Jennifer Shaw

LICSW

Making the decision to enter therapy is an important one.  I commend you for taking this first step. I enjoy working with adults who wish to focus on the intricacies of their lives thus creating opportunities for personal growth.  I work with all adults and specialize in working with people who identify as LGBTQA+.  I am a member of WPATH [The World Professional Association for Transgender Health] and NASW [National Association of Social Workers] Massachusetts LGBTQA discussion group.  As I believe we all benefit from lifelong learning, I attend a variety of clinical trainings, and participant in ongoing clinical learning opportunities including having participated for 5 years in a transgender consultation group that involved both a reading discussion and clinical consultation. 

 I utilize strength-based ideology that focuses on what is going well, and then leverage resources the people have to navigate life challenges; it is a collaborative process.  I often use rational and attachment frameworks in my practice and feel that appropriately placed humor can help in the healing process.  Working together we learn to identify patterns and triggers while expanding your coping skills. 

 I have over 30 years’ experience working in the field of mental health ranging from working in an Early Intervention program with medically fragile babies, directing the Healthy Families Framingham region program, supervising an outpatient clinic and supervising both child and adolescent psychiatric units at a major Boston area hospital.   As a therapist, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults and couples including working with parents whose children face both medical and mental health challenges.  I also have extensive experience working as a supervisor and administrator of mental health programs.  

I look forward to meeting you and joining you on your journey.

 

Populations I specialize in:

Adults including young adults facing life transitions, adults, couples, and those that identify as LGBTQA+

Theoretical modalities:

Strength-based, relational, attachment, CBT, trauma-focused, components of DBT, psychodynamic, psycho-education

Areas of specialization:

  • LGBTQA+ and sexuality exploration work
  • Those exploring their gender identity
  • Social oppression and stigmatization
  • Parents of children with special needs
  • Parents adjusting to parenthood
  • Mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem, grief
  • Young adults adjusting to college and other life transitions
  • Those who identify as neurodivergent

Professional training:

Simmons College, BA psychology and sociology
Smith College School for Social Work, MSW
Massachusetts LICSW license # 1028799 / NPI # 1083732408