Jensen Petersen, Intern

Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Education

Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (In Progress)

Doctor of Ministry

Master of Divinity

Specialties
Military Mental Health, Veteran Care, First Responder Support, Clergy Care, Trauma, Moral Injury, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transitions, Grief, Meaning-Centered Existential Therapy, CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, Critical Incident Stress Management, Faith-Integrated Counseling

About Jensen

Jensen Petersen is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Olive Tree, a U.S. Navy Chaplain, and the author of The 12 Real Laws of the Universe, a meaning-centered philosophical and theological work on resilience and purpose. He holds a Doctor of Ministry and a Master of Divinity, and is currently completing his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, bringing formal clinical training alongside years of frontline pastoral and operational counseling experience.

As a Navy Chaplain, Jensen has served with operational Navy and Marine Corps units, providing counseling and critical incident support in combat and combat-adjacent environments, including deployment aboard a guided missile destroyer in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian. Before his military service, he worked as a missionary, instructor, and senior pastor, training leaders across more than ten countries and providing counseling across diverse cultural contexts.

His Clinical Focus

Jensen specializes in working with military members, veterans, first responders, clergy, and anyone navigating trauma, moral injury, grief, depression, anxiety, or major life transitions. His clinical orientation draws from Meaning-Centered Existential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, helping clients explore values, identity, and meaning in the aftermath of trauma, ethical conflict, and significant loss.

He holds certifications in Critical Incident Stress Management, Warrior Toughness mindfulness training, and suicide prevention through both SafeTALK and ASIST, and is receiving training in Operational Stress Control and Readiness. He has also designed and facilitated resiliency and meaning-centered programs for military and organizational settings.

In the Room

Jensen is known for a calm, steady presence that creates a grounded space for people who have learned to function well under pressure but struggle to slow down and process what they have carried. He works collaboratively with clients to address unhelpful thought patterns, navigate identity shifts, and move forward with resilience and renewed purpose. For clients who want it, he integrates faith-informed counseling thoughtfully within evidence-based practice.