Greetings! My name is Jennifer McAfee, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Lead Clinician at Alegría Family Counseling. In the five years I have been with the organization, I have had the honor to provide services to children, adults, teens, and families and help support clients through their mental health journeys. In my lead clinician role, I offer support services and supervision for our clinicians and also help with the program’s administration and daily tasks.
What many people may not know is that you don’t need a referral to begin receiving support through Alegría Family Counseling. While we do accept referrals from physicians or medical providers, our clients can also self-refer if they feel they may need help developing coping strategies or gaining insights into specific behaviors. There are many reasons our clients reach out to us for support, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD), childhood trauma, grief, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), post-partum, domestic violence, and family conflict.
When a client begins treatment, we work to understand the severity of symptoms and their needs, with our clinicians using this information to create individual goals and treatment plans that are unique to each client. Setting up a treatment schedule based on these goals allows us to look at biweekly, weekly, or even monthly scheduling options. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, sand therapy, psychotherapy, or psycho education. We can even work to accommodate sessions in the office, through telehealth options, or a combination of both.
Beginning therapy can sometimes feel like a daunting experience, especially with the stigma surrounding mental health that is still experienced within our community. As clients begin to form therapeutic bonds and realize they are not alone with their traumas, triggers, and fears, they often begin experiencing relief, sometimes even within their first sessions. As a clinician, this is what makes our work incredibly rewarding.
Throughout my time with Alegría, I have been a part of many client success stories. One story in particular stands out. A client who began their counseling journey with me through telehealth services was at first unable to make eye contact with me. Now, they are attending college and planning an overseas study abroad program. We continue to meet monthly and check in, but it is stories like these that highlight just how much counseling can impact the quality of life for our clients.
I look forward to continuing to serve our community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients!
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