Community Highlights: Meet Dr. Jen Willoughby of Inspired by Jen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jen Willoughby. 

Hi Dr. Willoughby, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
There were so many signs that brought me here. My first sign has always been the inner desire to do more. I have an everlasting compassion to help and connect with others. This has always been my life’s purpose and continues to evolve. When I let my heart lead me, I always know I’m on the right path! 

Over the last 20 years, I have provided occupational therapy in hospitals, home care, and public schools. This career allowed me to focus on the whole person – the physical body, mind, and spirituality. It’s flexible and can be applied to any situation, person, or setting. No day or person is ever the same. I love that! 

Since my profession supports western and eastern medicine, I explored reiki energy healing and mindful meditation. I applied it to my own life and the lives of others. I healed myself during this journey and positively impacted the people I served! 

Next, I became a professor in occupational therapy specializing in pediatrics and alternative and complementary medicine. Earlier in my career, I witnessed the impact of stress on children and taught them coping strategies at an early age. I was surprised when I arrived at the college; I saw the same pattern. Knowing that stress interferes with well-being and academics, I created a stress resilience program for my students. 

I conducted a study on the impact of this program and found that the results were beyond my belief! Students were applying these techniques not only with themselves for self-care, but they also extended it in their workplace and with their families, including pets! Next, as a Reiki Master, I blended reiki training into the occupational therapy program. Equipping our graduates with various tools for future clients and continued self-care. Today, they now have a place on campus to practice these techniques. Vision completed; now it is time to pass the torch. 

Another sign came from a piece of artwork from a local artist (Lauren Cross) in Lexington. It reads: Find the magic that makes your soul soar! Hmmm, I thought to myself. What next? What makes my soul soar? 

My answer: Helping people heal themselves. I began offering reiki energy healing, occupational therapy life coaching, and self-care workshops and retreats. 

Then this happened. When caring for aging parents, I became intuitively aware that the end was near. In each case, during their transition, I was able to orchestrate a loving and peaceful environment with family present. It felt very natural. 

There were many challenges along the way. Understanding patient advocate forms, determining when hospice is appropriate, ensuring proper care, allowing time to cherish this sacred transition with loved ones, and recognizing and honoring the grieving process. 

These experiences ignited my desire to become an EOL Doula (midwife) and specialize in EOL occupational therapy services. I wanted to ease the process for others, provide compassionate comfort and care, a safe environment, and prepare clients and their families well in advance for the end of life. During this process, I realized choosing someone who can carry out our values, wishes, and needs is vital. I want to help individuals and families have these conversations early on. To create comfort in knowing they are doing the right thing when it comes to carrying it out and giving them a sense of peace. Like a birth doula, I provide support during a major life transition. 

Covid reminded us that death can occur anytime and that we must value our life while we live it! These experiences led me to Inspired by Jen. In 2022, I let my heart show me the way and launched my studio. A friend told me about space available in my hometown of Lexington, Michigan. Within 24 hours, I signed a lease and began building what I imagined one step at a time. 

A place where I can inspire others and offer community, group, and individual life coaching, energy healing, and EOL doula and occupational therapy services. “Inspired by Jen” was born and is located in the most delightful town in the thumb, Lexington, Michigan – the first resort North. Take the drive. You’ll be glad you did! 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was surprised by how much time it took to participate in media advertising! I discovered it was more complex than I thought it would be! I’m still learning. 

Also, many people are unfamiliar with the role of an end-of-life doula and occupational therapist, so I’m creating workshops and community events to spread the word. I’m also doing a branding session where I’ll provide videos on my website explaining services in more detail. 

I would also love to find funding to support those in need of my services in Health & Wellness or End of Life support that could otherwise not afford or access it. If anyone is familiar with a grant or program, please contact me! 

As you know, we’re big fans of Inspired by Jen. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
I provide in-person and virtual individualized and group services and events to support health and wellness journeys for each client, including: 

Reiki Energy healing (emotional detox) 

This technique is used for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing. Reiki removes and releases physical, emotional, and psychological blocks. It can improve the quality of your overall health and wellness. 

Occupational Therapy: Individual life coaching programs 

One-on-one life coaching to achieve your definition of well-being, both mentally and physically. 

Events: Self-care Retreats, Self-care Workshops, Reiki Level I, and II Certification, Shamanic Reiki Level I and II Certification 

As an End of Life (EOL) Occupational Therapist, Doula, I help balance the medical aspects and bring compassion and an individual approach to the dying process. My goal is to carry out each client’s specific EOL wishes. Support their loved ones, advocate on their behalf, and support them with dignity and respect as they transition onward as gently as possible. Here is an example of services offered: 

Advanced Care Planning 

I help both you and your family understand your goals and values. I will guide you with your Advance Directive, 5 wishes and facilitate a discussion with you and your family to know how you want your wishes carried out. 

EOL Occupational therapy 

I will visit your home and assess, modify and educate both you and your caregivers on home safety, including home modifications, fall prevention, transfers, accessibility, equipment needs, and activities of daily living (self-care, bathing, dressing, grooming, social & leisure activities, and spiritual practice). While blending meaningful activities into the day to preserve or improve the physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual quality of life. 

EOL Doula 

I provide non-medical holistic support to you and your loved ones in the last phases of life. I will help you prepare and support you for a more peaceful and comfortable end-of-life transition. I will support you with creating a bucket list and legacy projects and help you carry them out. I’ll help you plan and attend the sitting vigil with your loved ones, find peace, acceptance, meaning in life, and reflect on your contributions. I am present and available as needed throughout the process and after death for the grieving process for your loved ones. 

When asking a colleague on how they would describe me, she responded that there is integrity and power about me that transforms any given moment or experience into love. My intention matches my heart, and my words match my behavior consistently. I have a healing presence. I am able to connect with clients on a spiritual level.

The most important thing to me in my personal life, is my children. With the business, I am most proud that I am allowing myself to lead with my heart and connect with people at a soul level.

I’m an intuitive holistic occupational therapist, energy healer, and doula passionate about offering services in a way that is expected and needed. I’ve seen where we lack in the medical field, and I’ve made it my life’s work to fill the gaps. I lead with my heart and have brought compassion back to the forefront. I’m an expert in the field, supporting clients to transform their souls and heal their bodies while providing a loving presence during sacred EOL transitions. 

Services are offered both online and in person. Each plan is individualized. Lexington is also a tiny village on the shores of Lake Huron. There are many bed and breakfasts and opportunities to make this your healing destination for a weekend retreat! 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
So many! 

#1 Being in nature! 

Books: 

Backpacking Michigan (to get out in nature) 

Authors: 

Louise Hay 

Llyn Roberts 

Brené Brown 

App 

Bryon Katie “The Work” 

Insight Timer 

Chopra 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.inspiredbyjen.info
• Instagram: getinspiredbyjen
• Facebook: @InspiredByJen

Image Credits
Allessa Marie Photography