Jennifer Smith , LCSW

Jennifer Smith is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of experience. She meets people where they are and helps them face common problems like anxiety, stress, grief, depression, and mood swings. Her style is straightforward and compassionate, aimed at helping clients manage thoughts and everyday habits that get in the way of daily life.

Jennifer's early work included a BA in Psychology from Ithaca College and clinical roles at a psychiatric hospital, where she did testing, co-led groups, and helped with intakes. She earned a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University and later worked in early intervention and community mental health settings in New York and New Jersey.

Over time she moved into leadership and now serves as Clinical Director at a small therapeutic school for grades 6-12 in Central New Jersey. That role gave her wide experience with anxiety, school avoidance, eating disorders, bipolar conditions, trauma, and self-injurious behavior among other concerns. Her background includes supporting people questioning gender identity and those coping with attachment and relational difficulties.

Jennifer uses a mix of approaches rather than one single method. She draws on tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based and Client-Centered methods to fit a person’s needs. Sessions focus on practical steps, clearer thinking, and building everyday habits that improve functioning.

She typically responds to messages in the afternoons through about 7pm and is not available on weekends. To begin, clients choose Start Therapy, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to availability.

How therapeutic approaches guide online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts without getting stuck in them and taking action in line with personal values. It is often helpful for anxiety, avoidance, and making changes that matter. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches specific strategies to change unhelpful thinking and habits. It can help with worry, low mood, and routine changes. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication skills useful for strong mood swings and impulsivity.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and everyday challenges and then try methods that match those priorities. That collaborative process guides which techniques are used and how sessions are organized.

Confirm the exact session formats before booking so you know how sessions will be delivered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy days, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Some people find video useful for face-to-face interaction while others prefer audio for a quicker session; check the available options to pick what fits your routine and comfort.