Meet Janel Wetzel, LMSW-Clinical, CCTP, C-DBT
Janel Wetzel is a compassionate and highly skilled Clinical Therapist dedicated to supporting adult survivors of childhood trauma, with a specialized focus on those healing from the profound impacts of sexual abuse. With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, Janel brings a wealth of knowledge, empathy, and a client-centered approach to her practice.
Janel earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University, where she cultivated her passion for trauma-focused care and evidence-based therapeutic practices. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and regularly implements Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory in her therapeutic work. Janel also provides therapy from an attachment-based lens, helping clients explore the ways early relationships influence current emotions and behaviors. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (C-DBT), Janel utilizes proven approaches to help her clients navigate the complexities of trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and personal growth.
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
A Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) is a mental health practitioner who has undergone specialized training to work effectively with individuals who have experienced trauma. This certification, offered by organizations such as the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), recognizes expertise in understanding, diagnosing, and treating trauma-related conditions. Janel has received advanced education on the neurobiological, emotional, and behavioral impacts of trauma. This includes understanding acute trauma, complex trauma, PTSD, and dissociation.
Certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) signifies that a mental health professional has completed specialized training and proven their expertise in delivering DBT, an evidence-based therapeutic approach initially designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Janel has received advanced training in the use of this intervention which is highly effective for survivors of complex trauma.
EMDR Therapy
Janel is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a powerful method used to help people heal from trauma. During EMDR, clients focus on distressing memories while following a set of guided eye movements or other forms of stimulation. This helps the brain process and heal those memories, making them less upsetting. EMDR is especially helpful for trauma survivors, as it can reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and other trauma-related issues, helping individuals feel more emotionally stable and better able to cope with their experiences.
Internal Family Systems
Janel is well-versed in Internal Family Systems (IFS) theory and applies it regularly in her therapeutic practice. IFS is a unique approach that views the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own thoughts, feelings, and roles. Some parts may carry burdens from past trauma, while others work to protect the individual. Through IFS, Janel helps clients identify and understand these parts, offering a path to healing by fostering harmony between them. For trauma survivors, IFS can be especially beneficial as it helps them process painful memories, reduce internal conflict, and develop a stronger sense of self by healing the wounded parts of their psyche.
A Passion for Justice
Outside of her professional work, Janel is passionate about advocating for women’s rights and fighting for the oppressed, especially survivors of abuse. From a young age, she was known for her drive to stand up for the underdog, often finding herself in trouble for “talking back” and challenging the status quo. This only fueled her commitment to raise voices that are too often silenced. Janel brings this advocacy into her work, helping clients reclaim their power and voice in a world that seeks to diminish them.
For additional information, you can check out Janel’s page on Psychology Today or on Instagram!