Services:

Children       Adolescents       Adults       Couples        Families       Groups 

With over 16 years of experience providing counseling services for children, adolescents and adults, Jenifer provides services for a variety of issues such as:

• Anxiety Disorders – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic, Social Anxiety
• Depression/Low Self Esteem/Unhealthy Body Image
• Recovery from Sexual Abuse/Trauma
• Women’s Issues – Adjustment to Motherhood, Balancing Career & Family, Infertility, PMDD
• Relationship/Family Conflict
• ADHD – Children & Adults

Jenifer strongly believes in tailoring treatment to meet each client’s individual needs. She also feels that therapy should be time limited, which is why she favors a solution-focused, Cognitive Behavioral approach to treatment. While she has received advanced training in a variety of treatment modalities, and often utilize other approaches when she is working with children or families/couples, CBT is her method of choice for individual therapy because it addresses both the negative and irrational thoughts we experience and the maladaptive behaviors we engage in. Clients frequently come to Jenifer's practice stating that prior counseling was not effective because "we didn’t do anything other than talk".  She 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 their obstacles and create the life they deserve to be living.  

While Jenifer offers a generalist practice, her main area of interest and expertise are anxiety disorders.  From common to complex and anxiety, Jenifer treats Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety and phobias. Jenifer is also proud to announce that she can be seen on Season Two of the groundbreaking documentary series, "Obsessed" airing in late June, 2010 on A&E Television Network.  She has also appeared on Good Morning America to discuss her work on the show; please visit her website or http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/video/ocd-habits-obsessions-10989230 to watch the interview.

In addition to CBT, Jenifer also conducts Exposure and Response Prevention, ERP, an approach that challenges clients to face their fears head on and use more effective coping skills acquired in counseling.  Years of clinical research supports the theory that CBT and ERP are the most effective forms of treatment for anxiety disorders.  Jenifer feels that by using these modalities, clients develop empowering tools to make amazing strides in overcoming their obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior.  

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 16 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 begins airing on June 28, 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.   In addition, she has appeared on Orlando Fox 35 News and on the Orange County Government Television show, "The Couch Live", for her expert opinion. She has authored several published articles in local newspapers and coauthored articles in the fields of social work and psycholinguistics. She additionally 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 board member for her school's PTSA and is presently at mentor for students within the Orange County School System.  She is an active member of St. James Catholic Church in Orlando. 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.