Clinician Spotlight: Jennifer Harris, LMHC
Meet Jennifer!
Jennifer is practicing out of our Wakefield office, conducting virtual mental health.
1.) When did you first know you wanted to become a therapist?
The idea of becoming a therapist really became a goal of mine during my senior year of high school, when I took a “Human Behavior” class and became hooked on psychology! It was the first time I was genuinely excited about a class in high school, I found everything to be so interesting! I was always interested in a helping career for my future, I considered becoming a nurse, and a teacher, but it was the subject of psychology that really got me excited, and confirmed my career goals.
2.) Where did you go to school and what was one of the highlights of your learning experience?
I studied psychology at Sacred Heart University for my Bachelor’s degree. During my four years at SHU, I learned so many things about psychology, and human development. After graduating with my Bachelor’s degree, I took two years off of school to focus on building my experience in the field of counseling. I worked as a direct care counselor in a residential program for at risk teenagers, and learned so much about crisis work, and high risk populations. I then went on to earn my Master’s degree in counseling from William James College. During this time, I learned specifically about counseling skills, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. My experience at WJC was incredible, I had so many wonderful professors who were also therapists, all of whom I learned so much from — it’s hard to pick a favorite! My favorite class was “Abnormal Psychology” where I learned the DSM V, and how to diagnose mental health disorders.
3.) What is something you have discovered about being a therapist that perhaps you didn't realize when you first started this journey?
My favorite parts of being a therapist are teaching my clients skills to empower themselves, and helping them to decrease their symptoms. It is so rewarding to be a witness to my clients personal growth and improved mental health. I also really love connecting with people, and becoming a part of their support system.
4.) What are some of your most go-to approaches, interventions or skills?
My favorite approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I find this approach to be very user friendly and understandable. The first intervention I use for this approach, is often educating my clients on how their thoughts impact their behaviors.
5.) What is your favorite self care activity?
I love self care, and am a huge advocate for it! I have many self care activities that I enjoy, but I would say my top two are cooking, and being outside with my dog. I love feeding people I care about, and find it so satisfying to take a bunch of ingredients and put them together to make something delicious! My dog Scruffins brings me so much joy! I love taking him for long walks, and playing with him outside. He’s so playful and lovable, he can always put a smile on my face.
6.) If you had all the money and time in the world, what would be the next training or certification you'd like to achieve?
There are many trainings on my list! But I think the number one certification I would like to achieve is in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I know many people have found this approach helpful, and I would love to be able to teach it to my clients.
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