Member Spotlight: Therapist Penni Ippensen
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Penni Ippensen believes in having fun, even at work.
“People need more than the basic requirements of food, shelter and clothing,” she says. “They need fun; they need a sense of belonging; they need to feel that they have some control. When they have these things, they are happy and productive at school, at home and at work.”
Ippensen works daily to help her clients find balance in life through individual, marital and family counseling. Her clients range in age from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. They struggle with parenting and behavioral issues, relationships, adjustment and coping following a single traumatic event or a long-term situation. Some of them may be the victims of abuse or depression.
Ippensen earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois before earning her Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification. She worked in other agencies in Quincy prior to opening her private practice in August 1995. She was one of the first female therapists with a private practice in Quincy.
“A normal session often consists of cognitive discussion, where I help a patient think through their actions and reactions in certain situations,” she says. “If I’m working with a small child, we sometimes will engage in play and I will weave the issues into that play.”
Ippensen’s location in a former home at 1012 N. 24th Street encourages relaxation, self-reflection and comfort. The family friendly environment is not sterile or scary. It still feels like a home, and that is beneficial to Ippensen’s clients.
“How you feel internally affects how you behave externally,” says Ippensen. “Whether you are a child in school or an employee at work, if you do not feel that you have your emotions or relationships under control, you will be distracted and unable to perform your best work.
“Some people have this mistaken belief that we can just shut it off when it’s time to go to work--and you can for a short while. However, sooner or later, that anxiety seeps out and it will affect your productivity.”
That’s why Ippensen is an advocate of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
“Companies with EAPs recognize that an employee’s mental health is equally as important as their physical health,” says Ippensen. “If caught early enough, some problems can be worked through in just a few sessions, and the company will see less lost productivity.
“Of course, clients are always welcome to come back for a session or two if life seems to be wandering out of control again,” she continues. “One of my clients calls this a ‘tune up.’”
Most insurance companies cover Ippensen’s services, and patients can also pay privately. Ippensen’s hours are by appointment only. For more information, call 217-228-6193.
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