About The Wiser Human
About Jen
I firmly believe in the innate ability of every individual to heal and cultivate healthier mindsets and coping mechanisms across all aspects of life. We do not have to wait until our later years to grasp the meaning of life and release the burdens that hold us back—we can embark on a journey towards wisdom and authenticity at any stage of life!
While many aspects of life may lie beyond our control, learning to accept what we cannot change while harnessing our power, direction, and motivation to shape what we can, leads to a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. Drawing from personal experience, I've navigated my own healing journey to find more authenticity and wisdom, and it brings me great joy to empower clients on their paths to self-acceptance and growth.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I find happiness in exploring history, indulging in YA novels, prioritizing fitness and nutrition, and embarking on adventures around the globe— having visited 20 countries and counting! My happy place is always at a beautiful beach or near any body of water with lots and lots of candy!
Working with Jen
I specializes in addressing a range of issues including anxiety, self-esteem concerns, complex trauma, PTSD, female sexual issues, relationship and attachment difficulties, life transitions, and personal growth. As a natural-born problem-solver, I view therapy not only as a space to explore private and sometimes daunting topics but also as a place for learning and discovering solutions that alleviate suffering and empower individuals.
My commitment is to support you as you get to the root of your challenges and regain your sense of control. In our sessions, you’ll find a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can freely explore the intricate complexities of your life and mental health. Together, we’ll develop skills and strategies to navigate through obstacles and effect positive change. I approach therapy as a collaborative experience, recognizing you as the expert in your own life. Guided by a hands-on, person-centered approach, I’m here to facilitate insights, foster learning through evidence-based treatments, and co-create realistic solutions tailored to your unique story.
Recognizing the profound connection between mind and body, I integrate mindfulness and somatic grounding techniques to support you in embracing change and navigating emotional discomfort.
FAQ
What are your credentials? -Licensed Mental Health Counselor- NY -Licensed Mental Health Counselor- FL -School Counselor Professional Certification- NY -Special Education Teacher Professional Licensure- NY -SHRM-CP Certified
Who do you work with? I work with individuals between the ages of 16 and 55, and I have extensive experience working with a diverse array of clients from various backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations and genders. Currently, I am only able to provide therapy services to individuals residing in New York or Florida.
What is the process of starting therapy? Congratulations! If you're reading this, you've already taken the crucial first step: recognizing that seeking support may benefit you at this time. Asking for help can be daunting, but we all encounter times in our lives when we may need guidance and support. Step two involves investing time in researching therapists in your state. Look for professionals with whom you feel a connection, who specialize in the areas where you seek support, and whose services align with your financial considerations. Finding the right therapist is essential for the therapeutic journey. Though the process of starting therapy may feel overwhelming at first, I encourage you to persevere! It can be an incredibly transformative experience.
How do you approach therapy? Therapy is a collaborative journey. In our initial sessions, we'll delve into essential background information, conduct assessments, identify your needs, define goals, and establish a strong rapport between us. Drawing upon my intuition, coupled with my extensive training and experience, I'll integrate evidence-based treatments, strategies, and insights that I believe will be beneficial as we progress in your treatment. Central to my approach is the belief in everyone's innate ability to heal and trust their own inner voice. Therefore, creating a non-judgmental, safe space for you to engage in deep healing work and self-exploration is paramount. Throughout our sessions, I may provide “tasks” to try in between meetings to help you make small daily changes that can add up to significant life changes. Additionally, I have a passion for psychology and self-help resources, including books, podcasts, and content, and I'm eager to share my favorites with you—and hear about yours—as we collaborate on your journey. I also very much believe that “health” is holistic and not divided between the mental and physical. I strive to incorporate best practices for nurturing both mental and physical well-being, and strengthening the interconnectedness of the mind and body.
How long will therapy take? The duration of therapy varies greatly from person to person and depends on individual needs and treatment approaches. Some clients may benefit from a shorter duration of sessions, perhaps just needing a "tune-up" to address specific concerns. On the other hand, deeper work, such as healing from trauma, may require a longer commitment to achieve lasting results. The most important step is simply to start the process! Once you've made that commitment to yourself, the path forward and what you may need from therapy will become clearer over time. Consistency is key, therefore, I typically will see clients weekly. Therapy is an investment in you! You deserve to live the happiest, healthiest life possible. You are worth it!
What is your fee? $200/session for individual therapy Fees for groups & workshops will vary
Do you take insurance? At this time, I do not accept insurance. However, if I am considered an out-of-network provider with your insurance company, I can provide you with a monthly SuperBill, which you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement. It's important to note that I cannot guarantee reimbursement of therapy fees, so I recommend contacting your insurance company directly to inquire about potential reimbursement. Please be aware that there are various reasons why an insurance company may choose not to reimburse for sessions that you have paid out of pocket. Therefore, reimbursement for services should be viewed as a potential bonus rather than a financial necessity for participating in therapy with me.
What are the benefits of paying out of pocket vs. going through my insurance? Freedom of Choice: When paying out of pocket, you have the flexibility to choose any clinician licensed in your state, regardless of whether they are in-network or accepting new clients. This allows you to select a therapist who is the best fit for your specific needs and concerns, rather than being limited to a narrower selection of providers. Confidentiality and Privacy: Insurance companies typically require therapists to provide a mental health diagnosis in order to process claims. This diagnosis becomes a part of your medical history and may impact future insurance coverage or other aspects of your healthcare. By paying out of pocket, you can maintain greater control over the information shared with your therapist and protect your confidentiality. Treatment Options: Insurance companies may impose restrictions on the number of sessions covered, the type of treatment allowed, or whether your issues are deemed a "medical necessity." Paying out of pocket gives you more flexibility in the duration and type of therapy you receive, allowing for a more personalized and comprehensive treatment plan. Financial Transparency: With private pay therapy, you are aware of the cost of each session upfront and there are no surprises regarding coverage or potential denied claims. You have clarity about the financial aspect of therapy without the risk of unexpected bills or denied claims that may occur with insurance-based therapy.
Do you offer in person or remote sessions? All individual therapy sessions and therapy groups are conducted virtually through a HIPAA certified platform. Workshops may be in person and/or virtual.
What are the requirements for a virtual therapy session? Good Wi-Fi Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for clear communication and uninterrupted sessions. Ensure that your Wi-Fi connection is reliable to minimize disruptions during the session. Confidential Space: Find a private and confidential space where you can engage in therapy without interruptions or distractions. This space should allow you to speak freely and explore your thoughts without the fear of being overheard. Face-to-Face Connection: While virtual therapy offers convenience, (yay, no commute), maintaining a face-to-face connection is important for building rapport and facilitating effective communication. Being willing to show your face on screen enhances the therapeutic relationship. If showing your face is challenging for you, we can work together to address this. Consistency: Consistency is key to the effectiveness of therapy, especially in the initial stages. Committing to attending regularly scheduled appointments ensures continuity of care and allows for progress to be made.
Why do you write children’s books if you practice therapy with adults? Writing children's books is a natural extension of my work as a therapist with adults. Childhood experiences lay the groundwork for many of our patterns of thinking, emotional regulation, and behavior. Often, caregivers struggle with teaching social-emotional concepts to children or recognizing how their own patterns may impact their child's development. Children's books serve as a valuable tool to facilitate connection between adults and children and to explore complex concepts in an accessible way. No human will ever be perfect, but let’s aim to prevent causes for mental illness rather than fix them. My children's books are designed to foster understanding and promote healthy social-emotional development from an early age. Each book is accompanied by a comprehensive "Grown-up Guide," which provides adults with psycho-education about the topic and offers practical questions, strategies, and enrichment ideas to engage with their child while using the story. These books are beneficial for parents, caregivers, child therapists, school counselors, teachers, and anyone who has a young child in their life. By equipping adults with the tools to support children's emotional well-being, we can help create a foundation for positive mental health outcomes in the future.