Kennan M. DeWitt, Counselor

Dear Friends: Finding meaning in one’s therapeutic work with clients on a daily basis can be challenging. Beyond the technical content of what a client reveals is the richer meaning of their experience. Reflective and active listening skills are essential. Attention to a client’s non-verbal signs is instructive. Listening often requires not talking despite impulse to the contrary. Their “richer meaning” can be gleaned from their story or narrative, which is neither right nor wrong. One’s perspective is not tested for accuracy, but may be open to adjustment. Placing ourselves in the client’s shoes lends appreciation of their experience. Accurate reflection and genuine empathy form a connection with our client and the foundation for therapeutic change

Career Prosecuting Attorney(Ret.) Kennan M. DeWitt

Woman gets jail in death of man

Publication: Flint Journal, The (MI)
Edition: THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Date: July 26, 2007
Page: A04
Record Id: 0414884064
Author: Paul Janczewski pjanczewski@flintjournal.com * 810.766.6333

A Flint woman who was sent to prison in June for the stabbing death of her mother’s boyfriend was recently resentenced to jail and probation. Genesee Circuit Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut told Tanjermeeka M. Jones, 21, of Mt. Morris, he was not able to sentence her to prison even though “you killed a man and you deserve to go to prison for that.” He then sentenced Jones to 1 year in the Genesee County Jail, 5 years’ probation.

DeWitt, Kennan, Attorney

Woman enters plea to manslaughter

Publication: Flint Journal, The (MI)
Edition: THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Date: May 8, 2007
Page: A04
Record Id: 0414702733
Author: Paul Janczewski pjanczewski@flintjournal.com * 810.766.6333  


A defense attorney called it a classic case of self-defense. But David Megdell, who represents Tanjermeeka M. Jones, was unable to talk her out of accepting a plea deal. Instead of going to trial on a murder charge, Jones, 21, of Mt. Morris Township, faces sentencing June 12 after pleading no contest but mentally ill to a charge of attempted manslaughter. She faces up to 5 years in prison when she goes before Genesee Circuit Judge Geoffrey L. Neithercut.