First and foremost, congratulations on taking the important step toward positive change in your life. I am both honored and eager to have the opportunity to support you on this journey. With over 20 years as a licensed clinical social worker and more than 40 years in the social work field, I have had many opportunities to help people. Yet, I it is my mission to bring a fresh, practical perspective in our work together. My background includes experience supporting people who have faced trauma, significant life events, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, I have a special place in my heart for those diagnosed with ADHD and on the Autism spectrum. My approach to therapy is holistic, focusing on how environmental factors influence functioning and well-being. In collaboration with each individual person and based on their unique needs, I select tried and true interventions from multiple evidence based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with much focus on mindfulness. I am committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for healing and believe in helping people find solutions in a nonjudgmental and efficient manner. Throughout our sessions, I will be open and honest while maintaining a respectful and supportive demeanor.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, we will get to know each other and why you are seeking therapy. We will talk about what goals you have and determine together what steps will need to be taken to reach these goals. Together, we will identify your challenges and goals - where you want your life to be a month, six months, a year from now. Then, we'll identify options and strategies you can use to get there. You'll leave the session with a better understanding of what you're facing with an "actions I can take right now" approach. There will always be room for suggestions concerning our work together, including keeping each other accountable.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
It is my desire to really listen to what you want to happen to make changes in your life. I will always want to know if our work together is meeting those goals and truly want to make sure that you feel safe and respected in our sessions. I will tell you that our time together is a "non-judgement zone". I have been in the helping profession for many years and I have learned to be direct and transparent but at the same time empathetic and compassionate. I promise this to anyone who chooses to work with me.
About Jennifer Seward
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
The main tenets of Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) is that when your behaviors do not align with your values, you will experience distress. This distress may manifest itself in anxiety, depression and low self esteem. Another tenet of ACT is that it takes a very pragmatic approach similar Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. What I mean by this is that it tackles the issues that the client presenting issues in a planful manner. While ACT practitioners still look at a clients past history and upbringing, it is only considered important as to how it's impacting their current level of functioning.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am a strong believer in the efficacy of CBT and also have the most experience with this therapeutic model. I used the concepts of CBT in working with clients for more than 30 years before beginning private practice nearly three years ago. CBT gives clients clear structured and effective tools to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. It also gives them a pragmatic understanding as to how and why they have problematic behaviors. I like using CBT in conjunction with other therapy models because it is an evidenced based therapy with research to prove its effectiveness.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is some ways an extension of CBT. I incorporate much of DBT into my practice as it also provides an even more structured approach to change negative behaviors. I have found in my practice that this therapy has provided the most successes in regards to changing client's overall outlook and perspectives. The premise behind DBT is that there is always another way to look at things and that we can hold both views at the same time.