Jennifer Thompson, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Jennifer Thompson

Jennifer Thompson

LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual

Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Florida with nearly seven years of experience. I earned my Master’s degree from Barry University and specialize in working with children, teens, and adults. I help clients navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, school or work-related issues, and relationship difficulties. My approach focuses on teaching healthy coping strategies, effective communication skills, and ways to manage emotional triggers, empowering clients to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives. Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, and playing card games. I'm passionate about mental health and dedicated to ongoing learning, both professionally and personally, to provide the best support possible. I believe that life’s challenges offer opportunities for growth, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you navigate yours. I aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment where you can feel comfortable to be yourself.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In the first session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they can begin to feel comfortable and at ease. The focus will be on getting to know each other, discussing what brings them to therapy, and setting the groundwork for future sessions. A typical first session: Introduction and Rapport Building: We'll start with introductions and spend some time building rapport. This is a chance for clients to share a bit about themselves, their background, and any concerns they have about therapy. Discussion of Concerns and Goals: Clients will have the opportunity to talk about the challenges they're facing, whether it's anxiety, depression, or specific issues related to school, work, or relationships. We'll explore what they hope to achieve through therapy. Explaining the Therapeutic Process: I’ll explain how therapy works, discuss the approaches I use, and answer any questions clients may have. We'll talk about confidentiality and set expectations for our work together. Assessment and Initial Impressions: I may ask some questions to better understand their situation and any factors that might be contributing to their concerns. This helps in creating a tailored approach to therapy. Next Steps: We'll discuss a plan moving forward, including the frequency of sessions, potential strategies to explore, and any initial coping techniques that might be helpful.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths as a provider lie in my ability to create a compassionate and non-judgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported. A few key strengths include empathy and understanding, client-centered approach, experience with diverse populations, strong communication skills, and commitment to growth. These strengths allow me to provide effective, compassionate care that supports clients in overcoming their challenges and achieving their goals.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I’m best positioned to serve clients who experience anxiety, depression, and various life challenges, including those related to school, work, and relationships. My ideal clients are children, teens, and adults who are seeking a supportive space to explore their emotions, develop coping strategies, and work toward positive change in their lives. My approach is empathetic, client-centered, and focused on empowering individuals to navigate their difficulties. Whether it's a child struggling with school anxiety, a teen dealing with depression, or an adult facing relationship issues, I provide a safe environment to explore these concerns and work collaboratively toward healing and growth.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use CBT regularly with clients to explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through exploring how these things are connected, making changes, and learning healthy coping skills many clients are able to make life-long changes to lessen negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Attachment-based

I use attachment-based therapy to explore and address patients' early attachment patterns and how these influence their current relationships, self-esteem, and coping mechanisms. I work with patients to understand how their formative attachments have shaped their sense of safety, trust, and self-worth. This approach allows me to help clients develop healthier, more secure attachments by building awareness of these influences, fostering emotional regulation, and promoting meaningful connections in their present lives.

Psychoeducation

I use psychoeducation to help patients understand their symptoms, diagnoses, and the mechanisms underlying their mental health challenges. This process empowers patients by providing them with information about how certain thoughts, behaviors, or emotions develop and are maintained. By explaining the "why" behind treatment strategies, I help patients feel more informed, reduce any stigma they may feel, and increase their engagement in the therapeutic process, ultimately aiding them in making more effective progress toward their goals.

Strength-Based

Through strength-based therapy I focus on each patient’s unique abilities, resilience, and past successes to foster empowerment and growth. I help patients identify and build on their inherent strengths rather than focusing solely on their problems. By recognizing their existing resources and skills, patients can gain confidence in their capacity to cope, adapt, and make positive changes, which contributes to a more optimistic and self-affirming therapeutic experience.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) to help adolescent patients process and reframe trauma-related thoughts and emotions. I guide them through structured techniques that promote emotional regulation, reduce distress, and develop healthier thought patterns around traumatic experiences. By using TF-CBT, I create a safe space for patients to explore their trauma at a manageable pace, gradually lessening its impact and helping them build resilience. This approach combines cognitive restructuring with trauma-sensitive interventions to support healing and recovery.

Jennifer Thompson, LCSW