Services:
Children Adolescents Adults Couples Families Groups
With nearly 20 years of
experience providing counseling services for children, adolescents and adults,
Jenifer offers treatment for a variety of issues such as:
-
Anxiety Disorders - OCD, Phobias, Social Anxiety, Panic
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Depression/Low Self Esteem/Unhealthy Body Image
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Recovery from Sexual Abuse/Trauma
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Women’s Issues – Adjustment to Motherhood, Balancing
Career & Family, Infertility, PMDD
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Relationship/Family Conflict
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ADHD – Children & Adults
Jenifer recognizes that clients come
to counseling seeking solutions to the problems holding them back from enjoying
a happy and fulfilling life, which is why she utilizes a solution-focused,
Cognitive Behavioral approach to treatment. While she has received advanced
training in a variety of treatment modalities, and tailors treatment to meet
the specific needs of each individual client, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) is her method of choice for therapy. Based on substantial research, CBT
is seen as the most effective therapy because it aims to teach individuals to
challenge both the negative and irrational thoughts we experience and
the maladaptive behaviors we engage in. By focusing on both of these
aspects simultaneously, CBT is an extremely powerful means for changing even
the most problematic issues. Jenifer believes that an experienced and
knowledgeable therapist should assist her clients with acquiring skills and
tools, strategies that clients can clearly understand and implement to overcome
the obstacles standing in their way. Her goal is to empower her clients to
become active participants in creating the life they deserve to be living. She
emphasizes that clients who are motivated and ready to work hard both during
and between sessions, can expect to reap the benefits counseling can offer.
While Jenifer offers a generalist
practice, one of her main areas of interest and expertise is treating anxiety
disorders. From common to complex, Jenifer treats a wide range of anxiety based
disorders, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, panic disorder, social
anxiety and phobias. She also treats clients struggling withTrichotillomania
(hair pulling) and skin picking. One of the distinctions of Jenifer's practice
is her use of Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, ERP, an approach that
challenges clients to face their fears head on and gain skills in overcoming
their anxiety. Jenifer's use of ERP is based on clinical research and the
success she has achieved in helping clients whose lives were controlled by
anxiety and fear. Her expertise in this area lead to being selected as a
treating therapist on Season 2 of the groundbreaking documentary series,
"Obsessed", which aired on A&E Network Television in 2010.
Jenifer also has appeared on Good Morning America and is frequently interviewed
on Orlando Fox 35 News for her expert opinion. Please visit Jenifer's practice
website or contact her office directly to learn more about the use of these
modalities and how her expertise in the area of treating anxiety disorders is a
distinction she is proud to offer.
Jenifer finds that most people struggle with the decision to begin
counseling, which is why she personally speaks with all potential clients on
the telephone prior to scheduling an appointment. "I welcome the
opportunity to assist you in your quest for happiness. Make your dream of a
brighter tomorrow a reality...TODAY."
Jenifer A. Garrido, MSW, LCSW- BIO
In 1995, Jenifer
graduated with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Florida
International University. She completed her degree with a cumulative 4.0 grade
point average and was listed in "Who’s Who in American Colleges and
Universities" and was the recipient of the School’s Outstanding Scholar
Award. In addition to her clinical internships, Jenifer served as a graduate
research assistant in the School of Social Work at FIU.
Jenifer has
resided in Orlando since 1995. She has worked as a psychotherapist for over 18
years in a variety of settings in both the public and private sectors. Jenifer
is licensed to practice psychotherapy in the State of Florida and has been in
private practice since 1998. This includes affiliations with prominent
psychiatrist, Dr Jose Quinones, MD in Winter Park, and Family Focus Counseling
in Winter Springs, as well as her own independent practice, presently located
in the downtown Orlando area. She has also supervised therapy interns seeking
licensure.
Jenifer is very
proud to have been selected to participate as a treating therapist on the
critically acclaimed documentary series, "Obsessed". Jenifer can be
seen in three episodes during Season Two, which aired in 2010, on A&E
Television Network. Jenifer's goal is to educate society about the crippling
effects of anxiety. Millions of people live in shame and fear that someone will
learn that they suffer from an anxiety disorder. "Through the courage and
tenacity demonstrated by the participants on the show, I truly hope that people
will recognize that there is help for anxiety and a life not controlled by
anxiety is a real possibility." She invites people to visit
www.aetv.com/obsessed/
or her website :
http://www.jenifergarrido.com/
, for clips from the show and more
information on anxiety disorders.
Jenifer has also
appeared on Good Morning America for her expertise as a therapist treating
anxiety disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Visit the GMA website
to view her interview. She has also been interviewed on Orlando Fox 35 News on
numerous occasions and on the Orange County Government Television show,
"The Couch Live", for her expert opinion. Jenifer has authored
several published articles in local newspapers and coauthored articles in the
fields of social work and psycholinguistics. Additionally, she co-developed a
pamphlet for the Children’s Health Fund entitled "What to do when I am
angry” to assist children in effectively managing their emotions.
Jenifer has been
married since 1995 and is the mother of three energetic children. She has been
a volunteer for Junior Achievement, was a PTSA board memberand a mentor for
students within the Orange County School System. In her spare time, Jenifer
enjoys reading, being outdoors and activities with her family. As a therapist,
Jenifer describes herself as approachable, empathetic and assertive. She
believes that success in therapy, as in life, is always possible when the individual
is committed, motivated and willing to put forth effort to create change.