Individual and Couples Therapy in Amherst, MA

Conversations with Jean

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 Our conversations will revolve around feelings and perceptions.  While unburdening your concerns you will be encouraged to notice truths and leadings  that arise from that timeless part of you that is always there. These leadings will bear upon your current situation. Together we will hold them.   The process of therapy allows us to gradually align our outer lives with our inner clarity.  


Jean's role as  a support and witness helps you to engage in life challenges with increasing degrees of honestly and skill. Therapy is a practice in humility and courage --not just for the client, but for Jean as witness.  This experience never grows old.  It often surprises.  It always inspires. Sometimes it is deeply sobering.  But in every instance it brings us perspective and carries out of any illusion that we are alone. 


There is a joy and vitality that accompanies connecting with clients in their work .  Jean is deeply grateful for the privilege of working with them.

Individual and Marital Therapy

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Jean Lukens works with adolescents, adults and couples with life issues that may or may not include diagnosed mental illness. 


Problems are normal.  Mood states are normal.  Chronic mood states that interfere with life and require more support may include the usual suspects:   stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficits (ADD and ADHD), addictions/dependencies, major life transitions, losses, and more.  


It is not atypical for couples to develop patterns of constricted communication. 

Regaining spontaneity in our relationships is rewarding and uplifting. 


Jean promotes wellness in mental health. Her approach includes examining communication patterns, thoughts, feelings, bodily states --including nutritional and lifestyle considerations --all in the service of a deep exploration of underlying issues that inform the current situation.

A Trusted Amherst Practice

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 Jean Lukens has been in practice at this location for over 34 years. It was founded with her husband, Jeffrey Lukens PhD as Amherst Psychotherapy Associates in 1985 until his death in 2000.  


Deeply rooted in psychoanalytic studies and mindfulness meditation, Jean's approach has expanded to include a focus on the body-mind connection which she accesses through techniques such as neurofeedback, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness training. 


Over the years she has served hundreds of children, families and individuals in the greater Amherst area.  Her practice is now limited to older adolescents, adults, and couples.  







PHONE (413) 695-3242

EMAIL  JeanLukens@yahoo.com



Jean's Training and Teaching Experience

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Training

Jean Lukens, LICSW received her MSW from the Smith College School for Social Work in 1980 where she focused on psychodynamic theory and practice. She was the first social worker at the psychoanalytic Austen Riggs Center in Stockbridge, MA where she helped to establish their first social work department. She returned to her home in Amherst to work in outpatient community mental health. While in practice here she furthered her studies in family systems theory at The Center for Family Learning in New Rochelle, NY and again at Smith College in Northampton, MA.  Jean has extensive training and experience in play therapy through Clifford Beers Child Guidance Center in New Haven and the Three Rivers Residential Treatment Program where she also did intensive family and group therapy and training.  

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Teaching Experience


In the course of her career, Jean has supervised graduate interns for Boston University, Smith College, and the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. She has presented her work extensively to DMH and case collaterals. She has served as a consultant to local elementary and secondary schools through the Hampshire Educational Collaborative. 

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Body Based Approaches

 In addition to meditation practices, Jean began offering neurofeedback in 2003.  Jean is also a graduate of the  three year Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute program for the treatment of traumatic stress using body awareness techniques.

Payment and Insurance Information

  

If your insurance is not on the list below, it may still allow you to see providers outside your network depending upon your type of coverage.  The best way to find out is to call the number on the back of your insurance card and inquire whether Jean's services will be covered under your behavioral health benefits. Most insurers subcontract with a panel listed below for mental health coverage.  


Currently Jean listed as a provider for:  Beacon (GIC, BMC, Allways, and Fallon), Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health New England, Harvard Pilgrim, Medicare, Tufts, Unicare, United Behavioral Health, United Health Care.  Other insurers contact her for inclusion at times.  It is worth checking to see if Jean is listed on your plan.


Cash fee is $125


Thank you for visiting my website.  I look forward to hearing from you.

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