5 minutes with Jenny

Tell us a little about yourself I have a passion for helping people flourish. It’s for this reason that for the past 15 years I have continued to develop my skills as an individual, couple, and family counsellor/therapist. But really it all started 35 years ago when I was an anorectic schoolgirl. I was so underweight that people would call me “Anna” (short for “anorexic”). It was from then, that I decided I would not let my experiences be for nothing and instead dedicate myself and my experiences to helping people deal with their struggles in life – be it eating disorders or any other struggles that rob fullness of life.

What is your favourite bible passage and why? Might seem strange but at the moment it is Exodus 20 – the narrative of the Ten Commandments. My husband and I have suddenly become (almost) empty nesters - the kid’s are growing up and moving on. This has left us to review our marriage in light of a few things and The Ten Commandments have some good principles and guidelines to grapple with and talk through which so far have been very helpful for our relationship.

How do you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? Everyday, as much as possible, I sit with a hot cuppa, complete a bible reading, pray, and write in my diary. I find this helps to keep me focused on what is important.

What would you like the next generation of women to know? First of all - I would like them to know that God is their Heavenly Father – and unlike their early father He is perfectly loving and unconditional in His love for you. Secondly that he is always listening, always caring and always dependable.

What is one thing that you love about your local church? Their loyalty and care - My son and I were both significantly injured in separate accidents in 2010. It was an awful time, but our church organised meals, transport, and sometimes money to help us through. I will always be grateful for their support.

What did you learn about God at a time in your life you found hard? I had started to drift away from my belief in God at the time of my accident. I had started to follow a different set of principles and guidelines than those in the bible. After the accident, I learned that God could transform my shattered dream into something that could benefit others and not just myself.

What are you passionate about? Listening – it is a great honour to sit with someone during their most difficult times. It is not easy and it often breaks my heart, but I love it. I also love taking care of my health and fitness. I have been a passionate advocate for fitness for many years and being a group fitness instructor at a number of local gyms helps me fulfill this passion in life.

What do you enjoy doing when you rest? Eating a Massaman Beef curry from our local Thai. Being a chef by trade – I go to the place of prior work in rest. Food is a joy and comfort!

To find out more go to: Jenny Brown Counselling and Therapy or jenny@jennybrown.net.au