About Us
About Luminous Heart Counseling
Luminous Heart Counseling and Psychotherapy is about reconnecting to the light or the brilliance within each of us. It’s about helping to release fears, to grow, to discover, to learn and to awaken to our truest, purest, most luminous self. Given that, the story of the lotus flower and its symbolism seems like the prefect metaphor…
The lotus begins its life deep beneath still waters, rooted in mud and surrounded by murk, insects, and decay. Unlike other flowers, it doesn’t grow in pristine soil but rises through darkness and resistance. Slowly, it pushes upward—steady, strong, and undeterred—until it breaks the surface, emerging into the light untouched by the mud it came from. Each petal unfolds in quiet triumph, revealing a flower that is both delicate and resilient, radiant and pure.
A symbol of awakening, the lotus reminds us that even from the most difficult places, beauty, resilience, and clarity can emerge. Rooted deeply, it grows toward the light—strong, free, and LUMINOUS.
We are all like the lotus flower. Many of us live in that murky water, and never make it to the surface so we can blossom. Many of us are close; we are just buds, ready and eager to feel the sunshine of life on our skin. No matter which stage of life you are on, I’m sure you can relate to this lotus and see yourself in this story. The conditions that produce beautiful life are not always ideal, but that never stops the lotus from rising through adversity, opening its petals, and blossoming in the sun.”
Treatment Techniques:
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
Polyvagal-Informed Therapy
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Attachment-Informed Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Relational Repair & Embodied Connection
Trauma & Neuroscience
Treatment Approach
My work is grounded in the latest science on how the brain, body, and relationships shape our well-being. I draw from the following research-backed frameworks and modalities:
Core Foundations:
• Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) – The integration of brain science, attachment, and relational healing
• Polyvagal-Informed Therapy – Understanding and working with the nervous system to restore safety and connection
• Attachment-Informed Therapy – Exploring how early bonds shape present-day relationships and emotional regulation
Specialized Modalities:
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) – Working with parts of the self to promote inner harmony
• Somatic Experiencing (SE) – Supporting trauma resolution through body-based awareness
Guiding Focus:
• Relational Repair & Embodied Connection – Helping clients experience secure, embodied relationships with self and others
Areas of Specialty
I specialize in working with individuals and couples who are navigating the deeper layers of relational healing, trauma, and identity. My focus areas include:
Relational Trauma & Attachment Wounds:
• Healing the nervous system and internal world shaped by early relational injuries, inconsistent caregiving, or abandonment—especially for those who appear high-functioning but feel chronically anxious, disconnected, or “not enough” in relationships.
Conscious Relationships & Emotional Intimacy:
• Supporting individuals and couples in breaking old patterns, repairing trust, and creating conscious, emotionally safe relationships grounded in co-regulation, polarity, and mutual growth.
Feminine & Masculine Integration:
• Guiding clients in reclaiming their authentic essence—whether feminine or masculine—by healing trauma, regulating the nervous system, and developing internal leadership that allows for deeper connection, clarity, and embodiment.
Jennifer Carter
Licensed Professional Counselor | Contemplative Psychotherapist
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner | Internal Family Systems Practitioner
I started my private practice in 2015 and specialize in working with trauma, specifically complex and developmental trauma as well as relationship difficulties. I support individuals who are navigating the emotional patterns that often emerge from trauma or relational wounding—like chronic anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, compulsive behaviors, people-pleasing, disordered eating, shame, trust issues, or difficulty feeling safe in connection. My work focuses on restoring regulation, building self-trust, and creating healthier relationships—with yourself and others.
Before going into private practice full time, I practiced throughout Florida, South Carolina and Alabama in a wilderness setting addressing a variety of mental health issues. I also practiced in Colorado at a community mental health center in both crisis and outpatient settings, again addressing a variety of mental health concerns.
I chose to train as a Contemplative Psychotherapist and expanded my understanding of the dynamics of the mind and relationship through the lens of mindfulness so that I can offer a unique and authentic style of psychotherapy to my clients. The basic tenets of my view include that each person is whole at the heart of themselves, but that negative experiences and patterns can cause difficulties that lead us to cover up this brilliant sense of self. I am interested in creating a therapeutic relationship rooted in curiosity about what is happening in your mind and in your experience of your body. I believe that you are your own best expert and together we can explore and uncover the full spectrum of your being to allow for this deeper, brilliant sense of self to fully emerge.
In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor and Contemplative Psychotherapist, I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner or body-based clinician. I have benefited from wonderful teachers, learning Interpersonal Neurobiology from Dr. Allan Schore and Dr. Daniel Siegel amongst others; learning Somatic Experiencing from Dr. Peter Levine and Kathy Kain; Internal Family Systems from Dr. Richard Schwartz; EMDR from Dr. Francine Shapiro; Mindsight with Dr. Daniel Siegel; and the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy with Dr. Stan Tatkin, along with many others.
Education & Certificates:
Master of Arts (2012), Naropa University, Boulder, CO. Contemplative Psychotherapy Major
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado
Licensed Mental Telehealth Provider in Florida
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP)
Professional Experience:
Private Practice, Luminous Heart Counseling, 2015-Present
Clinical Counselor, Alana Recovery Center, Kennesaw, GA. 2015
Clinician Counselor, Transformations Treatment Center, Delray Beach, FL. 2015
Clinical Counselor, Mental Health Partners, Boulder, CO. 2013-2015
Clinical Counselor, Behavioral Treatment Services, Boulder, CO. 2014-2015
Basic Attender, Windhorse Community Services, Boulder, CO. 2011-2012
Clinical Counselor Intern, Maria Droste Counseling Center, Denver, CO. 2011-2012 Clinical Counselor Intern, Alternatives to Family Violence, Denver, CO. 2010 Judicial Graduate Assistant, Naropa University, Boulder, CO. 2009-2011
Lead Wilderness Instructor, Outward Bound, Yulee, FL. 2006-2008
Monica Leal
Executive Administrative Assistant | Practice Manager
I am an executive administrative assistant with a decade of experience and a passion for fostering personal growth, holistic health, and helping others thrive. With a dedicated focus on supporting teams and individuals, I bring a blend of organizational prowess and compassionate care to every task.
With a deep-rooted love for nature, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors, often seeking adventure through travel and exploration. This connection to nature fuels my commitment to holistic well-being and mindfulness, which I weave into both my professional and personal life. I intentionally approach each interaction with authenticity and a genuine desire to support others on their journey toward health, success, and fulfillment.
When not immersed in my work, I cherish quality time with family and loved ones, recognizing the importance of nurturing connections and creating lasting memories. With a heart full of compassion and a spirit eager for growth, I embody the power of love, empathy, resilience, and the pursuit of a life well-lived.