values into my work as a counselor, as well.