Jennifer Smith
LCSW
New Jersey
Practical, flexible therapy focused on strengths
Continue with JenniferAt a glance
- Credentials
- LCSW
- License
- LCSW, New Jersey / 44SC05327300
- NPI
- 1043424773
- Experience
- 23 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- New Jersey
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
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- Motivational approach
- Strength-based work
- School clinical experience
About Jennifer
Jennifer Smith greets readers with warmth and straightforward care. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of clinical experience. She aims to make the first steps into therapy less intimidating and more manageable for people who feel overwhelmed by stress, grief, anxiety, or big life changes.
Jennifer uses a flexible, practical approach rather than one fixed method. She listens first to understand goals, strengths, and what feels hardest right now. From there she blends methods such as Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment-focused work, client-centered strategies, and cognitive behavioral techniques to fit each person’s needs.
Her background includes a BA in Psychology from Ithaca College and a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University. Early career roles included work in a psychiatric hospital with all age groups and involvement in psychological testing, group therapy, and intake evaluations. She later worked in early intervention in New York City and in community mental health settings in New York and New Jersey.
For many years Jennifer has also worked in school-based clinical roles and currently serves as Clinical Director at a small therapeutic school for grades 6-12 in Central New Jersey. That experience shaped her comfort with a wide range of concerns such as mood disorders, trauma, self-harm thoughts, eating-related issues, and questions about gender identity.
She describes her role as an empathetic listener who helps people build confidence and focus on strengths. Jennifer typically responds to messages and emails in the afternoons until about 7pm and is not available on weekends.
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How therapeutic approaches shape online care
Jennifer often blends Motivational Interviewing and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people move toward meaningful change. Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring personal motivations and resolving ambivalence so someone can take the next step. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing thoughts and feelings while clarifying values and taking committed action toward what matters.
She also incorporates attachment-based ideas to look at how early relationships affect current patterns and to build safer ways of relating to self and others. Each approach is described plainly and used as needed depending on the person’s situation and goals.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Jennifer will work with clients to identify what fits best based on needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts methods as progress is made.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm available session formats before booking since the profile does not specify them. Online work can make scheduling easier and help fit sessions into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, or remove the need to travel to an appointment. Licensed professionals can use these methods effectively over distance while tailoring homework, mindfulness exercises, and behavior-focused tools to daily life. -
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Eating and food-related issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issuesTherapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyExperience
23+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
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Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Jennifer commonly help with?
She works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, grief, depression, mood disorders, parenting strain, trauma and abuse, and issues related to identity and relationships.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Jennifer adopts a flexible, client-centered style and blends approaches to fit each person. She listens first, then uses practical techniques to help clients reach their goals.
What is her clinical background?
She has 23 years of experience including hospital work, early intervention, community mental health, and school-based clinical leadership.
What credentials and region are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm the current session formats before booking as no specific formats are listed in the profile.
How are costs handled for therapy?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
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Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers