I'm Jackelyn Alvarez Fernandez. I am a compassionate NJ Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Masters of Social Work degree from Rutgers University in 2017. I have several years of experience working in various settings including Respite care, Supportive housing, Outpatient clinic, & Intensive In-Community Counseling. I'm bilingual in Spanish & years of experience with tele-health sessions. I have worked with people dealing with a host of things from life transitions, anxiety, depression, parenting & other challenges. My goal is to help clients build confidence, develop healthy boundaries, and gain practical tools to navigate life with greater clarity and resilience.
During the first session, we will spend time getting to know each other and discussing what brought you to therapy. I will ask questions to better understand your concerns, goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. This is also a space for you to ask questions and share anything you feel comfortable with. My goal is to create a supportive and welcoming environment where you feel heard and understood as we begin working together.
One of my greatest strengths is creating a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental space where clients feel comfortable being open and honest. I focus on building a strong therapeutic relationship while providing practical tools that clients can use in their everyday lives. I also help clients gain insight, build confidence, set healthy boundaries, and develop coping skills so they can navigate challenges and life transitions with greater clarity and resilience.
I enjoy working with teens, college students, parents, and individuals navigating major life transitions. Many of my clients come to therapy for support with anxiety, people-pleasing, setting boundaries, building confidence, and adjusting to new roles such as college, career changes, parenting, or postpartum experiences. I work with clients who are ready to better understand themselves and develop healthier ways of coping and growing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected. Together, we look at patterns that may be causing stress, anxiety, or low mood and work on finding healthier ways to think and respond. I focus on practical tools and coping skills that clients can use in their everyday lives to feel more confident, manage challenges, and create positive change.
Christian Counseling
I offer Christian counseling for clients who would like to include their faith as part of the healing process. In my practice, I integrate Christian values and principles with evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support emotional and spiritual growth. When appropriate, this may include incorporating prayer, scripture, and faith-based reflection to help clients find strength, hope, and guidance while working through life’s challenges. My goal is to provide a supportive space where clients can explore their concerns while staying connected to their faith.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients learn practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and coping with stress. In my practice, I focus on helping clients build skills such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and effective communication. These tools help clients feel more in control of their emotions, respond to challenges in healthier ways, and create more balance in their daily lives.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore their goals and strengthen their motivation for change. In my practice, I create a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can openly talk about their challenges and the changes they would like to make in their lives. I work collaboratively with clients to build confidence, identify personal strengths, and take meaningful steps toward positive and lasting change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy to help clients focus on their strengths and the positive changes they want to see in their lives. Rather than focusing only on problems, I work with clients to identify goals, explore what is already working, and build practical steps toward solutions. This approach helps clients gain confidence, recognize their abilities, and make meaningful progress in a supportive and collaborative environment.