Genean Jeffery , LMFT - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Genean Jeffery

Genean Jeffery

(she/her)

LMFT
15 years of experience
Virtual

Hello, I'm Genean, a client-centered therapist who focuses on empowering clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors to develop effective coping mechanisms and achieve positive transformations. I approach sessions with a non-judgmental and empathetic attitude, forming a collaborative partnership with clients to address issues like anxiety and depression. My therapeutic approach combines evidence-based techniques, mindfulness practices, and personalized interventions to help clients navigate their inner world and foster personal growth. I create a safe and supportive space where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered to overcome challenges. I am committed to promoting self-awareness, resilience, and self-compassion as clients work on improving their well-being and quality of life. Let's begin this journey toward self-discovery and healing together.

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

During the first session, clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where we will take the time to get to know each other. I will listen attentively to their concerns, gather relevant information about their mental health history, and collaboratively establish goals for our work together. If you work with me, you will get homework. I firmly believe in the value of homework assignments as an integral part of the therapeutic process. Homework provides an opportunity for clients to continue their progress outside of therapy sessions and actively engage in their own healing journeys. Understanding that each client's needs and goals are unique, I tailor homework assignments to address specific challenges and support individual growth. These assignments may include journaling exercises, mindfulness practices, self-reflection activities, or behavior tracking.

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

As a provider, my greatest strengths lie in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I foster a supportive and empathetic therapeutic relationship that allows clients to feel heard and understood. I also prioritize individualized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs.

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

I am best positioned to serve clients who are seeking support with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. My compassionate and client-centered approach allows me to connect with individuals who are experiencing these mental health challenges. As a Black woman, I understand the importance of representation and the need for therapists who can relate to and understand the unique experiences and struggles faced by marginalized communities. I am committed to addressing the racial and cultural factors that impact mental health and providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and empowering therapeutic environment. Through my work, I strive to challenge societal norms, dismantle oppressive systems, and promote healing, resilience, and self-empowerment within every community. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I am dedicated to advocating for equity, justice, and mental well-being for all.

About Genean Jeffery

Licensed in

Address

2001 Addison St, Berkeley, CA 94704, #331

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

By utilizing Brief Cognitive Therapy (BCT), I can efficiently collaborate with you to identify and address your specific challenges. Together, we can develop practical strategies and techniques to create positive changes in your life.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Solution-focused therapy is a goal-oriented approach that focuses on identifying and working towards solutions rather than dwelling on problems. In this type of therapy, the therapist and client collaborate to set specific, achievable goals and develop strategies to reach those goals. In my practice, I utilize solution-focused therapy by helping clients to identify their strengths, resources, and potential solutions to their issues. I work with clients to visualize their preferred future and develop small, actionable steps to move towards that future. I encourage clients to explore exceptions to their problems, identify what works well, and amplify those positive aspects to create change. Through solution-focused therapy, clients often experience a shift in their perspective, focusing more on what they can control and change rather than feeling overwhelmed by their problems. This practical and empowering approach can help clients make progress quickly and effectively towards their desired outcomes.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

In my personal experience with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I have found it to be a powerful form of therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and dialectics. I have personally struggled with emotional regulation, managing distress, and navigating interpersonal relationships, which is why I turned to DBT for support. Through my work with DBT, I have focused on cultivating skills like distress tolerance, emotion regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills have empowered me to cope with intense emotions, communicate effectively with others, and approach challenging situations with a more balanced perspective. In my practice, I integrate DBT techniques and principles to help my clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. I emphasize self-acceptance and self-compassion while providing tailored DBT skills such as grounding exercises, emotion regulation strategies, and interpersonal communication tools to support my clients in their journey towards emotional well-being and improved relationships. Overall, my personal journey with DBT has shown me the value of building practical skills and increasing self-awareness to achieve greater emotional stability and overall life satisfaction. DBT has been instrumental in helping me make positive changes and navigate life's challenges with resilience and compassion.

Grief Therapy

In my experience working with women at the Women's Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley, CA, grief therapy played a crucial role in supporting individuals coping with the emotional challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Grief therapy provided a safe space for women to explore and process their feelings of loss, fear, and uncertainty that may arise during their cancer journey. I have found that utilizing grief therapy techniques, such as open-ended discussions, expressive arts therapy, journaling, and relaxation exercises, has been effective in helping my clients process their grief and develop coping strategies. By creating a supportive and nonjudgmental environment, I have seen my clients feel more comfortable expressing their emotions and working through their grief constructively. In my practice, I integrate grief therapy as part of a holistic approach to addressing the emotional well-being of my clients who are trying to manage their grief. By incorporating grief therapy into individual and group counseling sessions, I have witnessed men, women, and children gain a sense of empowerment, find meaning in their experiences, and ultimately find ways to navigate through their grief towards healing and personal growth. Overall, my experience with grief therapy at the Women's Cancer Resource Center has shown me the profound impact it can have on women's emotional well-being and resilience in the face of cancer-related challenges.

Mind-body approach

In pursuing a second master's degree in mind and body medicine, focusing on integrated mental health, I have delved into the profound realms of a mind-body approach to wellness. This method emphasizes the intricate connection between our physical health and mental well-being, highlighting the significant influence of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors on our overall health. Incorporating mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques, I have learned how these tools can be powerful allies in helping individuals manage stress, uplift mood, and enhance their overall quality of life. Promoting a harmonious balance between the mind and body can pave the way for a more holistic and integrated healing journey. I believe in integrating a mind-body approach into healthcare practices to complement traditional medical interventions. By viewing individuals through a holistic lens and addressing their physical and emotional well-being, health professionals can help uncover the root causes of health issues, develop effective coping strategies, and empower individuals to embrace self-care practices that nurture their overall health. Should you seek guidance on infusing a mind-body approach into your practice or are curious about its benefits, I am here to provide information and resources that can support your research and decision-making process. Feel free to reach out with any questions, and I will gladly assist you on your journey toward integrated mental health.