I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut with 20+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addressing life challenges, stress and anxiety, working through life changes, and improving motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I specialize in effective communication, developing healthy coping skills, understanding how your thoughts/ feelings / emotions affect your behaviors and creating a safe environment for you to freely express yourself without judgement or fear.
I use a multifaceted approach based on personal goals and needs, because some days you just need someone to listen, and other days you need to problem solve with clear and measurable goals to work towards. Let's develop a plan that works best to achieve your goals in therapy together.
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.
I generally check messages here a few times per day Mon-Sat and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of support. In crisis situations, please call 911 or local emergency services. You can also call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to talk to someone right away!
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Intimacy-related issues, Eating disorders, Attachment issues, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Eating and food-related issues, Forgiveness, Hoarding, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Money and financial issues, Multicultural concerns, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Self-love, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
NY LMHC 004302
CT LPC 1760
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Jennifer Lavado. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Jennifer is great! She helps me to better navigate my emotions while working through my diagnosis to better improve my overall quality of life. I would recommend her services to anyone who is struggling.
Written on Oct 15, 2024 after therapy with Jennifer for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Working with Jennifer, I felt respected and understood. She gave me several ideas and tools to use to help me develop mental strength and to look at my life experiences from different angles.
Written on Jun 14, 2024 after therapy with Jennifer for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Jen is really amazing. She is smart, kind, open-minded, and easy to talk to. It only took a session or two for me to feel comfortable enough to get into “my stuff.” I’d recommend her to ANYONE.
Written on Apr 11, 2024 after therapy with Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, lgbt, parenting issues, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Jennifer was a good find ! I gave her a shot when I was struggling to connect with other therapists on the platform before I gave up I found her . And she really helped me to go through my dark times and I’m very grateful for that!
Written on Mar 30, 2024 after therapy with Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Jennifer is great ! I always feel at ease when I speak with her
Written on Mar 20, 2024 after therapy with Jennifer for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and bipolar disorder
I love working with Jennifer, she’s very kind and compassionate. She’s a really good listener and always finds the right thing to say. I feel seen, respected and supported. I love the way she encourages me and helps me feel like everything is going to be okay. I’m happy with the work we’ve done in the past couple of months and look forward to all the work we’ll continue to do!
Written on Mar 20, 2024 after therapy with Jennifer for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd