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Jennifer Seward

Jennifer Seward

LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been licensed since 2003 in Illinois and in 3/2023 in Florida. I practiced for more than 30 years in the child welfare system before retiring and moving to Florida in 5/2022. I have been working in private practice since 3/2022. In my practice, I have supported many individuals through difficult challenges in their life. I appreciate how much effort it takes to reach out for help and know that this is not an easy task. I have seen how life can beat you down and make you feel worthless. I would be happy and humbled to be able to walk with you on your journey. Seeing the light come back in someone's eyes is the reason I do what I do.

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. I would also like to commend you for taking that first scary step to seek out help. That is the most difficult part of this process. We will also talk about what goals you have and determine together what steps will need to be taken to reach these goals.

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

I feel that my biggest strength 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 many years and I am not timid or bashful about discussing anything.

About Jennifer Seward

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Appointments

Virtual

My 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.