- With Mayo Clinic behavioral counselor
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
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Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Jennifer Kern is a tobacco treatment specialist, certified through the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center.
Her counseling work addresses various aspects of tobacco addiction, including the love-hate relationship many tobacco users have with their smoking or chewing, education about nicotine addiction, and effective strategies to help with quitting.
In addition, she explores the importance of getting emotional and social support when stopping tobacco use, and offers ideas and suggestions about how to ask for and give this support.
Being bilingual, she enjoys counseling in both Spanish and English. She holds a master's degree in psychology, with interests including spirituality, psychosomatic illness, depression and anxiety, maladaptive coping behaviors, and overall health behavior change.
"As a former smoker, I am personally familiar with the complexity of dealing with the 'tobacco shackles,' " she said. "I am committed to helping others conquer this addiction so they may regain their freedom and possibly even save their own lives."
Latest entries
- Preparation key to quitting smoking
Nov. 5, 2009
- Learning to be a non-smoker
Oct. 23, 2009
- Build confidence in effort to go smoke-free
Oct. 16, 2009
- Goal-setting helps smooth way to smoke-free future
Oct. 1, 2009
- Quitting smoking takes an inner-outer world shift
Sept. 23, 2009
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Quit smoking blog
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May 15, 2009
Blog: Honoring self-promises
By Jennifer A. Kern, M.S., C.T.T.S.
Taking on the process of becoming a non-smoker requires making a very deep commitment to one's self. I think one of the greatest lessons we can learn in life is the honoring of self-promises.
We often take more seriously our commitments to others — our families, spouses, employers, children, friends, and even our pets. I know many people find it easier to "keep their word" when they have someone else who's relying on them or holding them accountable.
What about your self? Isn't your self — you, the person you are with all the time, every day of your life — worth making promises to and then following through with them? What happens each time you break your word to yourself ... how do you feel afterward? How does it make you feel when you do follow through on your self-promises and succeed in meeting your goals?
Undergoing the evolution from being a "smoker" to becoming a "non-smoker" requires making that deep commitment to your self. It is important to support your self through this time of transition, with patience, empathy and dedication.
Imagine encouraging your self through this change process, just as you would help any loved-one through a challenging time. Passionately pledge to your self that smoking is no longer an option in your life and that your primary focus is on your health and prosperity. Find ways to hold your self accountable as you make the choices that will bring you to your goal. This will strengthen your resolve to become and remain smoke-free.
What are the areas in your life where you're able to honor self-promises? Where do you succeed with relative ease? How can you apply some of those tactics to stopping tobacco use? I look forward to reading your comments and hearing your thoughts.
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