About A Lantern in the Woods

A Lantern in the Woods helps people illuminate the internal 'roots' that keep them feeling trapped or stuck, providing the clarity needed to heal and integrate the aspects of their being that block them from reaching their full potential.

Hi! I am Jennifer Hinckley Baglia, spiritual coach.

I love helping people connect to their true selves, their own lanterns, that can penetrate the dark forest of their being, populated by those parts of themselves that hide in the shadows. The internal lantern shines the light of love and awareness throughout and has the potential to re-parent these parts, embrace and integrate them as valuable parts of what makes us the unique people we are. When they feel loved and valued, they cease to take over in undesirable ways, and we are freer to operate at our highest potential. When we live more in touch with our true Self, we have more daily access to those qualities associated with it: calmness, clarity, connectedness, curiosity, creativity, courage, compassion, and confidence, as well as presence, persistence, perspective, patience, and playfulness. 

After years of traditional talk therapy for anxiety, mild depression, and feeling lost, I felt like I had hit a wall. I realized I seemed to be reinforcing the difficult story I was experiencing rather than healing it. I discovered IFS (Internal Family Systems) during my coach training, and it was a breakthrough for me! When we befriend our parts and find real self-forgiveness and self-compassion, they are usually much more willing to make space within us and allow us to realize our full power, often becoming new allies within. I love this approach because it is non-pathologizing (i.e. we’re not trying to fix something that is defective or broken), and has both a therapeutic and spiritual philosophy.

Why work with me?

I’m passionate about this work–self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-acceptance. I also understand this meandering journey through the woods so well, I know what it is, and what it’s like. I know what it’s like to be full of conflicting, strong, and overpowering parts. I know what it’s like to be searching for meaning and purpose. I have spent my life working on myself, developing tools, perspectives, and understanding, and I have so much to share with my clients. I love uplifting people, and I truly believe it is my calling. 

I am very intuitive and understanding and hold a deep, supportive, and warm container. I’m good at honing in on the parts of my clients that really want to be illuminated, explored, understood, embraced, and, really, just loved and appreciated, and I am unafraid of those dark, shadowy parts.

I would love to support you on your journey through the woods!!

My Training

INTERNATIONAL COACHING FEDERATION (ICF) ASSOCIATE CERTIFIED COACH (ACC) CERTIFICATION PENDING

COACHING WITH SPIRIT I - HOW TO CO-CREATE TRANSFORMATION, LEVEL 1, THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE, ICF-ACCREDITED COACH TRAINING

COACHING WITH SPIRIT 2 - USING INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS TO CO-CREATE HEALING AND AWAKENING, THE COPPER BEEECH INSTITUTE

COACH TRAINING PROGRAM, WORLD COACH INSTITUTE

LIFE & MY OWN JOURNEY + COUNTLESS OTHER TRAININGS, LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS, CLASSES, AND EXPERIENCE

A little more about me…

Human & cat mother, spiritual seeker, avid reader, lifelong learner, walker, nature, animal, art, and music lover. Empath. INFJ. 

I live in central Connecticut (Hartford area) with my husband, my fifteen-year-old daughter (who is definitely keeping life interesting), and three cats (who, frankly, are moodier than the teenager).

It’s been a very long time since I’ve experienced the feeling of being bored. As a kid, my mom treated boredom like a four-letter word, and honestly? I agree! There’s too much to explore, learn, and obsess over.

Here are a few of my favorite things: 

·       Nature & Forest Magic: I love walking in the woods, by the ocean, or near the river—where I go depends on the season and my mood. I fully believe in giving myself time to just being in nature, not just hiking through it. Though I love hiking as well! One day, I plan on leading forest therapy walks. As you can tell, I’m pretty passionate about the healing power of the woods.

·       Animals: cats are my people, but my wild favorites include ravens, crows, wolves, coyotes, foxes, hawks, and jaguars. Basically, if it’s slightly mystical and a little untamed, I love it.

·       Art & Beautiful Things: My home is like a 17th-century Cabinet of Curiosities—art everywhere, stones, tarot & oracle decks hidden in every corner, and bookshelves overflowing with volumes I swear I’ll read one day. I’m obsessed with book illustration, especially the old masters like Kay Nielsen and Arthur Rackham.

·       Music = Life: I have a full-body reaction to music. Indie rock is my go-to (Hozier, Jack White, Lord Huron, Florence +The Machine), but my lifelong loves include The Chameleons, New Model Army, and Dead Can Dance. I’ve dabbled in playing violin, piano, clarinet, ukulele, bass, and guitar, but let's just say my true talent is enthusiastic listening.

·       Astrology Nerd: Taurus Sun, Scorpio Moon, Aries Rising—basically, I’m a grounded dreamer who does everything at full intensity. My chart is all over the place (a "splash" chart), which explains why I want to do everything and makes choosing very difficult.

·       Creative Healing: For years, I thought I wasn’t creative, but now I embrace it. I make felted wool dolls, play around with watercolor, and write poetry when the mood strikes. 

So, that’s me—lover of nature, art, fiction, learning, music, and all things a little bit mystical. If we ever chat, don’t be surprised if I recommend a book, a band, or your rising sign’s life purpose.

“I have been working with Jen for the past two years in various contexts. I consistently feel that she brings a gentle yet powerful light to the places within me that I am ready to bring more emotional honesty to.  She supports me in accessing this emotional honesty through her own embodied courage, her sincere and humble presence, and clarity of perception. 

She brings a spirit of friendship and fellowship that conveys radical non-judgment and compassion. It's an experiential reminder that I am not alone in my struggle; I'm not alone in the experiences that I carry shame around. Her facilitation of parts work is holistic and multi-dimensional. I deeply trust, respect, and highly recommend her work to those who want a true ally on their journey of re-membering.” - Nicole Feola

I acknowledge that I reside on the historic homelands of the Wangunks, Quinnipiac, Wappinger, and Tunxis; and that what is now called Connecticut encompasses the homelands of the Wappinger, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Mohegan, Mashantucket Pequot, Eastern Pequot, Nipmuc, Quinnipiac, Niantic, and Lenape, as well as other Indigenous Peoples. I honor, respect, and appreciate the relationship that exists among these communities, nations, lands, and waterways, and I aspire to uphold my responsibilities according to their example of stewardship.