Jaq Kende, MSW (Intern)
Specialties
• Substance Abuse
• Child-Centered Therapy
• Trauma
Ages Served
• Children
• Teens
• Adults
Professional Strengths
Jaq Kende is a second-year clinical intern at Unified Family Therapy who brings a trauma-informed, authentic, and nonjudgmental approach to her work with children, teens, and adults. She has a strong passion for supporting individuals with substance abuse concerns and neurodivergence, and is especially skilled at creating a safe, welcoming space for children. Jaq is known for her empathy, calm presence, and ability to meet clients where they are, helping children foster healthy relationships with family members while supporting emotional expression, confidence, and connection.
Experience and Education
Jaq earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Social Work with a focus in substance abuse treatment. She integrates evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing, with particular strength in working with clients who experience ambivalence toward change or goal-setting. Jaq also incorporates creative and experiential interventions such as play therapy and art-based approaches.
Jaq brings over four years of experience working in residential treatment settings with adolescents, supporting teens with complex mental-health needs, emotional regulation, coping skills, and major life transitions. She has additional experience working in school-based settings with children with diverse educational needs, helping them navigate classroom challenges while supporting growth and stability at home and within family systems. Her background in nonprofit management and assistance-animal programming allows her to thoughtfully incorporate animal-assisted interventions to enhance engagement, regulation, and therapeutic connection.
Personal Invitation
“I believe therapy is most effective when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely respected. I work to create a collaborative, supportive space where individuals and families can explore challenges openly, build practical skills, and strengthen their relationships. I welcome children, teens, and adults who are looking for a compassionate place to grow, heal, and move forward at a pace that feels right for them.”