Jennifer Cervantes, LCSW - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Jennifer Cervantes

Jennifer Cervantes

(she/her)

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual

Whether you are a parent (with a child of any age) struggling with managing behavior or a teen trying to manage big emotions - you're not alone! I help families build stronger connections—especially when things feel tense, confusing, or out of sync. My work focuses on supporting both parents (with a child of any age) and teens through the challenges of growing up, including issues like emotional regulation, behavior struggles, communication breakdowns, and family conflict. I have a special focus on working with neurodivergent youth and their families, including those with autism, ADHD, genetic syndromes or other developmental differences. Using practical, compassionate strategies, I guide clients towards more calm, connection, and confidence—at home and beyond.

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

In our first session, we’ll get to know each other and talk about the specific challenges you're facing. If you're seeking help with parenting or managing your child’s behavior, we’ll discuss those concerns in detail, and I may ask for any relevant evaluations or reports. This session helps us create a personalized plan for moving forward. If I am meeting with your young person, the first session may include time with you as well as time with your loved one separately to get an idea of everyone's various needs.

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

I believe that one of my greatest strengths as a therapist is creating a safe, welcoming space where you can feel truly heard and supported—without judgment. I bring deep empathy, curiosity, and compassion to our work together, which helps me understand your unique experience and tailor my approach to meet your specific needs and goals. I work collaboratively with clients to build insight into patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior, helping you gain clarity and create meaningful change. I also value open communication and trust, so you feel empowered and supported and are able to communicate your needs, likes, and dislikes. My commitment to ongoing learning and growth ensures that I bring thoughtful, up-to-date, evidence-based care to every session.

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

I love working with parents who want to better understand and support their child or teen—especially when typical strategies just aren’t working. Managing behavior is tough! You may be navigating the complexities of a developmental diagnosis like autism, ADHD, or a genetic condition, or simply facing the everyday challenges of parenting a growing, changing human. My clients are ready to try something new—not because they’ve failed, but because they care enough to keep going. They might be feeling frustrated, disconnected, or unsure how to bridge the gap that’s formed between them and their child. What they want most is to feel closer, more confident, and more in sync with their kid. I also love working with teens and young adults who are emotionally aware (or want to be), but are struggling with overwhelm, anxiety, or social stress. They might feel like they don’t quite fit in, or that no one really “gets” them. They might be navigating a diagnosis like autism, ADHD, a genetic syndrome, etc. I meet them where they are—with respect, honesty, and tools that actually make a difference. Whether it's a parent ready to reconnect, or a teen ready to be seen, my dream clients are open to growth, willing to be curious, and just need the right support to move forward.

About Jennifer Cervantes

Identifies as

Specializes in

Child or Adolescent

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Child Parent Psychotherapy

I use parent-child psychotherapy to support parents of youth (with and without developmental diagnoses) by focusing on strengthening the parent-child relationship as a foundation for emotional and behavioral growth. I help parents understand how their child’s diagnosis affects behavior, emotional regulation, and relational patterns and help caregivers become more confident in parenting together as a team. I create a safe space for parents to explore their experiences, frustrations, and stress, while learning to modify their parenting strategies to best meet their child's needs (as well as their own). I also help parents process their own feelings of grief, guilt, or frustration, guiding them to attune more effectively to their child’s unique needs.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Through solution-focused brief therapy I help clients focus on the future, solutions, and strengths rather than lingering on problems. I encourage practical steps, clear goal-setting, and client empowerment. The brevity, collaborative nature, and focus on strengths in this modality make it a highly effective approach for those seeking quick and sustainable solutions to life challenges.

Eclectic

I have practiced for nearly ten years and am trained in multiple modalities such as trauma-focused CBT, Triple P Positive Parenting, SibShops, Trauma-Focused Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents and others. As a therapist focusing on evidence-based intervention, I am able to use all evidence-based modalities in an eclectic way (pulling strategies from all modalities) to meet clients where they are in their journeys.