(she/her)
New to Grow
My name is Jennifer Rodriguez Velez, and I am a bilingual therapist with a background in social work and experience supporting children, adolescents, and families. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and trauma-informed, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and a humanistic perspective to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered. I strive to create a safe and welcoming space where clients can explore challenges, build coping skills, and work toward meaningful growth and healing.
During the first session, we will take time to get to know each other and discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns or challenges you may be experiencing. My priority is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. We will also review your background, current needs, and begin exploring ways we can work together to support your growth, healing, and overall well-being.
What stands out about my approach is the emphasis on creating a warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I integrate evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing, while adapting each session to the client’s individual needs and strengths. I also place strong value on building trust and emotional safety, especially when working with children, adolescents, and individuals impacted by trauma. My goal is not only to reduce symptoms, but also to help clients develop practical coping skills, improve emotional regulation, and build resilience that supports long-term well-being and meaningful change.
My ideal client may be a child, teen, young adult, or adult feeling overwhelmed by trauma, anxiety, family separation, cultural transitions, or relationship stress. They may feel stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. They want relief, clarity, and healthier ways to cope. Most of all, they want to feel heard, understood, and supported in a space that respects their language, culture, and lived experiences while helping them build confidence and emotional stability. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide trauma-informed, humanistic care for children, adolescents, and adults. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing to support healing, emotional regulation, and growth. I offer culturally responsive services in both Spanish and English. Seeking support can feel vulnerable, but you don’t have to face challenges alone. Therapy can offer clarity, tools, and a safe space to heal at your own pace. When you’re ready, I welcome the opportunity to walk alongside you in your journey toward growth and well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I've integrated motivational interviewing as a key tool to empower clients. Over the past 8 years, I've used it to build trust, evoke intrinsic motivation, and support lasting behavioral change. This approach has been instrumental in creating a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel heard and motivated to take ownership of their goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I've applied Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a structured, evidence-based approach to help clients identify and reframe negative thought patterns. I've used CBT with adolescent and young adults, especially those managing anxiety or low mood. By guiding clients through logs and behavioral experiments, I've seen them gain practical skills to challenge unhelpful thinking, build coping strategies, and improve their daily functioning.
Trauma Informed Care
I use Trauma Informed Care to create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for clients who have experienced trauma or significant life stressors. I recognize the impact trauma can have on emotional regulation, relationships, behavior, and overall well-being. My approach focuses on building trust, promoting emotional safety, and meeting clients with empathy and respect. I incorporate strengths-based interventions, emotional regulation techniques, and collaborative goal setting to help clients feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.