The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is pleased to shine a spotlight on Jennifer Laptew Williams in our Community Proud series.

Jennifer Laptew Williams is the owner of Hope & Healing Professional Counseling, a trauma-focused private practice based in Groton. She became a therapist because she genuinely loves helping people heal and believes meaningful change is possible when people feel safe, seen, and supported. Her work centers on Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a neuroscience-based, evidence-informed approach that often brings profound relief, sometimes within a single session. Jennifer specializes in treating anxiety, trauma, OCD, grief and loss, and habit change, helping clients move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Jennifer is an Advanced Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist in Connecticut and is known for her calm, compassionate presence. Clients often share that they feel at ease the moment they walk into her office. Jennifer creates a safe, judgment-free space where people can share at their own pace. She listens deeply, identifies what each person truly needs, and meets them exactly where they are. Her work is grounded in service, trust, and respect.

A proud mom of two daughters, Terrianna and Violet, Jennifer balances motherhood with life as a solo-preneur running a holistic private practice. Her mission is to provide fast, effective, evidence-based treatment that reduces suffering, and restores hope, sometimes in as little as an hour. That clarity of purpose has guided her since childhood. Jennifer jokes that she has had a five-year plan since she was five.

Originally from Rhode Island, Jennifer moved to this area to be closer to family and quickly found a sense of belonging along the shoreline. The water feels like home to her, and she values living in a community that respects nature and its marine life. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, travel, time with family, volunteering, and frequent visits to Eastern Point Beach.

Jennifer is also deeply committed to building community and supporting women and families. She founded EmpowerHer after working with many mothers who felt isolated after becoming parents. EmpowerHer brings women and children together through guided meditations, retreats, and charitable walks. This year, EmpowerHer is hosting a retreat to raise funds for postpartum support in Connecticut and the Rosenzweig Foundation, which provides one free Accelerated Resolution Therapy session to military members, veterans, first responders, and mental health professionals to help address symptoms that can arise from the demands and exposures of their work.

Jennifer’s inspiration comes from people who lead with heart, especially women and mothers doing meaningful work for others. She admires those who uplift quietly, stay humble, and remain true to themselves.

Looking ahead, Jennifer continues to thoughtfully expand her services, including offering Accelerated Resolution Therapy sessions in a salt cave in Niantic and adding ketamine-assisted therapy to support clients with complex or treatment-resistant concerns.

The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Jennifer Laptew Williams for her dedication to healing, community connection, and compassionate care. She is a meaningful example of what it truly means to be Community Proud.