Meet Dr. Jenn Kennedy

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Jenn Kennedy a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jenn, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

This frequent visitor shows up without notice. I feel suddenly unsure and awkward when I absolutely know what I’m doing. Typically this happens when I’m about to do something new or take a bigger step toward project or give a speech. I feel the waves of anxiety and I question if I have anything new to add to the topic or if the audience will question my authority. The self-doubt rattles in my brain.

I find my way out with a deep breath and by remembering the way clients shifted when they left the therapy room with me and I know the relationship is real and beneficial. I know that they return and heal, which gives me reassurance and hope that I made a difference. Often, I just need to start speaking to find my footing. I see the nods in the people standing sitting on the couch in my office or in the auditorium and I recognize that they are with me in whatever I’m discussing and that fearful feeling of imposter subsides.

The feedback of the felt experience is the main way that I push back. My curiosity takes over and I just move forward through the doubt on into the interest that always feels available, because I love my work.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Dr. Jenn Kennedy is a sex and couples therapist, speaker and podcaster based in Santa Barbara.

In 2023, Dr. Jenn launched The Pleasure Project, which is dedicated to helping us all have a better sex life. Through this venture, she hosts a podcast called Pleasure Project: Sex & Relationships and offers small group intensives for women and couples. She recently launched a self-guided course for women.

Dr. Jenn has been quoted in Redbook, Reader’s Digest, Forbes Health, DailyOm, Shondaland, Parade, Allure, Yahoo life and others. She is often tapped to discuss intimacy and sexuality for therapists and physicians.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Perseverance – I see things through and that has served me well. I learn what I don’t know and ask good questions. I take the next right step and follow through when many others give up. That has gotten me as far as raw knowledge or skill.–that I simply don’t give up.

Curiosity – I have always been so interested in others. Many people pay more attention to themselves. Be curious about the world gives it more dimension and helps us not just think in terms of like or dislike. I enjoy my time with others because I am endlessly wanting to know about their inner world.

Humor – this has gotten me through a lot of challenging situations and I find that it really helps me relate to other people. I use it in my work and I use it in my relationships. Difficult situations are always softened with humor when it’s used well. I find it to be an incredibly important and valuable attribute.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I tend to retreat into time with friends and my spouse. As an extrovert, I recharge through social time. My friends are the absolute best medicine! We laugh a lot and I recognize that nothing is actually that important. They see me for who I am, and they reflect the best parts of me. They put things into perspective. I also recognize that exercise and sleep are critical.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://PleasureProject.com
• Instagram: drjennkennedy/
• Facebook: RivieraTherapy
• Linkedin: jennkennedy
• Youtube: drjennkennedy
• Other: Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jenn-kennedy