Jennifer Shotwell’s Curriculum Vitae
MBA, MS, LPC-S, LCDC, EMDR Trainer
Summary
A licensed professional counselor supervisor (LPC-S), licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC), EMDR consultant & trainer with a Master of Science in Counseling (MS) as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
A doctoral student seeking a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology with an anticipated completion date of February 2026. Her dissertation is focusing on the efficacy of treating personality disorders with the twelve steps of Alocholics Anonymous.
She is recognized by lawyers, psychologists, individuals, professors, non-profits, and more for her ability to convey complex information in a concise, understandable, and memorable way.
Professional Experience
•The Annex • (Interim) Clinical Director • 2025
Oversee the entire clinical program and ensures all treatment, safety practices, and documentation align with The Annex’s treatment model. Lead and develop the clinical team while collaborating with admissions, operations, and leadership to maintain a cohesive, ethical, and deeply supportive client experience.
•Prime Counseling • Owner/Clinical Director • Since 2019
Specializing in personality disorders and substance abuse in adolescents and adults. Owner of group practice with clinicians from many different levels from student interns to doctors.
•Jen Shotwell, PLLC • Owner & Consultant • Since 2024
A consulting and coaching company for family members and professionals working personality disorders and substance abuse. Hosting speaking engagements, CEU’s, and workshops focused on these same diagnoses.
•Origins Recovery Center • Clinical Lead • 2017-2019
Create and execute therapeutic plan for a substance use IOP for women. Meet with IOP participants weekly for individual therapy and sporadic family sessions.
Professional Memberships
• Board Member of Session Foundation
• Ex-Officio Board Member of Tx Health Resources
• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Research Experience
Dissertation Research Project • Since 2024
Exploring how adults with Borderline Personality Disorder experience identity, emotional regulation, and relational healing within 12-step recovery communities. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach to understand how participants make meaning of their experiences and reconstruct a sense of self through shared language, community support, and narrative reflection. The goal is to highlight how the relational and communal elements of 12-step engagement can complement clinical treatment and support long-term recovery.
International Awards
lululemon athletica • 2015 • Leadership & Development Award
Presentations
Cracking the Code of Adolescent Ethics
This presentation examines the strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas in adolescent care. It reviews parental consent, autonomy, abuse reporting, and navigating custody agreements.
· 49th Annual Adolescent Symposium - 2024
Treating Personality Disorders Through a Lens of Recovery
This presentation examines personality disorders through a recovery-focused lens, emphasizing growth and resilience. It explores how individuals can move beyond diagnosis, leveraging strengths and person-centered care to achieve meaningful lives and personal recovery.
· Sante Center of Healing – 2024
· Skyland Trail Treatment Center - 2024
Why Kids Don’t Have to Do Anything
This presentation highlights gentle parenting by emphasizing that children don't need constant structured activities. It advocates for giving kids the freedom to explore at their own pace, fostering emotional well-being, creativity, and a stronger parent-child bond.
· 48th Annual Adolescent Symposium - 2023
-Richardson Independent School District - 2024
No One But You
This presentation explores the critical role of personal responsibility in mental health. It emphasizes that while support from others is helpful, true healing and growth are driven by one's own choices and actions. Individuals are encouraged to take full ownership of their well-being, recognizing that they have the power to shape their lives and outcomes.
· Dallas Independent School District - 2024
·Grace Counseling 2024
Teaching Experience
Guest Lecturer
Southern Methodist University • 2018 – Present
Completed multiple guest lectures at Southern Methodist University for the counseling graduate school on topics including personality disorders, EMDR, substance use, and family of origin.
HDCN 6338 - The Science of Interpersonal Neurobiology and Trauma Counseling
HDCN 6352 – Psychology of Addictions
HDCN 6313 – Family of Origin
HDCN 6323 - Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Counseling
PSYC 4334 - Psychological Disorders of Children
HDCN 6318 - Ethics I and Professional Orientation
HDCN 6319 - Ethics I and Mental Health
Education
North Central University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology • 2020 - Present
Southern Methodist University
Master of Science in Counseling • 2014 - 2017
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Business: Finance • 2008 – 2010
University of North Texas
Master of Business Administration • 2004 - 2008
Research Interests
• Etiology and age of onset for personality disorders.
• Symptom analysis for correct diagnoses between C-PTSD, personality disorders, autism, & substance abuse.
• Treatment options for personality disorders.