Janelle Fritz, LMSW

Janelle Fritz holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Samford University and boasts a rich professional background in working with diverse populations across various settings. Her extensive experience encompasses serving youth, adults, and families in correctional facilities, outpatient therapy, and community initiatives aimed at enhancing familial bonds through innovative strategies. Currently, Janelle serves as a primary therapist at The Wise Center for DBT, offering individual therapy sessions and facilitating a DBT Skills group tailored for adolescents. Furthermore, she has received specialized training in addiction, substance abuse treatment, and trauma therapy at The Moore Institute. Janelle's client-centered approach involves employing creative methods to guide individuals through the intricate social, relational, familial, and developmental intricacies that underlie complex personal and interpersonal challenges.

“There are many ways to get stuck in the cycle between brokenness and healing in the human experience. It is in those places of tension, struggle, and despair from my personal life and in witnessing those dark nights of the soul in others, that I discovered there is a pathway that exists and emerges where healing is possible. It may not be in the way we desire, or in the way we expect, or in the way we hope- yet it will likely occur in connection or with assistance from others in a safe space. I have always enjoyed connecting, listening, and creating space and curiosity for the parts of life that people tend to hide, avoid, or escape from. I found my way into social work while searching for a way to integrate my background in psychology/criminal justice with my passion for art. When I realized that the creative process that I value in producing artwork could be applied in the therapeutic relationship as a healing art, I recognized an opportunity to apply my various pursuits for the benefit of my clients. Although there are many challenges to this work, I use the lessons that I learned in producing artwork to remind myself that creating something worthwhile requires patience with each work in progress. I do this by focusing on each client with the attention they deserve and appreciating the collaboration in comprehending the stories, experiences, challenges, and personal narratives that can lead a client towards a space where resilience is possible, the process is unique, and healing ensues.”