Therapy with Jenifer
Licensed Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
1.
Adult Psychotherapy
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety or depression or dealing with family and relational issues. My clients include people going through life transitions- career changes, parenthood, illness, grief. I also work with perfectionism, self-esteem, relationship challenges, addictions and past traumas.
2.
Teen Psychotherapy
I can help teens work through issues like anxiety, self esteem, identity, relationships, and preparing for their future. Many teens benefit from sharing their thoughts and feelings with an impartial adult.
3.
Academic Coaching and Performance Anxiety for Teens
Through collaboration, we will identify mindset blocks, develop effective organizational and study skills, and manage performance anxiety- both in testing and athletics. We can also plan for their educational and professional future.
About
My name is Jenifer McCarthy
I am a mother of two emerging adults and I have worked for three decades as a secondary teacher and counselor in North America, the Middle East, and East Asia which allowed me to immerse myself in other cultures and see the world. No matter where I taught, I realized most people want to do well but sometimes they struggled. In the classroom, no matter how much I prepared, if the person faced any challenge, the lesson did not matter- I had to address psychological and learning barriers first. This realization led me to become a licensed psychotherapist (qualifying). Through my training, I realized I enjoyed working with people of all ages, not just adolescents.
I have a passion for understanding the intricacies of human behavior, and I approach therapy with empathy, insight, and a commitment to your well-being. My training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy has equipped me with the tools to help you uncover subconscious thoughts and develop new behaviors which can lead to profound healing. Part of my training included me being the client, so I understand the vulnerability required in therapy.
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With two years of clinical experience, I can offer affordable therapy, addressing a variety of issues- relationships, perfectionism, anxiety, and identity. As an former educator, I can help with academic challenges, like test anxiety, and life transitions.
My Approach
My training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, a type of talk therapy that aims to help individuals gain a deep understanding of their unconscious thoughts and behaviors. Using a collaborative approach, we will explore your past experiences and how they may be impacting present feelings, thoughts and behaviors. This therapy can be helpful for individuals struggling with a range of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. It is also effective for helping one get unstuck and explore their next steps.
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I work from a client centered approach and use the intersubjective lens which means you take the lead and we work with how you experience the world. I include attachment theory (patterns from infancy w a caregiver) which can help uncover relational patterns and mind-body awareness so you can begin to understand your feelings. We will also work towards developing a strong sense of self.
Although I will always follow the client's lead, we can also include art therapy, somatics, mindfulness/visualization/meditation, role play, parts work and inner child work. Any new modalities will always be explained before we start and will only occur with your consent.
Specialties and Services
All perspective clients are welcome to a free 50 minute consultation to learn more about my approach and to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy. After that, psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes for $125. Receipts are given- please consult your insurance to determine your coverage.
Parenthood, Family Dynamics & Relationships
Life Transitions, Illnesses, Loss/Grief
Self-esteem, Perfectionism, Identity
Anxiety and Depression
Teens: Self Regulation, Self Esteem, Social Anxiety
Teens: School Resistance, Academic Performance, Test Anxiety