Therapist Jennifer Merva Photo

Jennifer Merva, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem, Motivation Depression Coping with life changes
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

Hello! My name is Jennifer Merva and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, California. I have 5 years of experience providing direct therapy to children, youth and families with a variety of presenting issues including stress, anxiety and depression, low motivation and self-esteem, grief and loss and relationship and family issues.

We live in such a fast-paced society it can be difficult to prioritize our mental health. It’s easy to distract ourselves and bury our issues instead of facing them head-on. I will provide a safe, empathic space for you. I believe relationships and attachments are crucial for healing. Our connections matter. Your environment and relationships are interconnected and can have a huge impact on your thoughts and behaviors.

My therapeutic approach is strengths-based. You are already coming in with so many strengths! I am here to help you identify them and use them as skills. You will develop a more positive outlook and improve your resiliency. I am here to help you work though conflict in healthier ways. You will learn skills and strategies to manage the stressors of life. We can work on strengthening your relationships; both with yourself and others. Together we can help you find the joy and happiness of life again.

Our therapeutic relationship will be a collaborative one. I will work with you to help reach your goals. I want to thank you for taking the time to tend to your needs. I look forward to meeting you and helping you along this journey.

Education
• The University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA Master of Social Work May 2019
• The University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA Bachelor of Arts, Psychology; Department: Children, Youth & Families Minor: Child & Youth Studies May 2012

Certificates
• Understanding Male's Psychology in Community Mental Health November 2023
• Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication October 2023
• Art and Play in Therapy February 2023
• The Faraway-Nearby of Loss: How We Mourn October 2022
• Trauma Informed Strategies: Working with Individuals with ID/DD/ASD for Clinical Staff April 2022
• Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Clinical Guide for General Practitioners April 2021
• Providing Clinical Services to African American Men/Youth Experiencing Trauma Grief April 2021
• Providing Care for Clients who Identify as Trans, Nonbinary and/or Gender Nonconforming March 2021
• Domestic Violence in the Lives of Children March 2021

Trainings
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Problem Solving Therapy (PST)
• Compassion Focused Therapy
• Trauma-Focused CBT, Bullying
• Eating Disorders 101
• Effective Parenting Strategies
• Grief and Loss
• Suicide Risk Management and Assessment

NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Member ID: 886753466

Professional experience

5yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Grief Self esteem, Motivation Depression Coping with life changes

Additional areas of focus: Abandonment, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia, Workplace issues, Young adult issues

Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

CA LCSW 109812