Jennifer LaPenta

Jennifer LaPenta is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 19 years of practice. She brings a collaborative, strengths-based way of working. Jennifer focuses on helping people manage stress, anger, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, and major life changes.

She uses clear, practical conversation to identify the thoughts and patterns that influence feelings and behavior. Jennifer explains how thinking shapes emotions and choices, then helps people try small shifts that add up to big change. Sessions are aimed at problem solving and building skills that fit everyday life.

Her background includes long experience with grief, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, intimacy and self-esteem issues, and challenges related to caregiving and aging. She also supports those navigating LGBT concerns, eating difficulties, career transitions, and compassion fatigue. This work often blends short-term problem-focused work with deeper exploration when helpful.

Jennifer draws from Client-Centered methods to keep the work person-focused, while using Cognitive Behavioral and Solution-Focused tools for concrete skills and steps. She also incorporates Narrative and Psychodynamic ideas when it helps to understand life stories and past patterns.

People who choose Jennifer can expect a cooperative approach rather than a lecture. She helps clients name what matters, set manageable goals, and practice new ways of responding. Her aim is steady progress that fits each person’s life circumstances.

How her approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people feel heard and supported. It helps with building confidence, self-esteem, and making decisions that fit your life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks down unhelpful thinking and teaches straightforward skills to reduce anxiety, manage anger, and change painful habits. Narrative Therapy looks at the stories people tell about their lives and helps rewrite those stories in more helpful ways.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Jennifer will collaborate with each person to decide which methods to try first, based on goals and what feels usable in daily life. She often combines approaches so sessions address both immediate coping and longer-term patterns.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible for international clients to connect with a Connecticut-based licensed professional. Together, the focus becomes practical change that fits your schedule and needs.