I am a clinical social worker and received my Master's from Monmouth University. I have worked the past few years in private practice with individuals, families, and couples. I primarily help individuals learn better ways to communicate, engage in healthy views of themselves, and manage the stressors that may arise, incorporating self-care when needed. I believe the true therapy process happens when not in session when the tools learned are explored, then the change is able to occur. I believe individuals are all able to commit to themself and therapy is the first step.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During the first session, I will obtain background information. It helps to understand family dynamics, environmental factors, commitment to therapy prior, and presenting problem. I understand it can be challenging to dive into the past and answer specific questions, I help navigate through those emotions. I will create a safe space to gather sensitive information and create a treatment plan moving forward (days and times we will meet that will work best for both parties involved.). I will work on goals the individual is hoping to achieve in therapy and how we can move towards that in sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength is acceptance of the person, creating a safe space for them, and encouraging them to grow as an individual. I work hard on active listening and challenging negative beliefs, thoughts, and emotions only when client is ready.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with parents and giving them a safe space to share their challenges, stress, work/life balance, and constant changes. I focus on the importance of understanding the struggle and of creating balance and a need for self-care without guilt. I also enjoy working with couples and educating and practicing healthy ways of communicating and sharing their emotions without blame.
About Jennifer Cozzolino
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Individuals are often driven by their thoughts and behaviors. I believe in understanding a client's thoughts and what motivates them towards certain actions. For example, if a client is consistently telling themselves they are worthless or not enough, why not dissect why they feel that way and look more at situations where they were successful and utilize that as motivation to increase their self-esteem. Its a process. I often utilize written techniques in session to write down the unhealthy thoughts and work on challenging them.
Strength-Based
Each client that comes to therapy has strengths, but it may be hard to see through the challenges with their mental health and/or situations that have arisen. I believe in utilizing the strength-based perspective in exploring the ability to cope and/or work on their mental health concerns.
Grief Therapy
I have worked with grief and loss for a number of years and sometimes there are no words to say to alleviate the pain. Clients need to feel heard, supported, understood and be able to be given a safe place to share their stories.
Couples Counseling
My focus in treatment of couples is to ensure both parties are heard and validated. To work on the joint goals and also focus on the client's individual needs for treatment. I encourage "I statements" and sharing stories without judgement. I encourage communication and work on addressing conflicts in health ways. I typically ensure time for each client in the dynamic to share their feelings and stories and commitment to healthier patterns.
Family Therapy
It is key to understand each of the individuals' perspectives in family therapy and to gain insight into the dynamics, roles, and engagement into working on issues and unresolved patterns that may have erupted.