Jennifer Lock Oman LISW

About

Jennifer Lock Oman, LISW, BCD, is a psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field and an expert in therapy with individuals, couples and families. Lock Oman is a published writer and graduate level adjunct instructor. She has taught graduate courses at the University of Iowa, and has written a popular, nationally distributed column published by Gannett News Syndicate.

A focus of her work is the “biology and biography of emotion in the human experience;” more specifically, understanding and regulating the power of our emotional system to guide behavior, and effect change. An understanding of the importance of the emotional system is fairly new in the field of psychotherapy. For many decades the spotlight has been on cognition in psychotherapy. With this newer awareness, we recognize what we “feel” is as important — even more motivating — than what we “know.” It requires serious consideration.

Giving this serious consideration to emotions, for over two decades Lock Oman has studied the seminal work of Silvan S. Tomkins, as well as current thinkers in the field of affect psychology and neuroscience. She incorporates this knowledge in her work, helping patients, students and readers to benefit from grounded thinking in psychotherapy, as well as her own professional experience. A graduate of Northwestern University (BA) and the University of Iowa (MSW), Lock Oman resides in Des Moines, Iowa.

The name of this blog is an homage to Donald L. Nathanson, M.D., friend, colleague, and gifted pioneer.

Recent Posts

How Anger Helps Recover Vitality After PTSD

Reclaiming our healthy anger after Complex PTSD helps restore not only appropriate boundaries, but a sense of self-worth and emotional vitality.

The Compass of Shame

When shame is triggered, we use one or more of four scripted responses on the "Compass of Shame." They let us know shame has been triggered and some repair needs our attention.

Finding a Sense of Wholeness

As self-compassion grows in the process of healing from CPTSD, possibilities also emerge through appreciation of who we once were, and who we are today.

Emotional Self-Sabotage

When it seems natural to want to feel good about ourselves, it's perplexing when we feel bad about feeling good. Healing this dichotomy starts with going compassionately inward.

Managing Complex PTSD: Remembering How Far You've Come

Acknowledging gratitude for your own grit, determination, and perseverance may help start a different legacy for the next generations.

Start Finding Authentic Connections After Complex PTSD

When we manage early relational trauma, our heart's desire is to authentically relate in the present. The past may reveal adults who
gave us a blueprint to find that moving forward.

Echoes of Survival From Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Our brilliant childhood strategies for surviving relational trauma may have difficult echoes in the present. Understanding these dynamics can begin our healing in adulthood.

The Healthy Value in Learning to “Need” Other People

For people managing CPSTD, it is possible to find a healthy balance between needing others and self-sufficiency.

5 Hidden Gifts of "Feeling Sorry for Yourself"

There are times when grieving for ourselves, for what came before, and for what we had no control of is not only appropriate
but also is the path of healing.

5 Valuable Life Skills Often Learned by Those With Complex PTSD

There's no denying the challenges of surviving a childhood history of relational trauma. There can also be hidden resources, values, and strengths in adulthood.